Main News Desk

Investment in data quality optimises decision-making

September 26, 2007

Experian today announces two milestone achievements in its ongoing investment in data quality to ensure that its clients have the most up-to-date and accurate information with which to make better business decisions.

Experian has updated 2.15 million records in the Rolling Register in 2006/07, an increase of almost 20 per cent on last year’s 1.8 million records. The Electoral Register is the lynchpin of its databases and is the first step in proving the identity of anyone who applies for credit, thereby countering money laundering and complying with Financial Services Authority (FSA) anti-fraud guidelines. Its investment in technology and process improvement has consistently enabled Experian to increase the speed with which it is able to load data onto the Register. Faster, more accurate data means higher acceptance levels for credit report applications from consumers – particularly new CreditExpert customers.

Experian has also reached 400 million records in its shared database CAIS (Credit Information Account Sharing), which holds information on credit accounts for the majority of the active credit population. The largest of its kind in the UK, this is the powerhouse behind many of Experian’s products. The increased number of records will also allow Experian’s customers greater accuracy in decision-making.

“The Electoral Commission has proactively encouraged registration on the Electoral Register, both in the annual canvass and when people move home, but it is also probable that the increase in numbers is due to a wider knowledge of the link between the Electoral Register and credit reports,” said Peter Brooker, Public Affairs Director at Experian. “People who are keen to improve their credit rating as well as vote in local elections earlier this year, have signed up in high numbers.”

“The surge we’ve seen in updated records means that the Electoral Register is more up-to-date and, therefore, more accurate. It also provides public sector organisations with access to better quality information on the whereabouts of occupiers for crucial processes like council tax payments.

“Information is the lifeblood of our business and we invest millions of pounds every year in making our processes for uploading, verifying and benchmarking data more efficient. Data integrity and quality is vital to our customers’ businesses. Direct marketing campaigns and lending decisions benefit by being quicker and more precise, and our clients can cut levels of ID theft through better quality information.”

Executive quote

“The Electoral Commission has proactively encouraged registration on the Electoral Register, both in the annual canvass and when people move home, but it is also probable that the increase in numbers is due to a wider knowledge of the link between the Electoral Register and credit reports,” said Peter Brooker, Public Affairs Director at Experian.

About the company

Experian is a global leader in providing information, analytical and marketing services to organisations and consumers to help manage the risk and reward of commercial and financial decisions.

Combining its unique information tools and deep understanding of individuals, markets and economies, Experian partners with organisations around the world to establish and strengthen customer relationships and provide their businesses with competitive advantage.

For consumers, Experian delivers critical information that enables them to make financial and purchasing decisions with greater control and confidence.

Clients include organisations from financial services, retail and catalogue, telecommunications, utilities, media, insurance, automotive, leisure, e-commerce, manufacturing, property and government sectors.

Experian Group Limited is listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN) and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 index. It has corporate headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, and operational headquarters in Costa Mesa, California and Nottingham, UK. Experian employs around 15,500 people in 36 countries worldwide, supporting clients in more than 65 countries. Annual sales are in excess of $3.8 billion (£1.9 billion/€2.8 billion).

For more information, visit the Group's website on www.experiangroup.com.

The word 'Experian' is a registered trademark in the EU and other countries and is owned by Experian Ltd and/or its associated companies.

Contact details

For further press information please contact:
Anna Moseley at LEWIS
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7802 2626
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7802 2627
Email: annam/rachelh@lewispr.com
Web: www.lewispr.com

Bookmarklets:

Recent Press Releases

2010 Archive

2009 Archive

2008 Archive

2007 Archive

Jump to:

Main News Desk

Investment in data quality optimises decision-making

Executive quote

About the company

Contact details