UK Focus: Shifting economic conditions
UK regulator, the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) has this month written directly to more than 3,500 lenders in the UK to “remind them of the standards they should meet as consumers across the country are affected by the rising cost of living. With household bills expected to continue to rise into the autumn, it is […]
The future of lending is first-party data
In a data-rich world, it is increasingly important to know how to select the best data source for each process. What is the difference between first-party and third-party data? And why are some lenders moving to first-party data for risk assessment? Let’s start with some definitions First-party data is data that you create or […]
What is a psychometric assessment?
And how can it help your credit score? If we want to measure temperature, we use a thermometer. But how can we measure variables like knowledge and attitudes? We use a psychometric assessment. The term ‘Psychometrics’ sounds intimidating and complicated, but essentially it refers to the ability to measure psychological traits. Psychometric assessments can objectively […]
11 trends shaping credit assessment this year
1. Inclusion of Alternative Data Spurred by a combination of factors, Lenders are actively looking to include more and different types of data in decisioning processes. Notably the fallout from lockdowns in recent years has exposed the limits of traditional data. While exact models vary, traditional bureau credit scores consider the last 5 to 7 […]
Regional Focus: Credit inclusion in Africa
Africa is one of the most diverse continents in the world. Home to more than a billion people and making up the largest free trade area on the planet. The continent is rich in natural and human resources and has the potential to build on these to drive inclusive growth. The diversity of the continent […]
Finalist – Most Sustainable Start up
We’re pleased to be recognised as a finalist in Finnovating’s Most Sustainable Startup Awards. Sustainability is central to our mission at Begini. We believe in giving credit where it’s due. Access to credit is access to opportunity. Finnovating is a global platform of over 70,000 FinTech startups, corporations & investors to collaborate, invest and scale globally. […]
A question of character for SME lending
Getting to know the ‘missing middle’? ?Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are the lifeblood of economic growth; however, they need investment to thrive, and often face the same tough due diligence requirements as larger enterprises. Lenders often rely on limited data to make credit decisions, giving them little insight into who they are really […]
Does your personality change over time?
“People don’t change!” It’s a common expression, but is it true? Can our personalities change over time? How much? When we talk about personality, we are referring to individual differences in characteristic patterns of thinking, feeling and behaving. Psychologists have been studying and finding ways to measure personality for decades. Recent studies have looked at […]
Regional Focus: Credit inclusion in Latin America
Latin America and the Caribbean is a region of diversity and contrast. While it is home to hubs of innovation and technology, challenges to financial inclusion persist. Access to financial services varies widely between regions and segments of society. It is reported that 45% of the adult population do not hold a bank account and […]
What is a thin-file customer?
The financial systems, and the world of credit, have long been ruled by processes that entrench inequality. Financial inclusion is stifled by the fact that lenders rely on outdated systems such as credit files and bureau credit ratings and scores. These processes may serve those with a thick-file well, but this leads to the exclusion […]
