SEC considering action against S&P over ratings

WASHINGTON (AP) — Standard & Poor’s said Wednesday that regulators have told the rating agency they are considering taking civil enforcement action against it over ratings it gave to six deals in 2011 involving securities tied to commercial mortgages.

S&P’s parent McGraw Hill Financial Inc. disclosed in a regulatory filing that it has received a so-called “Wells Notice” from staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The notice indicates the staff will recommend to the five-member commission that it pursue action against S&P for alleged violations of securities laws.