GCR traces its origins back to 1996 when it was established as the African arm of the New York Stock Exchange-listed Duff & Phelps. Very rapid growth followed and GCR has since established itself as the leading rating agency in Africa, accounting for the majority of all ratings accorded on the African continent. Through its local presence in Mauritius, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Senegal and Zimbabwe, GCR has the largest rating team in Africa which gives it unmatched on-the-ground presence, as well as easy access to market participants.

GCR is licensed as a rating agency in a number of markets, including Kenya with the Capital Markets Authority, Nigeria with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Zimbabwe with the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, Senegal with the Financial Markets Authority of the West African Monetary Union and Mauritius with the Financial Services Commission. In South Africa, GCR is registered as a Credit Rating Services Provider by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority. GCR is also recognised as an eligible External Credit Assessment Institution (ECAI) by the South African Reserve Bank. GCR is also a founder member of Europe based ARC Ratings, which is registered with the European Securities and Markets Authority.