At A Glance
At a Glance When an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type 2ince 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 ince 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 releaseince 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 releaseince 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 releaseince 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
In its 11th year, Experian's Data Breach Resolution group today released its annual Data Breach Industry Forecast for 2024. The report’s global outlook identifies potential moves cybercriminals near and far may take to penetrate organizations and cause chaos. The six predictions included offer commentary into the evolving landscape including the vulnerabilities in expansive data supply chains, what may be new targets, and the sophistication of cyber crews globally. A key reminder is that cybercriminals are working smarter not harder. Like many, they too are potentially leveraging modern tools like artificial intelligence. There may be sophisticated cybergangs operating like organized crime families. Also, hackers today could be backed by growing resources from nation-state sponsors. Their MO is not only stealing data to possibly sell on the dark web or deploy ransomware anymore. They can potentially reap benefits by disrupting economies or industries as we mention in our prediction, “No, not Mother Earth!” or use intellectual property as collateral or for personal gain outlined in the “Winning from the Inside” prediction, for example. There are always new ways of conducting “business” for cybercriminals. In the face of emerging cyber threats, organizations are urged to prioritize cybersecurity as a fundamental aspect of their operations. They should regularly update and reinforce security protocols, conduct thorough risk assessments, and invest in cutting-edge cybersecurity technologies. By staying vigilant and adopting a proactive cybersecurity stance, organizations can significantly mitigate the risks posed by the evolving tactics of cybercriminals in 2024 and beyond. Experian Global Data Breach Resolution offers international resources for companies impacted by a security incident and services include IdentityWorks℠ Global, multilingual call centers, and notifications covering more than 100 countries. Experian has also recently expanded capabilities to Japan, Taiwan and Thailand. To access the complimentary report, visit https://ex.pn/2024databreachindustryforecast.
In the chronicles of business evolution, one often recalls Amazon's humble beginnings as an online book seller before transforming into the e-commerce giant we know today. Reminiscent of that journey, Experian has undergone its own transformation. It has long since ceased to be simply a “credit bureau” and has instead embraced a story that is far more dynamic and which defies this caricature. The Real Experian: When people associate Experian with being a credit bureau, our response is a resounding, “Yes, but that is only a part of our story." It is the beginning chapter—as data evolved to ‘Big Data’, we layered in technology to understand that data, catapulting our company into a different realm. Today, Experian is a global force with a presence in over 30 countries, boasting a team of 22,000 professionals dedicated to harnessing the power of data and analytics for the betterment of businesses, societies, and consumers worldwide. Embracing Data and Analytics: At the core of our story lies a commitment to embrace data and analytics in a way that only Experian can. We collaborate across our operations to deploy advanced technologies, artificial intelligence, and to tap into rich data. The result? A powerful impact on businesses, societies, and consumers alike. Only Experian can: We are proud to share our story of how we power opportunities in a way that only Experian can. Experian leaders worldwide provide a glimpse into what sets Experian apart in the modern landscape of advanced technologies and powerful analytics. You can read the 5-minute story here. Continual Evolution: Experian's evolution from the world's leading credit bureau to a global data and analytics powerhouse is an ongoing journey. Our vision propels us forward, driving us to continually redefine our role in an ever-changing landscape. As Experian continues to evolve, our commitment to making a powerful difference remains unwavering. Our story is one of transformation, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Join us on this journey, as we redefine what it means to be a global leader in data and analytics.
Experian celebrates its fifth consecutive year of achieving the highest score in the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index (CEI), solidifying our position as a leader in LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion. Our enduring commitment to LGBTQ+ equality and inclusion has not only earned us this prestigious recognition, but also underscores our dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. Michele Bodda, Executive Sponsor of Experian’s PRIDE ERG said, “I am incredibly proud to see our company achieve this milestone recognition again. It's a testament to the dedication of our entire Experian family in fostering an inclusive and accepting workplace where everyone can be their authentic selves.” LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion in ActionOur score of 100 in the 2023 CEI is a testament to our continued efforts in promoting LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion. Here are some of the initiatives that exemplify our commitment: Progressive Benefit Programs: Experian offers comprehensive benefit programs that encompass transgender services and provide equal coverage to same and different-sex domestic partners and spouses. These benefits support the diverse needs of all our employees. Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Policies: Our non-discrimination and equal employment policies are committed to fairness and respect for all employees, transcending federal requirements and embracing inclusivity without regard to gender identity or sexual orientation. Transgender and Nonbinary Identity Support: We've created a process for transgender and non-binary individuals to update their identity documentation without emotional and financial strain. We also suppress their former names (deadnames) from Experian credit reports. The Power of YOU Initiative: To foster an inclusive work culture, Experian actively supports LGBTQ+ employees through initiatives like the Power of YOU campaign and the PRIDE Employee Resource Group. Check out the 2023 Power of You DEI Report to learn more. Celebrating five consecutive years of earning the highest possible score on the CEI is a milestone that underscores our continued dedication to creating an inclusive work environment where every employee, feels supported, valued, and empowered. For more information on our HRC Award and the 2023 Corporate Equality Index, check out the full report here. You can also learn more about Experian’s awards for our work supporting consumers, businesses, and our employees here.
Experian North America has once again been recognized for its inclusive work environment and corporate culture by The Orange County Register. This marks the 11th straight year that Experian has been named to the list of Top Workplaces. The publication annually surveys employees at hundreds of local businesses to evaluate their respective companies on a variety of criteria. According to the OC Register, we earned the accolade based on a positive company culture and listening to our team. This was highlighted by employees’ response to our collaborative and engaging work environment — one that enables every team member to clearly understand their own personal contribution to the company's mission. By welcoming a wide range of ideas and opinions, we’ve been able to create a favorable environment for employee achievement while continuing to develop new and better ways to serve our clients and benefit consumers. This latest award builds on other recognitions the company has received, including being recognized on Fortune’s list of the “100 Best Companies to Work For.” Great Places to Work, a global authority on workplace culture, has listed Experian as one of the “Best Workplaces for Parents™” and one of the “Best Workplaces for Millennials™” “While business strategy is core to our growth and success, the only way that strategy gets executed is to build a culture that makes workers want to stick around and give their best each day,” said Jennifer Schulz, Experian North America CEO. “I am proud that we are recognized for driving an award-winning culture, while staying true to our growth strategy.”
By the time Vikki Nunnery decided to join the U.S. Army, she was almost finished with her nursing degree. It was her senior year, on the cusp of achieving her Bachelor of Science. A professor piqued her interest in the military. “One of my instructors was an LPN. She deployed and did a presentation about being a nurse in the army. I came in (to the Army) as a registered nurse (RN) and am now a nurse practitioner,” Nunnery said. Now Lieutenant Colonel Nunnery, DNP, is married to a fellow military member, has two children and has been on active duty for 17 years. Between student loans and credit cards, she also accumulated a lot of debt. “We never talked about (money) at home. My family never talked about managing money,” Nunnery said. “Being married with kids, I’m trying to be more financially responsible for the future.” Experian and Operation HOPE are helping Nunnery do just that. She is a client of the expansion of its partnership, which offers new, no-cost dedicated resources specifically for active duty members, veterans and military families across the country. The program provides financial coaching and wellness, credit education and financial disaster preparedness. The unique circumstances of the military community impact their finances more than the general population. A survey shows servicemembers and their spouses have more difficulty paying some monthly bills and finding economic assistance because of overseas deployments and frequent moves, combined with rising inflation. “(This work) is personal. I’ve been working around military communities for over 10 years. I know the challenges,” said Jessica Hamel, financial wellbeing coach for Operation HOPE Inside Experian program. Hamel is a Gold Star sister and military spouse. Her husband’s divorce and her brother’s passing had negative financial impacts on their respective families. “Often with some of our younger soldiers, younger service members, they haven’t had life experience in terms of needing to budget. We have members of the military right now right out of high school and there’s not a lot of experience managing their own money. They’re quickly thrust into a place where they don’t have a support system to do that,” Hamel said. “What we see at some major bases is a lot of predatory financial institutions – payday lenders, title max loans, pawn shops, buy-here-pay-here dealerships.” "We have members of the military right now right out of high school and there’s not a lot of experience managing their own money. They’re quickly thrust into a place where they don’t have a support system to do that." Without a foundation of money management know-how, as service members move up in rank and earn more money, their habits can follow. Hamel stressed the importance of helping clients establish a foundation of knowledge and provide tools to help them address specific financial situations and their future. “Clients know they need to do something different than the way they grew up, but perhaps they grew up in generational poverty and they’re using the military to secure a job immediately, get job experience or support. They can make a great living in the military,” she said. “They don’t know what they don’t know, but they know they don’t have all the right information.” With Hamel’s guidance, Nunnery has set up a budget and developed habits that have led to increased savings, saving for a house, and a bump in credit scores. Hamel is also exploring whether Nunnery qualifies for public school loan forgiveness. The couple is planning to pass on these lessons to their kids, starting with opening their own checking accounts, and teaching them how to save, budget, and the importance of credit scores. “Without Jessica, we’d still be living paycheck to paycheck. I wasn’t paying attention to my accounts. I was just spending and spending,” Nunnery said. “Little things like a budget, where our money is going – she really helps us focus on these things. That’s really good support.” “We have so many people who haven’t learned about credit and then get blamed for a game they never got the rules to,” Hamel said. “I’m honored to be the coach for this program.” For more information about financial coaching and resources for servicemembers, military family or veterans, contact Jessica Hamel at Jessica.hamel@operationhope.org.
Healthcare insurance coverage is a necessity in the U.S. but it’s a complex system to navigate for both providers and patients. At Experian Health, we aim to simplify the administrative and operational sides of healthcare so improving the registration and insurance identification process for providers within the patient access workflow is an important problem we want to help solve. With a myriad of insurers, plans and benefits coverage, along with complexities like multiple levels of coverage some individuals may have, providers have a tough task trying to coalesce all the right information when a patient registers for care in real time – so the searching and querying is often pushed out beyond the registration desk, creating manual rework, denied claims and delays in reimbursements. This downstream impact has been a huge pain point with claims denials contributing to hospitals and medical practices losing more than $200 billion dollars in lost revenue per year. A rejection not only impacts the provider but the patient too. If inaccurate information is submitted to a payer and the claim gets denied, providers don’t get reimbursed and patients could receive bills that they may not be able to pay. We believe technology is the answer to solve many administrative challenges, which led us to acquire Wave HDC, a healthcare company that can deliver a real-time response. Identifying insurance coverage and benefits is a piece to the overall claims puzzle and this workflow has been ripe for improvement with better software. We believe we can now deliver the best solution in the market with this integration. What is Wave HDC’s expertise? Their AI-powered healthcare data curation solutions utilize an “if-then” logic, returning multiple data points required for accurate patient billing from a single inquiry, in real-time (30-45 second processing time), during the registration process. This innovation is a major step forward. No longer is a single response efficient as it pertains to uncovering a patient’s eligibility, coordination of benefits, insurance coverage and beyond. Our acquisition of Wave HHDC transforms the outdated clearinghouse model and will deliver immense benefits to our healthcare providers in the form of more accurate claim submissions and higher reimbursement rates, while also reducing manual work on their administrative teams. In fact, Wave HDC has prevented denials for its clients of over $1 billion dollars since 2020. Reducing claims denials will have a major impact on providers as the industry faces many headwinds including inflation, complex regulations, and constantly changing payer rules that may hurt their financial stability. The issue is only getting worse; a 2022 Experian Health survey revealed that 42 percent of respondents see claims denials increasing and that uptick is between 10-15 percent according to a third of respondents. Additionally, 3 out of 4 survey respondents say reducing denials is the highest priority. We are very excited to tackle this pain point with an advanced solution and welcome the Wave HDC team and these additional capabilities to Experian Health. For more information about Experian Health, visit experian.com/health.
Early in my career, I gained a lot of knowledge about credit. But when I moved to the United States from Brazil, establishing credit was a challenge. I worked part-time in a credit card company call center during college. I come from a humble family, and through helping customers, I learned the ins and outs about credit and money management. But all the solid credit history I built up in my home country didn’t transfer to the U.S. When I immigrated, I had to pay upfront for everything from utilities to a cellphone and it made me feel at a disadvantage. Thanks to Experian Boost®i, our feature that allows you to build credit without debt, and responsible management of debt, my FICO® Scoreii quickly rose to reflect my true creditworthiness. But I’ll never forget how it felt to be invisible when it came to the credit system. Being seen is the first step to equitable access to financial tools. Now that Experian conveniently offers Experian credit reports in Spanish onlineiii, consumers who prefer to access information in Spanish will be able to directly comprehend their credit profile so they can feel empowered. Understanding your credit report is a critical component for your ability to make informed decisions about your finances. As the executive sponsor of our Juntos Employee Resource Group (ERG) and someone who was new to credit in the U.S., I know first-hand that being seen is the first step in a journey towards financial wellness. To help you be informed, Experian also has a Spanish-language credit e-book and articles at the Ask Experian blog. Learn more about my financial health journey and my colleague's through #ExperianStories. i Results will vary. Not all payments are boost-eligible. Some users may not receive an improved score or approval odds. Not all lenders use Experian credit files, and not all lenders use scores impacted by Experian Boost®. Learn more. ii Credit score calculated based on FICO® Score 8 model. Your lender or insurer may use a different FICO® Score than FICO® Score 8, or another type of credit score altogether. Learn more. iii Only Experian credit reports are available in Spanish. All other services associated with an Experian membership are available in English only. English fluency is required for full access to Experian’s products.
Ball pits, a video game and a neon-pink house might not be what typically comes to mind when you think of our mission of financial inclusion. But that’s some of the ways Experian spent its summer sharing resources and information to empower underserved communities. FINANCIAL INCLUSION AND INNOVATION The mild weather ushered-in summer early in the City of Brotherly Love, where we joined the Allen Iverson Roundball Classic to launch B.A.L.L. (Be A Legacy Leader) for Life. It was our second year as the exclusive financial literacy partner. In partnership with the National Urban League, we introduced this program to the athletes and their families participating in the all-star weekend. We also created a gamified app that enables users to shoot hoops using gesture controls as they learn about credit and financial tools. Experian’s partnership with UnidosUS includes support for its Financial Empowerment Network (FEN), a program, which offers free, individualized, culturally-relevant support to Latino families. Our colleagues shared credit education resources and their journeys to financial health at the national conference. We are… financially fierce! As a proud sustaining Titanium partner of Out & Equal, we brought The House of Experian to this year’s Workplace Summit. Hundreds visited the eye-catching attraction to learn about financial and credit tools. We also led engaging conversations about money matters for the trans community and dove deep into the financial wellness of LGBTQ+ consumers and entrepreneurs. To learn more about the gaps and needs of the community, we’ve launched a financial wellness survey in partnership with Out & Equal. COMMUNITY ADVOCACY The mental health and wellness of our teammates is a priority for Experian, and it was a big topic of panel discussions at the Disability:IN Annual Conference. Empowering Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) professionals is the focus of the annual Ascend Leadership Convention. This year’s theme was “I Ascend,” encouraging participants to share how they navigate and succeed in their careers. At Essence Fest’s National Urban League Women’s Empowerment Luncheon, Victoria Crain, Experian’s vice president of global compliance and governance and co-executive sponsor of our Black Professionals Employee Resource Group, shared keynote remarks about courage and legacy. EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION Building paths towards generational wealth took center stage at the National Urban League Annual Conference. We led a conversation with multigenerational influencers and financial experts on money matters from personal and entrepreneurial lenses, and brought the B.A.L.L. for Life experience to the community. Our support for entrepreneurship extends to the Women of Color and Capital, where we were a returning sponsor and joined a discussion about financial solutions for small business owners. HomeFree-USA closed out our summer by honoring Experian with the 2023 Trailblazer Award and the 2023 CFA Partner of the Year Award. Our innovative program, launched in 2022 in partnership with the Center for Advancement (CFA), trained 250 scholars from Historically Black Colleges and Universities to become knowledge ambassadors about credit, and share what they’ve learned in the program with peers and family. Through events like these, we aim to normalize conversations about credit and make it easier for consumers to access the tools they need for their financial wellness. We are already looking forward to Summer 2024. To learn more about how Experian supports diverse communities, check out www.experian.com/deievents.
In a world where financial stress affects the majority of adults, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and isolated. The good news? You're not alone, and there's a way out. Why it matters: Our recent research sheds light on the prevalence of financial stress among U.S. adults. Nearly 70% of adults feel they have suffered or are currently suffering from financial trauma. This research highlights the urgent need for increased financial education and planning. In addition to job loss, financial fallout from the pandemic, or other economic challenges, a lack of discussion about money growing up and limited access to trustworthy information about finances may be two factors contributing to financial stress: More than half (51%) stated their family rarely or never spoke about finances. This lack of discussion left 43% of those who rarely or never spoke about finances growing up feeling like they never learned about financial planning and 42% stating they never learned to use credit or build their credit scores. 37% of adults are unaware of where to access trustworthy information about financial literacy. So, how can we alleviate financial stress? While reducing financial stress will take a multi-faceted approach and will, in many ways, depend on a consumer’s unique financial situation, our survey revealed a common theme: more education would help consumers feel better about their financial situation. A majority (55%) said access to more financial education would help alleviate their financial stressors. In addition, 45% believe establishing a more concrete financial plan for their future would reduce their financial anxieties. Experian’s free tools and resources Education is central to our mission and we are committed to connecting consumers with tools and financial resources to live more financially empowered lives. If you’re battling financial stress, seeking financial education or working on building a financial plan for your future, here are a few ways we can help: Experian Boost®: Consumers can add positive telecom, utility, video streaming service and qualifying rent payments to their Experian credit file for an opportunity to improve their credit scores by visiting experian.com/boost.[1] Experian Go: Consumers without an established credit history can download Experian’s mobile app and enroll in a free Experian membership to establish, use and build credit responsibly with Experian Go. Experian Smart Money: Earlier this month, Experian released the Experian Smart Money™ Digital Checking Account & Debit Card[2] that embeds Experian Boost. Now it is even more convenient for consumers to use Experian’s feature and improve their credit profile, while also benefiting from an industry-leading suite of financial tools all in one place. Experian’s official credit advice blog, Ask Experian, has answers to common questions, advice and education about credit. Consumers can find additional credit education resources at http://www.experian.com/consumereducation. Free credit monitoring and alerts: consumers can sign up for credit monitoring and receive a free copy of their Experian credit report and FICO Score®[1] monthly at experian.com or via Experian’s mobile app. Experian’s mobile app also offers access to personal finance and credit building tools such as: Industry collaboration is key The onus to overcome financial challenges and stress does not fall solely on consumers. As a financial services community, we have a responsibility to make financial education materials available to consumers. Each of us holds a different piece of the puzzle. For instance, we’ve long partnered with organizations dedicated to helping consumers navigate and overcome financial challenges, including the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC). The NFCC has personalized resources available to help consumers, including 1:1 credit counseling. Consumers can receive one-on-one support from one of over 1,200 certified financial counselors at 250 locations across the U.S. to establish debt relief plans through the NFCC by visiting: https://www.nfcc.org/ By fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, including nonprofits, community leaders, credit bureaus, and other financial institutions, consumers can gain a comprehensive understanding of the different components of the financial system. Additional key findings include: Methodology Experian commissioned Atomik Research to conduct an online survey of 2,001 adults throughout the United States. Researchers controlled for demographic variables such as gender, age, geographic region, race and ethnicity in order to achieve similar demographic characteristics reported in the U.S. census. The margin of error of the overall sample is +/-2 percentage points with a confidence level of 95 percent. Fieldwork took place between August 22 and August 28, 2023. Atomik Research is a creative market research agency. 1 Credit score is calculated based on FICO® Score 8 model, unless otherwise noted. In addition to the FICO® Score 8, we may offer and provide other base or industry-specific FICO® Scores (such as FICO® Auto Scores and FICO® Bankcard Scores). Your lender or insurer may use a different FICO® Score than FICO® Score 8 or such other base or industry-specific FICO® Score (if available), or another type of credit score altogether. Learn more. 2 Results will vary. Not all payments are boost-eligible. Some users may not receive an improved score or approval odds. Not all lenders use Experian credit files, and not all lenders use scores impacted by Experian Boost®. Learn more. 3 The Experian Smart Money Debit Card™ is issued by Community Federal Savings Bank (CFSB), pursuant to a license from Mastercard International. Banking services provided by CFSB, Member FDIC. Experian is a Program Manager, not a bank.
Generative A.I. is rapidly transforming every industry as we know it and introduces a whole new world of opportunity and risk. At Experian, we already have many years of experience in machine learning, neural network embedding and artificial intelligence. Because of this, we’re established as a trusted leader in the space and are uniquely positioned to champion the ethical, responsible and compliant use of generative A.I. We manage the risk while advancing the opportunity. This was one of the key themes emerging from a recent panel discussion for Bloomberg’s Intelligent Automation Event in London that I participated in with Thomas Duecke, COO, Digital at BT Group, Marc Palmer, CTO at T-Systems and Amy Thomson, Bloomberg’s EMEA Technology Team Leader. At Experian, we support the responsible use of generative A.I. to accelerate new product offerings, drive operational productivity, increase financial inclusion, and foster an adaptive approach to using the technology. I’m personally very passionate about this as my team is dedicated to creating innovative solutions that enable clients to better automate processes across a variety of use cases including fraud prevention, lending and process optimization. We’re always looking for new data-driven solutions that can create meaningful change for consumers around the world. That’s why our teams are focused on advancements through generative A.I. and identifying use cases across many aspects of our internal operations as well as within our customer-facing portfolio of products and services. We’re encouraged by the opportunities generative A.I. can facilitate when it comes to productivity. It can allow us to automate processes that are mundane or labor-intensive and enable employees to focus more of their time and energy on creative decision making, problem solving, and more effective collaboration. We’ll continue to leverage our expertise and knowledge in broader intelligence fields to uncover the opportunities this next chapter will provide for our business, clients and consumers. Bloomberg Intelligent Automation
Our mission at Experian Consumer Services to achieve Financial Power for All™ drives our purpose and innovation. As part of this focus, we aim to help the more than 28 million1 consumers who are considered “credit invisible” with no or little credit history to gain fair and affordable access to credit. Continuing in our commitment to financially empower consumers, we are excited to announce today the launch of the Experian Smart Money™ Digital Checking Account & Debit Card2. What makes the Experian Smart Money Account unique is that it takes one of our most successful features ever in Experian Boost®3 to a new level of ease by embedding the feature in our new digital checking account. Experian Boost is a free game-changing feature launched in 2019 that allows consumers to contribute positive payments for eligible bills such as utilities and residential rent to their Experian® credit reports to potentially increase their credit scores. More than 14 million consumers have already connected to Experian Boost – via their existing checking account or credit card – with an average FICO® Score 84 increase of 13 points, among those who saw an increase. Now, the Experian Smart Money Account will drive efficiencies for consumers by allowing them to build credit more easily without debt and manage their day-to-day finances in one place. Helping consumers along their financial journeyWe understand that every consumer has different needs when it comes to their finances. When consumers engage with Experian, they can tap into many resources such as Experian Go™, which allows consumers to directly establish an Experian credit file for the first time and take off on their credit journey. For consumers who already have a credit profile and are looking to build their credit history and potentially increase their credit scores, they can leverage Experian Boost to contribute eligible payment history to their Experian credit file. Now with the Experian Smart Money Account, Experian is building upon these innovations and creating an even more robust credit and financial hub beneficial for various life stages. In fact, being credit visible and establishing a good credit score is essential for achieving many goals like moving into a new home, buying a car or securing employment. The positive impact we can have on consumers’ financial lives is what motivates us every day to create products and tools like the Experian Smart Money Account. Making ‘smart’ money movesWhile Experian is entering a different category of services, offering a digital checking account is a natural next step for us to help consumers reach their financial goals. The Experian Smart Money Account could most benefit consumers who are looking to build their credit profile. So, we believe our credit-building power makes this offering a positive complement to other financial products and services in the market. The Experian Smart Money™ Account accelerates, supports, and enriches consumer choice to build credit responsibly, which has a direct impact on the growth of credit-eligible populations. It benefits both consumers and broader financial institutions, and we are dedicated to playing a special role in the financial ecosystem helping consumers leverage debit and credit to their advantage. For more information about Experian Smart Money™ Account, visit www.experian.com/smartmoney. 1 Financial Inclusion and Access to Credit by Experian and Oliver Wyman, October 2021 2 The Experian Smart Money Debit Card™ is issued by Community Federal Savings Bank (CFSB), pursuant to a license from Mastercard International. Banking services provided by CFSB, Member FDIC. Experian is a Program Manager, not a bank. 3 Results will vary. Not all payments are boost-eligible. Some users may not receive an improved score or approval odds. Not all lenders use Experian credit files, and not all lenders use scores impacted by Experian Boost®. Learn more. 4 Credit score calculated based on FICO® Score 8 model. Your lender or insurer may use a different FICO® Score than FICO® Score 8, or another type of credit score altogether. Learn more.
You may have recently read that Experian®, alongside the other two credit bureaus, permanently extended free weekly access to consumer credit reports through AnnualCreditReport.com. While I believe the move helps consumers more regularly review their credit reports, it only begins to scratch the surface of how we empower consumers to take control of their financial lives. People come to Experian looking for ways to improve their financial health. We have direct relationships with millions of consumers and listen to their wants and needs. That’s why we’ve transformed ourselves into the one stop shop for our members to address many facets of their financial journey. Whether it’s accessing credit education materials, monitoring their credit files, finding ways to save money or improving their credit history, consumers can come to Experian to find the tools and resources they need. Building creditFor instance, in 2019, we launched Experian Boost® –a first-of-its-kind feature that allows consumers to contribute positive payment information for eligible bills including utilities, telecom and even video streaming services, directly into their Experian credit file. Consumers can now also add positive residential rent payments through Experian Boost®1. More recently, we debuted Experian Go™—another first-of-its-kind feature designed to help “credit invisibles,” or people with no credit history, begin building credit. Credit invisibles who utilize the feature together with Experian Boost can establish an authenticated Experian credit report, tradelines and a credit history and, as a result, get access to financial offers. Staying on top of your informationBeyond our credit building offerings, we’ve long provided consumers the opportunity to access their Experian credit report and FICO® Score2, free-of-charge. By providing consumers access to their credit report and FICO® Score, we’re enabling them to better understand how they may look to lenders, identify potential fraud, determine the specific factors that are affecting their credit and how to improve it. In addition, our credit and dark web monitoring services help consumers detect whether their personal information is potentially available to fraudsters and protect against identity theft. Putting money back into your walletWe also recognize the value of saving money. As part of an Experian membership, we offer resources that can potentially help consumers save on the cost of their auto insurance and find the best credit card for their financial needs. We empower consumers to: Compare auto insurance policies. Consumers can comparison shop to potentially find a better rate on their current policy and save. The free Experian service delivers multiple, tailored rates from up to 40 leading and well-established auto insurance carriers, allowing consumers to quickly find and purchase an auto insurance coverage plan that meets their needs. Find the right credit card. Our free Marketplace makes it easy for consumers to compare different credit card options. We match consumers’ financial information against lender’s requirements to match them with the tailored offers. Every consumer deserves the opportunity to live their best financial life. Providing free resources to help consumers effectively navigate their financial journey is the best way to help them realize financial independence. While I’m proud of how we’ve helped consumers thus far, we will continue to innovate and offer consumers the tools to improve their financial wellbeing. [1] Results will vary. Not all payments are boost-eligible. Some users may not receive an improved score or approval odds. Not all lenders use Experian credit files, and not all lenders use scores impacted by Experian Boost®. Learn more. [2] Credit score calculated based on FICO® Score 8 model. Your lender or insurer may use a different FICO® Score than FICO® Score 8, or another type of credit score altogether. Learn more. [3] Results may vary and some may not see savings.
We are thrilled that for the sixth consecutive year, Experian has earned a score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s (HRCF) 2025 Corporate Equality Index (CEI). This recognition underscores our commitment to LGBTQ+ workplace equality. We are honored to join the ranks of 765 U.S. businesses that have been awarded the HRCF’s Equality 100 Award, celebrating our leadership in fostering an inclusive workplace. Experian’s dedication to supporting the LGBTQ+ community is reflected in several key initiatives: Name Change Process: We have a process for transgender and non-binary consumers to update their names on credit reports, ensuring their identities are accurately represented. LGBTQ+ Allyship 101 Training: This new training program is available to all Experian employees, promoting allyship and understanding within our workforce. Pride ERG Parenting Committee: Launched to support parents, grandparents and guardians of LGBTQ+ individuals, this committee provides valuable resources and community. Transgender Resource Guide: This guide supports employees who are transitioning at work, offering education and resources for colleagues and managers. Partnerships: We collaborate with organizations such as Out & Equal, GenderCool, The Trevor Project and Born This Way Foundation’s Channel Kindness to provide financial health, mental health and other resources to empower both our internal and external communities. At Experian, we are proud to be part of this movement towards greater equality and inclusion. We remain dedicated to fostering a workplace where every employee feels respected, valued and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. Learn more about how we drive social impact in English, Portuguese and Spanish.
Achieving Top Workplace recognition for 12 consecutive years is no small feat, yet Experian North America has done just that. Named a Top Workplace by the Orange County Register once again, this milestone reflects not just policies or benefits but what truly makes Experian exceptional: our people. As Hiq Lee, Chief People Officer at Experian North America, notes, this honor is a testament to the remarkable contributions of our team. Experian’s employees shape an environment where innovation, inclusivity, and purpose thrive. More Than Work What sets Experian apart is our engagement with the world and community. Through initiatives like the Experian Volunteer Leadership Network and partnerships with organizations such as the Octane Foundation for Innovation and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Orange County Education Foundation, our impact extends beyond the workplace. In 2024, we earned additional recognitions, including being named one of the World’s Best Workplaces™ by Fortune and Great Place to Work®. We were also recognized as one of the Best Workplaces for Parents, Millennials, and in Technology. The Secret to Success Our success lies in focusing on people. Experian is a place where careers are built, ideas are encouraged, and employees feel valued. Initiatives such as, Employee Resource Groups foster belonging, Mental Health First Aiders provide support, and technology hackathons inspire creativity. Innovation at the Core Innovation continues to drive our success. By leveraging technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning, we are redefining decision-making and fraud prevention. This commitment to innovation empowers businesses and consumers worldwide, aligning with our mission to promote financial inclusivity. Looking Ahead For Experian, being a Top Workplace for more than a decade isn’t a finish line—it’s a springboard. With an ongoing commitment to our employees and communities, we continue to evolve, creating better experiences for our team, clients, and the world.
Experian is celebrating the one-year anniversary of The Legacy League Game Show™, a dynamic and interactive event that has revolutionized financial literacy education for students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs). This innovative program, part of the B.A.L.L. for Life™ initiative, combines the excitement of a game show with essential lessons on credit and financial management. We marked the occasion where it debuted in 2023: at EntreprenUTSA at the University of Texas San Antonio. The Legacy League Game Show™ has traveled to ten universities such as Morgan State and Shaw Universities and major events across the United States. The National Urban League describes the event as transformational; HomeFree-USA calls it a “model for how to teach anything to Gen Z and other generations.” Thousands of students have participated across the country, and more than 99% report an increase in their financial literacy after the experience. As someone whose family didn’t discuss money matters growing up, this impact is especially gratifying. In addition to making learning fun, The Legacy League Game Show™ addresses a critical issue: financial invisibility among young consumers, particularly within communities of color. Forty percent of consumers under 25 are credit invisible, with 26% of Hispanic and 28% of Black consumers affected, compared to 16% of their white and Asian peers. Special guests, including rapper and college basketball standout Flau’jae, comedian and actor Mike Merrill, Louisiana State University wide receiver Chris Hilton, Jr. and Grammy-nominated D Smoke have joined the game show, adding star power and excitement. Next year, The Legacy League Game Show™ will hit the road again, visiting more schools and events. We already have stops planned at the #IYKYK Pitch Competition in partnership with HomeFree-USA, the University of Illinois in collaboration with the Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement (HACE), and the UnidosUS National Conference. Check out the action from our 2024 stops by clicking here.Learn more about Experian’s commitment to underserved communities in The Power of YOU 2024: Diversity, equity, inclusion and social impact report.
Modernizing the conversation around credit and financial literacy is a key commitment for Experian, especially for young adults. That’s why we partner with organizations like the Singleton Foundation to produce “Your World on Money,” to meet young people where they are, with engaging, easy-to-understand video shorts about credit, budgeting, and saving and more. We’re thrilled this commitment and creativity has earned both Gold and Bronze Anthem Awards, which recognize excellence in social good, celebrate the impactful work of organizations and initiatives that are driving positive change. Financial literacy is often not taught in schools, and the language around credit and personal finance can be intimidating. By normalizing these conversations, we hope to inspire confidence and action, helping young adults make informed financial decisions as they navigate life’s milestones. Our United for Financial Health partnership with the Singleton Foundation continues with our new series, the Finance Couch, where college students join our experts on a coach in the middle of a Los Angeles campus to answer their money questions. And our Anthem Award-winning series, HeartBroke, helps couples whose relationships are tested with financial issues to determine if they can work through it or end up HeartBroke(n).
Great Place to Work and Fortune have named Experian as one of the 25 World’s Best Workplaces™ 2024. This recognition highlights more than an award—it shows a commitment to our strong People First culture. Experian Chief People Officer Jacky Simmonds shares insights on how our people across the globe cultivate this culture, staying ahead of the curve through a unique blend of inclusivity, empathy, and a shared purpose. What does it mean to you, and to Experian, to be named among Fortune's World’s Best Places to Work? At Experian, we have long aspired to be one of the best companies in the world to work for, and over the past few years, we have made this a priority. Our journey has been marked by a commitment to putting our people first and fostering the collaborative and inclusive culture that sets us apart. This recognition reflects the common values that we share across our many countries and cultures and the dedication of our colleagues across our business. We spend so much of our time at work, so I think it’s important that every interaction – from the interview process to joining and every daily interaction – is a positive one where people are welcoming, supportive and generally just really nice people to work with. Reaching this milestone gives all of us at Experian some recognition, but also it is inspiring as we continue to strive to attract top talent who share our values, share our purpose and make every day an enjoyable one. How does Experian create an environment where employees feel empowered to innovate and contribute ideas that drive real impact? To fulfill our mission of bringing Financial Power to All™, we need as many voices, experiences and backgrounds as possible, so we can represent our clients’ differing needs. This culture of inclusion drives our innovations. We have employee-led initiatives, such as internal Hackathons that bring together these diverse perspectives to develop products and services like Experian Boost, Experian Go, Experian Smart Money Digital Checking Account, Experian Support Hub, and Transforme-se so we can serve the communities in which we live and work. How has Experian adapted to changing employee expectations since the pandemic, and what steps has the company taken to support employee well-being and work-life balance? We know that our people really value the ability to have flexible work model, so they can work to fulfill their role in a way that works for them. For some this is fully remote, for others it is hybrid so a balance of remote and in office, and for others in office, where their role requires it fully. We know from the feedback that we get that our people appreciate that we trust them and they have flexibility to deal with varying commitments that we all have outside of work. We also know that since the pandemic there has been an increased focused on wellbeing. Sponsored by our Chief Financial Officer, we embarked upon an initiative to invest in how we support people who may need additional support. We are very proud of our Mental Health First Aiders programme, which has trained around 400 colleagues across the world representing 23 countries and 28 languages and helping their teammates access resources. These volunteers receive consistent, ongoing and updated training. What specific initiatives or programmes at Experian do you believe set the company apart in terms of supporting professional growth and career development? We have invested in a number of things that we believe really make the difference. The first is developing great leaders at every level. Today’s leaders have many more challenges, many different age groups, a balance of remote and in person working, together with teams based in many different locations. Great leaders build great teams, so we think it’s important to invest in their development. That’s we built a leadership development portal – The Leadership Exchange – that has a wide range of resources to support them, including development programmes tailored to their needs. We also want to ensure that everyone at every level can develop their skills and progress their careers. So we launched our annual Global Careers Week, Experian University, and built a world-class digital curriculum so everyone can access the form of development they need based on their role or aspirations. There really is something for everyone. This way, we help our teams stay ahead of trends and ensure our business is equipped with the skills needed for the future. Looking forward, what are key goals or priorities for further enhancing Experian’s culture and employee experience? We’re truly proud of this amazing recognition, but we always strive to get better and acknowledge there’s always more to be done. We see an opportunity to make things easier in the way we leverage advanced technologies like AI to further enhance employee experience. For example, more personalised learning pathways, improved tools for productivity and collaboration. We make sure we don’t lose the human touch, but we also want to make the most of these innovations so we stay relevant with our largely tech populations. Being named one of the world’s best workplaces reflects Experian’s unwavering commitment to be recognized for having a great culture where people can do their best work with people they enjoy working with. Learn more about what makes Experian a World’s Best Workplace in the People section of our Annual Report and the Experian Power of YOU Report 2024: Driving social impact and diversity, equity and inclusion, available in English, Portuguese and Spanish.
At Experian, we’re proud to observe Veterans Day and celebrate the contributions of our teammates and their families who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. This year, we’re especially excited to be ranked #20 on Forbes’ 2024 Best Employers for Veterans list. The list is based on input from over 24,000 veterans who were surveyed by Statista. These veterans, from the Armed Forces, Reserves, and National Guard, work for companies with more than 1,000 employees. They rated their employers on factors like work atmosphere, salary, health benefits, career development, and programs specifically designed for veterans. We’re grateful for how our Veterans Employee Resource Group (ERG) supports the military community, from participating in events like Wreaths Across America, Carry the Load, and the Murph Challenge, to building wheelchair ramps for veterans’ homes. The Veterans ERG just completed its 20th ramp last month. With a goal of bringing Financial Power to All™, Experian provides free credit reporting to active-duty members and supports financial literacy and education through our partnerships with Support the Enlisted Project (STEP) and Operation HOPE. As part of our observance of Veterans Day, we invite veterans to join us for this week’s #CreditChat, “Transitioning to Civilian Life: Financial Considerations for Veterans” on Wednesday, November 14, from 3–4 p.m. ET. Thank you to all who have served our country. And we thank our veteran colleagues who bring their leadership, dedication and passion to Experian every day.
We believe that financial literacy leads to empowerment. That is why Experian supports initiatives and partners with community organizations to deliver financial education. We also develop products and services that give more control to consumers over their credit profile and financial health. As part of advancing our mission of Financial Power to All®, we are proud to announce we are helping more than 5,000 Hispanic individuals nationwide by relieving $10 million dollars of consumer debt. To provide families with this boost, we joined forces with ForgiveCo, a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC), to administer the acquisition and cancellation of qualifying consumer debt for the selected recipients. Beneficiaries will also receive a one-year premium Experian membership for free that offers access to their Experian credit report in English and Spanish[i], FICO® Score[ii], bilingual educational content, and other financial resources. We hope this effort helps raise awareness of the importance of financial literacy for everyone, and that Experian has resources to help individuals reach their financial dreams. To amplify the message, we collaborated with multi-platinum, award-winning singer and songwriter Prince Royce and you can see his video here. In fact, we have been making a concerted effort the last several years to evolve our educational resources and products to better support all underserved communities. Some of our other activities include the creation of the B.A.L.L. for Life initiative that connects African American and Hispanic youth with financial education, supporting scholarships for Asian Americans through the Ascend organization, providing custom resources for Out & Equal and Born This Way Foundation for the LGBTQ+ community, supporting the NextGen Innovation Lab for Disability:IN, and sponsoring credit counseling for the military community with Operation HOPE. For resources in Spanish, Experian offers a credit e-book and consumers can access a full suite of articles at the Ask Experian blog here. [i] Only Experian credit reports are available in Spanish. All other services associated with an Experian membership are available in English only. English fluency is required for full access to Experian’s products. [ii] Credit score calculated based on FICO® Score 8 model. Your lender or insurer may use a different FICO® Score than FICO® Score 8, or another type of credit score altogether. Learn more.
Even though 26 states now have a personal finance course as a requirement for high school graduation, 40 percent of college students do not feel they have enough knowledge about how to manage money. It’s a challenge that the Center for Financial Advancement® (CFA) Credit Academy addresses with participating Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). A collaboration between Experian and HomeFree-USA, the program culminates in the #IYKYK (If You Know You Know) Pitch Competition and a couple hundred new knowledge ambassadors about financial health and credit. Here, competition finalists share their advice for students as they hit campus for a new school year: MALAYA MELTON, Alabama State University Advice I'll give to incoming freshmen is to try to apply for scholarships. It takes some of the burden off. For me, I took about two years making sure that I got the right amount of scholarships before coming to school, because I knew that I wouldn't be able to afford it. My family won't be able to afford it. So, try to be very serious about applying for scholarships, and apply to internships that also get you money that you can use towards school or your personal development. JAZMIN FELIZ ORELLANA, Bowie State University Don't take out loans if you don't have to. I think many freshmen forget that they'll have to pay off those loans once they graduate after a certain time, and that definitely can affect their credit, especially if they're not able to pay for it. OLUWATOSIN OYEKEYE, Alabama State University Save your money, save your money, save your money. It's okay to go to a college in your hometown. Save as much money as you can, because you really don't know where you'll need it. If you get that credit card, make sure that you're paying all the payments on time. Do not wait till the last minute to pay it. PHILIP OMO-TAIGA, North Carolina A&T State University Budgeting. I think that's really what plays into the whole thing of credit, which is there obviously to help you. But it can also go really, really bad. When you think about what it takes to find that healthy balance, you got to learn how to budget because you may go through a period where you're not working. So now it's like, "Okay, now I got to leverage this money that I maybe have saved up. Maybe think about my credit so that I'm not burying myself into a hole. I'm not working, so there's no way I can pay it down." I think when it comes to finding that healthy medium, budgeting is definitely key. CALVIN CHARLES III, Bowie State University A secure credit card. I think freshman year is a great way to enter college (with one) because you're going to have items and things that you are going to have to pay for anyway. Why not begin building your credit there? I can personally say my first credit card I opened at 18, so that gave me the years of credit history. ESANTE-JOY MCINTYRE, North Carolina A&T State University It is never really how you start, but it's how you finish. Freshman year I might not have that scholarship. But I promise you by sophomore year I had $10,000 from outside scholarships, I had $10,000 from doing pitch competitions, $5,000 from here, from there. So, don't give up on the idea of searching. If you are able to search, you'll find it. Those opportunities and resources are out there, and Experian is just a testament to that.
Amid some of the financial challenges that underserved communities experience, members across the financial services community remain committed to championing initiatives and programs that drive greater financial inclusion. In fact, collaboration has led to the inclusion of non-debt related payment information on consumers’ credit profiles, as well as digital services that make it easier to manage money. These efforts have helped to broaden access to fair and affordable financial resources for more individuals. While significant progress has been made, there is still more work to do. However, some of the misconceptions and myths about the financial services community are hindering further advancement. Debunking these myths will accelerate progress by building trust between the financial services community and consumers. Person withdrawing money from ATM contactless Myth #1: “Financial institutions have no interest in underserved consumers or credit invisibles.” The truth is, banks and credit unions want to say “yes” to more prospective borrowers, including individuals and families from underserved communities. Beyond being the right thing to do, it’s an opportunity to potentially build lifelong relationships with a relatively untapped market. A show of good faith to communities who have largely been ignored by the financial system could lead to customer loyalty that may extend to their family and friends. That’s why participants across the financial ecosystem have been proponents of including expanded data sources—such as on-time telecom, utility and video streaming service payments—on to consumer credit reports, as well as exploring other Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)-regulated data sources, including payment data on short-term small dollar loans and expanded public records data. Making this data more accessible to lenders provides a more comprehensive view of a consumer’s ability and willingness to repay outstanding debt—an actionable solution to extending credit to consumers without lenders taking on additional risk. Myth #2: “There is a lack of trustworthy financial education resources.” The financial services community and affiliated organizations recognize that empowering people with financial knowledge and skillset are critical to consumers’ financial success. In fact, banks and credit unions are partnering with nonprofits and non-governmental organizations to better understand the unique challenges and opportunities within specific communities and provide relevant tools and resources. For example, Experian’s B.A.L.L. for Life (Be A Legacy Leader) program, launched in partnership with the National Urban League, serves as a catalyst for engaging with Black communities and low-income youth through live events and digital financial education. Subject matter experts, professional athletes, celebrities, and other influencers share their experiences and expertise, covering topics such as banking, credit, financial management and investing. In addition, to help people improve their financial management, Experian partners with the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC). The NFCC connects consumers with certified financial counselors to help them address various pain points, including debt management, homeownership, student loans or small business cash flow issues. Myth #3: “Underserved communities have few opportunities to build credit and enter the mainstream financial system.” People from underserved communities, as well as younger consumers and recent immigrants are often excluded from the mainstream financial system because they lack an extensive credit history. Historically, it’s created a vicious cycle; in order to get credit, you have to have credit. Fortunately, there has been a sea change in innovative solutions to address the specific needs of these populations. These include new credit scoring models and microfinancing which provide financial services to individuals who may have been excluded from traditional banking systems. In addition, by incorporating expanded data sources, such as telecom, utility and residential rental payments onto credit reports, lenders have more visibility into consumers who may have been excluded by traditional credit scoring methods.These programs help individuals and families from underserved communities establish and build a credit history that could enable loans, or the ability to rent an apartment or open their dream business. An example is Experian Boost®, a free feature that allows Experian members to contribute their history of making utility, cellphone, insurance, residential rent and video streaming service payments directly into their Experian credit profile. By incorporating nontraditional credit data like paying utility bills on time, online banking transactions, rental payments and verified income data, more people can establish a credit profile that can potentially qualify them for a loan. More Inclusion, Fewer Myths It’s encouraging that community organizations and banks are beginning to see the economic and social benefits of aligning on financial literacy and inclusion. As more initiatives come online, underserved populations will be able to establish a better financial foundation. Then, we can declare the myths to be history.
Experian is wrapping up several inspiring days at the 2024 Disability:IN Conference. We are a proud Presenting partner, and as part of our support this year, we had the honor of being the key sponsor for the NextGen Innovation Lab Pitch Competition. This initiative brings together young adults to develop innovative products or services that benefit individuals with disabilities. It provides a platform for young minds to harness their creativity and technical skills to solve real-world challenges faced by the disability community. This year, we challenged these NextGen leaders to create a product or service specifically for young adults with disabilities that can help them build their credit or improve their financial literacy. Only 10% of working aged people with disabilities consider themselves to be financially healthy, according to a recent study. Eight enthusiastic and passionate teams shared their ideas and the top two vote-getters’ pitched live, “Shark Tank” style, in front of thousands of conference attendees. The winner: Team 7’s “Experian Expedition,” which enhances the accessibility of the existing Experian app and adds new experiences such as an accessible credit card that also features braille; voice-guided, American Sign Language and closed-captioned exercises; and an incentive program for young adults as they reach various financial health milestones with cash back and coupons. We congratulate Team 7 and all of the teams for their collaboration with Experian and each other. The ideas and services developed through the NextGen iLab have the potential to make a significant impact on the disability community, enhancing accessibility, independence, and quality of life for millions. Sponsoring the NextGen iLab is just one of the many ways Experian is committed to disability inclusion. For the third consecutive year, Experian has achieved a top score in the Disability Equality Index (DEI) 2024. This accolade underscores Experian's ongoing efforts towards inclusivity in our workplace, products and services that are accessible and beneficial to individuals of all abilities, including the Support Hub, Financial Resilience Center, Inclusion Works, and the CMO/CCO Coalition. We’re proud our efforts are recognized by Disability:IN and the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD). To learn more about Experian’s commitment to inclusion, check out our Power of YOU Report 2024: Driving social impact and diversity, equity and inclusion in English, Portuguese and Spanish.
Making a real difference in the world starts with embracing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and accelerating social impact. It's not just the right thing to do, but it's also key to our mission of creating a better tomorrow, together. DEI isn't just a buzzword for us; it's at the heart of everything we do. Whether it's in our sustainability strategy or our day-to-day operations, we're committed to driving positive social impact and closing the financial wealth gap in underserved communities. It starts with our people. We’re proud to share their dedication and work in this year’s Experian Power of YOU Report 2024: Driving social impact and diversity, equity and inclusion in English, Portuguese and Spanish. Within these pages, you’ll see how we foster belonging with our teammates, and champion DEI beyond the walls of Experian. From developing products like Experian Smart Money to expanding Experian Boost in the United Kingdom, and launching Advance XScore in Peru, we're dedicated to making a difference in the world around us. To that end, you’ll see we’ve also included, for the first time, our new Positive Social Impact Framework, which will reinforce and help our clients, consumers and employees further understand how we are making a difference in our communities. At Experian, we strive to build a brighter, more inclusive future – for our employees, our clients, and our communities. Together, we can make a real difference.
Caps and gowns. Pomp and circumstance. Loans and debt. As the class of 2024 celebrate their college graduations, more than 43 million of them leave school with a total national debt of more than $1.6 trillion. Some are on better financial footing than others – with no debts as they start their careers – because of early financial and credit education. These learnings fueled ideas for students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) who competed in this year’s #IYKYK Pitch Competition (If You Know You Know), sponsored by HomeFree-USA and Experian. The challenge: to create solutions that help their peers become debt-free within five years of graduation. Here, finalists share some advice for graduates on how they can start their post-collegiate lives on solid financial footing: OLUWATOSIN OYEKEYE, Alabama State University You're not too young. I feel like most people think it's until you're married or you have kids before you should take your financial life seriously. From your first couple of first paychecks, look into where you can invest. If you don't want to live from paycheck to paycheck, look for ways to grow your money. Take your credit seriously. If you want to own a home, you want to buy a car, these things are important. It's not too early, it’s also not too late to start taking these things seriously. JAZMIN FELIZ ORELLANA, Bowie State University You don't have to start off with a credit card with a $10,000 limit. You can easily start off with a secured credit card. And that's actually one of my biggest pieces of advice. Get a credit card, be mindful with it, don't spend, don't max it out, but definitely just practice and start using it to see if you're actually able to maintain your credit. That's a piece of advice that definitely has worked with me, especially with building up my own credit, which I hope to get soon to 800. MARCUS HARRIS, North Carolina A&T University Always go out and explore opportunities that could first boost your credit and put you in a more financial-free state. For example, with Experian, they have an Experian Boost program that when you're in school, if you have rent, you rent an apartment, you could apply that. Or even the Netflix subscription, you can apply that to the Experian Boost program and therefore you can help build your credit over the time. TAYLOR PAYTON, Bowie State University To college students who are about to graduate, once they get that job offer with a lot of zeros behind it, be mindful of lifestyle influences. Just because you're making a certain amount of money does not mean you have to spend all of it. Be mindful not to keep up with the Joneses. CHIOMA KALU, Alabama State University There's something my sister used to say. She used to say, "Pay now, play later. Or if you play now, you pay later." I feel like if they focus during their youth when they can really do these things and really go out there, do the jobs, focus on paying off everything, getting that financial literacy, getting that financial freedom, and then at age 30 you're already set up for life. That makes more sense than just going through life, just ballin’, and then at the end of the day, if you have to pay when you're like 60? You're still paying student loans? Come on, now. CALVIN CHARLES III, Bowie State University Do not get caught up in social media. Just because you want to live in the city doesn't mean that that's what you have to do. And there's nothing wrong with roommates. They can allow you to reach your actual goals. Every meal does not have to be eaten out. Social media creates a lifestyle that you wish to live, and living in that moment is great, but you have to think about your future and building that wealth for yourself directly afterwards. All of these students were part of the Center for Financial Advancement Credit Academy. To learn more about this program that supports HBCU students, click here.