May 2023

Credit Bureaus: Cross Border Data Sharing

In today’s globalized world, cross-border data sharing is becoming increasingly important for credit bureaus. By accessing data from multiple countries, credit bureaus can improve the accuracy and completeness of credit reports, assess the creditworthiness of non-citizens, and expand market opportunities for lenders. Let’s explore these benefits in more detail.

Improved accuracy and completeness of credit reports

Accessing data from multiple countries allows credit bureaus to gain a more comprehensive view of an individual’s credit history. For example, if someone has lived or worked in multiple countries, their credit history may be spread across different credit bureaus. Cross-border data sharing allows credit bureaus to combine this information into a single credit report, providing lenders with a more complete picture of the borrower’s creditworthiness. This can lead to more informed lending decisions and better risk management for lenders.

Assessment of creditworthiness for non-citizens

For non-citizens or individuals with limited credit histories, cross-border data sharing can be especially important. Without access to credit data from other countries, it can be difficult to assess their creditworthiness. Cross-border data sharing allows credit bureaus to access credit data from other countries, providing a more complete picture of the borrower’s credit history. This can help lenders make more informed lending decisions, expanding opportunities for creditworthy borrowers.

Increased market opportunities for lenders

By accessing data from multiple countries, credit bureaus can also help lenders expand into new markets. For example, a lender in one country may be interested in providing loans to individuals or businesses in another country. Without access to credit data from that country, it can be difficult to assess the creditworthiness of potential borrowers. Cross-border data sharing can provide lenders with the information they need to make informed lending decisions, opening up new opportunities and expanding their market reach.

Compliance with international regulations

In some cases, cross-border data sharing may be required by international regulations or agreements, such as the GDPR in the European Union. By complying with these regulations, credit bureaus can avoid legal and reputational risks. Additionally, complying with international regulations can help build trust with consumers and businesses, as it shows a commitment to ethical and responsible data practices.

In conclusion, cross-border data sharing is becoming increasingly important for credit bureaus. By providing access to a wider range of data sources, credit bureaus can improve the accuracy and completeness of credit reports, assess the creditworthiness of non-citizens, expand market opportunities for lenders, and comply with international regulations. As global data sharing becomes more common, it is likely that cross-border data sharing will become a standard practice for credit bureaus around the world.

Beny Benardi
Country manager, Indonesia.

Creditinfo completes strategic acquisition of Ugandan and Namibian credit bureaus

Latest acquisitions cement credit expert’s position as leading solutions provider in Africa.

Kampala and Windhoek/London, 25th May 2023 – Creditinfo Group, the leading global service provider for credit information and risk management solutions, today announces the acquisition of two credit bureaus in Uganda and Namibia. As part of the acquisition, Creditinfo has taken on all employees working in the credit bureaus, which were previously owned by Experian. Creditinfo will combine their invaluable local expertise with its own extensive experience in delivering private credit solutions to African and European nations to help millions access finance.

Creditinfo has a unique mix of market knowledge that it will draw on to complement the work of the strong management teams already in place in Namibia and Uganda. Its experience working with more traditional lending markets in Europe combined with its knowledge of the different trends in lending markets in sub-Saharan Africa – such as the drive-in mobile wallet use in Kenya – will help both Namibia’s and Uganda’s credit bureaus go from strength to strength.

Coupling this experience with its advanced software and analytics products, Creditinfo will deliver its world-leading credit bureau solutions to help the two bureaus facilitate access to finance for both individuals, SMEs, and corporates in the regions, whatever their social and economic needs.

Paul Randall, CEO at Creditinfo said: “We are committed to sustainably growing our business and identifying ideal opportunities to add strong and profitable credit bureaus to the Creditinfo Group, while helping more local citizens and businesses access finance. Uganda and Namibia are ideal partners for us in this respect and all our new employees are a credit to the Creditinfo name. As the leading credit bureau provider in Africa, we eagerly look forward to working together to provide the best service possible in each country”.

Mark Charles Mwanje, Country Manager of Uganda said: “We are delighted to join the Creditinfo Group. We believe their years of expertise and knowledge will be a great asset to our existing team of dedicated and talented employees. We look forward to joining forces to help the local people and our growing economy.”

Karin Jansen van Vuuren, Country Manager of Namibia said: “Working with Creditinfo provides us the chance to tap into new opportunities for further growth. The company’s in-depth experience will be instrumental in helping banks and other lenders to extend credit, while ensuring we’re still a private credit bureau run by local people for local people, with all their best interests at heart.”

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About Creditinfo

Established in 1997 and headquartered in London, UK, Creditinfo is a provider of credit information and risk management solutions worldwide. As one of the fastest-growing companies in its field, Creditinfo facilitates access to finance, through intelligent information, software, and decision analytics solutions.

With more than 30 credit bureaus running today, Creditinfo has the most considerable global presence in this field of credit risk management. For decades it has provided business information, risk management and credit bureau solutions to some of the largest, lenders, governments, and central banks globally to increase financial inclusion and generate economic growth by allowing credit access for SMEs and individuals.

For more information, please visit www.creditinfo.com

Credit Bureaus and why they will remain important in the years to come

As the financial industry continues to evolve, credit bureaus need to continue to adapt. There are many compelling reasons why credit bureaus will continue to play a vital role in the future of lending and credit. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of credit bureaus and why they will remain important in the years to come.

1. Efficient and standardized credit data

Credit bureaus provide an efficient and standardized way to collect and store credit data. This allows lenders to quickly access the credit history and credit scores of potential borrowers, which is essential for making informed lending decisions. Without credit bureaus, lenders would need to spend more time and resources gathering credit data from various sources, which would slow down the lending process.

2. More accurate credit models

Credit bureaus are constantly refining their credit models to improve accuracy and predictiveness. By analysing large amounts of credit data, credit bureaus can develop more sophisticated credit models that consider a wide range of factors, such as payment histories, outstanding debts, and length of credit history. These models provide lenders with a more accurate picture of a borrower’s creditworthiness, helping to reduce the risk of defaults and delinquencies.

3. Increased access to credit

Credit bureaus play a critical role in expanding access to credit. By providing lenders with access to credit data, credit bureaus make it easier for individuals and businesses to obtain loans and credit cards. This is particularly important for people with limited credit histories or who have had past credit problems, as credit bureaus provide lenders with a way to evaluate these borrowers’ creditworthiness.

4. Protection against fraud and identity theft

Credit bureaus also play a key role in protecting consumers against fraud and identity theft. By monitoring credit reports for suspicious activity, credit bureaus can help detect and prevent fraudulent activity. Additionally, credit freezes and fraud alerts can be placed on credit reports to prevent unauthorized access to credit data.

5. Continued relevance in a changing industry

While the financial industry is evolving rapidly, credit bureaus will continue to be relevant in the future. As new technologies and data sources emerge, credit bureaus will adapt and incorporate these changes into their credit models. Additionally, credit bureaus will likely face increased competition from fintech startups and other companies, which will push them to innovate and improve their offerings.

In conclusion, credit bureaus are essential to the lending and credit industry. By providing lenders with access to credit data, credit bureaus make it easier for individuals and businesses to obtain loans and credit cards. Additionally, credit bureaus play a critical role in expanding access to credit, protecting consumers against fraud and identity theft, and adapting to a changing industry. As the financial industry continues to evolve, credit bureaus will remain a vital part of the lending and credit ecosystem.

Gary Brown,

Head of Commercial Development, Creditinfo Group.

Creditinfo Kenya partners with Letshego Kenya to launch lending app

Letshego Kenya launches “Letsgo Cash” in partnership with Creditinfo Kenya to take financial inclusion to a higher level.

· Minimum loan amount of KES 1,000 and a maximum of KES 100,000 and a loan repayment period of 30 days.

· LetsGo Cash increases access and supports customers who need quick and easy access to funds for emergency purposes.

· LetsGo Cash supports digital financial inclusion and enables the underserved and informal sector players to build their own credit records.

Nairobi, Kenya, 3rd May 2023 – Letshego Kenya Limited, a subsidiary of Letshego Holdings Limited (Letshego Group), has partnered with Creditinfo Kenya to launch LetsGo Cash, a self-service and short-term instant loan that gives customers access to KES 1,000 up to KES 100,000.

LetsGo Cash is payable in 30 days and geared towards consumers who need quick and easy access to funds for emergency purposes, including family emergencies, medical needs, home repairs, car breakdowns or funds to support entrepreneurs and small businesses. Creditinfo Kenya’s team brings decades of experience and practical knowledge in credit risk management to support the delivery of LetsGo Cash.

Letshego Kenya’s Chief Executive Officer, Adam Kasaine said: “LetsGo Cash is another way we are increasing access to product funds for more Kenyans. This is inclusive finance in action – it’s quick and hassle-free cash at a competitive price, accessible via your phone or web.”

The innovative LetsGo Cash is a potential game-changer, as it is accessible anytime, anywhere and is more competitive than traditional short-term cash advance providers, providing customers with immediate financial relief and the opportunity to participate in the digital economy in a sustainable and responsible manner.

Creditinfo’s Regional Manager for East Africa, Kamau Kunyiha added: “Creditinfo is proud to support LetsGo Cash assist customers who need quick and easy access to emergency funds the most, while also helping the underserved to build their own credit scores at the same time. Customers’ applications are submitted with a few swipes on a mobile phone, and the time to cash can be as short as a few minutes.”

LetsGo Cash provides a convenient, safe and affordable financial service to the underserved and informal sector players thereby helping to increase financial inclusion. It also helps them build their own credit record, since the better they manage their loan, the better their credit record, and the more cash they have access to going forward. This ensures that more people can access the service, including first-time borrowers who can now enjoy the benefits of a secure, regulated lending solution. Once approved, the money is disbursed directly into the customer’s mobile wallet. It can then be used as the customer desires, including for emergencies, such as purchasing prepaid electricity and water, paying bills, or sending money to friends and family.

LetsGo Cash can be accessed on Letshego’s LetsGo Digital Mall and downloadable via Android and Apple Play Store, or with one click, clicking on www.letsgo.letshego.com as well as via the USSD *435# on their mobile phone.

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NOTES TO EDITORS:

About Letshego Kenya Limited

Letshego Kenya Limited is the largest credit-only microfinance institution in Kenya and a licensed financial services provider in Kenya, providing loans to individuals across both the public and private sectors, as well as supporting Micro and Small Entrepreneurs (MSE). Since the conclusion of the successful acquisition by Letshego Holdings Ltd in February 2012, Micro Africa Group became a wholly owned subsidiary of Botswana-based Letshego Holdings Limited – an inclusive finance group with more than 21 years’ experience in Africa, and a current footprint of 11 Sub-Saharan Markets. Its contribution to the group has been to leverage the microfinance banking competencies and existing customer base, expand Letshego’s geographic coverage, and diversify its solution offering.

The company is founded on, and continues to strive towards, the principle of finding the most effective way to implement microfinance banking in an African context and transform the livelihoods of customers who carry out viable economic activity. Letshego Kenya Limited has a staff compliment of over 150 employees, spread across 25 branches. The company provides loans to over 20,000 customers who enjoy an expanded access through strategic partnerships, innovative technology and digital delivery channels. For more information on Letshego, please visit www.letshego.com/kenya

About Creditinfo

Established in 1997 and headquartered in London, UK, Creditinfo is a provider of credit information and risk management solutions worldwide. As one of the fastest-growing companies in its field, Creditinfo facilitates access to finance, through intelligent information, software and decision analytics solutions.

With more than 30 credit bureaus running today, Creditinfo has the most considerable global presence in the field of credit risk management. For decades it has provided business information, risk management and credit bureau solutions to some of the largest, lenders, governments and central banks globally to increase financial inclusion and generate economic growth by allowing credit access for SMEs and individuals.

For more information on Creditinfo, please visit www.creditinfo.com

AS Creditinfo Eesti appoints Elari Tammenurm as new CEO

Estonia, 9th May 2023Creditinfo Group, a global service provider for credit information and risk management solutions, today announces the appointment of Elari Tammenurm as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of its Estonian branch. Elari will support and maintain Creditinfo’s legacy as a leading partner for business and risk management decision making and drive the sustainable growth of AS Creditinfo Eesti.

Elari joined Creditinfo in 2019 as Director IT in the Baltics, progressing to Management Board member and Head of IT Baltics. Now as CEO, Elari will be responsible for the largest and oldest credit bureau in Estonia.

In his role, Elari will work with various internal and external stakeholders to ensure the company’s approach to strategy and growth remains first class in terms of meeting customers’ expectations and needs.

Elari Tammenurm, CEO of AS Creditinfo Eesti said: “Today everyone has access to vast amounts of data; however, the abundance of data can make it more difficult to make well-informed business decisions in an ever-changing business environment. In my new role, it’s my goal to further ensure the facilitation of this process through delivering world class solutions to the Estonian market including various new Decision Analytics and Scoring related products. This will allow us to continue driving valuable and positive outcomes for our clients and enable greater access to finance and economic growth in Estonia.”

Paul Randall, CEO of Creditinfo Group, said: “With roots in financial services and IT strategy, Elari knows how to solve our clients’ unique business challenges. His knowledge of the company, our people, our industry, and our clients is a huge advantage for AS Creditinfo Eesti’s innovation and growth as we continue to expand in the Estonian market. We’re proud to have Elari leading the way.”

END

About Creditinfo

Established in 1997 and headquartered in London, UK, Creditinfo is a provider of credit information and risk management solutions worldwide. As one of the fastest-growing companies in its field, Creditinfo facilitates access to finance, through intelligent information, software and decision analytics solutions.

With more than 30 credit bureaus running today, Creditinfo has the most considerable global presence in this field of credit risk management, with a significantly greater footprint than competitors. For decades it has provided business information, risk management and credit bureau solutions to some of the largest, lenders, governments and central banks globally to increase financial inclusion and generate economic growth by allowing credit access for SMEs and individuals.

For more information, please visit www.creditinfo.comwww.creditinfo.ee