Contingencies |
6 Months Ended |
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Jun. 30, 2023 | |
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Contingencies | Contingencies We record accrued liabilities for litigation, regulatory, and other business matters when those matters represent loss contingencies that are both probable and estimable. In these cases, there may be an exposure to loss in excess of any amounts accrued. Unless a loss contingency is both probable and estimable, we do not establish an accrued liability. As litigation, regulatory, or other business matters develop, we evaluate on an ongoing basis whether such matters present a loss contingency that is probable and estimable. Data Audits and Reviews In our global data business, we include in our products, or directly redistribute to our customers, data and information licensed from third-party vendors. Our compliance with the terms of these licenses is reviewed internally and is also subject to audit by the third-party vendors. At any given time, we may be undergoing several such internal reviews and third-party vendor audits, and the results and findings may indicate that we may be required to make a payment for prior data usage. Due to a lack of available information and data, as well as potential variations of any audit or internal review findings, we generally are not able to reasonably estimate a possible loss, or range of losses, for these matters. In situations where more information or specific areas subject to audit are available, we may be able to estimate a potential range of losses. While we cannot predict the outcome of these processes, we do not anticipate they will have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, or financial position. Ratings and Regulatory Matters Our ratings and related research activities, including credit ratings, ESG ratings, managed investment, and equity ratings, are or may in the future become subject to regulation or increased scrutiny from executive, legislative, regulatory, and private parties. As a result, those activities may be subject to governmental, regulatory, and legislative investigations, regulatory examinations in the ordinary course of business, subpoenas, and other forms of legal process, which may lead to claims and litigation that are based on these ratings and related research activities. Our regulated businesses are generally subject to periodic reviews, inspections, examinations, and investigations by regulators in the jurisdictions in which they operate, any of which may result in claims, legal proceedings, assessments, fines, penalties, disgorgement, or restrictions on business activities. While it is difficult to predict the outcome of any particular investigation or proceeding, we do not believe the result of any of these matters will have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, or financial position. Credit Ratings Matters On June 15, 2023, the staff of the Division of Enforcement of the SEC provided a Wells notice to DBRS, Inc. (DBRS), indicating that they had reached a preliminary decision to recommend that the SEC authorize an enforcement action related to compliance with recordkeeping requirements for certain credit ratings-related communications sent over unapproved electronic messaging channels and disclosure and non-financial internal controls requirements related to former commercial mortgage-backed securities ratings methodologies DBRS used during the period July 2019 through November 2022. DBRS is discussing with the SEC staff a potential settled resolution of this investigation. Based on our assessment of the current stage of this investigation, our financial results as of June 30, 2023, include an immaterial accrual related to this investigation. At this time, we do not believe any outcome in this investigation will have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, or financial position. Other Matters We are involved from time to time in commercial disputes and legal proceedings that arise in the normal course of our business. While it is difficult to predict the outcome of any particular dispute or proceeding, we do not believe the result of any of these matters will have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, or financial position.
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