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Chief Innovation Officer, Kathleen Peters recently spoke on an “AI at Velocity: Securing the Agentic Enterprise” panel at Fortune Brainstorm AI, exploring strategies for designing, deploying, and securing agents to ensure observability and control from day one.  The panel covered a core theme that underscores how to accelerate enterprise adoption of AI agents: promoting trust. The discussion explored different dimensions of trust in AI agents, all of which speak to strengths of Experian. First, Kathleen cited the critical need to know the intent behind an agent, verifying whether it is acting on behalf of a human, another agent, or a bad actor. Also, understanding the permissions that the agent has been given is very important. Here, Experian’s identify protection and fraud prevention solutions play a key role.   Second, trust is built through policy guardrails that enterprises put in place that provide a framework for its network operations across the governance, orchestration, and execution layers. Ensuring proper security of agentic processes becomes the top priority for businesses and consumers who engage with the enterprise. This security is especially important in highly regulated industries, such as financial services and healthcare.  These policy guardrails will serve two purposes: differentiate a brand’s customer experience and eventually become the foundation for industry-wide regulatory standards. These guardrails need to be enforced by a policy engine that should have the capability to remediate or reverse the action of an AI agent if its actions violate any policy.  Experian Ascend Platform’s feature set includes this kind of governance and orchestration of agentic-AI processes to ensure the highest standards of data privacy and protection, and keep our customers safe and secure.  The panel closed with a look-ahead to 2026 and beyond. Kathleen emphasized that agents will quickly move beyond automation of human tasks into new areas where they will “talk” to each other and even spawn new agents. In this fast-evolving landscape, building trust through enterprise policy and proper orchestration and governance of AI agents will separate the market winners from the rest.  Watch the virtual event here.

Fraud impacts more than just the bottom line. It affects confidence, relationships, and the sense of security that every business and customer depends on. At Experian, helping to rebuild that trust through data and technology has become part of who we are. That commitment was recently recognized when our Commercial First Party Fraud Score received the Gold Award for Banking Fraud Prevention in Juniper Research’s 2025 Fintech & Payments Awards. First party fraud is one of the most difficult types of financial crime to uncover. It often begins with what looks like a legitimate credit application, only to turn into a default or a “bust out” once credit has been extended. The losses can be significant, but what makes this type of fraud so challenging is how well it hides in plain sight. Our teams developed a new model that uses advanced machine learning and blends consumer and business insights. The Commercial First Party Fraud Score analyzes credit patterns and behavioral data from more than 250 million consumer records. It spots early warning signs that traditional credit models often miss, giving lenders a clearer picture of who they are working with from the start. In testing, the model identified 22 percent more fraudulent applications and 33 percent more high-risk applicants compared with older systems. This improvement helps organizations reduce costs, speed up onboarding, and better serve genuine customers. The recognition from Juniper Research is more than an award. It represents progress toward a safer and more transparent financial system. By combining innovation, data, and purpose, we continue to help businesses make smarter choices and protect the trust that keeps the economy moving. Learn more about the Juniper Research Fintech & Payments Awards here.

Trust begins with knowing who you’re doing business with. In financial services, trust depends on identity verification, protecting people and institutions from fraud while enabling seamless digital experiences. Experian has been named a Leader in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Identity Verification in Financial Services 2025 Vendor Assessment (doc #US52985325, September 2025). We believe this recognition reflects years of innovation in data, analytics, and AI to make digital trust simpler and more secure. Rethinking Verification for a Digital World Identity verification has evolved beyond static data checks. Today, it means interpreting signals across systems in real time. Financial institutions must prevent fraud without slowing legitimate customers, and Experian’s Ascend Platform™ helps strike that balance. It unites diverse data sources with intelligent analytics and decisioning tools so organizations can confidently verify identities. “We’re constantly listening to clients and evolving our capabilities, integrating AI, behavioral analytics, and new approaches like ‘know your agent’ to stay ahead of emerging risks,” said Keith Little, President of Experian Software Solutions. From Data to Confidence Experian was recognized for the following strengths: Access to a broad and diverse range of proprietary identity and credit data sources enables multilayered verification across different financial services use cases. The platform incorporates risk-based authentication, progressive onboarding, and behavioral analytics that enable fraud detection with reduced friction. NeuroID integration expands capabilities in behavioral monitoring, including detection of fraud rings and bot behavior during digital onboarding. “Experian demonstrates strength in identity verification by combining broad data assets with scalable workflows,” said Sam Abadir, Research Director for IDC Financial Insights. “This offers financial institutions both the consistency required for compliance and fraud prevention, and the dynamism needed to adapt to evolving customer expectations.” Building the Future of Digital Trust The landscape of identity verification is constantly shifting as regulations tighten and fraud tactics evolve.  We lead by transforming vast data into actionable intelligence that protects people, strengthens businesses, and fosters trust. Experian’s identity verification offering is tackling the challenges of today, but equally important is our commitment to staying ahead of what’s next. To learn more. click here: Financial Services 2025 Vendor Assessment. 

Experian is a cornerstone of the U.S. housing finance system, empowering millions of consumers to achieve the dream of homeownership and enabling lenders to make safe, sound, and inclusive credit decisions. At the heart of every credit score is data - and there is no FICO score without credit bureau data. Our information powers the accuracy, reliability, and fairness of scores across the market. FICO is now proposing an aggressive strategy to restructure distribution in order to push through an unprecedented price increase for its own benefit. The new direct licensing model introduces unnecessary technological, operational, and regulatory complexity for lenders and other market participants - complexity that ultimately increases costs and risks for the housing ecosystem. On pricing, the math speaks for itself. FICO has now more than doubled its fee from $4.95 to $10, and it’s an even worse increase under the proposal for a $33 closing fee. Make no mistake, this will place an even greater financial burden on the industry, that will inevitably be passed to consumers. Experian has long supported the industry’s evolution toward more modern, inclusive, and efficient credit solutions. We have a track record of partnering with lenders, agencies, and regulators to ensure innovation strengthens - not hinders - the system. FICO’s actions only underscore the need for alternatives that deliver value, not additional burden. As a result, we are committed to accelerating the adoption of VantageScore - an innovative, proven, and cost-effective solution that better serves both lenders and consumers. We remain confident in our position, our client partnerships, and our ability to deliver solutions that balance affordability, fairness, and accuracy. Experian will continue to work with the industry to drive innovation, empower consumers, and strengthen the housing finance system for the future.

At Experian, people often describe their experience with words like supportive, inclusive, and inspiring. It is the feeling of being part of a team that encourages curiosity and collaboration, and of knowing your work has real impact. That is why we are proud to share that Experian has been named one of the nation’s top technology employers, ranking 10th on Fortune’s 2025 Best Workplaces in Technology list. This recognition reflects what it’s like working at Experian. We are committed to creating an environment where people can grow, innovate, and thrive while shaping technology that makes a lasting difference in the world. Recognition that Starts with People Whether solving today’s challenges or preparing for tomorrow’s opportunities, our culture of inclusion and support empowers people to do their best work. This award is based on the voices of employees. Fortune and Great Place to Work® surveyed more than 1.3 million people nationwide, with 157,000 responses shaping the list. They shared perspectives on respect, fairness, growth opportunities, pride, and authenticity. The results reinforce what we believe: great workplaces are built on trust, inclusion, and opportunity. AI Innovation with Purpose When people feel supported, they do extraordinary things. One example is Experian Assistant, a breakthrough in conversational AI. Built on our commitment to responsible AI, it combines technical expertise with human-centered design to ensure innovation is ethical and impactful. Integrated with the Experian Ascend Platform™, it delivers intuitive 24/7 analytics expertise. By helping financial institutions cut model development times, Experian Assistant allows teams to move from concept to decisioning with confidence. It is innovation with purpose, designed to solve real business challenges while championing trust and responsibility in AI. Building on Momentum Being named to Fortune’s list is one highlight of a strong year. In 2025, Experian also placed sixth on the IDC FinTech Rankings and was recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best Employers for Tech Workers. These honors remind us that when people thrive, companies succeed.

At Experian, innovation begins with people. That is why it is especially meaningful that Forbes has named us one of America’s Best Employers for Tech Workers in 2025, ranking us 42nd nationwide. This recognition reflects not only our benefits and career opportunities but also the culture of collaboration, innovation and growth that defines Experian. A Culture That Fuels Growth We have built a workplace where collaboration thrives, and bold ideas are encouraged. Programs such as Experian University, Global Careers Week and the Leadership Exchange portal provide opportunities for continuous learning. Flexible work models and our global Mental Health First Aiders program, with nearly 400 trained volunteers across 23 countries, ensure that employees are supported both professionally and personally. Building Trusted AI Solutions Experian’s culture of innovation comes to life through the trusted AI solutions our teams build. Experian Ascend is a powerful, end-to-end analytics and data management platform that helps businesses uncover deeper insights, make smarter decisions and accelerate growth. Integrated within the Ascend Platform, the award-winning Experian Assistant is an agentic AI powered conversational tool that empowers businesses and financial institutions to harness data more effectively and deliver more personalized experiences. Expanding on this, the Experian Assistant for Model Risk Management provides greater transparency, oversight and confidence in AI driven models. Together, these innovations show how Experian is leading the way in trusted AI by combining advanced analytics with human ingenuity to help people and businesses thrive, while giving our employees the opportunity to work on technology that truly shapes the future. Why This Recognition Matters The Forbes honor is rooted in feedback from more than 25,000 tech professionals across the United States. The evaluation measured flexibility, professional development, compensation, workplace culture and how technologically progressive each company is. Moving up four places from last year highlights the progress we are making not only as an employer but also as a leader in trusted innovation. Being named one of the best employers in tech affirms that Experian is a destination for building trusted AI solutions and meaningful careers.

Experian has earned a top-tier position at 6th place in the 2025 IDC FinTech Rankings of the Top 100 companies, moving up one spot from last year and securing a place in the global top 10 for the fourth year in a row. This achievement reflects the trust our customers place in us and the impact of the innovation we deliver every day. Around the world, financial institutions rely on the Experian Ascend Platform™ to power faster decisions, reduce risk, and accelerate time to market. From AI-driven analytics to fraud prevention, Ascend provides trusted AI solutions that replace manual processes with automation and create smarter, more transparent financial experiences. One recent example is the Experian Assistant for Model Risk Management, fully integrated with Ascend. This solution empowers teams to govern and manage models across their entire lifecycle, accelerating validation, improving auditability, and reducing both regulatory and reputational risk. For customers, that means less time spent on compliance and more time dedicated to serving people. Achieving a higher position in the IDC FinTech Rankings underscores our role as a global leader in trusted AI and advanced analytics. Most importantly, it reaffirms our commitment to helping organizations unlock the power of data and technology to drive meaningful changes in the financial ecosystem. 

We’re excited to share that Experian has been honored with Datos Insights’ 2025 Impact Award for Best First-Party Fraud Innovation, earning Silver Medalist recognition for our First-Party Fraud Scores. This award isn’t just about technology, it’s about protecting people, businesses, and the trust that connects them. Rethinking How We Detect Fraud Fraud today doesn’t always look like the stereotypes we imagine. Sometimes it comes from individuals who apply for credit with no intention of paying it back. That’s where Experian’s First-Party Fraud Scores make a difference. Unlike traditional credit tools that mostly look at repayment history, our models dig deeper into intent. By combining credit and non-credit data with advanced machine learning, lenders can spot risks in real time, stopping fraudulent applications before they turn into financial losses. As Jim Mortensen of Datos Insights explains, “By analyzing patterns across multiple institutions and industries, the solution can identify fraud schemes that would otherwise go undetected.” That broader visibility is key to staying ahead of fast-evolving threats. Why This Matters At Experian, innovation is never just about technology. It’s about trust. It’s about helping people, keeping businesses strong, and protecting the integrity of the financial system we all rely on. We’re honored by this recognition from Datos Insights, but even more motivated to keep raising the bar in fraud prevention for our clients, for consumers, and for the future of financial confidence.

At Experian, innovation and preventing fraud go hand in hand. That’s why we’re excited to announce a new partnership with Incode Technologies, a global leader in AI-driven identity verification. Through this collaboration, Incode’s advanced technology is now integrated into the Experian Ascend Platform™, helping organizations across industries make faster, smarter, and more secure decisions. With this integration, more than 1,800 global clients—from financial services and healthcare to automotive and digital marketing—can benefit from seamless, real-time identity validation. Incode’s AI-powered solutions verify and connect identity elements such as government-issued IDs, facial recognition, liveness checks, and metadata analysis. The result is stronger protection against synthetic identity fraud and application fraud, while maintaining a frictionless customer experience. In North America, Incode’s solutions will be offered within Experian’s CrossCore Document Verification suite, with global expansion already planned. This flexibility allows businesses to tailor their fraud and risk strategies with unmatched agility and precision. By combining Experian’s global software expertise with Incode’s AI-powered identity verification, this partnership strengthens our mission to help businesses and consumers build trust in an increasingly digital world.