The document discusses methods of credit rating. Credit ratings can be either "through the cycle" which depends on the worst point in the business cycle, or "point in time" which depends on the current condition. Ratings are usually alphabetic grades or numeric grades. Credit ratings are determined based on quantitative factors like sales growth and debt ratios, and qualitative factors like management experience and compliance. Different types of lending like wholesale and retail exposures require analyzing factors like the industry, finances, size, and management for wholesale loans, and the borrower's ability and willingness to repay for retail loans. Credit ratings are used to signal default risk, measure credit risk, aid in decision making, and ensure regulatory compliance.