Experian Assistant Leading the Way in Financial Services: Wins Big Innovation Award

I recently had the opportunity to attend Money20/20 in Las Vegas, where one theme dominated nearly every conversation: artificial intelligence is reshaping financial services. But amid all the excitement around algorithms and technology, the data that powers it all often gets overlooked. AI is only as effective and trustworthy as the data behind it. For financial institutions, high-quality, differentiated data determines how confidently they can assess creditworthiness, detect anomalies, and manage risk. Ultimately, it’s data that allows lenders to innovate responsibly, personalize experiences, and deliver better outcomes for consumers. At Experian, we see measurable impact when institutions strengthen their data foundations. Our clients are making faster lending decisions, reducing default rates, and expanding access to credit through responsible, data-driven innovation. Turning Better Data Into Better Decisions Experian’s industry-leading core credit data, alternative credit data, cash flow insights, and more gives lenders a more holistic view of financial health. These differentiated data assets, combined with our history or continuous innovation, enable AI systems that are more transparent, explainable, and fair. On example of this is our Experian Assistant for Model Risk Management, a new AI-powered capability that automates the most complex and time-intensive areas of compliance. This solution continuously analyzes model documentation, detects model drift, and recommends corrective actions in real time. Ultimately, this is transforming compliance from a barrier to a driver of ROI and innovation that benefits consumers and businesses. Bridging the Gap Between Innovation and Compliance While at Money20/20, I had the opportunity to share more about how we are leveraging differentiated data and technology to help make room for innovation during an interview with Fintech Futures. Reporter Tyler Pathe and I discussed the fact that many institutions still rely on manual processes for compliance — with some involving up to 50 people just to document and validate models. That level of inefficiency slows progress and increases operational risk. Through automation and AI, and differentiated data at our foundation, we are changing this narrative and helping our clients move faster and innovate with confidence. You can tune into my full interview with Fintech Futures below.

This week marks the start of International Fraud Awareness Week, a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness about fraud prevention and empowering businesses and individuals to take proactive steps against financial crime. At Experian, we’re dedicated to helping organizations and consumers stay ahead of fraudsters and anticipate future threats. That’s why I’m excited to announce the launch of a new Experian DataTalk podcast series: Fraud Frontlines. This series will feature conversations between myself and industry experts and innovators on the latest fraud trends and strategies to mitigate risk. Introducing DataTalk’s Fraud Frontlines Series: Insights from Episode One In our inaugural Fraud Frontlines episode, I sat down with Nash Ali, Experian’s VP of Fraud Strategy, to discuss how fintech innovation has reshaped the fraud landscape and what that means for the future. As financial technology continues to revolutionize how people transact online, it’s also changing how fraudsters operate. The rise of GenAI and automated scams has introduced a new level of sophistication that demands equally advanced defenses. Key Themes & Insights: AI vs. AI: The New Battleground: Fraudsters are weaponizing GenAI to create sophisticated scams. What’s the way forward? Deploying AI-powered defenses that detect anomalies, identify malicious bots, and uncover coordinated fraud rings in real time. Smart Friction, Not Roadblocks: Consumers demand security without sacrificing convenience. Leading fintechs are embracing risk-based orchestration, applying adaptive controls tailored to user behavior instead of rigid authentication. Behavioral Biometrics to Combat Bots: Experian’s behavioral analytics powered by NeuroID enable the detection of bots and are evolving to recognize and distinguish between good agents and fraudulent agents. This capability analyzes multiple new digital and behavioral signals without adding friction to the user experience. The Rise of Agentic AI: Transactions are beginning to involve autonomous agents acting on behalf of humans. Businesses must prepare to authenticate these agents, validate the human and the intent behind them and distinguish automation from bad actors. Fintechs have enabled great new digital experiences, rapid response rates and a focus on user convenience. This digital transformation has also led to new attack surfaces for fraudsters. Traditional industry players and fintechs alike are joining forces to fight these new types of fraud. The challenges are complex, but the opportunities to innovate have never been greater. These are exciting times for those shaping a safer digital economy. I invite you to listen or watch the episode and stay tuned for new episodes and ongoing insights into fraud trends and prevention strategies. Listen to the episode Watch on YouTube Learn more about Experian’s fraud prevention solutions

Homeownership has long been the foundation for financial security, stability, and generational wealth. But for millions of Americans, especially younger renters, the dream of buying a home can feel out of reach. We recently surveyed U.S. renters[1] to better understand their outlook on the prospects of owning a home. The findings reveal a surprising sense of optimism: nearly half (47%) believe they’ll be ready to purchase a home within the next four years, and that figure jumps to 67% when looking over the next eight years. Gen Z and Millennials, in particular, see a future where they will step confidently into homeownership. This optimism is encouraging, but it also underscores the responsibility we share as an industry to help these aspirations become reality. Data plays a significant role. Why modern credit scores matter Every lending decision and credit score is built on a foundation of good data. And in the mortgage market, we believe data has the power to change lives and turn today’s renters into tomorrow’s homeowners. Recent changes in the industry, including the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and Director Pulte’s approval of VantageScore® 4.0 for use in mortgage decisions, are a testament to the value of data. Unlike traditional models, VantageScore 4.0 considers alternative data, including rental payments, that reflect how consumers manage their everyday financial commitments. Now, with the introduction of more modern scores in mortgage lending, millions of responsible renters can have a fairer shot at achieving their dreams of homeownership. For renters, this move is significant. Paying rent on time can be a strong indicator of readiness for homeownership, yet it historically wasn’t factored into mortgage credit scoring. Building on Director Pulte’s move to make VantageScore 4.0 available for use in the mortgage market, as well as his call to uncover creative ways to make credit scoring more competitive and mortgages more affordable for Americans, we recently took the step to offer VantageScore 4.0 for free to mortgage lenders. As the first credit reporting agency to include positive rental payments on credit reports, and operator of the industry’s largest rental database with nearly 40 million rental profiles, we understand how beneficial predictive data, such as on-time rental payments, can be for improving consumers’ creditworthiness. We’re well equipped to help the industry leverage these insights while helping renters use their positive payment history to their advantage. This change is an example of how smarter data can create a more inclusive financial system. A shared opportunity for the industry Today’s renters are motivated, ambitious, and ready to invest in their futures. As industry leaders, we have a responsibility and an opportunity to meet them where they are with modern tools and better data. Together, we can help more people unlock the door to homeownership, strengthen financial resilience, and ensure the next generation of homeowners is equipped to thrive. [1] Experian commissioned Atomik Research to conduct an online survey of 2,005 adults throughout the United States. The margin of error is +/- 2 percentage points with a confidence level of 95 percent. Fieldwork took place between May 15 and May 20, 2025.