Fitch Ratings has filed an application to be approved as a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization in the United States.

New NRSRO requirements were enacted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Fitch, which was one of the original rating agencies to receive this designation in 1975, is currently one of seven recognized agencies. Under the new rules, all existing NRSROs are required to reapply for designation under the new registration system.

Fitch will remain an NRSRO while the SEC considers its application. The firm expects that the SEC will complete its review of the NRSRO application and grant its application to register as an NRSRO by the fourth quarter of this year.