The Commission is adopting rules to implement provisions of the Credit Rating Agency Reform Act of 2006 (the "Rating Agency Act"), enacted on September 29, 2006. The Rating Agency Act defines the term "nationally recognized statistical rating organization," provides authority for the Commission to implement registration, recordkeeping, financial reporting, and oversight rules with respect to registered credit rating agencies, and directs the Commission to issue final implementing rules no later than 270 days after its enactment (or by June 26, 2007). The rule and form prescribing the process for a credit rating agency to apply for registration are immediately effective. The remaining rules are effective on June 26, 2007.