Federal Regulators Issue Joint Statement on the Use of Alternative Data in Credit Underwriting

WASHINGTON – Five Federal financial regulatory agencies today issued a joint statement on the use of alternative data in underwriting by banks, credit unions, and non-bank financial firms.

The statement from the Federal Reserve Board (Federal Reserve), the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), and the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) notes the benefits that using alternative data may provide to consumers, such as expanding access to credit and enabling consumers to obtain additional products and more favorable pricing and terms. The statement explains that a well-designed compliance management program provides for a thorough analysis of relevant consumer protection laws and regulations to ensure firms understand the opportunities, risks, and compliance requirements before using alternative data.

Alternative data includes information not typically found in consumers’ credit reports or customarily provided by consumers when applying for credit. Alternative data include cash flow data derived from consumers’ bank account records. The agencies recognize that use of alternative data in a manner consistent with applicable consumer protection laws may improve the speed and accuracy of credit decisions and may help firms evaluate the creditworthiness of consumers who currently may not obtain credit in the mainstream credit system.

Attachment: Interagency Statement on the Use of Alternative Data in Credit Underwriting

Agency Contact Phone
Federal Reserve Susan Stawick 202.452.2955
FDIC Brian Sullivan 202.898.6534
OCC Paul Ross 202.649.6870
CFPB Marisol Garibay 202.435.5160
NCUA John Fairbanks 703.518.6336
IR Press

Share
Published by
IR Press

Recent Posts

OCC Announces Enforcement Actions for November 2024

WASHINGTON—The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) today released enforcement actions taken against…

2 days ago

Remarks by Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen on the 30th Anniversary of the Community Development Financial Institution Fund

As Prepared for Delivery Good afternoon. It’s an honor to welcome President Clinton to Treasury today…

2 days ago

Treasury Sanctions Gazprombank and Takes Additional Steps to Curtail Russia’s Use of the International Financial System

Treasury imposes sanctions on dozens of Russian banks, securities registrars, and finance officials; OFAC issues…

2 days ago

Acting Comptroller Testifies on State of the Federal Banking System

WASHINGTON—Acting Comptroller Michael J. Hsu today testified on the state of the federal banking system…

3 days ago

Remarks by Assistant Secretary for International Finance Brent Neiman on the U.S. Cross-Border Payments Agenda

As Prepared for Delivery Thank you very much for the opportunity to be here today, and…

4 days ago