Background

Over the past four decades we have developed a core expertise in acquiring, processing, managing and operating very large and comprehensive databases. These are the foundation of our consumer credit business. We now operate 15 consumer credit bureaux around the world, maintaining information on over 450 million adult consumers.

Financial organisations share consumer’s information with each other via our databases. We help these organisations assess the risk involved in granting credit. Consumers give lending organisations permission to share their details when they sign up to a loan agreement but many are not aware of the role of a credit reference agency in helping them acquire financial services, and we work hard to make this more transparent.  We also support consumers by providing a copy of an individual’s credit report on request, through our consumer advice and support centres and through various consumer education initiatives.

We also have businesses that provide information directly to consumers, helping them proactively monitor and manage their credit file and providing information around financial transactions to lower the cost of daily living.

To understand more about our range of services, the publication Explaining Experian is online this year and gives a full description of all aspects of what we do.