Can Expanding the Role of CRBs Through Trade Data Sharing Enhance Business Credit and Improve Cash Flow Management?
There is a growing need to expand the information shared with Credit Reference Bureaus ( CRBs) to include trade data. Many manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers have reported cash flow challenges due to difficulties in recovering debts from their customers. This often results in their ability to restock or pay suppliers, further straining their operations. In Kenya, trade agreements frequently rely on informal arrangements, with limited legal recourse due to delays in the judicial systems. Could CRBs play a more significant role in addressing these issues?
As businesses increasingly rely on data to drive decision-making, it’s evident that CRBs, which currently hold financial data related primarily to bank and mobile loans, could greatly enhance their scope. While the inclusion of traditional credit data has boosted financial inclusion, expanding this to cover trade credit information especially from manufacturers, service providers, and wholesalers could revolutionise how businesses extend and manage credit.
If this trade data were collected and shared under a regulatory framework, it could enhance credit trading, improve business relationships, and further financial inclusion. Regular purchasing and payment data, when synthesized, could help businesses evaluate potential customers, set credit limits, and make informed decisions beyond traditional borrowing data.
Accounts receivable teams often struggle to recover overdue debts from customers extended credit without proper risk assessment. Introducing legislation to compel specific entities to share trade data based on factors like turnover or invoice value could help manage risk, reduce legal disputes, and cut down on costs associated with unpaid receivables.
Moreover, the Kenya Revenue Authority could benefit from improved tax collection, as greater financial discipline would be encouraged to avoid negative CRB listings, which can impact a company’s ability to do business. This would also help reduce the burden on the Judiciary, where countless civil cases related to unpaid debts remain unresolved, leading to significant business losses.
Properly managing and sharing trade credit information could streamline the business environment, improving cash flow and financial planning. Additionally, incorporating trade credit data into CRB decision making tools could help boost an individual’s or entity’s creditworthiness when seeking traditional loans. On an individual level, high value asset purchase, such as land and vehicles, could also be evaluated using shared credit sales and receipts data, providing both buyers and sellers with insights into the financial reliability of potential customers.
In conclusion, expanding the data shared with CRBs could significantly improve risk management, debtor control, and financial stability, creating a more transparent and efficient trading environment for businesses of all sizes.
By Francis Shikuku
Accounts Assistant, Creditinfo Kenya
Creditinfo, FSD Kenya, and CIS Kenya Launch the Findings of a Study on Kenya’s Credit Market Landscape
Press release
Nairobi, Kenya – Monday, 5th August, 2024 – A new study has revealed a complex picture of Kenya’s credit market, with digital loans dominating the landscape while the overall value of loans disbursed is on the decline. The study conducted by Financial Sector Deepening (FSD) Kenya, Credit Information Sharing Association of Kenya (CIS Kenya), and Creditinfo Credit Reference Bureau Kenya Limited (Creditinfo CRB), provides a comprehensive analysis of credit data spanning five years.
The study is titled Kenya’s credit market landscape – Demand side analysis of credit records held by Creditinfo CRB, is based on an analysis of credit records held by Creditinfo CRB.
The use of Credit Reference Bureau data in this study provides an opportunity to analyse credit data that is aggregated from various sources and segmented according to borrower’s sex, type of loan (digital and non-digital), type of borrower (company and individual), and provider type (bank, MFB, and MFI). The data covers the 5-year period from January 2019 to December 2023.
Summary findings
- Kenya’s credit market is dominated by digital loans (in volume terms) provided by banks mostly to male Banks continue to dominate the retail lending market, accounting for over 90% of the volume and value of digital and non-digital loans.
- The number of unique borrowers has been on a steady increase on an annual basis, with
7.5 million unique borrowers in 2019 compared to 11.4 million unique borrowers in 2023. This constitutes both individual and non-individual borrowers (companies). On average, there are 6m unique male borrowers and 4.3m female borrowers each year.
- In contrast to the increase of unique borrowers, the aggregate value of loans disbursed annually has been on a decline, with KShs 2,067bn issued in 2019 compared to KShs 1,937bn in Male borrowers accounted for 61.4% of the total number of loans and 71.1% of the total value of loans issued between 2019 to 2023.
- On average, there are 10 million unique borrowers who have at least one digital loan annually compared to 1 million for non-digital loans. Approximately 270 million new digital loans valued at KShs 1,512 billion were issued over the five-year period compared to 8 million non-digital loans valued at KShs 8,282 billion over the same period. There is, however, an observed decline in the average value of nondigital loans, from an average of KShs 8,353 in 2019 to an average of KShs 4,555 in 2023, a 45% decline.
- The number of new negative listings declined by more than half between 2019 and 2023. Whilst this can be attributed to changes in the regulatory framework on the treatment of negative listings, there is a marked decline between 2019 and 2020 which was beforethe regulatory changes. In 2023, 933,551 individual borrowers were negatively listed with Creditinfo CRB compared to 2,204,591 individuals in 2019.
- Female borrowers have better repayment histories compared to men, accounting for an approximately of 36% of the new negative listings over five-year period, compared to 64% for
- Most borrowers who have a negative record have an outstanding loan balance of between KShs 1,001 to KShs 5,000. The data further indicates that a higher proportion of borrowers initially listed as having repayment difficulties with their loans (negative record) managed to fully repay them off after seven months and within one
- 69% of borrowers that previously had a negative record were subsequently issued with a new This is contrary to the public’s perception that the CIS mechanism is a blacklisting tool and that a negative listing automatically precludes a borrower from accessing future loans.
“The development of Kenya’s credit market is at the core of FSD Kenya’s work and strategy. While many of the building blocks that underpin an efficient and effective retail market are in place, available evidence points that the provision of appropriate and affordable credit remains a challenge. MSMEs and women continue to be underserved. FSD Kenya’s work in credit market is aimed at working with various partners to address the factors that constrain the flow of productive credit to where it is needed the most. Part of this includes creating the knowledge and evidence base through research and analysis to inform the direction of market development and policy interventions. This study is part of those efforts. The expectation is that the study will provide the basis for engagement with various stakeholders on the development of Kenya’s credit market, long-term policy implications, and the functioning of Kenya’s Credit Information Sharing mechanism.”, said Francis Gwer, FSD Kenya’s Senior policy specialist.
“The Credit Information Sharing (CIS) mechanism has significantly advanced since its inception in Kenya. The transition from negative-only reporting to the bureau to comprehensive full-file reporting to the bureau marked a pivotal moment, fostering innovation and financial inclusion. Data gathered throughout this evolution has proven invaluable for market growth and innovation. Further advancements, such as incorporating all credit sectors and enabling real- time reporting, have the potential to elevate the CIS mechanism to new heights.”, said Kamau Kunyiha, Regional Manager, Creditinfo CRB
About FSD Kenya
Financial Sector Deepening Kenya (FSD Kenya) is an independent trust dedicated to the achievement of a financial system that delivers value for a green and inclusive digital economy while improving financial health and capability for women and micro and small enterprises (MSEs). We work closely with the public sector, the financial services industry, and other partners to develop financial solutions that better address the real-world challenges that low-income households, micro and small enterprises, and underserved groups such as women and youth face. More details about FSD Kenya.
About CIS Kenya
The Credit Information Sharing Association of Kenya (CIS Kenya) was set up to institutionalize the National Credit Information Sharing (CIS) Forum. The Forum was created in early 2012 in order to bring together both bank and non-bank credit providers to map the way forward towards implementing full file comprehensive CIS in Kenya. Prior to the formation of CIS Kenya, the implementation of CIS in Kenya was spearheaded by the Kenya Credit Information Sharing Initiative (KCISI), a partnership between Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) and Kenya Bankers Association (KBA). More details about CIS 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 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. More details about Creditinfo CRB.
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
Creditinfo launches SME blended scorecard in Kenya
Credit information leader launches pan-African SME initiative, ahead of global rollout
LONDON, UK, 21st July 2021 – Creditinfo Group, the leading global credit information and decision analytics provider, is today announcing the launch of a scorecard solution tailored for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Through its unique approach to data and algorithms, this scorecard will help financial institutions improve their credit assessment and facilitate financing to the SME market, which has typically been less able to access finance.
Creditinfo, recognizing the importance of SME risk assessment across the world is aiming to roll out a global solution to address this challenge. The company will first launch the SME scorecard in Kenya, ahead of a wider rollout across countries in Africa, and several other key economies across the globe.
The unique modeling approach Creditinfo have developed significantly reduces, and in some cases eliminates, the human effort needed to assess customers’ risk profile based on credit data. It is delivered in a software platform which unifies, streamlines, automates and centralizes the risk evaluation process. Creditinfo’s SME scorecard is considerably stronger at predicting business failure than existing traditional models.
Burak Kilicoglu, Director of Global Markets at Creditinfo, commented, “SMEs drive innovation and push digitalization forward for many people by providing services to underserved segments of the population and creating job opportunities. SME scorecards will accelerate access to finance for the benefit of whole economic ecosystem. At Creditinfo we have access to a wealth of credit bureau data as a starting point, and so are uniquely positioned to offer this solution in global markets.”
Kamau Kunyiha, CEO of Creditinfo CRB Kenya, added, “Kenya is the most dynamic and receptive market for SME lending innovation, demonstrated by the successful adoption of mobile wallets and microloans. We look forward to seeing the economic impact of this new solution as it comes into full effect and we see more capital flowing through the SME economy.”
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About Creditinfo
Established in 1997 and headquartered in Reykjavík, Iceland, 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.com
PR contacts:
Marketing Manager/ PR for East Africa
Phidi Mwatibo
Email: Phidi.mwatibo@creditinfo.com
