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At Experian, we believe that financial education and opportunities should be accessible to everyone, and sometimes the best way to share that message is through something that unites us all, like sports. As part of our latest installment of the “BFF” – Big Financial Friend – ad campaign, we celebrate smarter money moves with two professional athletes and real-life best buddies San Francisco linebacker Fred Warner and Los Angeles wide receiver Puka Nacua. These pro football stars bring authenticity and energy to the campaign by showing how Experian can be the ultimate teammate, helping consumers save money and make better financial decisions. In the new commercials developed by Experian’s in-house creative agency The Cooler, Fred and Puka talk life, football, and finances. Their chemistry illustrates what Experian stands for: being by consumer’s side like a trusted friend who’s always looking out for them. Sports as a bridge to financial empowerment Sports have a unique ability to bring people together across backgrounds, circumstances, and financial situations. Whether fans are watching from home or in the stadium, sports create shared experiences that transcend differences. That’s why we continue to leverage this powerful platform to reach as many people as possible with our message of financial empowerment and to share our products and services. We’re thrilled to work with athletes like Fred and Puka, whose energy and authenticity help us connect with millions of fans during some of the biggest sporting events of the year. These moments aren’t just games, they’re cultural touchpoints, and we’re harnessing them to reach more people with knowledge and tools that make a real difference. This campaign is a great example of how we’re combining creativity, culture, and technology to make financial wellness accessible to everyone. Watch the new ad here and keep an eye out for it during the College Football and pro football playoff season.

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.

As we approach 2026, artificial intelligence is no longer just a tool for innovation—it’s a weapon in the hands of cybercriminals. Our 13th Annual Data Breach Industry Forecast, released today, highlights how AI is poised to redefine the cybersecurity landscape, introducing a new era of highly personalized, persistent, and technologically advanced attacks. We outline six key predictions, with AI emerging as the central theme. From synthetic identities and autonomous AI agents to shape-shifting malware and even vulnerabilities in brain-computer interfaces, the forecast paints a picture of a threat environment that’s evolving faster than many organizations can keep up with. The stakes are high. In the first half of 2025 alone, more than 8,000 global data breaches exposed approximately 345 million records [1]. Experian’s clients in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada were among the hardest hit. Consumers Are Feeling the Impact To check the pulse of how consumers are feeling about the impact of AI on security, we recently conducted a national survey in the U.S. and UK. The findings reveal growing anxiety around AI-driven threats. In both the U.S. and U.K., more than 80% of respondents expressed concern about AI being used to create fake identities indistinguishable from real people. Millennials appear especially vulnerable, with 1 in 4 reporting identity theft in the past year and nearly a quarter falling victim to phishing attacks. The findings also show a lack of confidence in corporate defenses: 69% of U.S. adults don’t believe their bank or retailer is prepared for AI-driven attacks. 76% believe cybercrime will continue to escalate and become impossible to slow down due to AI. 35% worry about being held personally liable for cybersecurity mistakes at work. Preparing for the AI-Driven Future While the threats are daunting, organizations can turn the tide by adopting AI defensively. Proactive investments in AI-powered threat detection, employee training, and incident response planning will be critical in 2026 and beyond. Experian Data Breach Resolution has more than 20 years of experience helping companies manage a security incident and it’s no different today than it was two decades ago – the same technologies that are being used against us can also be used to protect us. AI can help detect anomalies faster, automate responses, and reduce human error. But it requires investment, training, and preparation. To review all six predictions, download the paper here. Understanding what’s coming is the first step toward building a stronger, more resilient cybersecurity strategy. [1] Data Breach Statistics 2025: Key Trends, Costs & Risks Revealed, SQ Magazine, October 6, 2025