Entrepreneurs' opinion towards credit rating in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This study aims to measure the entrepreneur's opinions towards their credit rating in Saudi Arabia. Credit rating plays a pivotal role in the financial market, especially its more significant impact on new startups from the micro and macro levels. On the other hand, the credit rating industry, in general, is in its infancy stage in the Saudi financial market. Therefore, a minor objective of this study is to present the problems and prospects of entrepreneurs towards their credit rating. The study has adopted the questionnaire from earlier research on credit rating. A sample of 210 respondents participated in this survey comprising entrepreneurs, business incubation managers, bankers, university professors, engineers, doctors, and other professionals. Descriptive statistics and Exploratory Factor Analyses were used to analyze the data. Findings show there are five essential factors affecting credit rating in Saudi Arabia, i.e., (1) Credibility, (2) Clarity, (3) Competence, (4) Communications, and (5) Customer Services. The research provides valuable insights into the credit rating business and recommends that CRAs in Saudi Arabia and elsewhere improve upon these five factors to strengthen their business.