Financial security has become one of the most pressing concerns in today’s workforce. Rising living costs, higher debt, market volatility and an ever-growing threat of identity theft are putting pressure on employees across every income level. For employers, this shift presents both a challenge and an opportunity: how to meaningfully support employees’ financial well-being in a way that drives engagement, loyalty and long-term success. The reality is clear. Traditional benefits alone are no longer enough. While a steady paycheck, insurance coverage, and retirement plans remain essential, employees increasingly expect their employers to play a more active role in helping them manage day-to-day finances, build credit confidence and protect their identities. When financial stress goes unaddressed, it impacts productivity, mental health and retention, and employers feel the effects just as strongly as their people do. Why fragmented benefits fall short Many organizations offer pieces of financial protection, but those offerings are often disconnected. Identity protection may stop at basic monitoring and alerts. Credit education is frequently limited to static resources that don’t reflect real-life financial behavior. Financial wellness tools, when available, are often treated as optional perks rather than foundational benefits. The problem isn’t a lack of tools; it’s a lack of connection. Employees don’t need more standalone solutions; they need integrated support that meets them where they are and evolves with their financial lives. The rise of all-in-one financial protection Forward-thinking employers are redefining their benefits strategies by adopting a holistic approach to financial well-being. The new standard combines three essential pillars into a single, cohesive experience: Credit education helps employees understand their credit profiles, build healthier habits and make informed financial decisions that unlock better opportunities. Financial wellness tools provide personalized guidance for budgeting, saving, managing debt and planning for the future, reducing stress and improving confidence along the way. Identity protection safeguards employees against fraud and cyber threats with proactive monitoring, alerts and hands-on recovery support when it matters most. When these elements work together, employees are better equipped to protect their paychecks, secure their identities and plan for long-term stability. The result is a workforce that feels supported, empowered and engaged. Turning financial well-being into a strategic advantage At Experian®, we believe financial well-being should be a strategic advantage, not an afterthought. Our all-in-one employee benefits solutions are designed to deliver measurable impact, from improved credit outcomes and reduced financial stress to stronger engagement and retention. By partnering with us, employers can offer a seamless, scalable and trusted experience that supports employees through every stage of their financial journey, while reinforcing their commitment to employee well-being. Download the full report Want to learn more about how credit education, financial wellness and identity protection come together to create a stronger benefits strategy? Download our report to explore the data, insights and strategies shaping the future of employee financial benefits and how your organization can lead the way.

What is new account fraud? New account fraud occurs any time a bad actor creates an account in your system utilizing a fake or stolen identity. This process is referred to by different names, such as account takeover fraud, account creation fraud, or account opening fraud. Examples of some of the more common types of new account fraud include: Synthetic identity (ID) fraud: This type of fraud occurs when the scammer uses a real, stolen credential combined with fake credentials. For example, they might use someone’s real Social Security number combined with a fake email. Identity theft: In this case, the fraudster uses personal information they stole to create a new scam account. Fake identity: With this type of fraud, scammers create an account with wholly fake credentials that haven’t been stolen from any particular person. New account fraud may target individuals, but the repercussions spill over to impact entire organizations. In fact, many scammers utilize bots to attempt to steal information or create fake accounts en masse, upping the stakes even more. Explore fraud solutions

Experian Automotive Series | What Auto Marketers Are Prioritizing in the Second Half of 2025 Updated November 17th  As we close out our four-part series on what auto marketers are prioritizing in the second half of 2025, we’re shifting gears from strategy to execution. It’s time to explore how marketers are operationalizing data, seeking clarity, and building emotional connections that deepen relationships with customers. With the end of the year’s competitive automotive landscape, clarity and connection aren’t just buzzwords—they’re the cornerstones of growth and loyalty for 2026. Let’s start by exploring how clarity empowers today’s marketers to steer their strategies with control. Clarity: Putting marketers in the driver’s seat Data-guided auto marketers who leverage data insights have a clearer understanding of where consumers are on their car-buying journey. You can learn whether car buyers are gearing up for: A longer commute and want an electric vehicle (or a hybrid vehicle).1 Expanding their family and want a top-tier safety rating with cargo space. Factoring in market trends and wanting to be more economical.2 Creating a new and loyal customer base requires dealers, marketers, and OEMs to focus on clarity and connection. This will be more relevant than ever in the final days of 2025. Gone are the days when dealers and agencies used platforms and tools they did not understand. More businesses are simplifying their services and products by offering guides, Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, tutorials, consultants, and webinars. At Experian Automotive, we’re here to do just that, bringing clarity to our auto solutions, such as the Experian Marketing Engine (EME). While the EME tool has robust and dynamic data, two of our most widely used features — AutoAudiences and AutoInsights — stand out for their impact. Let’s break them down in the simplest way: AutoInsights helps marketers define where, what, and how. AutoAudiences helps reach who to target and when they might be in the market. For further clarification, savvy marketers leverage AutoInsights to strategize and understand their market, then activate AutoAudiences to curate marketing opportunities. With these tools empowering clarity, it’s equally important to focus on building genuine connections with car shoppers. Connection: Personalized experiences that drive sales Building a strong connection starts by truly understanding what consumers need and where they are on their car-buying journey. It’s important to know how consumers plan to use their vehicle and how they have serviced their cars in the past (or how they plan to service them in the future). By focusing on these details, marketers and dealerships can create more meaningful relationships and deliver helpful, relevant experiences that customers value. On the journey to better connections, consider your customers’ communication preferences, 2026 plans, and affordability.3 “Human connection…separates good stores from great ones,” notes Dealer Principal, Matt Birckhead at Sir Walter Chevrolet4 , while General Manager, Michael Wood at Jaguar Land Rover Virginia Beach collaborates with his Digital Director, Ryan Montville, to generate vehicle specs and feature descriptions that connect emotionally with target buyers 5. Key Takeaway: Automotive marketers who leverage data-informed clarity and authentic customer connection are best positioned to drive growth and loyalty in the final days of 2025 into 2026. By using innovative tools like Experian Marketing Engine, focusing on consumer needs, and personalizing every interaction, dealerships, agencies, and OEMs can optimize campaigns and foster lasting relationships. Mastering clarity with data and building emotional connections are the keys to success in automotive marketing today.

testing side bar Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum. andard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It h

Paragraph Block-  is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum. New Text! This is an image caption This image is linked to google Heading 2 Heading 3 Heading 4 Heading 5 This is a list Item 1 Item 2 Sub list Sub list 2 Sub list 3 More list More list 2 More list 3 More more Learn more about credit Credit Button Credit Automotive This is the pull quote block Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s,This is the citation This is the pull quote block Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s,This is the citation Table elementTable elementTable elementmy tablemy tablemy tableTable element Table elementTable element Media Text Block of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum My Small H5 Title My first column title Many desktop publishing packages and web page editors now use Lorem Ipsum as their default model text, and a search for 'lorem ipsum' will uncover many web sites still in their infancy.  My second column title Many desktop publishing packages and web page editors now use Lorem Ipsum as their default model text, and a search for 'lorem ipsum' will uncover many web sites still in their infancy.  Button Group Heading 1 This is Icon List Heading 2 This is more info Heading 3 Last info Heading 1 This is Icon List Heading 2 This is more info Heading 3 This last icon Related Posts typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.

By Joy Mina, Director, Product Commercialization  As the verification landscape evolves amid rising fraud and increasing demand for digital efficiency, a strategic reassessment of how we ensure data accuracy is no longer optional—it’s imperative. In this environment, trust must be built not only in consumer identities but also in the datasets lenders use to make critical decisions. At Experian, we believe a thoughtful, layered approach to identity verification and data validation is key to building that trust.   Rethinking Data Confidence: Why Pinning Matters More Than Ever  The rise in synthetic identity fraud and employer misrepresentation has challenged traditional income and employment verification models. In fact, recent fraud studies show that synthetic identity fraud accounted for 27% of all fraud reported by U.S. businesses in 2023, with expectations of a surge in 2024 due to AI-generated deepfakes and evolving scams1. The consequences are not only financial—they also erode lender confidence in verification outcomes.  To help lenders meet these challenges head-on, Experian Verify™ employs a multi-step, comprehensive PIN approach that leverages our vast credit and verification data ecosystems to validate both the who and the what of every piece of data associated with a Verification transaction.   The Mechanics of Dual Pinning: More Than Just Matching  1st Pin – Verifying Identity with Credit Bureau Rigor  When a verification inquiry is submitted, Experian Verify uses advanced PII (personally identifiable information) search algorithms to confirm the individual exists within Experian’s credit database. The “PIN” refers to a unique person identification number that is assigned to each consumer within Experian’s Credit ecosystem. If the consumer cannot be “pinned,” the verification transaction stops, and no data is returned. This not only protects the lender from fraudulent inquiries but also prevents invalid results from progressing through the pipeline.  2nd Pin – Verifying Data Belongs to the Same Individual  This is the stage where the industry often struggles. Other providers may stop after a single PII match—commonly a Social Security Number. But with increasing risks of misattributed or incomplete data and a growing number of state regulations requiring more than just SSN matches, that’s no longer sufficient. Further, most Data Providers sourcing the data into the Verifications ecosystem have the flexibility to define their own consumer match logic or may even use “fuzzy” matching logic, which exposes both the client and the distributing partner to the risk of matching the wrong consumer without additional, redundant controls to confirm the identity of the consumer records returned.  Experian Verify not only pins the PII from the lender but also pins the PII data received back from each data source (employer or payroll provider) and employment record. For each data source, the PIN must match the original inquiry PIN for data from that source to make it onto an Experian Verify report. A mismatch may indicate that the PII from the data source may not be for the same consumer as the initial inquiry—ensuring the final report contains only information with a high confidence match.  This process mitigates risk and protects lenders from intentional or unintentional fraud. For example, if a consumer were to apply for a loan and accidentally enter an incorrect SSN (or other PII), the legacy method of hard matching on SSN would result in data from the wrong consumer being returned from the verifications provider.  Experian Verify avoids this by a redundant and secure design:  Multiple PII data elements are used to search and retrieve a PIN  The PII from the lender is pinned  The PII returned in the data payload from each data source is pinned  The consumer PIN from the lender must match that of a data source for data from that source to be used in a Verify report  This multi-step, comprehensive pin method provides an essential safeguard in an industry where even minor data discrepancies can have major implications.   Industry Comparison: Moving Beyond Minimal Match Models  According to Arizent Research, 95% of mortgage lenders say “completeness of data” and “speed to decision” are critical priorities, but many still rely on verification systems that use basic or single-element hard matching 2. That exposes both lenders and borrowers to greater risks of misidentification or fraudulent records.  Experian’s PIN Algorithm requires a minimum of three data elements (e.g., Name, SSN, and DOB), enhancing accuracy and reducing false positives—even when data entry errors occur. It’s a foundational practice we believe should become standard across the industry.   Why This Matters in Today’s Mortgage Climate  With the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) approving new models like VantageScore 4.0 and FICO 10T, the industry is moving toward broader, more inclusive underwriting standards—many of which rely on data beyond traditional credit 3. That includes rental history, income trends, and even employment stability. But the promise of these expanded datasets can only be realized if the data itself is reliable.  Experian’s investment in redundant identity pinning and advanced search algorithms is part of a broader strategy to bring clarity, accuracy, and trust to the verification process—especially as digital lending ecosystems scale.   Looking Ahead: Recommendations for Industry Best Practice  To help move the industry forward, we propose three pillars of verification best practice:  Mandate Multi-Layer Identity Validation – A single hard match on PII data elements isn’t enough. Multi-factor validation should be the norm and ensure that all data on a VOIE report goes through the same level of validation.  Go beyond data provider identity validation – Many data providers will return income and employment data based on hard matches, often using only 1 or 2 data elements. While we like to trust, we always verify and ensure the data meets Experian’s standards.  Insist on Data Accountability – Only include verified, matched data in reports. Inaccurate data should be filtered out by design, not exception.  Adopt Scalable, Real-Time Tools – Instant verifications save time but must be paired with controls that preserve data integrity.   Conclusion: Building a Safer Verification Ecosystem  Verification is no longer just a checkbox on a loan application—it’s a critical part of credit risk, borrower experience, and fraud prevention. As fraud methods become more sophisticated, verification providers must lead with transparency, data integrity, and advanced identity science.  Experian Verify’s pinning methodology is not just a competitive differentiator—it’s a blueprint for where the industry should go next.   Footnotes   Let me know if you’d like this formatted into a formal PDF or published as a blog with visuals.  Footnotes  Experian State of the U.S. Rental Housing Market Report 2025, pg. 15: Synthetic identity fraud accounted for 27% of all fraud types reported by U.S. businesses in 2023, with rising concern about AI-generated fraud in 2024. ↩  Arizent / National Mortgage News Whitepaper (2024): 95% of mortgage lenders rated “data completeness” and “speed to receive data” as critical or highly important when selecting a VOIE solution. ↩  Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) News Release, Oct 24, 2022: FHFA validated and approved both VantageScore 4.0 and FICO 10T for use by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Implementation date to be announced. ↩ 

EES form

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum. Related Posts uam est qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consecteturJR The Author

Updated November 17th Related Posts Link to automotive form, business form

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Phasellus at nisl nunc. Sed et nunc a erat vestibulum faucibus. Sed fermentum placerat mi aliquet vulputate. In hac habitasse platea dictumst. Maecenas ante dolor, venenatis vitae neque pulvinar, gravida gravida quam. Phasellus tempor rhoncus ante, ac viverra justo scelerisque at. Sed sollicitudin elit vitae est lobortis luctus. Mauris vel ex at metus cursus vestibulum lobortis cursus quam. Donec egestas cursus ex quis molestie. Mauris vel porttitor sapien. Curabitur tempor velit nulla, in tempor enim lacinia vitae. Sed cursus nunc nec auctor aliquam. Morbi fermentum, nisl nec pulvinar dapibus, lectus justo commodo lectus, eu interdum dolor metus et risus. Vivamus bibendum dolor tellus, ut efficitur nibh porttitor nec. Pellentesque habitant morbi tristique senectus et netus et malesuada fames ac turpis egestas. Maecenas facilisis pellentesque urna, et porta risus ornare id. Morbi augue sem, finibus quis turpis vitae, lobortis malesuada erat. Nullam vehicula rutrum urna et rutrum. Mauris convallis ac quam eget ornare. Nunc pellentesque risus dapibus nibh auctor tempor. Nulla neque tortor, feugiat in aliquet eget, tempus eget justo. Praesent vehicula aliquet tellus, ac bibendum tortor ullamcorper sit amet. Pellentesque tempus lacus eget aliquet euismod. Nam quis sapien metus. Nam eu interdum orci. Sed consequat, lectus quis interdum placerat, purus leo venenatis mi, ut ullamcorper dui lorem sit amet nunc. Donec semper suscipit quam eu blandit. Sed quis maximus metus. Nullam efficitur efficitur viverra. Curabitur egestas eu arcu in cursus. H1 asdf asdf H2 H3 H4 Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vestibulum dapibus ullamcorper ex, sed congue massa. Duis at fringilla nisi. Aenean eu nibh vitae quam auctor ultrices. Donec consequat mattis viverra. Morbi sed egestas ante. Vivamus ornare nulla sapien. Integer mollis semper egestas. Cras vehicula erat eu ligula commodo vestibulum. Fusce at pulvinar urna, ut iaculis eros. Pellentesque volutpat leo non dui aliquet, sagittis auctor tellus accumsan. Curabitur nibh mauris, placerat sed pulvinar in, ullamcorper non nunc. Praesent id imperdiet lorem. H5 Curabitur id purus est. Fusce porttitor tortor ut ante volutpat egestas. Quisque imperdiet lobortis justo, ac vulputate eros imperdiet ut. Phasellus erat urna, pulvinar id turpis sit amet, aliquet dictum metus. Fusce et dapibus ipsum, at lacinia purus. Vestibulum euismod lectus quis ex porta, eget elementum elit fermentum. Sed semper convallis urna, at ultrices nibh euismod eu. Cras ultrices sem quis arcu fermentum viverra. Nullam hendrerit venenatis orci, id dictum leo elementum et. Sed mattis facilisis lectus ac laoreet. Nam a turpis mattis, egestas augue eu, faucibus ex. Integer pulvinar ut risus id auctor. Sed in mauris convallis, interdum mi non, sodales lorem. Praesent dignissim libero ligula, eu mattis nibh convallis a. Nunc pulvinar venenatis leo, ac rhoncus eros euismod sed. Quisque vulputate faucibus elit, vitae varius arcu congue et. Ut maximus felis quis diam accumsan suscipit. Etiam tellus erat, ultrices vitae molestie ut, bibendum id ipsum. Aenean eu dolor posuere, tincidunt libero vel, mattis mauris. Aliquam erat volutpat. Sed sit amet placerat nulla. Mauris diam leo, iaculis eget turpis a, condimentum laoreet ligula. Nunc in odio imperdiet, tincidunt velit in, lacinia urna. Aenean ultricies urna tempor, condimentum sem eget, aliquet sapien. Ut convallis cursus dictum. In hac habitasse platea dictumst. Ut eleifend eget erat vitae tempor. Nam tempus pulvinar dui, ac auctor augue pharetra nec. Sed magna augue, interdum a gravida ac, lacinia quis erat. Pellentesque fermentum in enim at tempor. Proin suscipit, odio ut lobortis semper, est dolor maximus elit, ac fringilla lorem ex eu mauris. Phasellus vitae elit et dui fermentum ornare. Vestibulum non odio nec nulla accumsan feugiat nec eu nibh. Cras tincidunt sem sed lacinia mollis. Vivamus augue justo, placerat vel euismod vitae, feugiat at sapien. Maecenas sed blandit dolor. Maecenas vel mauris arcu. Morbi id ligula congue, feugiat nisl nec, vulputate purus. Nunc nec aliquet tortor. Maecenas interdum lectus a hendrerit tristique. Ut sit amet feugiat velit. Test Yes asedtsdfd asdf asdf adsf Related Posts

With cybersecurity threats consistently on the rise, organizations are turning to token-based authentication as a secure and efficient solution to safeguard sensitive data and systems. Data breaches impacted 1.1 billion individuals in 2024, a staggering 490% increase from the previous year.1 Token-based authentication is a method of verifying a user's identity through digital tokens rather than traditional means such as passwords. These tokens are temporary and serve as access keys, allowing users to securely interact with systems, applications, and networks. The goal of token authentication is to strengthen security while improving the user experience. Instead of relying solely on static credentials (like passwords), which can be intercepted or stolen, leveraging a type of multi-factor authentication like tokens adds an additional layer of security by functioning as dynamic access credentials. How token-based authentication works Token authentication unfolds through a series of steps to ensure robust security. Here's a simplified breakdown of how it works in practice: User request and authentication: When a user attempts to log in, they provide their credentials (e.g., username and password). These credentials are verified by the authentication server. Token generation: After verifying the user's credentials, the server generates a token — a cryptographically secured string often containing information like the user's ID and permissions. Token sent to the user: The generated token is sent back to the user or their device to confirm authentication. Token usage for access: Now authenticated, the user uses the token to access the system or application. The token is passed along with each request to ensure the user is authorized to proceed. Token validation: Each time a token is presented to the server, its integrity and expiration are verified. If the token is valid, access is granted; if not, the session is terminated. Token expiration and renewal: Tokens are typically temporary and expire after a set period. Users must either re-authenticate or renew the token for continued access. This limits the time window during which a stolen token can be misused. Types of token authentication methods Token authentication comes in different forms to meet various use case requirements. Common types include: JSON Web Tokens (JWT) Lightweight, self-contained, and easily transferred between clients and servers, JWT is one of the most widely used token formats. It includes claims, which are bits of information about a user encoded within the token, such as roles and permissions. Example: A financial application uses JWTs to ensure only registered users can access private account data. OAuth tokens OAuth is an industry-standard authorization protocol that uses tokens to grant limited access to applications without revealing the user's credentials. It’s often used for third-party service integration. Example: When you log into an e-commerce platform using your Google credentials, OAuth tokens authorize access. Session tokens These are temporary tokens stored on the server to track authenticated sessions, commonly used in web applications to ensure secure browsing. Example: Online banking platforms rely on session tokens for secure user sessions. Refresh tokens Refresh tokens are designed to renew access tokens without requiring the user to log in repeatedly. They extend session durations while maintaining a high-security standard. Example: A subscription service app uses refresh tokens to maintain a seamless user experience without frequent logouts. Benefits of token-based authentication Token-based authentication offers several advantages that make it a preferred security measure for organizations of all sizes. Enhanced security: Tokens reduce the risk of breaches as they are temporary and encrypted. They’re also specific to sessions, applications, or devices, meaning unauthorized users cannot reuse stolen tokens effectively. Elimination of password reliance: Tokens reduce dependence on static passwords, which are often reused and susceptible to brute-force attacks. This bolsters an organization’s overall cybersecurity posture. Improved user experience: Token authentication allows for more seamless interactions by minimizing the need for repeated logins. With features like single sign-on (SSO), users enjoy convenient access to multiple platforms with a single token. Scalability: Tokens are flexible and can adapt to varied business use cases, making them ideal for organizations of all scales. For instance, application programming interfaces (APIs) and microservices can communicate securely via token exchanges. Supports compliance: Token-based authentication helps organizations meet regulatory compliance requirements by offering robust access control and audit trails. This is critical for industries like finance, healthcare, and e-commerce. Cost efficiency: While implementing token-based authentication may require an initial investment, it reduces long-term risks and costs associated with data breaches, system downtime, and customer trust. How Experian can help strengthen your authentication process At Experian, we recognize that strong security measures should never compromise the user experience. That's why we offer cutting-edge identity solutions tailored to meet the needs of organizations. Our tools allow you to integrate token-based authentication seamlessly into your systems while ensuring compliance with security best practices and industry regulations. Are you ready to take your business's security and user experience to the next level? Visit us online today. Learn more 12024-2025 Data Breach Response Guide, Experian, 2024. This article includes content created by an AI language model and is intended to provide general information.

The financial services industry faces increasing pressure to innovate in today's fluctuating interest rate environment. For regional banks and credit unions, effective deposit growth strategies involve more than just offering attractive rates. Leveraging data and analytics is key to enhancing deposit portfolios, improving customer engagement, and fostering financial wellness. By prioritizing consumer-focused solutions, institutions can achieve dual benefits: driving organizational growth while meeting customer needs. For a deeper dive into this subject, check out our on-demand webinar “Growing Beyond Interest Rates: The Opportunity for Demand Deposit Accounts.” The current state of interest rates and market dynamics As interest rates change, financial institutions encounter shrinking margins and heightened competition. The stakes are high: 54% of consumers plan to leave their banks within the next year1, often citing unmet expectations for personalized services and financial guidance2​​. This competitive environment requires innovative strategies to retain customers and attract new ones without solely relying on interest rates. Key challenges: Shrinking margins due to rate volatility. Increased competition from fintechs and alternative providers. Rising consumer expectations for personalized, proactive services. Leveraging data and analytics in your deposit growth strategies Regional banks and credit unions can distinguish themselves by investing in advanced data analytics and personalized engagement tools. These strategies help create value for customers while improving the institution’s operational efficiency and revenue potential. 1. Personalization through financial insights According to Experian data, more than half of consumers expect their financial provider to actively support their financial wellness2. However, one-third feel that current efforts fall short3​. Offering tools like spending trackers, budgeting resources, and personalized credit score improvement plans can help close this gap. 2. Engagement-driven solutions Consumers are more likely to stay loyal to institutions that provide actionable insights. Experian’s partners have seen a 5% lift in 12-month retention rates among customers enrolled in credit and identity programs according to data reported by partners2​. Alerts for credit monitoring and financial updates not only keep customers informed but also help drive monthly logins, enhancing cross-sell opportunities. 3. Identity and data protection as value-added services With the increasing threat of identity theft, proactive identity monitoring and restoration services are becoming critical. Banks offering these features—branded under their name—can boost customer satisfaction and loyalty​​. Practical steps for regional banks and credit unions To capitalize on these opportunities, financial institutions should consider the following steps: Step 1: Develop a customer-centric engagement program Tailor programs to different demographic groups. Millennials and Gen Z are particularly drawn to tech-savvy solutions that integrate seamlessly with their financial lives. By consolidating financial management tools within one portal, banks can help simplify customers’ lives and enhance engagement. Step 2: Focus on retention and cross-sell opportunities Consumers engaged with financial tools, such as credit score trackers or budgeting aids, exhibit stronger loyalty and are more likely to adopt additional products​. Use insights from these tools to offer personalized product recommendations that align with their financial journey. Step 3: Offer premium tiers Institutions can create tiered service packages, starting with free offerings (e.g., basic credit monitoring) and progressing to paid premium packages that include advanced identity protection or financial management analytics​​. Step 4: Utilize advanced analytics for targeting By analyzing anonymized customer data, banks can identify high-value segments and tailor marketing efforts to their specific needs. This targeted approach fosters more meaningful relationships and improves ROI on acquisition campaigns​. Case for Action: Why consumer engagement matters A customer engagement program does more than enhance loyalty, it helps drive measurable outcomes: Retention rates: Over 98% for free services and 91% for paid programs.4 Improved credit scores: Subprime consumers enrolled in credit-building tools see an average credit score increase of 32 points​​.5 Higher satisfaction scores: Some institutions offering comprehensive financial tools report a lift in Net Promoter Scores (NPS)​. Conclusion The path forward for regional banks and credit unions lies in moving beyond rate-based competition and looking to multipronged deposit growth strategies. By leveraging data, analytics, and consumer-focused programs, financial institutions can enhance their deposit portfolios and deepen customer relationships. Now is the time to transform engagement into a growth engine, ensuring long-term success in a dynamic market. Ready to elevate your deposit portfolio with our tailored solutions? Click below to learn more or contact us to schedule a consultation and design a program that meets your organization’s goals. Learn more Watch the webinar 1 Retail Bank Customer Satisfaction Holds Steady but Trust Declines, J.D. Power Finds, 2024 2 Experian internal analysis, 2024 3 MX, What Influences Where Consumers Choose to Bank, June 2023 4 Experian Core metrics analysis, October 2023 5 Experian Data, Credit Score Rates with subprime consumers, June 2022 – June 2023

As Valentine’s Day approaches, hearts will melt, but some will inevitably be broken by romance scams. This season of love creates an opportune moment for scammers to prey on individuals feeling lonely or seeking connection. Financial institutions should take this time to warn customers about the heightened risks and encourage vigilance against fraud. In a tale as heart-wrenching as it is cautionary, a French woman named Anne was conned out of nearly $855,000 in a romance scam that lasted over a year. Believing she was communicating with Hollywood star Brad Pitt; Anne was manipulated by scammers who leveraged AI technology to impersonate the actor convincingly. Personalized messages, fabricated photos, and elaborate lies about financial needs made the scam seem credible. Anne’s story, though extreme, highlights the alarming prevalence and sophistication of romance scams in today’s digital age. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), nearly 70,000 Americans reported romance scams in 2022, with losses totaling $1.3 billion—an average of $4,400 per victim. These scams, which play on victims’ emotions, are becoming increasingly common and devastating, targeting individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Financial institutions have a crucial role in protecting their customers from these schemes. The lifecycle of a romance scam Romance scams follow a consistent pattern: Feigned connection: Scammers create fake profiles on social media or dating platforms using attractive photos and minimal personal details. Building trust: Through lavish compliments, romantic conversations, and fabricated sob stories, scammers forge emotional bonds with their targets. Initial financial request: Once trust is established, the scammer asks for small financial favors, often citing emergencies. Escalation: Requests grow larger, with claims of dire situations such as medical emergencies or legal troubles. Disappearance: After draining the victim’s funds, the scammer vanishes, leaving emotional and financial devastation in their wake. Lloyds Banking Group reports that men made up 52% of romance scam victims in 2023, though women lost more on average (£9,083 vs. £5,145). Individuals aged 55-64 were the most susceptible, while those aged 65-74 faced the largest losses, averaging £13,123 per person. Techniques scammers use Romance scammers are experts in manipulation. Common tactics include: Fabricated sob stories: Claims of illness, injury, or imprisonment. Investment opportunities: Offers to “teach” victims about investing. Military or overseas scenarios: Excuses for avoiding in-person meetings. Gift and delivery scams: Requests for money to cover fake customs fees. How financial institutions can help Banks and financial institutions are on the frontlines of combating romance scams. By leveraging technology and adopting proactive measures, they can intercept fraud before it causes irreparable harm. 1. Customer education and awareness Conduct awareness campaigns to educate clients about common scam tactics. Provide tips on recognizing fake profiles and unsolicited requests. Share real-life stories, like Anne’s, to highlight the risks. 2. Advanced data capture solutions Implement systems that gather and analyze real-time customer data, such as IP addresses, browsing history, and device usage patterns. Use behavioral analytics to detect anomalies in customer actions, such as hesitation or rushed transactions, which may indicate stress or coercion. 3. AI and machine learning Utilize AI-driven tools to analyze vast datasets and identify suspicious patterns. Deploy daily adaptive models to keep up with emerging fraud trends. 4. Real-time fraud interception Establish rules and alerts to flag unusual transactions. Intervene with personalized messages before transfers occur, asking “Do you know and trust this person?” Block transactions if fraud is suspected, ensuring customers’ funds are secure. Collaborating for greater impact Financial institutions cannot combat romance scams alone. Partnerships with social media platforms, AI companies, and law enforcement are essential. Social media companies must shut down fake profiles proactively, while regulatory frameworks should enable banks to share information about at-risk customers. Conclusion Romance scams exploit the most vulnerable aspects of human nature: the desire for love and connection. Stories like Anne’s underscore the emotional and financial toll these scams take on victims. However, with robust technological solutions and proactive measures, financial institutions can play a pivotal role in protecting their customers. By staying ahead of fraud trends and educating clients, banks can ensure that the pursuit of love remains a source of joy, not heartbreak. Learn more

Debt collectors face a multitude of challenges when it comes to contacting the right people at the right time and improving their processes for collections. We interviewed Matt Baltzer, Senior Product Management Director at Experian, to learn more about how his team is helping debt collectors engage their customers and optimize their collection strategies.