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Celebrating Innovation and Impact: Experian Recognizes Industry Leaders in Inaugural Vision Awards Ceremony at Vision Conference

Three winners were announced at Experian’s inaugural Vision Awards ceremony held on Tuesday, October 7 in front of more than 800 attendees at Experian’s Vision Conference held in Miami, Fla. Figure, PREMIER Bankcard and Members First Credit Union were recognized for their work in artificial intelligence, innovation and financial empowerment. The four-day gathering provided a dynamic forum for exploring the latest innovations shaping the future of data-driven decisioning. “Our Vision Awards celebrate the unique impact financial industry leaders can have when data, technology and purpose align,” said Jeff Softley, CEO, Experian North America. “We are proud to recognize these three organizations with whom we collaborate to drive opportunities and help create change for society as a whole.” The Vision Awards recognize the achievements of organizations that accelerate action. These forward-thinking institutions leverage artificial intelligence, innovation and financial empowerment to drive opportunities and create actionable change for consumers, businesses and society. Recognizing Leaders in AI, Innovation, and Financial Empowerment A panel of interdisciplinary judges reviewed nominations from across industries across the regions, evaluating submissions based on rigor, originality, and impact. The 2025 winners reflect how organizations are leveraging data and technology to advance innovation and inclusion. Excellence in AI: Figure Figure’s submission showcased how it has redefined consumer lending outreach through an AI-driven targeting engine powered by more than 90 machine learning models and 5,000+ behavioral and financial features. By combining Experian’s prescreen data with proprietary insights, Figure delivers highly precise, cost-efficient firm offers of credit — helping it become one of the top three home equity line of credit lenders in the U.S. “This win reflects more than just a successful application of AI. It represents the broader innovative culture deeply embedded in our company’s DNA,” said Ruben Padron, Chief Data Officer at Figure. “Our work with Experian has been instrumental in helping us assess creditworthiness and predict borrower intent with greater precision.” Excellence in Innovation: PREMIER Bankcard PREMIER Bankcard continues to demonstrate how financial inclusion and innovation go hand in hand. From modernizing its technology to reimagining its product suite, PREMIER has made bold strides to serve the underserved and democratize access to credit. “This award affirms our belief that financial inclusion and innovation must go hand in hand,” said Chris Thornton, Senior Vice President of Credit at PREMIER Bankcard. “We’re committed to reaching those who need it most, and Experian has proven to be an exceptional partner in that mission.” With more than 30 million customers served, PREMIER has become a leader in first-time and second-chance credit, while also giving back more than $4 billion to charitable causes through its partnership with First PREMIER Bank and founder Denny Sanford. “We’re here to change lives,” Thornton added. “That’s how we measure success — and that’s ultimately what we’re investing in.” Excellence in Financial Empowerment: Members First Credit Union Members First Credit Union was honored for its commitment to inclusive lending and community development across Michigan. In 2024 alone, the credit union’s programs helped thousands of members access fair and affordable credit, supported 166 community organizations, and contributed nearly $230,000 in donations — backed by 2,000 volunteer hours from its employees. “Our impact demonstrates how mission-driven financial institutions can meaningfully expand access, strengthen communities, and foster long-term financial health,” said Carrie Iafrate, CEO/President at Members First Credit Union. “We’re honored to receive this recognition and inspired to continue helping individuals thrive financially.” Honoring the Judges Behind the Vision The 2025 Vision Awards were evaluated by a distinguished panel of judges representing both Experian and external associations and partners in the financial inclusion community, including: Lisa Cantu-Parks, Vice President of Resource Development, Unidos Jean Carlos Rosario Mercado, Juntos Avanzamos Program Officer, Inclusiv Ian P. Moloney, Senior Vice President, Head of Policy and Regulatory Affairs, American Fintech Council Marc Morial, President and CEO, National Urban League Kevin O’Connor, Senior Vice President, Membership and Sponsorship, Consumer Bankers Association Their expertise ensured that the winners reflect the industry’s highest standards of innovation, integrity, and impact. Ian P. Moloney, Senior Vice President, Head of Policy and Regulatory Affairs, American Fintech Council, and Rhonda Spears Bell, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, National Urban League, were at the recognition session at Vision and shared about their organizations and experience serving as a judge. Video messages were also shared from Jean Carlos Rosario Mercado of Inclusiv and Kevin O’Connor of Consumer Bankers Association, who were unable to attend the live event. “I greatly appreciated the opportunity to participate as a judge in the Experian Vision Awards because it provided me a chance to look beyond my usual day-to-day, and understand the myriad of innovations and projects going on to help consumers and the industry,” Moloney said. “The award winners tonight showcase the best of our industry, and I appreciate the opportunity to take part in highlighting their success.” “I’m inspired by the outstanding organizations we’re celebrating tonight - each making a lasting impact in our country and globally,” Spears Bell said. “I want to take a moment to recognize Experian - not only as a valued corporate partner, but as a true ally in our mission to advance financial literacy, stability, and generational wealth.” Looking Ahead: Vision Awards 2026 Experian will continue to champion progress in financial services and across all industries, and the Vision Awards offers one of the avenues through which the industry can recognize organizations driving change through responsible innovation. Submissions for the 2026 Vision Awards open on June 1, 2026. To learn more about this year’s winners and how to apply for next year’s program, visit the Vision Awards page.

Published: October 14, 2025 by Stefani Wendel
The Rise of the Responsible BNPL Consumer: What Lenders Need to Know

Today’s BNPL consumers are showing signs of financial responsibility, offering lenders new opportunities to empower financial futures.

Published: October 9, 2025 by Suzana Shaw
Vision 2025: Day 2 Recap: From Innovation to Inspiration

From innovation to inspiration, Day 2 of Vision 2025 delivered on every front. Attendees experienced a powerful lineup of speakers, engaging breakout sessions and hands-on exploration of technologies shaping the future of finance. Setting the tone: Responsible AI and the future of work The morning opened with an insightful keynote from Sol Rashidi, Chief Strategy Officer of AI & Data at Cyera. With a forward-looking perspective on responsible AI, Sol emphasized the need for data stewardship, workforce readiness and using AI to amplify, not replace, human potential. Her message resonated deeply: Responsible AI means outsourcing tasks, not critical thinking. Challenging convention with Dave Portnoy Next, Dave Portnoy, Founder and Chief of Content at Barstool Sports, brought an energetic conversation on entrepreneurship and disruption in the digital age. His keynote was a reminder that progress is driven by those willing to challenge convention, adapt fast and embrace change with confidence. Exploring the future of financial services After the general session, attendees joined a new wave of breakout sessions exploring the future of financial services. Discussions spanned from how fintech disruptors and embedded finance are reshaping e-commerce and investments to how data and analytics are unlocking new opportunities in housing, lending and fraud prevention. Meanwhile, the Innovation Showcase brought Experian’s cutting-edge capabilities to life, highlighting the power of AI, analytics and modern platforms in driving smarter, faster financial solutions. Closing inspiration: Shaquille O’Neal on reinvention and resilience As the day came to a close, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal took the stage, captivating the audience with his trademark humor and hard-earned wisdom. He shared stories of his iconic basketball career and business ventures, and his philosophy behind the “business of fun,” leaving us all inspired to think big, act boldly and lead with kindness. A Vision to remember While Vision 2025 has come to a close, the conversations, partnerships and ideas sparked here will continue to shape what’s next in our industry. Thank you for making this year’s event our most inspiring and impactful yet. We can’t wait to see you next year in San Antonio, Texas!

Published: October 8, 2025 by Sharis Rostamian
Vision 2025 Day 1 Recap: Riding the Wave of Innovation 

Day 1 of Vision 2025 is in the books – and what a start. From bold keynotes to breakout sessions and networking under the Miami sun, the energy and inspiration were undeniable.  A wave of change: Jeff Softley opens Vision 2025  The day kicked off with a powerful keynote from Jeff Softley, Experian North America CEO, who issued a call to action for the industry: to not just adapt to change, but to lead it.  “It isn’t a ripple – it’s a tidal wave of technology,” Jeff said. “Together we ride this wave with confidence.”  His keynote set the tone for a day centered on innovation and the future of financial services – where technology, insight and trust converge to create lasting impact. Jeff continues this conversation in the latest Experian Exchange episode, where he explores three forces shaping the industry: the rise of AI, the demand for personalized digital experiences and the mission to expand credit access for all.  Turning vision into action: Alex Lintner on agentic AI  Building on Jeff’s message, Alex Lintner, CEO of Experian Software and Technology, took the stage to show how Experian is turning innovation into measurable results. His keynote explored how agentic and advanced AI capabilities are redefining financial services ROI and powering the next generation of the Ascend Platform™.  For a deeper look into how Experian is reshaping the economics of credit and fraud decisioning, read the latest American Banker feature.  Unfiltered insights from “Mr. Wonderful”  The day’s highlight came from Kevin O’Leary, investor, entrepreneur and the always-candid “Mr. Wonderful.” With his trademark wit and honesty, Kevin shared sharp insights on thriving in a disruptive economy, offering candid advice on leadership, risk and opportunity. He even gave attendees a peek behind the Shark Tank curtain, revealing a few surprises and the mindset that drives his bold business decisions.  Breakouts that inspired and informed  The conference floor buzzed with energy as attendees joined breakout sessions on fraud defense, AI-driven personalization, regulatory trends and consumer insights. Sessions highlighted how Experian’s unified value proposition is fueling double-digit growth, how to future-proof credit risk strategies and how data and innovation are redefining customer engagement across the lifecycle.   Hands-on innovation and connection  The Innovation Showcase gave attendees an up-close look at Experian’s latest tools and technologies in action. Meanwhile, friendly competition kept the excitement high through the Vision mobile app leaderboard – with every check-in and connection earning points toward the top spot.  Networking beyond the conference hall walls  As the sun set, Vision 2025 shifted into high gear with unforgettable networking events across Miami – from golf at the Miller Course to art walks, brewery tours and a scenic cruise through Biscayne Bay.   An evening to remember  The day closed with the first-ever Vision Awards Dinner, celebrating standout leaders who are shaping the future of financial services.   Up Next: Day 2  The momentum continues tomorrow as more keynote speakers take the stage. Stay tuned for more insights, innovation, and inspiration from Vision 2025. 

Published: October 7, 2025 by Sharis Rostamian
Fintech Risk Management: A Data-Driven Approach

Discover how data-driven risk management strategies are transforming credit risk management in the fintech industry.

Published: October 7, 2025 by Theresa Nguyen

Continuing our in-depth exploration of what automotive marketers are prioritizing, we’re taking a closer look at how refining communication and messaging strategies can help enhance the connection with consumers.  As communication preferences continue to evolve for consumers, businesses have to rethink how they engage.  By creating strategic plans to stay ahead, dealers, along with their advertisers and agencies, can build stronger relationships and drive better outcomes across various departments. Here are three ways to align your messaging with today’s consumers:   1. Leverage the Preferred Method of Communication for Consumers:  Text messages are read 98% of the time and within 3 minutes 95% of the time, while answer rates for phone calls from unknown numbers have dropped below 15%. ¹  When it comes to Fixed Ops, Derek Simonds, Executive VP of Automotive at Numa,  quotes Cox Automotive and CDK, “Over 90% of service customers would rather text with the service department than they would talk to them.” ²    According to J.D. Power, client retention is key, with 82% of consumers choosing to cut ties with a dealership due to poor communication alone.  2. Assess Your Local Audience and Use Direct Mail to Connect:  Rural markets may still appreciate traditional direct mail in smaller marketers. ³  When used strategically, direct mail could remind consumers of a dealer's presence and offerings.    Dealers in these areas may find that physical mailers are still effective, especially when paired with offers or event invites that speak directly to the needs of the community.  3. Generate Offers by ZIP Code:  Consider a ZIP code strategy and monitor local trends to move inventory with offers that focus on affordability for consumers.  Do what makes sense for your ZIP, dial in what’s moving, what’s not, and experiment with messaging.4  Let your ZIP code data guide you: spot trends, adjust offers, and refine your message accordingly. This kind of geotargeting ensures you’re marketing to the right audience.  Key Takeaway:   Having a strong understanding of your consumer base and how they prefer to communicate is essential. Leading dealers and marketers constantly test, learn, and evolve.  Right now, texting might be a preference for most consumers and direct mail could work in remote areas but be sure to pair these insights with a strategy that creates a well-rounded, responsive experience.  Need help getting started?  The Experian Marketing Engine can help with ZIP code targeting and unlock more meaningful consumer engagement. We empower automotive marketers to identify the right audience, uncover the most appropriate communication channels, develop messages that resonate, and measure the effectiveness of their marketing activities.  Our data driven and predictive modeling audiences can identify consumer preferences and needs proactively. Connect with Experian Automotive and start reaching in-market consumers today!    Discover More Sources:  https://news.dealershipguy.com/p/dealers-are-saving-thousands-in-labor-in-fixed-ops-2025-05-30 https://news.dealershipguy.com/p/customers-calling-the-service-deptartment-best-dealerships-are-evolving-longo-toyota-numa-2025-07-18  https://news.dealershipguy.com/p/the-road-to-40-stores-within-10-years-proven-frameworks-to-scale-effectively-2025-07-25 https://news.dealershipguy.com/p/new-vs-used-car-sales-how-zip-code-specific-strategies-are-shaping-dealer-results-07-29-2025

Published: October 2, 2025 by Chanté O’Neill

Explore key drivers of residential mortgage prepayments amid high interest rates — from borrower mobility to payoff sources and market re-entry trends — with exclusive insights from Experian’s Mortgage Loan Performance Dataset.

Published: October 2, 2025 by Perry DeFelice
What is AI Credit Scoring?

AI credit scoring addresses traditional limitations by introducing more advanced, data-driven techniques. Learn the benefits and challenges.

Published: September 24, 2025 by Laura.Burrows@experian.com
Vehicle Registrations Rise While Aging Vehicles Fuel Aftermarket Momentum

From shifting consumer preferences to aging vehicles reshaping service demand, data from the second quarter of 2025 revealed a dynamic landscape where new and used vehicle registrations grow, and the aftermarket “Sweet Spot” becomes a rich source for service providers. Experian’s Automotive Market Trends Report: Q2 2025 found that light-duty vehicles reached 293.5 million, up from 291.1 million through Q2 2024. This growth can be attributed to the 16.3 million new vehicle registrations and 39.5 million used vehicle ownership changes, demonstrating a healthy turnover in the market. Taking a closer look at the registration trends, new vehicle registrations saw a 7.7% year-over-year increase, reaching 4.2 million through Q2 2025. Meanwhile, used vehicle registrations also slightly increased by 2% from last year, rising to 10.2 million this quarter, as buyers continued to seek pre-owned options amid conversations around affordability. Leveraging aftermarket trends for service opportunities As vehicles age and warranties expire, there is a natural shift to aftermarket services, and the continuous growth in the aftermarket sweet spot shows that consumers are willing to keep their vehicles for longer periods of time, as long as they’re still functional. The aftermarket sweet spot is made up of vehicles aged 6-to-12-years old and are typically out of manufacturer warranty, making them prime candidates for aftermarket services. For instance, 35.5% of all light-duty vehicles on the road fell into this category through Q2 2025, signaling an opportunity for service providers and parts manufacturers. With total vehicle registrations on the rise and more vehicles entering the aftermarket sweet spot, it gives automotive professionals in all stages of the buying journey an opportunity to capitalize on these positive trends and meet consumers where they are needed the most. To learn more about vehicle market trends, view the full Automotive Market Trends Report: Q2 2025 presentation on demand.

Published: September 22, 2025 by John Howard
Hybrids Continue to Gain Traction as Consumers Weigh Alternative Fuel Options

While the dynamics of the electric vehicle (EV) market continue to drive headlines, recent data reveals that although EV registrations remain steady, hybrids are becoming a practical bridge between gas-powered vehicles and EVs. Experian’s Automotive Consumer Trends Report: Q2 2025 found EVs accounted for 9.2% of new retail registrations, down from 10.5% in Q2 2024, and gas-powered vehicles declined from 73.7% to 71.9% year-over-year. Meanwhile, hybrids jumped from 15.8% to 18.9% in the same time frame. Digging a bit deeper, one of the most telling insights from the data was the apparent transition that consumers make when returning to the market for another vehicle purchase. The data shows that as consumers become familiar with alternative fuel types, some “graduate” into more electrified vehicles. For example, nearly 13% of gas-powered vehicle owners replaced their vehicle with a hybrid (10.8% for hybrids and 2.0% for plug-in hybrids [PHEV], respectively). Meanwhile, 52.2 % of hybrid owners returned to the market to purchase another hybrid and 5.0% returned to purchase a PHEV.  Further along in the electrified vehicle funnel, we’re seeing 11.0% of PHEV owners returning to market to purchase a hybrid, while 31.7% returned to purchase another PHEV and 22.2% purchase an EV. Most EV households are not exclusively electric Data in the second quarter of this year found 80% of EV-owning households also have a gas-powered vehicle and 14.9% also own a hybrid, demonstrating that consumers are looking for ways to accommodate their diverse driving needs. While the interest in EVs remains strong, many consumers still rely on more traditional fuel types for various reasons. Though, hybrids are notably becoming a middle ground solution as they offer fuel efficiency without the other concerns that can accompany an EV. As alternative fuel types continue to create a household name in the automotive industry, hybrids are starting to play a notable role in the transition to electrification. Data from this quarter not only shows that consumers are experimenting with alternative fuel types, but they’re also integrating them into multi-vehicle households. With their growing popularity reflects a pragmatic approach to balancing the latest innovation with everyday practicality, hybrids may be the key steppingstone that brings mainstream consumers closer to the electrified space. To learn more about alternative fuel type insights, view the full Automotive Consumer Trends Report: Q2 2025 presentation.  

Published: September 16, 2025 by Kirsten Von Busch

Tenant screening fraud is rising fast. Discover how income verification tools, Experian income verification, and AI-powered document upload strengthen fraud detection and streamline employment checks.

Published: September 8, 2025 by Kim Agaton
Why More Borrowers Are Refinancing Their Vehicles, and How Lenders Are Playing a Role in These Changes

In an ever-evolving automotive landscape, where shifting consumer behavior meets fluctuating market dynamics, Experian’s State of the Automotive Finance Market Report: Q2 2025 delivers key insights into how both consumers and professionals are adapting to the changes. This quarter’s report revealed a sharp increase in vehicle refinancing—up nearly 70% from Q2 2024—as consumers capitalized on the more stable rate environment. In fact, after refinancing, the average interest rate went from 10.45% to 8.45%. That shift resulted in their monthly payment dropping by an average of $71. Interestingly, credit unions played a significant role in the refinance surge, increasing their market share from 63.22% last year to 68.33% this quarter, and borrowers who refinanced through credit unions saw their monthly payments decrease by $87 on average. Banks saw a slight dip in their share of the refinancing market year-over-year, going from 22.71% to 21.45%, and borrowers who refinanced through them saved an average of $46 a month. New leaders emerge as the lender market share continues to evolve Taking a deeper dive into the automotive finance market share, banks reclaimed their leading position for total vehicle financing, rising to 27.50% in Q2 2025, from 24.50% in Q2 2024. Meanwhile, captives declined from 30.17% to 26.63% year-over-year, and credit unions slightly increased from 20.35% to 21.04% during the same period. For new vehicles, captives continued to lead at 52.39% this quarter, though it was a drop from 60.74% last year. On the other hand, banks grew from 21.12% to 25.91% and credit unions went from 9.99% to 12.24% in the same time frame. On the used side, banks edged ahead, increasing their share to 28.59% in Q2 2025, from 26.80% last year. Credit unions saw slight growth from 27.59% to 27.63%, while captives declined from 7.83% to 6.40% year-over-year. As affordability remains a key priority, consumers seem to be exploring financing options that offer more favorable terms. While Experian Automotive’s report continues to illustrate the evolving dynamics, these data-driven insights can empower both consumers and industry professionals to make smarter financial decisions. To learn more about automotive finance trends, view the full State of the Automotive Finance Market Report: Q2 2025 presentation on demand.

Published: September 5, 2025 by Melinda Zabritski

Tenant screening fraud is rising, with falsified paystubs and AI-generated documents driving risk. Learn how income and employment verification tools powered by observed data improve fraud detection, reduce costs, and streamline tenant screening.

Published: September 4, 2025 by Kim Agaton
How Terrace Finance Protects its Customers with NeuroID and Experian

In today’s digital lending landscape, fraudsters are more sophisticated, coordinated, and relentless than ever. For companies like Terrace Finance — a specialty finance platform connecting over 5,000 merchants, consumers, and lenders — effectively staying ahead of these threats is a major competitive advantage. That is why Terrace Finance partnered with NeuroID, a part of Experian, to bring behavioral analytics into their fraud prevention strategy. It has given Terrace’s team a proactive, real-time defense that is transforming how they detect and respond to attacks — potentially stopping fraud before it ever reaches their lending partners. The challenge: Sophisticated fraud in a high-stakes ecosystem Terrace Finance operates in a complex environment, offering financing across a wide range of industries and credit profiles. With applications flowing in from countless channels, the risk of fraud is ever-present. A single fraudulent transaction can damage lender relationships or even cut off financing access for entire merchant groups. According to CEO Andy Hopkins, protecting its partners is a top priority for Terrace:“We know that each individual fraud attack can be very costly for merchants, and some merchants will get shut off from their lending partners because fraud was let through ... It is necessary in this business to keep fraud at a tolerable level, with the ultimate goal to eliminate it entirely.” Prior to NeuroID, Terrace was confident in its ability to validate submitted data. But with concerns about GenAI-powered fraud growing, including the threat of next-generation fraud bots, Terrace sought out a solution that could provide visibility into how data was being entered and detect risk before applications are submitted. The solution: Behavioral analytics from NeuroID via Experian After integrating NeuroID through Experian’s orchestration platform, Terrace gained access to real-time behavioral signals that detected fraud before data was even submitted. Just hours after Terrace turned NeuroID on, behavioral signals revealed a major attack in progress — NeuroID enabled Terrace to respond faster than ever and reduce risk immediately. “Going live was my most nerve-wracking day. We knew we would see data that we have never seen before and sure enough, we were right in the middle of an attack,” Hopkins said. “We thought the fraud was a little more generic and a little more spread out. What we found was much more coordinated activities, but this also meant we could bring more surgical solutions to the problem instead of broad strokes.” Terrace has seen significant results with NeuroID in place, including: Together, NeuroID and Experian enabled Terrace to build a layered, intelligent fraud defense that adapts in real time. A partnership built on innovation Terrace Finance’s success is a testament to what is  possible when forward-thinking companies partner with innovative technology providers. With Experian’s fraud analytics and NeuroID’s behavioral intelligence, they have built a fraud prevention strategy that is proactive, precise, and scalable. And they are not stopping there. Terrace is now working with Experian to explore additional tools and insights across the ecosystem, continuing to refine their fraud defenses and deliver the best possible experience for genuine users. “We use the analogy of a stream,” Hopkins explained. “Rocks block the flow, and as you remove them, it flows better. But that means smaller rocks are now exposed. We can repeat these improvements until the water flows smoothly.” Learn more about Terrace Finance and NeuroID Want more of the story? Read the full case study to explore how behavioral analytics provided immediate and long-term value to Terrace Finance’s innovative fraud prevention strategy. Read case study

Published: September 3, 2025 by Allison Lemaster

Executive Summary The July 2025 housing market reveals a landscape of shifting consumer behaviors, evolving lender strategies, and continued strength in borrower performance—especially within home equity. Origination volumes have dipped slightly, but direct marketing, particularly through Invitation to Apply (ITA) campaigns, is accelerating. As key players exit the space, gaps are opening across both marketing and origination, creating clear opportunities for agile institutions. This phase signals both caution and potential. The winners will be those who refine their marketing, sharpen segmentation, and deploy smarter risk monitoring in real time. TL;DR Risk Profile: Mortgage and HELOC delinquencies remain low. Slight increases in 90+ DPD are not yet cause for concern. Mortgage Originations: Modestly down, but marketing remains aggressive. Invitation to Apply (ITA) volumes outpacing prescreen. Home Equity Originations: Stable originations, competitive marketing volumes. ITA volumes outpacing prescreen similar to mortgage. Opportunity: Targeted direct mail and refined segmentation are growth levers in both mortgage and home equity. Risk Environment: Resilient Yet Watchful Experian’s July data shows both mortgage and home equity delinquencies hovering at historically low levels. Early-stage delinquencies dropped in June, while late-stage (90+ days past due) nudged upward—still below thresholds signaling broader distress. HELOCs followed a similar path. Early-stage movement was slightly elevated but well within acceptable ranges, reinforcing borrower stability even in a high-rate, high-tariff environment. Takeaway: Creditworthiness remains strong, especially for real estate–backed portfolios, but sustained monitoring of 90+ DPD trends is smart risk management. Home Equity: Volume Holds, Competition Resets Home equity lending is undergoing a major strategic reshuffle. With a key market participant exiting the space, a significant share of both marketing and originations is now in flux. What’s happening: Direct mail volumes in home equity nearly match those in first mortgages—despite the latter holding larger balances. ITA volumes alone topped 8 million in May 2025. Total tappable home equity stands near $29.5 trillion, underscoring a massive opportunity.(source: Experian property data.) Lenders willing to recalibrate quickly can unlock high-intent borrowers—especially as more consumers seek cash flow flexibility without refinancing into higher rates.   Direct Mail and Offer Channel Trends The continued surge in ITA campaigns illustrates a broader market pivot. Lenders are favoring: Controlled timing and messaging Multichannel alignment Improved compliance flexibility May 2025 Mail Volumes: Offer Type Mortgage Home Equity ITA 29.2M 25.8M Prescreen 15.6M 19.0M Strategic Insights for Lenders 1. Invest in Personalized Offers Drive better response rates with prescreen or ITA campaigns. Leverage data assets like Experian ConsumerView for ITA’s for robust behavioral and lifestyle segmentation. For prescreen, achieve pinpoint-personalization with offers built on propensity models, property attributes, and credit characteristics. 2. Seize the Home Equity Opening Use urgency-based messaging to attract consumers searching for fast access to equity—without the complexity of a full refi. Additionally, as mentioned above, leverage propensity, credit, and property (i.e. equity) data to optimize your marketing spend. 3. Strengthen Risk Controls Even in a low-delinquency environment, vigilance matters. Account Review campaigns, custom scorecards, and real-time monitoring help stay ahead of rising 90+ DPD segments. 4. Benchmark Smarter Competitive intelligence is key. Evaluate offer volumes, audience segmentation, and marketing timing to refine your next campaign. FAQ Q: What does the exit of a major home equity player mean? A: It leaves a significant gap in both marketing activity and borrower targeting. Lenders able to act quickly can capture outsized share in a category rich with equity and demand. Q: How should lenders respond to the evolving risk profile? A: Continue to monitor performance closely, but focus on forward-looking indicators like trended data, income verification, and alternative credit signals. Conclusion The housing market in July 2025 presents a clear message: the fundamentals are sound, but the strategies are shifting. Those ready to optimize outreach by making smarter use of data will seize a disproportionate share in both mortgage and home equity. Want to stay ahead? Connect with Experian Mortgage Solutions for the insights, tools, and strategies to grow in today’s evolving lending environment.  

Published: August 29, 2025 by David Fay

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