Innovation

Chief Innovation Officer, Kathleen Peters recently spoke on an “AI at Velocity: Securing the Agentic Enterprise” panel at Fortune Brainstorm AI, exploring strategies for designing, deploying, and securing agents to ensure observability and control from day one.  The panel covered a core theme that underscores how to accelerate enterprise adoption of AI agents: promoting trust. The discussion explored different dimensions of trust in AI agents, all of which speak to strengths of Experian. First, Kathleen cited the critical need to know the intent behind an agent, verifying whether it is acting on behalf of a human, another agent, or a bad actor. Also, understanding the permissions that the agent has been given is very important. Here, Experian’s identify protection and fraud prevention solutions play a key role.   Second, trust is built through policy guardrails that enterprises put in place that provide a framework for its network operations across the governance, orchestration, and execution layers. Ensuring proper security of agentic processes becomes the top priority for businesses and consumers who engage with the enterprise. This security is especially important in highly regulated industries, such as financial services and healthcare.  These policy guardrails will serve two purposes: differentiate a brand’s customer experience and eventually become the foundation for industry-wide regulatory standards. These guardrails need to be enforced by a policy engine that should have the capability to remediate or reverse the action of an AI agent if its actions violate any policy.  Experian Ascend Platform’s feature set includes this kind of governance and orchestration of agentic-AI processes to ensure the highest standards of data privacy and protection, and keep our customers safe and secure.  The panel closed with a look-ahead to 2026 and beyond. Kathleen emphasized that agents will quickly move beyond automation of human tasks into new areas where they will “talk” to each other and even spawn new agents. In this fast-evolving landscape, building trust through enterprise policy and proper orchestration and governance of AI agents will separate the market winners from the rest.  Watch the virtual event here.

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

Fraud impacts more than just the bottom line. It affects confidence, relationships, and the sense of security that every business and customer depends on. At Experian, helping to rebuild that trust through data and technology has become part of who we are. That commitment was recently recognized when our Commercial First Party Fraud Score received the Gold Award for Banking Fraud Prevention in Juniper Research’s 2025 Fintech & Payments Awards. First party fraud is one of the most difficult types of financial crime to uncover. It often begins with what looks like a legitimate credit application, only to turn into a default or a “bust out” once credit has been extended. The losses can be significant, but what makes this type of fraud so challenging is how well it hides in plain sight. Our teams developed a new model that uses advanced machine learning and blends consumer and business insights. The Commercial First Party Fraud Score analyzes credit patterns and behavioral data from more than 250 million consumer records. It spots early warning signs that traditional credit models often miss, giving lenders a clearer picture of who they are working with from the start. In testing, the model identified 22 percent more fraudulent applications and 33 percent more high-risk applicants compared with older systems. This improvement helps organizations reduce costs, speed up onboarding, and better serve genuine customers. The recognition from Juniper Research is more than an award. It represents progress toward a safer and more transparent financial system. By combining innovation, data, and purpose, we continue to help businesses make smarter choices and protect the trust that keeps the economy moving. Learn more about the Juniper Research Fintech & Payments Awards here.

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.

Across financial services, conversations centered about the power of data, including insights gathered through open banking, are becoming more common – for good reasons. These insights offer a dynamic and holistic view of consumer financial health, capturing not just what has happened in the past, but how consumers are managing their money today. At Experian, we’ve always believed in the power of data to drive financial inclusion. That’s why we’ve combined the full strength of our industry-trusted credit data and alternative data assets with rich, consumer-permissioned cash flow information to create something entirely new: the Experian Credit + Cashflow Score. This innovative model harnesses the unmatched depth and quality of Experian data to deliver a more predictive, fair, and forward-looking view of creditworthiness. We’ve long believed in a future where the power of credit data is augmented by cash flow insights to drive inclusion. And with this new score, we’re taking an important step forward in making that vision a reality. Credit + Cashflow Score serves as a catalyst for a transformative shift in how lenders evaluate creditworthiness. One where innovation and inclusion move hand in hand. This is the latest example of how Experian is moving the industry toward a more connected, transparent, and equitable financial future. Bringing the Best of Credit and Cash Flow Together This is the first credit score to combine the predictive strength of consumer-permissioned cash flow data with our industry-trusted, differentiated data assets, including: Credit data, detailed credit account information on more than 220 million U.S. consumers. Trended data, providing a 24-month view of how consumers manage credit over time. Clarity Services data, the nation’s largest alternative credit bureau, expanding visibility into tens of millions of consumers who use nontraditional financial services and may otherwise lack traditional credit histories. By merging these powerful sets into a singular score, we’re helping lenders unlock a more complete and accurate understanding of consumer creditworthiness – enhancing predictive performance by over 40% when compared to conventional credit scores. Simply put, Experian Credit + Cashflow Score represents the next generation of credit scoring—bringing together the power of traditional credit data and real-time bank transaction insights to create a smarter, fairer system that works better for everyone. Powering Financial Opportunity for All The future of credit decisioning is transparent, inclusive, and powered by data that truly reflects how people live today. As we look forward to this, it’s critical we lean not just on the data itself, but on the infrastructure, trust and stewardship that support it. We are uniquely capable of meeting this moment and enabling our clients to leverage the combined power of cash flow information and differentiated data at scale to drive better consumer outcomes, expand access to credit and ultimately bring financial power to all. As lenders embrace open banking and real-time analytics, Experian is setting the standard for what’s next: responsible innovation that balances opportunity with trust.

Trust begins with knowing who you’re doing business with. In financial services, trust depends on identity verification, protecting people and institutions from fraud while enabling seamless digital experiences. Experian has been named a Leader in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Identity Verification in Financial Services 2025 Vendor Assessment (doc #US52985325, September 2025). We believe this recognition reflects years of innovation in data, analytics, and AI to make digital trust simpler and more secure. Rethinking Verification for a Digital World Identity verification has evolved beyond static data checks. Today, it means interpreting signals across systems in real time. Financial institutions must prevent fraud without slowing legitimate customers, and Experian’s Ascend Platform™ helps strike that balance. It unites diverse data sources with intelligent analytics and decisioning tools so organizations can confidently verify identities. “We’re constantly listening to clients and evolving our capabilities, integrating AI, behavioral analytics, and new approaches like ‘know your agent’ to stay ahead of emerging risks,” said Keith Little, President of Experian Software Solutions. From Data to Confidence Experian was recognized for the following strengths: Access to a broad and diverse range of proprietary identity and credit data sources enables multilayered verification across different financial services use cases. The platform incorporates risk-based authentication, progressive onboarding, and behavioral analytics that enable fraud detection with reduced friction. NeuroID integration expands capabilities in behavioral monitoring, including detection of fraud rings and bot behavior during digital onboarding. “Experian demonstrates strength in identity verification by combining broad data assets with scalable workflows,” said Sam Abadir, Research Director for IDC Financial Insights. “This offers financial institutions both the consistency required for compliance and fraud prevention, and the dynamism needed to adapt to evolving customer expectations.” Building the Future of Digital Trust The landscape of identity verification is constantly shifting as regulations tighten and fraud tactics evolve.  We lead by transforming vast data into actionable intelligence that protects people, strengthens businesses, and fosters trust. Experian’s identity verification offering is tackling the challenges of today, but equally important is our commitment to staying ahead of what’s next. To learn more. click here: Financial Services 2025 Vendor Assessment. 

Whether it’s pursuing homeownership, purchasing a family car, renting an apartment, or simply trying to secure everyday financial products, recent industry conversations have put a spotlight on the indispensable role data plays in driving smart decisions and improving access to credit.  In my role, I have the unique opportunity to demonstrate how data, including cash flow insights, can drive meaningful progress towards financial inclusion. At Experian, we believe these insights represent the next great evolution in credit.   Cash flow data is transforming how we understand consumer behavior, assess risk and open doors for consumers who have been historically left out of the mainstream financial ecosystem.  While cash flow insights are becoming central to the future of credit, it’s critical we lean not just on the data itself, but on the infrastructure, trust and stewardship that support it.   Our Commitment to Open Banking and Cash Flow Innovation    Experian has been leading open banking solutions internationally for over a decade and we’ve been building cash flow-based solutions in the U.S. for more than eight years. We are the only credit reporting agency offering both traditional credit scores and cash flow-based scoring solutions developed in-house. This unmatched vantage point allows us to uniquely understand how cash flow analytics, when leveraged with traditional credit data, can reveal a more complete picture of consumer financial health and help lenders distinguish between risk and resilience with greater precision.  Our cash flow-based solutions are designed to power smarter, more inclusive credit decisions across a variety of credit products and industries, including credit cards, personal loans, auto, housing and more.  For example, our Cashflow Score and Cashflow Attributes deliver up to a 25% lift in predictive performance when compared to conventional credit scores, while improving financial access for consumers historically left behind. In addition, our research shows that leveraging cash flow insights in the mortgage space results in a 35% increase in model accuracy and risk differentiation, underscoring its potential to transform credit evaluation in the housing industry.   These solutions are exclusive to Experian and powered by our Categorization Engine – a dynamic, machine learning model that processes approximately 30 million transactions every day with remarkable accuracy. And because the system learns continuously, it grows more intelligent and more precise with every interaction.   Infrastructure, Trust, and Scale  Our ability to help lenders use these insights at scale is grounded in our unmatched expertise and infrastructure. We’ve built one of the most sophisticated and secure data ecosystems in the world, underpinned by decades of responsible data stewardship. That foundation allows us to deliver new cash flow innovations to fintechs, credit unions, mortgage lenders and resellers, as well as large banks with confidence and integrity.  Our data science teams are among the most sophisticated in the industry, with deep expertise in developing predictive models and scores that power billions of lending decisions globally.  We know what it takes to translate data into meaningful, actionable insights that help lenders of all sizes make confident, fair and inclusive decisions, including tailoring their offerings and delivering the right products and services to consumers at the right time.   Leading the Industry Forward  Cash flow insights are a catalyst for a complete, inclusive view of financial health. And realizing that promise requires the right foundation: trusted data, powerful infrastructure, rigorous analytics, and the scale to make it work.  We have long served as a trusted backbone of the credit ecosystem, operating with governance, transparency, and accountability at our core. That same commitment extends to our work in cash flow analytics today.  As the industry embraces this new frontier, we are uniquely positioned to lead and help our clients turn these insights into action, enabling them to deepen customer relationships, tailor offerings to evolving needs, and ultimately empower more consumers to achieve meaningful financial milestones.  To learn more about Experian’s suite of cash flow-based solutions, please visit: https://www.experian.com/business/products/cashflow-score