For Jack Chen, Director of Risk Modeling at Caliber Financial Services, better business outcomes start with better data. In an interview at Experian’s Vision Conference, Chen discussed how Caliber Financial Services, a fintech company, is focused on improving targeting, underwriting and lead acquisition strategies through more precise and dynamic data. He also shared how the company’s partnership with Experian supports those efforts and why collaboration around artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly important for financial institutions.
Driving smarter decisioning
One of the primary challenges Chen is focused on solving is improving decision-making through more precise targeting and data-driven insights.
“We always want to […] get more precise data to target better,” Chen said.
Caliber purchases leads as part of its customer acquisition strategy, making access to current and dynamic data especially important. According to Chen, more dynamic data helps the company make better decisions throughout the process.
That focus extends beyond lead acquisition. Chen explained that Caliber uses Experian data across multiple stages of the customer lifecycle, from identifying prospects to supporting underwriting and pricing decisions.
“We use Experian data for prescreened target selection,” Chen said. “We also use Experian data for post-screen decisioning, basically underwriting. And we also use Experian data to help us determine the bidding price for purchased leads.”
The value of a strategic partner
While access to data remains critical, Chen believes the qualities of a strong partner are evolving alongside the industry itself.
“Everybody is talking about AI now,” Chen said. “A partner, in my opinion, must be able to help us develop the AI data strategy together.”
For Chen, the ideal relationship extends beyond data products. He believes partners should work alongside organizations to help shape AI and data strategies as the industry evolves.
Years of working with Experian data have shaped Chen’s perspective. Chen first used Experian data in 2005 and has worked with it in various roles throughout his career. Most recently, he leveraged Experian data as part of Caliber’s business operations beginning in 2022.
When asked what sets Experian apart from competitors, Chen first pointed to data quality.
“Quality of the data. It’s the best in the industry,” he said.
He also highlighted the value of Experian’s technical and sales teams, emphasizing the support they provide throughout the partnership.
Innovation for what’s next
Chen also pointed to Experian’s scale and ongoing investment in new data sources as key strengths.
“[There is a] huge amount of data,” he said, noting that Experian is “constantly evolving” and acquiring new data sources that help companies like Caliber grow their business.
Chen’s experience underscores the value of quality data, collaborative partnerships and continued innovation. By applying data across targeting, underwriting and lead acquisition decisions, Caliber supports its business objectives while exploring new opportunities in AI and advanced analytics.
About Caliber Financial Services
Caliber Financial Services, Inc. is a tribally chartered corporation wholly owned by the Otoe-Missouria Tribe of Indians. The company provides portfolio management services and fintech solutions designed to help organizations expand their portfolio and product offerings. According to Caliber, revenues generated by the business support programs and services that benefit members of the Otoe-Missouria Tribe.
Learn more at https://www.caliberfs.com/
