Vladimir Putin Starts His Own Ratings Firm

``The Bank of Russia announced plans to start a company immune to "geopolitical risks" in July after S&P and Moody's cut Russia's rating to junk because of the economic impact of sanctions imposed over Ukraine. On March 4, Moody's said it may downgrade Russia's Ba1 rating further because of the oil shock. The central bank will stop using S&P, Moody's and Fitch in its decision-making, according to Elena Chaikovskaya, head of financial markets development. ACRA is so far the only agency which asked for accreditation under new rules, she said on March 14.''