What motivated your organization to join the CONVERGENCE Collaborative board?
Experian joined the CONVERGENCE Collaborative because we believe expanding access to homeownership requires coordinated action across the housing ecosystem. Through our data and analytics, we see firsthand the barriers that prevent many qualified consumers from accessing credit and entering the housing market. The Collaborative provides a unique platform to work alongside lenders, housing counselors, nonprofits, and policymakers to address those challenges in a practical way. Its focus on connecting national capabilities with local, place-based efforts aligns closely with our approach. We see this as an opportunity to help turn insight into action and support more inclusive outcomes in housing.
What expertise or perspective does your organization bring to the board?
Experian brings a data-driven perspective grounded in credit, risk, and consumer behavior. We have a broad view of the credit landscape, including the challenges facing first-time homebuyers and consumers with limited or no traditional credit history. We also bring experience in developing tools and solutions that can responsibly expand access to credit. This includes the use of alternative data, as well as insights that help lenders better identify and engage consumers who may be ready for homeownership but are often overlooked. Equally important, we bring a collaborative mindset. We work closely with partners across the ecosystem to ensure that data and insights translate into practical solutions that can be implemented at scale.
Can you share a story or example that illustrates why your organization is committed to advancing homeownership?
One of the clearest examples comes from our work to incorporate alternative data into the credit ecosystem. Many consumers consistently pay rent, utilities, and other obligations on time, but those behaviors are not always reflected in traditional credit files. When that information is included, it can significantly improve a consumer’s ability to qualify for a mortgage or even get a better rate. We have seen cases where this additional visibility changes the trajectory for individuals who were previously unable to access credit. This work reflects our broader commitment to making the credit system more inclusive and aligns closely with CONVERGENCE’s mission. Both efforts are focused on removing structural barriers and creating more pathways to sustainable homeownership.