S&P Global Inc. (SPGI) is a leading provider of credit ratings, analytics, and global data to capital and commodity markets around the world. The company is headquartered in New York City and has over 23,000 employees spread across 35 countries.
Established in 1860, S&P Global has a rich history. The company started as a publisher of financial news and statistics, eventually venturing into providing ratings for corporate bonds. The "S&P" in the company's name stands for Standard and Poor's, referring to the original company and its subsequent merger partner, respectively. Over time, S&P Global has weathered economic turmoil, technological advancements, and changes in the financial services industry to stand out as a trusted and valuable resource for investors and businesses alike.
What distinguishes S&P Global from its competition is its comprehensive reach and its significant role it plays in the global economy. The company is composed of four reportable segments: S&P Global Ratings, S&P Global Market Intelligence, S&P Global Platts, and S&P Dow Jones Indices. These divisions each contribute to the company’s mission of delivering essential intelligence for companies, governments, and individuals to make decisions with conviction.
S&P Global Ratings provides credit ratings that are critical elements in today's financial market infrastructure, influencing interest rates and investment decisions. S&P Global Market Intelligence provides actionable insights to businesses, helping them navigate complex financial markets effectively. S&P Global Platts offers critical benchmark prices and analytics for energy and commodities, helping clients understand the market’s direction. Lastly, S&P Dow Jones Indices develops, maintains, and licenses thousands of indices, including the renowned S&P 500.
The company has continuously adapted and innovated over the years, recognizing the importance of Big Data, Machine Learning, and Analytics. They have made strategic acquisitions to improve their technological capabilities and broaden their services. For example, the acquisition of Kensho Technologies, a leading innovator in analytics and artificial intelligence, was a significant step that strengthen their advanced analytic capabilities.
S&P Global's ethos of integrity, excellence, and relevance is reflected in the stringent standards applied in their ratings process, the quality of their investigative journalism, and the accuracy of their sophisticated risk models. S&P not only monitors the fiscal health of businesses and governments but provides data and intelligence used to manage risk, improve performance, and build investments strategies by a wide array of clients.
With its expansive global reach, a robust portfolio of services, and commitment to providing vital, dependable intelligence, S&P Global is a linchpin in the worldwide financial landscape.