NA – North America

Experian North America has once again proven its commitment to creating an exceptional workplace, earning a coveted spot on Fortune’s 2024 “Best Workplaces in Technology” list. This prestigious recognition showcases Experian’s dedication to cultivating a vibrant, innovative and inclusive culture where employees thrive. By prioritizing personal growth, diversity and overall well-being, Experian continues to stand out as a leader in the tech industry, ensuring its workforce remains at the heart of its success. A Testament to Experian’s Workplace Culture The Fortune Best Workplaces in Technology™ list, developed in partnership with Great Place to Work®, was based on surveys from more than 870,000 employees across various industries. Feedback captured factors like trust, respect, fairness and credibility, showcasing Experian’s efforts to build a culture where employees feel empowered and engaged. Innovation and Inclusivity Experian’s inclusion in the Large Workplace category reflects its commitment to fostering a collaborative environment. The company supports diversity through partnerships with AfroTech, Grace Hopper, Lesbians Who Tech and Out In Tech, further demonstrating its dedication to inclusivity. A Year of Notable Achievements In addition to the Fortune recognition, Experian earned a silver medal for innovation from Datos Insights and ranked 7th on the 2024 IDC FinTech Rankings, solidifying its leadership in data and technology. With more than 22,500 employees globally, Experian remains dedicated to innovation, employee development and helping businesses and consumers unlock opportunities.

Fraudsters are opportunistic. They are capitalizing on using new technology to create more sophisticated fraud schemes, underscoring the importance and urgency of prioritizing fraud prevention strategies. In fact, the FTC reported that consumers lost more than $10 billion to fraud in 2023, the first time losses have ever been so high.  As a leader in the fraud prevention and identity verification space, we’re dedicated to helping clients stay ahead of evolving fraud trends and challenges. To that end, today we released the findings of our 9th annual Experian Identity and Fraud Report, which provides an in-depth look at the current fraud landscape and the sentiments of both consumers and businesses. Some of the top findings include: Consumers’ top security concerns include: identity theft (84%) and stolen credit card information (80%), a 20% increase compared to 2023. Sixty-three percent of people say it is important for businesses to be able to recognize them online.  Eighty-one percent of consumers say they’re more trusting of businesses that can accomplish easy and accurate identification. People want more types of identity recognition techniques used to verify their identities with physical analytics (71%), PINs sent to a mobile device (70%) and behavioral analytics (66%) evoking the highest sense of security for consumers. Companies recognize the importance of focusing on Gen AI, with 70% saying they expect AI fraud to be the second greatest challenge for their business. Despite AI fraud concerns, businesses ranked detecting and preventing Gen AI fraud and deepfakes as the 12th most important investment area behind prevention for legacy fraud types. With these fraud concerns in mind, companies need to review their current fraud tools and strategies, and look for opportunities to add to or change current approaches, to not only mitigate risk but also keep their customers safe while providing a positive experience. Businesses should work with a trusted partner who can help them implement a multilayered approach to identity verification and fraud prevention and help them meet consumer expectations. Experian offers a full suite of automated tools that harness data and analytics to prevent fraud and mitigate losses. We’re dedicated to empowering clients with the insights they need to make informed, data-driven decisions that safeguard their customers and reduce risk.  Our recent acquisition of NeuroID, an industry leader in behavioral analytics, is a testament to this. To learn more about Experian’s fraud prevention solutions: please click here. To read Experian’s 2024 Identity and Fraud Report, please click here.

Amid the rise in usage of generative AI tools, companies across industries are looking for fraud detection strategies that enable them to combat sophisticated fraud schemes now and in the future. At Experian, we’re committed to ensuring our clients can make the most informed, data-driven decisions to protect the customers they serve while mitigating risk. To support this, today we’re excited to announce our acquisition of NeuroID – an industry leader in behavioral analytics. NeuroID combines the power of behavioral analytics with advanced device and network intelligence to create the first line of defense against malicious bots, bad actors, and fraud rings. This can help clients identify everything from identity theft to account takeover fraud from the very first interaction. NeuroID’s modern and frictionless capabilities amplify Experian’s fraud risk suite by providing a new layer of insight into digital behavioral signals and analytics observed for both new and returning users throughout the customer lifecycle. Together with NeuroID, we’re excited to build new blended offerings that detect risk but also empower businesses to confidently navigate the online landscape and trust in their transactions. Experian has a long legacy of providing award-winning fraud and identity solutions to protect companies and their customers. Last year alone, our identity verification and fraud prevention solutions helped clients avoid an estimated $15 billion in fraud losses globally. Adding NeuroID to the Experian family is another step in our commitment to continuous innovation in fighting fraud and helping clients and consumers keep pace with the evolving identity landscape. NeuroID’s behavioral analytics solutions are available now through CrossCore® on the Experian Ascend Technology Platform™ as a key fraud-detection capability. With NeuroID seamlessly integrated into Experian, clients can use one service provider to proactively monitor and analyze a user’s real-time digital behavior. To learn more, click here.

Experian is wrapping up several inspiring days at the 2024 Disability:IN Conference. We are a proud Presenting partner, and as part of our support this year, we had the honor of being the key sponsor for the NextGen Innovation Lab Pitch Competition. This initiative brings together young adults to develop innovative products or services that benefit individuals with disabilities. It provides a platform for young minds to harness their creativity and technical skills to solve real-world challenges faced by the disability community. This year, we challenged these NextGen leaders to create a product or service specifically for young adults with disabilities that can help them build their credit or improve their financial literacy. Only 10% of working aged people with disabilities consider themselves to be financially healthy, according to a recent study. Eight enthusiastic and passionate teams shared their ideas and the top two vote-getters’ pitched live, “Shark Tank” style, in front of thousands of conference attendees. The winner: Team 7’s “Experian Expedition,” which enhances the accessibility of the existing Experian app and adds new experiences such as an accessible credit card that also features braille; voice-guided, American Sign Language and closed-captioned exercises; and an incentive program for young adults as they reach various financial health milestones with cash back and coupons. We congratulate Team 7 and all of the teams for their collaboration with Experian and each other. The ideas and services developed through the NextGen iLab have the potential to make a significant impact on the disability community, enhancing accessibility, independence, and quality of life for millions. Sponsoring the NextGen iLab is just one of the many ways Experian is committed to disability inclusion. For the third consecutive year, Experian has achieved a top score in the Disability Equality Index (DEI) 2024. This accolade underscores Experian's ongoing efforts towards inclusivity in our workplace, products and services that are accessible and beneficial to individuals of all abilities, including the Support Hub, Financial Resilience Center, Inclusion Works, and the CMO/CCO Coalition. We’re proud our efforts are recognized by Disability:IN and the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD). To learn more about Experian’s commitment to inclusion, check out our Power of YOU Report 2024: Driving social impact and diversity, equity and inclusion in English, Portuguese and Spanish.

Generative AI is not just a technological advancement; it is the driving force behind a revolution in the financial services industry. At the recent VentureBeat Transform conference, financial industry leaders gathered to discuss the transformative potential of Generative AI. Among the panelists was Shri Santhanam, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Software, Platforms, and AI at Experian North America. The session, titled Generative AI: Crafting Smart Solutions for Financial Services, explored how generative AI is revolutionizing the finance sector by crafting intelligent solutions to address unique industry challenges. Santhanam highlighted the significant digital transformation within financial services, driven by AI and machine learning. "Generative AI is having a profound impact on many industries, including financial services," Santhanam stated. He emphasized that AI contributes to better financial inclusion, improved risk assessment, and enhanced customer experiences. Experian's Commitment to AI Innovation Experian has been at the forefront of AI integration, leveraging advanced technologies to drive productivity and enhance customer engagement. A prime example of this commitment is the Ascend Technology Platform, which democratizes access to AI tools for clients and Experian developers.  Santhanam shared insights into Experian's strategic approach to AI adoption. "We invested early in production scale and are very careful about which projects to sponsor for go-to-market. These projects must pass a bar that includes strategic alignment, customization, and regulatory compliance," he explained. Real-World Applications and Future Directions Generative AI is poised to produce significant impacts, particularly in underwriting models, pattern recognition, and automation. Santhanam noted that Experian has made considerable strides in AI integration over the past 12 to 18 months, enhancing coding and engineering productivity among the extensive team of over 2,000 engineers. Additionally, AI-powered dialogues have elevated customer engagement, demonstrating the practical benefits of these technologies. One of the standout features of Experian's approach is the balance between innovation and regulation. Santhanam emphasized the importance of breaking down silos and fostering collaboration between risk and technology teams to navigate the complexities of AI adoption in highly regulated environments. Looking Forward Experian's dedication to responsible AI is evident in its establishment of an AI academy to accelerate upskilling and promote grassroots innovation. By encouraging employees to engage with generative AI and share their successes, Experian fosters a culture of continuous learning and experimentation. As AI continues to evolve, Experian remains committed to adapting to regulatory changes while ensuring fairness, transparency, and non-discrimination in their AI applications. We see tremendous opportunities in enhancing customer engagement, expanding financial inclusion, and streamlining processes through AI. In conclusion, Shri Santhanam's participation in the VentureBeat Transform panel underscores Experian's leadership in leveraging Generative AI to drive innovation and deliver tangible benefits to businesses and consumers. The Ascend Technology Platform exemplifies Experian's commitment to harnessing the power of AI responsibly, setting a benchmark for the financial services industry.

The challenge for financial institutions today is to understand the individuals who are applying for credit and to provide everyone with equitable opportunity to gain access to credit, provided they are an acceptable risk. In my current role as CEO of Experian Software Solutions, I am often reminded of my own journey as an immigrant to America who had to navigate the tests and complexities of establishing my financial identity and eligibility. I understand firsthand how inefficiencies caused in part by fragmented software systems have led to inflated costs, extended timelines, and elevated risks for financial institutions around the globe. Not to mention the profound impact this approach can have on consumers. At Experian, we recognize the need for change, which is why we developed Experian Ascend Platform™— an innovative solution designed to integrate critical functionalities seamlessly. Already, more than 1,500 clients globally are leveraging the platform, processing millions of transactions daily. Today, we’re unveiling new enhancements to the platform that bring together software tools for analytics, credit decisioning and fraud into a single interface — simplifying the deployment of analytical models and enabling businesses to optimize their practices more frequently, achieving greater efficacy with lower investment of time and money. Why does this matter? Well, consider the challenges faced by businesses, especially in the financial sector, when it comes to integrating various software solutions. “Complicated spaghetti” is what executives from some of the largest global banks have called it in conversations with me. Historically, achieving a synchronized experience across different tools and applications has been elusive to the industry. This fragmented approach not only stretches timelines unnecessarily but also raises security concerns and increases operational challenges and costs. Our enhanced platform addresses these pain points head-on. It dramatically reduces time to value while eliminating compliance risks and offers streamlined access to Experian's suite of integrated solutions and tools through a single sign-on and user-friendly, harmonized user interface. Moreover, it leverages generative AI to facilitate seamless automation, modernization, and efficiency across organizations of all sizes and experience levels without compromising human checks and controls. Our platform brings together worldclass Experian data, partner data and our clients' data with the software in one environment. There is no other platform on the market that offers the level of sophisticated integrations we do or that can "turn on" new solutions as quickly. To put it simply, it's a revolution for this industry. By combining analytics, decision-making, and fraud detection into a single platform, we're simplifying operations, enhancing security, and accelerating time to value for financial institutions worldwide. Let me give you an example. Lendr, a specialized fintech offering financing solutions for small businesses, has experienced firsthand the platform's transformative impact on agility, competitiveness, and informed decision-making. In fact, over the last year, the platform has already helped Lendr double their business. Our journey to developing the platform wasn't easy. It has required years of strategic collaboration with many of our most sophisticated clients, significant investments in technology, and a relentless pursuit of innovation. But the result is a platform that is revolutionizing the financial services industry and paving the way for a more inclusive, secure, and seamless financial future for all. As we continue this journey of transformation, I'm excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. With our integrated platform, we’re not just transforming the industry—we're empowering individuals and institutions to thrive.

We’ve reached a meaningful milestone with the launch of Experian Cashflow Attributes™. Now, lenders can tap into over 900 income, cashflow and affordability attributes from Experian across the customer lifecycle – which can provide a more accurate view of consumers’ financial health. 

Innovation isn't just about creating the next big thing. It can solve problems, improve lives, and help businesses stay ahead in a rapidly changing world. So, what drives innovation? It starts with a culture of collaboration and entrepreneurship that inspires creativity. Our North America headquarters are in the center of Orange County, a community that fosters an environment where ideas flourish and partnerships thrive. For years, we’ve worked with Octane, a local non-profit organization focused on driving innovation and growth by connecting people, resources and capital to build a better future. Experian is committed to disrupting the status quo and supporting an environment where creativity can be unleashed. Armed with the power of data and the latest technologies, such as generative AI, we believe we can help better financial outcomes for the consumers and businesses we serve. I recently gave a keynote at Octane’s annual Tech Innovation Forum during OC Innovation Week, exploring how businesses can unleash creativity through the use of generative AI and highlighting five tenets companies can consider for the responsible use of generative AI, including: Engage with purpose: It’s important that companies identify their purpose in using the technology and how it can positively impact their business, employees and customers. They should start with creating a plan, including deciding who will be using AI, what jobs need to be done, what guidelines need to be set and a review process. Elevate creativity and drive automation: Businesses should harness AI to automate processes that are mundane or labor-intensive to enable employees to focus more of their time and energy on creativity. Excite, educate, and train employees: To ensure all employees understand the potential of generative AI, businesses should prioritize education and training for all employees from the start. This includes finding evangelists of the new technology within the company to stay up-to-date on the latest news and get teams excited about the possibilities. Ensure ethical, compliant and responsible use: In addition to employee trainings, it’s important to set up a group of leaders, such as a risk council, that can handle ongoing opportunities and risks and codify guidelines on the ethical usage of AI. Embrace change and be agile: With any new technology, companies need to be agile and ready to adapt to whatever changes may come. It’s important to foster a culture of learning to constantly evolve the generative AI landscape for the company and its clients. Innovation can fuel economic growth, drive progress, and shape the future. We’re dedicated to fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration that creates opportunities for generations to come. Photo by © Octane/Michael Baker

In a panel discussion at a Bloomberg-hosted panel titled "AI and Data Analytics: The Path to Unleashing Hidden Insights," Diksha Gera, a Senior Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, moderated a session that included key insights from Shri Santhanam, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Software, Platforms, and AI at Experian. Santhanam shared his thoughts on the transformative influence of generative AI (GenAI) within the financial sector, underlining its potential to revolutionize traditional practices. Enhancing Core Processes Santhanam illustrated how GenAI is altering the landscape of financial institutions. By automating intricate tasks, improving customer interactions, and expediting product development, this technology is pivotal. It transforms time-intensive tasks into more efficient processes, significantly enhancing productivity. This shift allows employees to focus on more strategic, higher-value work, thereby boosting the overall efficiency of financial institutions. Managing Risks and Ensuring Compliance With the adoption of GenAI comes a host of inherent risks—privacy concerns, data integrity issues, and challenges in regulatory compliance. Santhanam underscored the critical need to balance these innovative strides with stringent security measures that protect customer data and comply with existing regulations. The commitment to aligning practices with regulatory standards and ethical guidelines is paramount as the financial sector continues to integrate AI into its core operations. Governance and Collaboration Effective governance is essential for the successful deployment of GenAI in finance. Santhanam advocated for a collaborative approach that includes risk management, legal, and technical teams. The development of robust governance frameworks supports ethical and compliant AI applications, which are crucial for fostering responsible innovation within the industry. The Future of GenAI Looking forward, Santhanam pointed to several trends that are shaping the future of  GenAI in the financial sector. These include pressures to reduce costs, increased demand for personalization, and the necessity for user-friendly interfaces. GenAI is set to play a key role in delivering personalized, efficient, and accessible financial services that respond to the evolving needs of customers. These insightful discussions, spearheaded by industry leaders like Bloomberg and moderated by experts such as Diksha Gera, emphasize Experian's leading role in navigating the potential and challenges of AI in financial services. The journey towards a more innovative and inclusive financial ecosystem is well underway, driven by the transformative capabilities of GenAI.