LOS ANGELES-Credit ratings are used by investors, issuers, investment banks, governments and broker-dealers. For investors, these rating agencies increase the range of investment alternatives and provide measurements of relative credit risk. But over the years, especially after the 2007-2009 financial crisis, and more recently, ratings downgrades during the European sovereign debt crisis of 2010 and 2011, they have drawn some criticism regarding their role in the financial system.

Rich Walter, president of Faris Lee Investments, tells GlobeSt.com that “the rating agencies provide the only way today for investors to rely on the underwriting of a third party to make credit decisions.” Walter says the system is by no means perfect, noting that “credit ratings require a multitude of analysis and don’t necessarily look at future trends in determining these.”

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Natalie Dolce

Natalie Dolce, editor-in-chief of GlobeSt.com and GlobeSt. Real Estate Forum, is responsible for working with editorial staff, freelancers and senior management to help plan the overarching vision that encompasses GlobeSt.com, including short-term and long-term goals for the website, how content integrates through the company’s other product lines and the overall quality of content. Previously she served as national executive editor and editor of the West Coast region for GlobeSt.com and Real Estate Forum, and was responsible for coverage of news and information pertaining to that vital real estate region. Prior to moving out to the Southern California office, she was Northeast bureau chief, covering New York City for GlobeSt.com. Her background includes a stint at InStyle Magazine, and as managing editor with New York Press, an alternative weekly New York City paper. In her career, she has also covered a variety of beats for M magazine, Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel, FashionLedge.com, and Co-Ed magazine. Dolce has also freelanced for a number of publications, including MSNBC.com and Museums New York magazine.