From renting a first apartment, buying a family vehicle or purchasing a home – credit can unlock significant opportunities for consumers. Yet, financial exclusion affects millions of people around the world, limiting access to the basic tools needed for personal and economic growth.  At Experian, we’re committed to changing this dynamic, but our journey towards financial inclusion and creating equitable access to credit is more than just a mission statement; it's ingrained in our DNA. It is our purpose and is reflected in every innovation we introduce.  Whether it's our Experian Lift family of credit scores, which can improve access to credit for nearly 50 million credit invisible and thin-file consumers, or  Experian Boost which empowers consumers to self-report various bill payments to enhance their credit profiles – each initiative is a steppingstone towards realizing our purpose and helping consumers live more financially empowered lives. A consumer’s credit report is the most effective means to assess lending risk. However, we believe transaction data, including checking and savings account information, plays a crucial role in advancing financial inclusion and provides a more comprehensive and accurate view of an individual's financial profile, particularly for thin file and credit invisible consumers, when layered with traditional credit report data. We also know 71% of consumers would be willing to share access to their banking information if doing so could improve their likelihood of getting approved for credit. [1] To support this, we’ve reached a meaningful milestone with the launch of Experian Cashflow Attributes™. Now, lenders who have proper consent to leverage consumer transaction data in decision-making, can tap into over 900 income, cashflow and affordability attributes from Experian across the customer lifecycle – which can provide a more accurate view of consumers’ financial health. By incorporating banking transaction insights into decisions, organizations can expand opportunities while mitigating risks. We are focused on making cashflow data more accessible with the proper consent while ensuring consumers are empowered and maintain control over their data. By leveraging banking transaction information, organizations can create opportunities for new and existing customers that might not have otherwise been possible. As we look ahead, we will continue to invest in open banking technologies, capabilities and introduce modern solutions that will help bring financial power to all. [1] Experian commissioned Atomik Research to conduct an online survey of 2,005 adults throughout the United States. The makeup of the sample is representative of the U.S. population based on national census data regarding demographic variables such as gender, age and geographical regions. The margin of error for the overall sample is +/- 2 percentage points with a confidence level of 95 percent. Fieldwork took place between March 17 and March 21, 2024.

Innovation isn't just about creating the next big thing. It can solve problems, improve lives, and help businesses stay ahead in a rapidly changing world. So, what drives innovation? It starts with a culture of collaboration and entrepreneurship that inspires creativity. Our North America headquarters are in the center of Orange County, a community that fosters an environment where ideas flourish and partnerships thrive. For years, we’ve worked with Octane, a local non-profit organization focused on driving innovation and growth by connecting people, resources and capital to build a better future. Experian is committed to disrupting the status quo and supporting an environment where creativity can be unleashed. Armed with the power of data and the latest technologies, such as generative AI, we believe we can help better financial outcomes for the consumers and businesses we serve. I recently gave a keynote at Octane’s annual Tech Innovation Forum during OC Innovation Week, exploring how businesses can unleash creativity through the use of generative AI and highlighting five tenets companies can consider for the responsible use of generative AI, including: Engage with purpose: It’s important that companies identify their purpose in using the technology and how it can positively impact their business, employees and customers. They should start with creating a plan, including deciding who will be using AI, what jobs need to be done, what guidelines need to be set and a review process. Elevate creativity and drive automation: Businesses should harness AI to automate processes that are mundane or labor-intensive to enable employees to focus more of their time and energy on creativity. Excite, educate, and train employees: To ensure all employees understand the potential of generative AI, businesses should prioritize education and training for all employees from the start. This includes finding evangelists of the new technology within the company to stay up-to-date on the latest news and get teams excited about the possibilities. Ensure ethical, compliant and responsible use: In addition to employee trainings, it’s important to set up a group of leaders, such as a risk council, that can handle ongoing opportunities and risks and codify guidelines on the ethical usage of AI. Embrace change and be agile: With any new technology, companies need to be agile and ready to adapt to whatever changes may come. It’s important to foster a culture of learning to constantly evolve the generative AI landscape for the company and its clients. Innovation can fuel economic growth, drive progress, and shape the future. We’re dedicated to fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration that creates opportunities for generations to come. Photo by © Octane/Michael Baker

In a panel discussion at a Bloomberg-hosted panel titled "AI and Data Analytics: The Path to Unleashing Hidden Insights," Diksha Gera, a Senior Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, moderated a session that included key insights from Shri Santhanam, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Software, Platforms, and AI at Experian. Santhanam shared his thoughts on the transformative influence of generative AI (GenAI) within the financial sector, underlining its potential to revolutionize traditional practices. Enhancing Core Processes Santhanam illustrated how GenAI is altering the landscape of financial institutions. By automating intricate tasks, improving customer interactions, and expediting product development, this technology is pivotal. It transforms time-intensive tasks into more efficient processes, significantly enhancing productivity. This shift allows employees to focus on more strategic, higher-value work, thereby boosting the overall efficiency of financial institutions. Managing Risks and Ensuring Compliance With the adoption of GenAI comes a host of inherent risks—privacy concerns, data integrity issues, and challenges in regulatory compliance. Santhanam underscored the critical need to balance these innovative strides with stringent security measures that protect customer data and comply with existing regulations. The commitment to aligning practices with regulatory standards and ethical guidelines is paramount as the financial sector continues to integrate AI into its core operations. Governance and Collaboration Effective governance is essential for the successful deployment of GenAI in finance. Santhanam advocated for a collaborative approach that includes risk management, legal, and technical teams. The development of robust governance frameworks supports ethical and compliant AI applications, which are crucial for fostering responsible innovation within the industry. The Future of GenAI Looking forward, Santhanam pointed to several trends that are shaping the future of  GenAI in the financial sector. These include pressures to reduce costs, increased demand for personalization, and the necessity for user-friendly interfaces. GenAI is set to play a key role in delivering personalized, efficient, and accessible financial services that respond to the evolving needs of customers. These insightful discussions, spearheaded by industry leaders like Bloomberg and moderated by experts such as Diksha Gera, emphasize Experian's leading role in navigating the potential and challenges of AI in financial services. The journey towards a more innovative and inclusive financial ecosystem is well underway, driven by the transformative capabilities of GenAI.

Like many people, money and personal finance were not topics often talked about when I was growing up. The same was true when it came to credit. In fact, I was raised to believe credit was something to avoid. I didn’t learn credit can be a financial tool to unlock many of the things we want in life until I was much older. This meant I learned a lot about credit and personal finance by making mistakes. And new research reveals this is the case for many Americans. Understanding credit and personal finance is paramount for financial well-being, especially for younger generations navigating today's financial landscape. Yet, against the backdrop of Financial Literacy Month, our new research shows a lack of financial knowledge is leading to costly financial mistakes for many. In fact, our survey of 2,000 adults across the U.S. revealed three in five adults feel their limited understanding of credit and personal finance has led them to make financial mistakes, with 60% of this group stating these mistakes have cost them $1,000 or more. This trend is particularly apparent among younger groups with 71% of Gen Zers and 70% of Millennials claiming their inadequate knowledge of credit and personal finance has come at a price. Twenty-nine percent of Gen Zers and 38% of Millennials report these financial mistakes have cost $5,000 or more. ADDITIONAL KEY FINDINGS INCLUDE: STATEMENT TOTAL GEN Z MILLENNIALS GEN X BOOMERS SILENT I have poor or no understanding of credit and personal finance 12% 18% 14% 12% 7% 0% I want to know more about credit and personal finance 66% 80% 79% 63% 48% 47% My limited understanding of credit and personal finance has led me to make financial mistakes.   60% 71% 70% 61% 44% 24% Financial mistakes I’ve made due to my limited understanding of credit and personal finance have cost me:   $5K or more   37% 29% 38% 43% 33% 38% $1K or more   60% 58% 63% 64% 52% 63% $10K or more 23% 12% 22% 31% 24% 38% I learned about credit and personal finance:   Through online research 32% 25% 36% 35% 27% 32% In school, college or community classes 33% 35% 26% 35% 35% 38% From a parent of family member 36% 31% 30% 38% 42% 47% Social media in some form 30% 52% 47% 24% 7% 0% I believe personal finance should be a required course in high school. 78% 72% 72% 81% 85% 88% I believe access to credit plays a significant role in my overall financial health. 80% 77% 82% 81% 78% 88% Bridging the Knowledge Gap These statistics underscore the importance of ongoing financial education. It's evident there's a strong desire among individuals, especially younger generations, to enhance their understanding of credit and personal finance. However, without adequate knowledge, many are susceptible to making costly financial mistakes. Navigating the mainstream financial system has its complexities, and if consumers don’t have a baseline understanding, it can be overwhelming. At Experian, we're committed to bridging this knowledge gap and empowering individuals to take control of their financial futures. We offer a range of free tools and resources designed to educate and empower consumers, including: Free Credit Reports: Gain insight into your credit history and monitor your financial health with a free copy of your Experian credit report and FICO Score®[1]. You can access these through our free mobile app or our website. Credit Monitoring: Stay informed about changes to your credit report and receive alerts about potentially fraudulent activity as part of our free Experian membership. Educational Resources: Check out our official credit advice blog, Ask Experian, where you'll find answers to common questions and expert advice on credit-related topics. Experian Boost®: Take advantage of this innovative tool to potentially improve your credit scores by adding positive telecom, utility, and other payments to your credit file.[2] Experian Go™: If you're new to credit, our mobile app offers a free membership to help you establish and build credit responsibly. Join Us in Celebrating Financial Literacy Month I also encourage consumers to join Experian’s weekly #CreditChat hosted by @Experian on X with financial experts every Wednesday at 3 p.m. Eastern time. In recognition of Financial Literacy Month, consumers can learn personal finance basics from experts each week on topics, including budgeting, savings, credit and debt, and more. Survey Methodology Experian commissioned Atomik Research to conduct an online survey of 2,005 adults throughout the United States. The makeup of the sample is representative of the U.S. population based on national census data regarding demographic variables such as gender, age and geographical regions. The margin of error for the overall sample is +/- 2 percentage points with a confidence level of 95 percent. Fieldwork took place between March 17 and March 21, 2024. [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.

Experian’s purpose-driven culture is woven into our company’s DNA and informs everything we do. It empowers our people to thrive and excel in their roles. Additionally, it fosters a high-performance workplace centered on diversity, equity, inclusivity and making a positive impact on the communities where we and our families work, play and live. Our culture of innovation and “Together, We Win” workplace is a driving force behind Experian North America being named to Fortune’s 2024 100 Best Companies to Work For list for the fifth consecutive year. Great Place to Work® sponsors the prestigious Best Companies list, surveying more than 1.3 million employees and gathering data from companies representing more than 7.5 million employees. The survey enables employees to share confidential feedback about their organization’s culture by responding to 60 statements that – when put together – describe their experience, defined by levels of trust, respect, credibility and more. According to the Great Place To Work® 2024 Global Employee Engagement Study, 90% of employees at Experian say it is a great place to work compared to 57% of employees at a typical U.S.-based company. Ninety-three percent of respondents cited that they were “made to feel welcome” when they joined the company, and 91% indicated that they are “proud to tell others [they] work [at Experian].” This recognition continues Experian’s momentum with recent award wins, including winning the 2024 BIG Innovation Awards from the Business Intelligence Group; earning the top score on the Disability Equality Index® (DEI) for the second consecutive year; being named a 2023 “Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion” by the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and Disability:IN; being recognized with the prestigious Fast Company 2023 World Changing Ideas Award for Experian Go™, a free program that empowers “credit invisibles” to establish their financial identity within minutes; and being named to Fortune’s America’s Most Innovative Companies list in 2023.

While cheering on your favorite tournament team during March Madness, basketball fans can become MVPs in financial literacy with Experian’s B.A.L.L. for Life™ (Be a Legacy Leader) gesture-controlled game. On the virtual court, the game can help students create their own shining moment in their financial health journey.  The B.A.L.L. for Life program helps young adults and their families set up a game plan to building generational wealth; the gesture-controlled game tests players’ knowledge about credit. Credit and financial coaches teach the basics of budgeting, saving, credit, investing, homeownership and more. B.A.L.L. for Life debuted at the 2023 Iverson Roundball Classic, for which Experian has supported as the exclusive financial literacy partner since 2022. Back then, a younger Cason Wallace (now with the Oklahoma City Thunder) talked with our Chief Diversity and Talent Acquistion Officer Wil Lewis and Experian partner and recording artist Lecrae about the importance of understanding money matters.   B.A.L.L. for Life serves as a catalyst for engaging with young adults and people who are credit invisible through live events and digital financial education. It powers in-person experiences such as the #IYKYK Pitch Competition (If You Know You Know) featuring HBCUs across the country, and The Legacy League Game Show which was part of the National Urban League’s 2024 Empowerment Summit. B.A.L.L for Life kicked off its college tour in November at the University of Texas San Antonio; Shaw University and Morgan State University will be its next stops in April. To learn more about B.A.L.L. for Life™, visit experian.com/legacy.

Happy International Women’s Day! Across the globe, we have celebrated this week with special events in-person and virtual, featuring best-selling authors, Experian leaders, and topics to further our team’s professional and personal growth. Volunteer events to brought us together and provided opportunities to give back to our communities. This year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Inspire Inclusion” could not be a better fit for Experian. “At Experian, we understand that promoting gender equality is not just a core principle; it’s a strategic pillar for nurturing our growth. We remain firmly committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. The contributions of women are fundamental to our success, underscoring the importance of creating an environment where all individuals, regardless of gender, have equal opportunities to thrive,” says Jennifer Schulz, North America Chief Executive Officer and Global Ambassador of the Women in Experian employee resource group (ERG). Global and business unit ambassadors from our Women in Experian ERG share how to Inspire Inclusion every day. Helen Emmett — Chief Financial Officer for Global Financial ServicesI inspire inclusion by consciously ensuring that every talent, performance and recruitment review is undertaken with a diversity and inclusion lens. I won’t recruit any role without a diverse shortlist and with goals for each job level. Actively mentoring and sponsoring female talent is important, as is calling out teams where diversity is not at acceptable levels. Charlotte Gillan — Global Head of TaxOur diversity is a very visible value at Experian; inclusion is tougher to get right, particularly post-pandemic. If we just have a diverse team, we won’t win. To win, we need people to bring different thoughts and experiences to the table, call or meeting. If we are inclusive, we need to ensure people are listened to and heard. One focus area for me is to really listen and then ask what people think and why. Sometimes this can lead to new ideas, new processes and innovations Marcela Velasco — Spanish Latin America Vice President of Human ResourcesI generate spaces for continuous and open communication, recognize and celebrate individual differences. I create an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered. Inclusive leadership is not only a responsibility, it’s also an opportunity to create a more enriching and productive work environment. Maria Pou – North America Senior Director of Consumer Information Services Product OperationsI inspire inclusion by actively seeking differences in views and perspectives from a place of love and wanting to understand. I want everybody I come in contact with to feel valued and respected.  Rodrigo Rodrigues — Vice President of Experian Information Technology ServicesInvest in science, technology engineering and mathematics (STEM) education for girls and underrepresented communities. To build a more inclusive future in technology, we must start by addressing the pipeline. Encouraging participation in STEM from an early age is crucial. I advocate for companies and organizations to support programs that expose girls and students from underrepresented communities to technology, offering scholarships, internships, and mentorship programs to help them pursue careers in tech. Maryam Damavandi — North America Senior Vice President and ControllerYou can develop an inclusion mindset by being open to differences in ideas, viewpoints and way of thinking and asking difficult questions when having authentic conversations with diverse individuals. Educate yourself with challenges that diverse individuals face.  Being aware can go a long way but having a voice, especially when something isn’t right can make a difference. Sumeeta Maxwell — Chief Human resources Officer for Experian Global Technology and Software SolutionsSupport the women around you and speak up for them if needed. Remind colleagues in real time of the actions that aren’t inclusive like when they interrupt. Be clear on how you want to be treated. Seek feedback – and do something with it. The women who have your back will tell you the truth!

Recent technological advancements are ushering in a new era of innovation for businesses and consumers but can also help perpetuate fraud. Today we released our annual Future of Fraud Forecast, highlighting five fraud threats that businesses and consumers should be wary of this year, which include: Generative AI accelerates DIY fraud: The explosive popularity of generative AI has brought many benefits, but it’s also made fraud more accessible. Experian predicts fraudsters will use generative AI to accelerate “do-it-yourself” fraud with a wide range of deepfake content, such as emails, voice and video as well as code creation to set up scam websites and perpetuate online attacks. Fraudsters may also use generative AI to socially engineer “proof of life” schemes. Using stolen identities, fraudsters will leverage generative AI to create fake identities on social media. They can then interact online with these new profiles that look like a real consumer. This could dramatically increase the number of fraud attacks. To safeguard customers, companies will likely have to utilize multilayered fraud prevention solutions that “fight AI with AI.” Branches are cool again: Although there’s been a substantial migration to digital lending experiences, many consumers are heading in-person to bank branches to open new accounts or get financial advice. Consumers are doing this as they want to feel safer and think they’re avoiding online security risks by being in-person. When it comes to verifying identities at the branch, there can be human error or oversight that can happen in-person. According to an Experian report, 85% of consumers report physical biometrics as the most trusted and secure authentication method they’ve recently encountered, but the measure is only currently used by 32% of businesses to detect and protect against fraud. Experian forecasts that lenders will introduce more digital identity verification steps, such as physical biometrics, at branches for in-person account openings to protect legitimate customers and mitigate losses. Retailers hit with empty returns: With a rise in online shopping, fraudsters have found creative ways to scam some retailers and small businesses. The customer says they’re returning their purchased item but when the business receives the box, it’s empty. The customer then says they returned the product and it must have gotten lost in the mail. Experian predicts that more criminals will use this method to keep merchandise in 2024, leaving businesses with lost goods and revenue. Synthetic identity fraud will surge: During the pandemic, many fraudsters created synthetic identities but then quickly found easier methods to steal funds through various aid programs. Though they may have been dormant, these synthetic identities now have a few years of history. Experian predicts this will make it easier to elude detection — leading to fraudsters using those dormant accounts to “bust out” and steal funds over the next year. Businesses will need to collaborate more closely than ever with their fraud-prevention partners to review their current portfolios for synthetic identity accounts. Fraudsters expand into cause-related and investment deception: From fake GoFundMe campaigns, social media giveaways, investment opportunities and text fraud, fraudsters are employing new methods that strike an emotional response from consumers with cause-related asks or too-good-to-be-real offers to gain access to consumers’ vital, personal information. Experian predicts that these deceptive cause-related methods will surge in 2024 and beyond. To avoid becoming victims, consumers will have to be extremely cautious and confirm these opportunities, charities or texts are from the intended party before interacting with them. To mitigate fraud in 2024, businesses need to work with a trusted partner to implement a multilayered approach to identity verification and fraud prevention. Experian offers a full suite of automated tools that harness data and analytics to detect and prevent fraud. Learn more about Experian’s fraud prevention offerings here and register for our webinar for a deeper dive into these five fraud predictions and other emerging fraud trends.

We often say creating a better tomorrow isn’t just a slogan, it’s our goal. From our talent recruiting to our products and services, we want to play a positive role in your financial future. That desired impact extends to the work we do in the communities in which we live work and serve. That’s why our recent honor from the 2024 Anthem Awards is so exciting. Created in 2021 by The Webby Awards, The Anthem Awards honors the purpose and mission-driven work of people, companies and organizations worldwide. We are thrilled that our modern and more relatable approach to financial health has been honored with a Bronze Anthem Award for the video series, “HeartBroke,” produced in partnership with The Singleton Foundation. As part of our United for Financial Health initiative, the show brings together couples for frank and honest conversations about their finances and how relationships are tested with financial issues. Financial expert Misty Lynch coaches them through those issues to help them determine if they can work through it or end up HeartBroke(n). It’s no surprise that money matters can put enormous strain on relationships and our daily lives. That’s why we’re also working with The Singleton Foundation to help young adults master money basics in the show “Your World on Money.” Now in its second season, “Your World on Money” explores topics like insurance, how to negotiate your salary, credit invisibility and stock market basics.   It's exciting to be among the distinguished winners honored this year. But for Experian, helping you feel empowered when it comes to your credit and finances is the bigger reward.