Theyyyy’re baaack! They once graced American televisions singing witty lyrics about their personal credit woes while waiting tables in pirate costumes, living out of the in-laws’ basement and getting snubbed by women because of their lackluster car. Now, after a two-year hiatus, The Original Band is back by popular demand. Freecreditscore.comTM today unveils a new creative campaign featuring the likable trio in new roles: beneficiaries of success due to credit education. The Original Band’s first run generated a huge groundswell of fan support, and the story continues that like many artists, they needed to recharge their creative batteries. Now flush with success, they decided it was time to listen to their fans and get back to doing what they do best: rockin’ the microphone. “Our company has consistently received requests to bring back The Original Band,” said Ken Chaplin, senior vice president of marketing for freecreditscore.com. “There is an incredible fan base, and it’s apparent that they struck a chord with America. We’ve seen it play out in pop culture as online spoofs, as well as on popular television shows such as Saturday Night Live and Glee.” Music has always been important to the brand’s success. Members of The American Secrets, voted the winning band in the 2010 freecreditscore.com Band Search, have been its most recent musical ambassadors. The power of freecreditscore.com’s commercials has continued to capture the attention of consumers while educating them about credit. Consumers love the infectious music and memorable lyrics, and the three new commercials scheduled for the coming months promise to deliver catchy tunes and a great musical experience. “This is a great example of a client that listened to what customers were saying; there’s still a lot of love out there for these guys,” said Steve Sage, creative director for The Martin Agency. “It’s an iconic campaign and we look forward to this next chapter with our old friends. If you look closely, there are several reminders of the past to be found in these commercials. Stay tuned." In addition to the commercials, fans can follow the band on our social media channels, such as Facebook and Twitter, as well as on the fan-inspired http://www.freecreditscoreband.com Website, where information, behind-the-scenes videos and images will be housed. Check them out:

Experian Marketing Services, a leading provider of data, analytics and marketing technologies, today announced an expanded relationship with Adrea Rubin Marketing, Inc., the life and health insurance marketing leader. This relationship makes Adrea Rubin Marketing a preferred provider of Experian Marketing Services’ ChoiceScore to the life and health insurance vertical. ChoiceScore helps marketers identify and more effectively market to underbanked consumers. Using the most comprehensive array of noncredit data available from Experian, including consumer demographic, behavioral and geo-demographic information, ChoiceScore’s custom models offer users the ability to select specific consumers based on potential risk. “Experian Marketing Services is a long-time, trusted partner. Their richness of data is excellent, and they have valuable predictive tools that help marketers in the insurance vertical be successful,” said Adrea Rubin, chief executive officer, Adrea Rubin Marketing. “Expanding our relationship with Experian will help us better serve the life and health insurance industry to reach underserved consumers with new products and services.” Adrea Rubin Marketing has worked with more than 30 different insurance carriers selling life, health, and property and casualty products. These carriers market via direct mail, outbound telemarketing, and digital and alternate media channels. Adrea Rubin Marketing’s experience enables insurance carriers to reach the most profitable segments of the Choicescore database as well as their own policyholder file. The firm’s ability to optimize the data as it applies to each individual carrier engagement is unparalleled. “Adrea Rubin’s presence in the insurance industry makes this expanded relationship a natural fit,” said Rick Erwin, president of Data and Analytics, Experian Marketing Services. “This next step will increase the availability of a leading marketing product designed to help marketers reach consumers who may not otherwise be reachable.” Learn more about Experian Marketing Services. Photo: Shutterstock

Did you know that there are 64 million people in the United States that have little or no traditional credit history? These people are typically referred to as underbanked or underserved consumers, and Experian just announced a new Extended View Score that can help these consumers gain access to credit products and services, which can lead them down the path of building a fuller credit history. Extended View is also beneficial for lenders as it can help them expand their lending universe. Steve Wagner, president of Experian Consumer Information Services, who also spoke today at CFSI’s 7th Annual Underbanked Financial Services Forum, said: Many of the estimated 64 million consumers with limited to no credit history that are unscoreable by traditional credit scores are creditworthy. Extended View can redefine how businesses evaluate this underserved population and empower more consumers with cost-effective credit and financial opportunities. See our news release for more information on Extended View Score. Photo: Shutterstock

Earlier this spring, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) announced a proposed amendment to the Assessments, Dividends, Assessment Base and Large Bank Pricing (LBP) rule that it put forward in February 2011. The revised rule attempts to address lender concerns that they would be unable to comply with the new rule’s provisions, particularly the added requirement of reporting subprime and leveraged consumer loans. Under the new proposal, subprime consumer loans would be renamed "higher-risk consumer loans and securities,” and would be defined as: All consumer loans where, as of origination, or, if the loan has been refinanced, as of refinance, the probability of default within two years was greater than 20 percent, excluding those consumer loans that meet the definition of a nontraditional mortgage loan; and Securitizations that are more than 50 percent collateralized by consumer loans meeting the criteria in (a), except those classified as trading book. The FDIC is reviewing comments on the changes and has extended the compliance date for the new reporting requirements until October 1, 2012.

Experian Healthcare, the leading provider of financial information services and market intelligence for health systems, hospitals, medical groups and specialty organizations, today announced that it is ranked No. 77 on the 2012 Healthcare Informatics (HCI) 100 list. Experian Healthcare includes the capabilities from the previous acquisitions of SearchAmerica® and Medical Present Value, Inc. (MPV). This year’s ranking for the organization is an improvement from MPVs ranking of 98 on the 2011 list. SearchAmerica was not previously listed. The HCI 100 is an annual listing of the top 100 health information technology (HIT) companies based on HIT revenue earnings from the most recent fiscal year. In collaboration with Porter Research and ST Advisors LLC, HCI reviews and analyzes company reported sales figures, official financial filings, press releases and information from unrelated healthcare industry consultants to determine the most deserving companies. “We are extremely proud to be included on this year’s HCI 100 list,” said Dan Johnson, president of Experian Healthcare. “Our jump in the ranking illustrates Experian’s commitment to this sector and underscores our dedication to delivering tools and services that help healthcare providers improve their financial health.” Check out the complete results of the HCI 100.  For more information on Experian Healthcare’s products and services, visit www.experian.com/healthcare. Photo:  Shutterstock

Although 46 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico have passed laws requiring consumer notification in the event of a security breach of personal information, recent large-scale and publicized breaches continue to make data security a top legislative agenda item in statehouses across the country.  Of the 15 data breach proposals introduced by State legislators this year, two have been signed into law. In Vermont, the state legislature passed a new law that requires entities to notify the state attorney general’s office within 14 days of a security breach, unless the data collector has affirmed with the attorney general’s office that a written data security plan is in place and the organization can comply with breach notification requirements. In addition, the Vermont law would require that a consumer be notified of the incident in general terms; alerted to the types of information exposed; provided with a toll-free number to call for guidance; given advice about credit monitoring; and provided with the date of the breach and its discovery by the business within 45 days. The Connecticut legislature also passed a new data breach law that requires companies to notify the state attorney general’s office of a security breach before a notice is sent to consumers. Congress is also considering data breach notification proposals.  In the Senate, several members have signaled their intent to offer data breach notification amendments when the Chamber considers cybersecurity legislation. However, there are a number of hurdles that lawmakers must address before they can move forward. First, the large number of congressional committees that have jurisdiction on the issue has led to turf battles. Also, it has been difficult for Congress to settle on a standard that would effectively preempt the current patchwork of state laws. Photo: Shutterstock

Experian Automotive today announced that average credit scores for consumers buying a vehicle have dropped to near prerecession levels. According to its quarterly automotive credit analysis, the average credit score for financing a new vehicle dropped six points to 760 and dropped four points to 659 for used vehicles. Comparatively, credit scores in Q1 of 2008 were at an average of 753 for new vehicles and 653 for used. Lenders also continued to set favorable terms for consumers during Q1 2012. Interest rates were lower year-over-year and loan terms were longer, giving consumers access to potentially lower monthly payments. For example, the average interest rates dropped to 4.56 percent on new vehicle loans and to 9.02 percent for used. The average loan terms also increased, extending by one month for new and used vehicles to a total of 64 and 59 months, respectively. “During the first quarter of 2012, car shoppers definitely found more favorable conditions for their vehicle loans,” said Melinda Zabritski, director of automotive credit for Experian. “A reduction in average credit scores, lower interest rates and a lengthening of loan terms are all very good signs for the market and offer great opportunities for consumers looking to make a deal on a new or used vehicle.” The analysis also showed an increase in the average amount financed. The average amount financed on new vehicles rose by $589 in Q1 2012, reaching a total of $25,995. For used vehicles, the average amount financed increased by $411, bringing the average total to $17,050. “Our report shows automotive lending is as healthy as it’s been since the market bottomed out in 2008,” continued Zabritski. “With consumers doing a good job of paying back loans on time and the percentage of dollars at risk reaching its lowest point in six years, lenders are able to extend terms and provide lower rates. This thawing of the credit pipeline has been good for everyone, from consumers to lenders to automotive retailers.” Some additional highlights from Q1 2012: Vehicle loans to nonprime, subprime and deep-subprime customers increased by 11.4 percent Auto repossession rates are down by 37.1 percent. Thirty-day delinquencies dropped by 7.6 percent; 60-day delinquencies dropped by 12.1 percent. Banks and credit unions gained market share. Banks grew by 7.5 percent to 40.21 percent market share, while credit unions grew by 10.5 percent to 16.89 percent market share. Complete findings from the State of the Automotive Finance Market Q1 2012 credit trends analysis will be presented today in a Webinar at 11 a.m. Pacific/1 p.m. Central/2 p.m. Eastern.  Please join us. Experian Automotive’s quarterly credit trend analysis features market reporting data and analysis from its AutoCount® Risk Report, which analyzes automotive lending markets based on a uniform measurement of credit quality that segments markets by geography, credit score and vehicle registrations, among other factors. It also incorporates data from the Experian–Oliver Wyman Market Intelligence Reports, which provide topical, quarterly analysis; peer benchmarking options; and commentary on key issues facing the financial services industry. Photo:  Shutterstock

Experian Marketing Services today announced the acquisition of Conversen. Conversen is a pioneer in developing interaction management technologies that enable marketers to create fully integrated, cross-channel conversations through mobile, Web, social, email and traditional channels. To encourage advocacy and deepen customer loyalty, marketers are quickly moving away from channel marketing and are focusing on implementing coordinated, personable and highly relevant data-driven conversations. The acquisition of this industry-leading campaign management technology further strengthens Experian Marketing Services’ integrated marketing suite and provides even more flexibility, efficiency and precision to clients’ engagement strategies. “As the complexity and demand for more data-driven marketing grows, it’s paramount that Experian Marketing Services stays ahead of these shifts and continues to offer an intuitive, flexible product set that enables clients to engage in consistent, meaningful dialogues with their customers across all relevant channels,” said Matt Seeley, president, Experian Marketing Services. “The acquisition of Conversen aligns with our commitment to invest aggressively in cross-channel marketing and complements our powerful suite of customer-centric marketing services that better connect our clients with their customers. We fully expect this acquisition to have a tremendous and immediate, positive impact on our clients’ programs.” Philip Chischportich of Conversen added, “Our mutual high regard for — and focus on — our clients, along with Experian Marketing Services’ global scale, deep roots in direct-to-consumer marketing and diverse industry experience, made this a win-win for both organizations and our clients. Experian Marketing Services has a proven track record of developing and acquiring innovative technologies, leveraging emerging channel preferences and maximizing return on investment for its high-performing marketing clients. This strategic business approach matches our growth plans, and we’re thrilled about becoming part of their team.”

Experian®, the leading global information services company, today announced that during National Small Business Week, May 20–26, it will offer BusinessIQ Express at half off its annual subscription price for the first year of service. BusinessIQ Express is a new online tool that enables small businesses to improve their cash flow by providing them with resources to better evaluate and monitor business relationships and collect on outstanding debt. “Maintaining cash flow and ensuring prompt payments are challenges that all businesses face,” said Adam Fingersh, senior vice president of Experian’s Business Information Services. “Large businesses usually have enough built-up capital to weather the ebbs and flows of untimely payments, but for a small business, delinquent payments can mean the difference between being open tomorrow and having to shut their doors forever.” BusinessIQ Express offers three key ways to help members manage their business relationships quickly and easily: Evaluate — BusinessIQ Express members can evaluate prospects, customers, suppliers and partners on their likelihood to pay or deliver on time Monitor — Members can easily monitor their business relationships with alerts and notifications of key changes, allowing them to take appropriate account actions and maintain beneficial relationships Collect — The tool offers small-business members unique options that may have never before been easily accessible to them to help collect on outstanding debts and avoid future losses Small businesses can sign up for membership to BusinessIQ Express at the discounted annual rate of $375 (a 50% savings in the first year of membership) throughout National Small Business Week (May 20–26). To learn more, check out BusinessIQ Express.