News

Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming a cornerstone of modern lending, and new research from Experian shows just how central it has become to financial institutions’ strategies. According to the latest Experian Perceptions of AI Report, adoption is accelerating as lenders look to AI to improve efficiency, sharpen decisioning and manage risk in an increasingly complex environment. The study surveyed more than 200 senior decision makers across leading financial institutions. An overwhelming majority of respondents view AI as either critical or a high priority over the next two years. Even more telling, nearly nine in ten believe AI will play a vital role across the entire lending lifecycle, from application and underwriting to fraud prevention and portfolio management. What is driving this momentum is clear. Respondents expect AI investments to deliver meaningful gains in operational efficiency, stronger credit accuracy, and more proactive risk mitigation. These benefits are no longer theoretical. Many institutions are already seeing measurable improvements as AI becomes embedded in everyday decisioning processes. At the same time, adoption is not without its challenges. Regulatory uncertainty remains a top concern, with many leaders carefully navigating evolving compliance expectations. Data readiness is another critical hurdle. Nearly two-thirds of respondents identified having AI-ready data as one of their biggest obstacles. In fact, data quality emerged as the single most important factor influencing trust when selecting an AI partner. Experian is uniquely positioned. With an industry leading data ecosystem and advanced analytics capabilities, Experian helps lenders move faster from model development to real-world impact. Recent AI powered enhancements to the Experian Ascend Platform empower more intelligent, proactive decisioning that anticipates customer needs, detects risk in real time, and uncovers new growth opportunities. To learn more click here: Experian Perceptions of AI Report.

Every year, I look forward to sharing Experian’s Future of Fraud Forecast because it’s more than just a report —  it serves as a trusted guide for the industry and a way to cut through the noise to spotlight the trends that will matter most over the next year. Fraud isn’t just a business problem. It’s also a human problem that impacts real people. Every time we stop fraudsters, we protect people’s identities, their financial security, and their trust in the digital world. That’s the mission that drives me. As we head into 2026, the fraud landscape is evolving in ways we couldn’t have predicted 20 years ago. We’re entering an era where AI is making fraud more sophisticated, autonomous and scalable than it was even just 12 months ago. For example, agentic AI can help book a vacation with just a single prompt. Meanwhile, tried and true schemes that have been around for years are still happening and are being accelerated by AI. This isn’t science fiction, it’s happening now and requires modern fraud mitigation strategies to combat. If we fail to act, businesses and consumers will face risks that are harder to detect and easier to exploit, leaving millions vulnerable. This year, our forecast highlights five fraud threats including: Machine-to-machine mayhem: As organizations race to leverage agentic AI, the sheer volume of players entering the space will make fraud inevitable and impossible to ignore. Fraudsters will exploit agentic AI to commit new levels of digital fraud. With machine-to-machine interactions initiating transactions without clear ownership of liability, businesses will face growing uncertainty around agent ownership, intent and risk. Experian predicts fraud will reach a tipping point that will spark major conversations and decisions around liability, regulation and the role of agentic AI in shaping responsible digital commerce. Deepfakes outsmart HR: Employment fraud is set to escalate in the remote workforce as generative AI (GenAI) tools generate hyper-tailored resumes and deepfake candidates capable of passing interviews in real time. Experian forecasts that employers will unknowingly onboard individuals on a much larger scale who aren’t who they say they are, giving bad actors access to sensitive systems. This emerging threat is expected to reshape how organizations verify identity and intent in the hiring process. Smarter homes, scarier threats: Smart homes are introducing new entry points for fraud. Devices like virtual assistants, smart locks, security systems, smart appliances and the coming use of humanoid robots will be exploited by bad actors to access personal data, monitor household activity and even take control of physical access points. Experian predicts that as the adoption of smart home devices continues to grow, so will the risk, with new forms of ransomware and opportunities for account hijacking, turning convenience into vulnerability for consumers. Website cloning will overwhelm fraud teams: Cloned websites, where fraudsters replicate legitimate sites to phish consumers, are becoming easier to create through AI tools and harder to eliminate. Notably, even after takedown requests, spoofed domains continue to resurface. As companies are forced to play whack-a-mole to address these threats, they risk being distracted from broader fraud strategies, allowing other threats to escalate. Experian forecasts that cloned sites will continue to cause significant losses for online retailers and businesses by tricking consumers into sharing their credentials, fueling credit card fraud, accelerating identity theft and synthetic identities, and facilitating other forms of financial fraud. Bots will break hearts and bank accounts: Emotionally intelligent bots powered by GenAI will accelerate the scale of their complex scams, like romance fraud and relative-in-need scams, without a human behind the keyboard. These bots will respond convincingly, build trust over time, and manipulate victims with precision and emotion. As they become harder to distinguish from real people and good bots, Experian predicts fraud will scale faster and become more financially and psychologically damaging. Fraud is becoming more adaptive, autonomous, and intelligent. But the good news is we can fight back. At Experian, we’re committed to helping businesses outpace these threats by combining differentiated data, advanced analytics, and AI-powered technology. Together, we can protect consumers without sacrificing experience and make a real difference in people’s lives. Learn more about Experian’s fraud prevention solutions here.

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.

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

Every American deserves a fair shot at homeownership and high-quality data makes it happen. That’s why, as of today, Experian will provide free access to VantageScore 4.0 indefinitely. We’ve championed the Federal Housing Finance Agency and Director Pulte’s decision to approve modern scores and support their call to uncover creative ways to make the credit scoring industry more competitive and mortgages more affordable for Americans. Today, we’re responding to Director Pulte’s call with this exciting step forward. By giving our clients the resources and flexibility to evaluate the benefits of modern scoring in real workflows, we can make homeownership more accessible to more people, in more places, more of the time. This is about accelerating score choice in a responsible, transparent way so lenders can test and learn, and more consumers can be seen for the full picture of their financial behavior. Total transparency. Total utility. Flexible. Secure. Reliable.  To deliver this, we’re proud to introduce the Experian Score Choice Bundle, a first-of-its-kind credit scoring solution for the mortgage market. The bundle provides lenders with both VantageScore 4.0 and FICO 2 on every transaction, offering the freedom to choose the score that best fits their needs. The result: reduced costs for lenders, expanded access to credit, and a clearer path to homeownership for millions of consumers. When you buy from Experian, here’s exactly what you’ll pay: Credit Profile: One fee for the credit profile with trended data Data for Score Processing: One fee for data used to process both scores: VantageScore 4.0 and FICO 2 3rd Party Support: A fee to account for additional risk and operational complexity associated with third-party processing (if applicable) Score Algorithm Licensing: Any royalty charged by the score algorithm providers (if applicable) This is what lenders pay for today, but with added transparency. We’ve separated our Data for Score Processing fee from Score Algorithm Licensing fee, so lenders know exactly who they’re paying and for what. Lenders will now receive both scores on every transaction, allowing them to: Evaluate VantageScore 4.0 against new GSE LLPA guidelines Fund loans that qualify with VantageScore 4.0 that may not have qualified otherwise Pass both scores to the secondary market for evaluation against real lending decisions and evolving GSE standards The Experian Score Choice Bundle builds on what has always set Experian apart - the quality, accuracy, and depth of our data, supported by the technology and infrastructure that make it all possible. Our trusted data powers the mortgage ecosystem, giving lenders the confidence to make informed, responsible decisions while helping consumers build stronger financial futures. For decades, we’ve invested in the integrity, predictiveness, and security of our data and in the systems, compliance frameworks, and technology that deliver millions of credit reports and scores securely, consistently, and in real-time. This same infrastructure also supports consumers directly - helping them understand their credit, resolve questions, and take control of their financial health. Together, these investments ensure the mortgage market remains stable, transparent, and trusted. To accelerate score choice adoption, VantageScore 4.0 is available within Experian’s award-winning Ascend Analytical Sandbox, enabling lenders, resellers, and other market participants to model, test, and analyze score performance. Lenders can also enhance decisioning with Experian’s Cashflow Score and Cashflow Attributes, which provide deeper insights into borrower financial behavior (such as income, expenses, and cash reserves) to better serve consumers with limited or emerging credit histories. Experian’s commitment to innovation that fuels competition and expands access to credit is unwavering. From VantageScore to our award-winning Experian Verify and Power Profile Plus solutions, we’re transforming how lenders evaluate consumers and make confident, informed credit decisions. At the same time, we’re empowering millions of consumers directly through Experian Boost, which helps expand credit histories by adding positive cell phone, utility, insurance, and rent payments, and Experian RentBureau, the nation’s largest database of rental payment history. Together, these innovations give lenders a more complete view of financial behavior and open the door to affordable credit and sustainable homeownership for more consumers. Ultimately, this is about greater choice, lower costs, and broader access - helping lenders serve more borrowers and creating a mortgage market that works better for everyone.

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.

We can unequivocally say artificial intelligence (AI) is single-handedly transforming industries right in front of our eyes. From improving fraud detection to developing AI-powered chatbots to manage customer inquiries, AI is reshaping how businesses innovate and operate. As we navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of AI, businesses across the spectrum have to continue balancing innovation with ensuring the technology is used in a responsible and ethical manner. At Experian, we believe the dual focus not only drives our technological advancements forward but reinforces our commitment to helping provide fair and transparent outcomes for consumers. We recognize the power of AI lies in its ability to transform data into actionable insights, empowering businesses to make more informed decisions, enhance customer experiences and improve operational efficiencies. For instance, we recently launched the Experian Assistant, which is part of the Experian Ascend Platform™. This agentic AI tool leverages natural language inputs to help reduce the time it takes to develop complex analytical models and solve for multifaceted use cases. In addition, the tool allows financial institutions to explore vast datasets and deliver more value to customers.  However, with great power comes great responsibility. As we continue to harness the technology and unlock the full potential of AI, we are committed to understanding and defining the right frameworks for responsible innovation and the ethical use of AI solutions.  Our approach to the responsible use of AI allows us to get ahead of the potential risks instead of responding and reacting. Experian’s governance frameworks on the use of AI are built on intentional and deliberate choices about our policies and principles; it empowers us to innovate, as well as build trust with our clients, consumers and the broader community.  We believe that ethical AI use is a fundamental aspect of our corporate responsibility. In addition to our internal governance, we actively collaborate with our clients and other industry leaders to help shape the future of AI. Actively engaging with industry stakeholders allows to us to contribute to the standards that help promote transparency, fairness and accountability. While we are excited about the potential of AI and its ability to transform the financial services industry and beyond, we are steadfast in our commitment to its responsible use. To realize the full promise of AI, all stakeholders need to be a force for positive change. Related Posts

For the sixth year in a row, Experian North America has been named to Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For. This year, we ranked 60. I could not be prouder of the culture we’ve built on a foundation of support, collaboration and inspiration. Because of our team’s commitment to our shared mission, we are a trusted consumer brand, empowering consumers in more ways than we ever have before. And, because of our team’s commitment to innovation, we are a leader in data and technology, helping our clients excel in their industries every day. The list is based on the results of the Great Place to Work survey: 92% of colleagues say Experian’s flexible ways of working enable them to work productively and that they’re made to feel welcome when they join our team. And 90% feel good about the ways we contribute to the community. The year ahead is about unlocking our full potential which brings together our unmatched data, market opportunities and a team that’s passionate about building what’s next. Experian is poised to deliver some of our most impactful solutions yet for the clients and consumers who count on us. Our commitment to bring Financial Power to All has been honored with the 2025 BIG Innovation Award for groundbreaking generative AI-powered tool, Experian Assistant, Top Score in the 2025 Corporate Equality Index, Top Workplace for Disability Inclusion, and as one of the 25 World’s Best Workplaces™ 2024. Learn more about Experian in our Experian Power of YOU Report 2024 available in English, Portuguese and Spanish. 

Homeownership is a goal for many across the income spectrum; however, the goal can often feel unattainable. Rising home prices, elevated interest rates and high down payments and closing costs are significant barriers to homeownership, particularly for first-time homebuyers. We also can’t forget that historical policies and practices made it nearly impossible for minorities to buy homes in certain areas, regardless of income, prohibiting families from building generational wealth—a ripple effect that continues to impact aspiring homeowners today. While banks and other mortgage servicers offer programs to help low- and moderate-income individuals and households, including down payment assistance, these programs only scratch the surface. Homeownership is more than just a down payment and the purchase price; it’s insurance, HOA fees, maintenance and repairs, property taxes, and more. But it’s not just the financial aspect; the mortgage process itself can feel complex and overwhelming. First-time homebuyers don’t know what they don’t know. The financial services and mortgage communities have an opportunity to demystify the mortgage and homebuying processes and equip prospective homebuyers with the knowledge to better plan and prepare for homeownership. Financial knowledge is the foundation for economic empowerment Because of the stigma surrounding homeownership, many consumers don’t believe homeownership is a possibility for them. The truth is it can be, and it’s our responsibility, as an industry, to help them realize it. That means going into communities and engaging people in a direct conversation, understanding the challenges they’re experiencing, and helping them navigate them. Some of the common questions we hear include: What is a good credit score to buy a home? How do I qualify? When is a good time to buy? Knowledge is power. People welcome the opportunity to learn more about the mortgage process. Fortunately, the onus doesn’t fall on any one organization. We all play a role. For instance, at Experian, we’ve worked with programs such as HomeFree-USA’s Fast Track to Homeownership, which is designed to get renters ready for mortgage approval and homeownership. Its intermediary network oversees 53 affiliated community and faith-based housing counseling agencies across the nation. Additionally, Experian is part the Mortgage Banker Association’s CONVERGENCE Collaborative, a charitable organization designed to address the racial homeownership gap. The effort brings together various stakeholders across the mortgage industry to provide the knowledge and resources to help underserved communities achieve their homeownership goals. Financial literacy is the cornerstone of economic empowerment. Collaborating with community-based organizations, as well as non-profits, can help members of the financial services and mortgage industries more effectively reach prospective homebuyers and help them develop a game plan to achieve their financial goals. Homeownership is a pathway to financial security—but for too many, it feels out of reach. Now is the time for industry-wide collaboration to create lasting impact. Through financial literacy and equitable access to mortgage opportunities, we can build a stronger, more inclusive housing market for future generations. Related Posts