Friday, July 25, 2014

How To Assess Credit Data Solutions

By Miranda Sweeney


People may assume that having debt is sometimes stressful, but so is lending money to other people. Any loan involves some measure of risk to both parties, and that is why credit providers put so much emphasis on the assessment of those who apply to them, and also on the decision to approve or reject an application. The task of lenders is made easier by the use of credit data solutions.

Part of any risk assessment is the track record of the person or business applying. Lenders need to see who the applicant owes money to, how much and on what basis. They also need to look at the applicant's history of payment. Do they have outstanding debts? Is there anyone they didn't pay? These are questions that financiers have to ask, no matter how offensive or inappropriate they may seem to those applying.

The assessment also entails confirming the applicant's information. Financiers should always make sure that the information as to identity, employment and income is accurate. This is about more than creditworthiness. It is also about self-explanatory security issues.

This information about consumers is known as credit data. Since it is concerned with peoples' personal histories and financial affairs, it is not easy to obtain. It may be protected by legislation. Indebted consumers may also try to hide it from potential lenders. Operators in the industry therefore require a reliable source of such information.

There are subscription-based services who are able to provide such information. They are legally allowed to offer this service, even though subscription is not free. These credit bureaus administer databases of consumers and their track records. Financial institutions are permitted to purchase records if they have been authorized to do so by those applying for finance. There will always be text to that effect on the application form.

In choosing a data provider, lenders need to take certain factors into consideration.

Firstly, the quality of the data. How extensive is it? Is it reliable? Bureau reports should give accurate dates and figures and also be prepared to inform their customers as to the sources of their information. There should not be errors as this can prejudice not only the lender's decision but also the consumer's ability to be approved for finance.

Quality is related to the second point, namely integrity. How secure is the provider's system? How easy is it for consumers to alter or remove their records? A data supplier needs to have substantial authority in the industry. They should not readily allow the public to access or modify their database.

Lastly, how many people are recorded in the database? What proportion of the market does the supplier represent? If the proportion is too low, the latter won't always be able to answer their customers' enquiries.

Credit bureaus and other data suppliers are sometimes attacked by the public because they are seen as enemies in the application approval process. However, they provide an essential service in preventing non-performing loans and other bad debt, thereby maintaining the sustainability of the industry.




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