The new consumer score is part of TransUnion’s commitment to ensuring consumers have access to a more modern and meaningful view of their credit profile, and has been developed to better reflect consumer behaviours and changes in the lending landscape. The new credit score, along with its clearer and more personalised insights, can help consumers to better understand how to improve their credit score and their options when it comes to borrowing, which can be important to helping consumers achieve their financial goals.  

The next-generation consumer credit score will give consumers a clearer and more detailed view of their credit health, now shown across a wider 0-999 score range. This is more than a new number range, it is a new score incorporating trended data and combining how consumers use credit over time with a moment in time view to provide a more considered picture of how consumers manage credit day to day. The new score also draws on a broader range of data inputs, including how account balances have changed over time and how credit cards are used, to reflect consumer financial behaviour with greater depth and precision.

Designed to be even more transparent, inclusive and informative, the new score takes steps to address financial inclusion by better reflecting consumers with little or no credit history, such as those who are new to credit.

To support consumers in understanding their credit health and actions consumers can take to improve it, the new score is backed by over 300 practical educational messages, personalised insights and tips tailored to individual circumstances. These insights are designed to improve transparency and to help consumers better understand the factors that can influence their credit profile and the actions they can take to improve it. These can be found in many credit monitoring websites and mobile apps that partner with TransUnion for credit data. Broader information on understanding your credit score can also be found on the TransUnion website.

New score bandings, ranging from ‘Very Low’ to ‘Excellent’, are designed to give consumers an even more meaningful view of their financial standing.

Table 1: Existing and New Consumer Credit Score Change Information

It is important to note that whilst the consumer credit scoring is changing this does not impact lender decisions and the underlying credit information contained within a credit report is not changing. Lenders use a consumer’s credit report alongside their own factors to determine lending decisions. For this reason, consumer’s financial applications will not be impacted by the score change.

Madhu Kejriwal, Chief Executive Officer for TransUnion in the UK, said: “At TransUnion, Information for Good is at the heart of what we do, this is a significant step forward in how we support consumers to understand and engage with their credit health. Our next-generation score is clearer, more transparent, informative, and better aligned with how lenders view consumers today. We believe that understanding your credit health is the foundation for confidently making more informed financial decisions. With practical guidance, personalised insights and tailored support, consumers now have the tools to take meaningful action and move toward their financial goals."

James Robinson, Managing Director of Consumer Interactive for TransUnion in the UK, commented: “There is still significant confusion among consumers about what credit scores mean, with many believing the score they see is the same one used by lenders. Our new score is designed to minimise this confusion by using a broader range of behaviours over time, rather than a single snapshot. That fuller picture can help people better understand the positive financial behaviours influencing their score, engage more confidently with their credit health, and access the guidance they need to improve it. By combining practical educational tips, helpful guidance and personalised insights, we want to support consumers in taking greater control of their financial health and making more informed decisions with confidence.”

Phased Implementation of the Score: What it means for consumers

The new score will roll out across credit monitoring partners on a phased implementation from late September 2026 until June 2027. During the rollout of the new TransUnion credit score, some consumers may temporarily see two different TransUnion credit scores. This will depend on where they access their score and when their chosen provider adopts the new scoring model. Importantly, the information shared with organisations about an individual's credit history will remain unchanged. As a result, the presence of different scores during the transition will not impact or influence lenders' decisions on credit applications.

To find out more about TransUnion’s next-generation consumer score and what changes consumers can expect to see, please visit the TransUnion website.

In order to achieve the Menopause Friendly Accreditation, TransUnion was assessed by an Independent Panel and had to demonstrate evidence of its effectiveness in five key areas, namely: culture, policies and practices, training, engagement and working environment. The Menopause Friendly Accreditation differentiates employers who have demonstrated the positive impact of their actions.

Almost three quarters of working women ages 40-60 experience menopausal symptoms.ⁱ Those experiencing menopause are often at the height of their career, yet 35% of people have taken absence due to menopause symptoms and worryingly only 9% of those felt comfortable enough to disclose the real reason to their manager.ⁱⁱ 

Madhu Kejriwal, chief executive officer at TransUnion in the UK and Europe commented: "At TransUnion, we are committed to building an inclusive workplace where every colleague feels supported, valued and is able to bring their best selves to work. This is one of our core values and one that we acknowledge, requires continual work.

“Becoming a Menopause Friendly Accredited Employer is an important milestone in that commitment. Menopause affects a significant portion of our workforce, and it's our responsibility to make sure people have the resources, understanding and flexibility they need to thrive. This recognition reflects the huge commitment of our teams when it comes to creating a more inclusive environment."

TransUnion in the UK was listed as a committed company by Menopause Friendly in 2024, before receiving accreditation this year. As part of its recognised work, TransUnion offers a wealth of other resources to support people going through the menopause, including educational resources, a downloadable symptoms diary, and other comprehensive knowledge and planning resources. TransUnion has also focused efforts to increase managerial awareness to ensure effected colleagues receive the right support and guidance needed.

Notes:
i Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), Menopause in the Workplace: Employee Experiences in 2023, based on a survey of more than 2,000 women aged 40-60 employed in the UK

ii Menopause Friendly - https://menopausefriendly.co.uk

Brickk, a UK based rent reward and credit building platform, has announced a partnership with TransUnion, a global information and insights company and one of the UK’s leading credit reference agencies.

The partnership will enable Brickk to report renters' monthly rent payments directly to TransUnion. The agreement further enhances the reporting of rent payment data to TransUnion and the service is now live for Brickk members nationwide.

The partnership means Brickk members will see their rent payments reflected in their TransUnion credit profile, helping to build a verified credit history through a payment they are already making every month.

With over four million households living in privatly rented homes across the UK¹, rent is the single largest monthly financial commitment for millions of households. Yet for many renters, these payments have gone unrecognised by the financial system leaving them unable to demonstrate the same financial responsibility that mortgage holders build automatically through their repayments.

What sets Brickk apart is its tangible rewards programme that is paired with credit reporting. For £4.99 per month, members receive access to a discounted gift card marketplace spanning 1,000+ brands alongside credit reference agency reporting. This dual benefit means renters see an immediate reduction in everyday costs while building long-term financial resilience. To access the service, renters sign up, then connect their bank via Open Banking and give consent for their rent to be reported - they can withdraw at anytime. At sign-up renters are told that their data goes to credit reference agencies and that missed payments can affect their credit rating.

Brickk operates a B2C and B2B2C distribution model, partnering with property operators and employers to make rent reporting available to renters at the point of tenancy, reducing friction and embedding financial wellbeing support where renters need it most.

TransUnion’s chief product officer, Kelli Fielding, said: “Recent research conducted by TransUnion² showed that renters often have levels of financial resilience that might be going unrecognised. Just over 75% of renters consistently report that they will have no trouble handling their bills and loan payment obligations, and just under 70% expressed that they were either optimistic or relatively calm regarding their financial outlook for the year ahead. With this in mind, Brickk’s proposition is a timely and significant contribution to financial inclusion, that can help renters with access to credit products, such as mortgages and loans – for this reason, we’re delighted to be working with Brickk.”

Tina M and Naveli A, Co-Founders of Brickk, said: "Renters have been invisible to the financial system for too long. Paying rent on time, month after month, is one of the clearest demonstrations of financial responsibility, and it should count. Our partnership with TransUnion means that for millions of UK renters, that commitment will finally be recognised. Combined with our rewards marketplace, Brickk gives renters something no one else does: a better financial future and real savings today."

Brickk is available nationwide at www.brickk.co.uk

Notes:

1. English Housing Survey, 2026

2. The research quoted is TransUnion’s Q2 2026 Consumer Pulse Study, based on a survey of 1,000 adults in the UK. The Q2 2026 survey was conducted by TransUnion in partnership with third party research provider, Dynata.

“BNPL coming under FCA regulation is a welcome step in the long journey to bring the industry into alignment with broader consumer protections already in-place across other credit products. It is undoubtedly a positive development that will benefit consumers.

“In many respects, consumers are already reaping the benefits of these changes, with BNPL leaders having pre-emptively introduced many of the protections into their processes well in advance of the regulation coming into effect.

“We were particularly pleased to see clearer obligations for BNPL lenders to establish that consumers can afford the credit they’re seeking. This has proven to be a crucial protection, with TransUnion research showing that 42% of consumers saying affordability checks would make them feel safer when using BNPL products. Many consumers report that they already take a cautious approach and over two thirds (67%) carefully consider affordability before taking out a BNPL agreement. However, nearly one in five (18%) simply assume that they can manage it later. 

“We’re also pleased to see greater transparency around the credit product obligations the consumer is entering into – and the expansion of support mechanisms for consumers when difficulties arise. Of those support mechanisms, perhaps the most important is the greater recourse for independent escalation for complaints via the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS).”

Notes:

Unless otherwise stated, all figures are from TransUnion’s Affordability study, based on a survey of 2,000 adults in the UK. The survey was conducted between 16-19 June 2026 by TransUnion in partnership with third party research provider, OnePoll.  

Ahead of the new regulation, TransUnion research is challenging BNPL stereotypes. Findings from the global information and insights provider show BNPL adoption now extends comfortably to consumers in their mid-40s, beyond the established younger user base. 

A TransUnion consumer survey found that 18% of UK adults said they currently have a loan with a BNPL provider. When broken down into generational usage, 27% of Millennials said they have an active BNPL loan, compared to 25% of Gen Z consumers.  

Across generations, BNPL has emerged as the second most popular form of short-term credit. When asked what their preferred form of short-term credit is, 21% of all consumers in the survey said BNPL, trailing only credit cards at 51%. Notably, Millennials exhibit the highest reported BNPL usage, with 45% saying they have had a BNPL loan at some point, outpacing Gen Z at 39% and Gen X at 37%, and significantly higher than Baby Boomers at 15%. 

TransUnion’s research shows BNPL usage appears to be maturing, reflecting a longer-term shift in attitudes as it continues to establish itself as an everyday payment product. Looking ahead, approximately one-third of both Millennials (34%) and Gen Z (32%) plan to get a BNPL loan within the next 12 months.  

Madhu Kejriwal, chief executive officer of TransUnion UK and Europe commented: “Widespread BNPL usage shows it has moved beyond the early adopters to become an increasingly embedded part of the credit landscape. While younger consumers were quick to lead the way, we’re now seeing Millennials more consistently integrate BNPL into everyday financial management. 

“As the market evolves, the priority for the industry is ensuring these solutions support long-term financial wellbeing while meeting consumers changing expectations. As an early mover in incorporating BNPL data into credit reporting, TransUnion remains committed to helping consumers manage their finances, while keeping payment behaviour visible and borrowing accessible and affordable.” 

James O'Donnell, TransUnion's director of research and consulting, added: “This survey demonstrates that BNPL continues to mature. Its widespread adoption shows its appeal to a broader spectrum of age groups. This also highlights the importance of the forthcoming BNPL regulation when the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) will start regulating the industry from July 15, with the aim of reducing the risk of harm to consumers, while enabling the market to continue to innovate and grow sustainably.” 

TransUnion was the first credit reference agency in the UK to begin accepting BNPL information into credit files and has continued to work with providers to support the upcoming regulatory changes. TransUnion provides proportionate solutions and services that manage risk and preserve the customer buying experience.  

Now increasingly part of the mainstream consumer credit mix, it’s important for consumers to understand some key points for responsible BNPL use: 

• Check the repayments: make sure you are familiar with how much you need to repay and when payments will be due – missed payments can hurt your credit file.
• Consider which credit product best suits your needs: it may be that a 0% credit card is better for your purchase or better suited to your lifestyle. You should generally consider how BNPL fits into your wider financial picture.
• Avoid taking too many plans at once: because BNPL is easy to use and often interest free, it can be tempting to take on several plans at once. Try not to overstretch yourself with too many BNPL agreements at one time as this can make repayments harder to manage.
• Regularly monitoring your credit report can be a helpful step in understanding your financial standing. You can request a copy of your statutory TransUnion credit report for free through the TransUnion website, or access it for free via  Credit Karma, MoneySuperMarket Credit Monitor, or TotallyMoney and a wide variety of banking apps, including NatWest, Lloyds and Halifax.
• Lending partners preparing for upcoming FCA regulation can take action now by connecting with their TransUnion account manager or visiting our website to explore how BNPL data and affordability solutions can be implemented today. 

Notes:

Unless otherwise stated, all figures are from TransUnion’s Consumer Pulse study, based on a survey of 1,000 adults in the UK. The Q1 2026 survey was conducted between 10-21 February 2026 by TransUnion in partnership with third party research provider, Dynata.  

Generations are defined in this research as follows: Gen Z, 18-29 years old; Millennials, 30-45 years old; Gen X, 46-61 years old; and Baby Boomers, age 62 and above. 

The information in this release is intended for journalists and media professionals only. The information should not be construed as a financial promotion under the Financial Conduct Authority's (FCA) Handbook of rules and Guidance.  

·       Despite the pressures of the cost of living crisis, there are significantly fewer consumers in serious delinquency (90+ days past due) in Q1 2026 than there were in the same quarter pre-pandemic (Q1 2020)

·       The UK trails developed country peers in the proportion of adult consumers participating in credit markets

·       New credit card and unsecured loan openings continued to surge in the latest quarter, continuing a two-year trend of strong lender competition for market share and multi-digit originations growth

Research by TransUnion in the UK shows that the consumer credit market saw continued strong growth with rising outstanding balances, increased new credit issuance and expanded credit participation during Q1 2026, while the consumer delinquency rate rose only slightly compared to the same period a year ago.

The year also started with strong consumer optimism, with 47% of UK consumers feeling optimistic about the future of their household finances during the first quarter of 2026¹, the highest level seen since the beginning of the current high inflation environment which started four years ago. However, consumer financial optimism has since fallen to 44% in Q2 2026, largely due to the knock-on effects of the Iran conflict on energy prices and inflation², alongside the already slowing economy and weakening labour market³.

These were among the findings in TransUnion’s inaugural UK Credit Industry Insights Report⁴, which offers a quarterly overview summarising consumer credit market health and trends, as well as perspectives on future performance for the UK lending industry.

Consumers Have Absorbed Higher Prices Better Than Expected

Outstanding consumer credit balances reached a new high in Q1 2026, surpassing £1.88 trillion, up 3.7% year-over-year (YoY). While mortgages account for the majority of total balances, unsecured credit balances also continued to rise, reaching £260 billion, up 5.7% YoY. Growth was particularly pronounced for credit cards and unsecured loans.

While consumers appear to be carrying record levels of outstanding credit, the broader affordability picture reflects a more resilient consumer than the headline debt figure alone suggests. The ratio of debt to income, in the form of average unsecured credit per consumer to median monthly post-tax income, stood at 3.78 in Q1 2026, down from 3.81 in Q1 2025 and at its lowest point recorded in the last decade, with the ratio having peaked at 4.87 in 2019 before the pandemic.

This unexpected downward trend in the debt-to-income ratio reflects the significant median wage growth observed in recent years, driven by the previously tight labour market. Median monthly post-tax income rose by 22% between Q1 2022 and Q1 2026, broadly in line with the 21% increase in the Consumer Price Index including Housing Costs (CPIH)⁵ over the same period.

Consumer financial stress as represented by delinquency rates rose slowly over the last year, with the rate of increase being relatively low despite the persistent pressures of the cost of living crisis. The proportion of consumers holding at least one credit product in serious delinquency (90 or more days past due) has increased slowly to 3.34% in Q1 2026, a 19 basis point (bps) YoY increase from Q1 2025 and a 30bps increase from Q1 2024, two years prior. This rate is growing but remains comfortably below the Q1 2019 pre-pandemic levels of 4.31%.

In a more relatable context, 1.35 million UK consumers are currently in a state of serious delinquency on at least one credit product. As a proportion of the population, and in context of pre-pandemic norms, this remains low, but it nevertheless highlights the ongoing need for proper care and support for those consumers in a state of financial stress, as well as the continuing need for supporting credit education programmes.

Growth Masks Gap: UK Trails Peers on Credit Participation

Despite significant growth in unsecured credit originations (a measure of new accounts opened), the high competition for market share among lenders and the backdrop of the cost of living crisis, the actual proportion of consumers holding an open credit account grew relatively slowly, expanding to 70.1% of the UK adult population, up from 69.5% two years prior in Q1 2024. Any increase in credit engagement is worth noting, as it suggests rising credit demand and growing credit awareness and education.

However, this proportion is in stark contrast to other developed economies with similar profiles such as the United States and Canada, where 97%⁶ and 96%⁷ of credit-eligible adult consumers (age 18+), respectively, hold at least one credit product. This distinct difference in credit holding and usage behaviour can be partially attributed to varying cultural attitudes towards credit and more conservative lending practices in the UK. These are driven by multiple factors including tighter consumer regulation, stricter affordability assessments and credit price caps.

“The UK credit market remained on a firmer footing than many might have expected during the first quarter of the year, given the persistent pressures of the cost of living crisis,” said James O’Donnell, director of research and consulting at TransUnion in the UK. “Credit participation continues to expand slowly, with balances growing across most major products. Despite this, overall consumer credit health remains relatively stable, with a few early signs of stress emerging. Nonetheless, while growth opportunities remain, the market is likely to be somewhat cautious amidst uncertainty around the near-term inflation outlook, the softening labour market and the holding pattern on interest rates from the Bank of England.”

Credit Card Growth Led by New Entrants and Consumers Leveraging Credit

Rising lender issuance of new accounts and renewed market competition drove higher credit card engagement. Credit card originations (a measure of new cards issued) during Q4 2025⁸ surged 26.2% YoY, supported by a disproportionate rise in originations among subprime and near prime⁹ borrowers. Originations among those higher risk borrower segments rose 43% YoY as 570,000 new cards were issued in Q4 2025 – 170,000 more than Q4 2024. However, the majority of originations still sit within the low-risk tiers, with prime or better brackets responsible for 2.6m of new cards issued in Q4 2025 – nearly 500K more than Q4 2024. It’s clear from the broad growth that consumer demand for new cards is high across the risk spectrum.

The average balance per consumer across all cards in wallet rose 4.4% YoY in Q1 2026, faster than the rate of consumer price inflation for the same quarter (3.3% CPIH), suggesting a greater level of engagement among consumers. However, the proportion of credit limits utilised remained flat, up just 0.1 percentage points YoY from 23.9% in Q1 2025. It’s notable that the growth in average balances and in utilisation was well below the growth in new card openings. This points to the increased activity being driven by high lender competition for market share, increasingly compelling product offers and increased interest among consumers who had not previously held credit cards, with 1.1million additional consumers holding at least one credit card. It’s also notable that total outstanding balances grew fastest among consumers using balance transfer and promotional cards, rising 18% YoY, while balances held on other cards grew just 4% YoY.

Consumers are also taking advantage of increased lender appetite by opening multiple cards, with near prime credit card holders now holding an average of 3.4 cards each, up from 3.1 in Q1 2025.

Despite higher outstanding balances and increased consumer uptake, credit card arrears rates remained relatively stable across the year: the consumer-level serious delinquency rate was 2.06%, up 8bps YoY. For context, rates fluctuated within a normal seasonal range of 1.92% and 2.16% over the last three years. In general, consumer resilience remains stable among credit card users and issuers have maintained strong credit quality on their portfolios despite high originations growth and increased availability of cards to higher risk consumers.

“For the past two years, stronger competition in credit cards has helped drive growth by expanding credit availability, including further into higher-risk consumer segments. However, the environment is changing. As economic pressures build, that broader risk exposure is likely to become more visible in portfolio performance. This warrants careful monitoring,” O’Donnell said.

Unsecured Loan Originations Grew; Credit Performance Deteriorated

Unsecured loan originations volumes jumped 18.7% YoY to Q4 2025, with near prime originations growing the fastest of all risk brackets at 24.6% YoY, representing a continued rise in risk appetite among lenders. New account balances grew at a similarly strong pace, up 19.3% YoY. This continues a two-year strong growth cycle for the unsecured market overall and marks the strongest YoY growth rate since the pandemic. However, the rate of growth is more stable in context of the average balance per consumer, which grew by just 3.5% YoY, only slightly exceeding the Q1 2026 inflation rate of 3.3% (CPIH)⁸.

Part of this strong originations growth may reflect the evolving convenience of digital credit journeys, with a growing prevalence of aggregator marketplaces in loan application journeys¹⁰ and rising credit awareness among younger consumers. It was also more directly supported by increased credit availability, particularly in the non-prime segment. Increasing lender competition and greater risk tolerance drove a £1.4bn YoY increase in outstanding credit balances sitting with near-prime and subprime borrowers, representing a double-digit rise of 11.1% YoY. However, it’s important to note that the majority of unsecured loan openings continue to sit with prime, prime plus and super prime consumers, with the combined outstanding balance of this lower risk, less vulnerable group of consumers rising £3.3bn YoY, up 6.7%.

The change in lenders’ risk appetite appears to have filtered through into how consumers view their access to credit. The proportion who felt they had sufficient access to credit rose to 64% by the end of 2025, up from 55% at the end of 2024, according to the TransUnion UK Q1 2026 Consumer Pulse Survey. That, in turn, supports the suggestion that much of the recent growth has been driven by previously unmet consumer demand finally being met. If that is the case, recent growth rates may become harder to sustain once the existing supply gap is largely absorbed.

As the unsecured loan sector saw an increased share of new accounts issued to higher-risk borrowers, delinquency rates showed early signs of deterioration. Consumer-level serious delinquencies increased by 40 bps YoY to 4.17% at the end of Q1 2026, and early indicators suggest that trend will continue into subsequent quarters. This is the highest serious delinquency rate observed on unsecured loans since Q4 2021 (4.24%), prior to the spike in inflation, the hike in interest rates and the subsequent lender tightening of risk thresholds. This trend will warrant closer attention if it continues.

“Expanding access to unsecured personal loan products for higher-risk consumers must be carefully balanced with the added risk this creates, not just for lender portfolios, but more importantly for vulnerable consumers. Risk is not determined by loan size alone. Many higher-risk borrowers with smaller loans are facing the most serious repayment challenges,” O’Donnell said. “Lenders need to monitor this trend closely, as strong origination growth alongside rising serious delinquency creates potential credit risk and consumer duty challenges, especially as the labour market softens, wage growth stalls, and living costs continue to rise.”

¹ TransUnion UK Q1 & Q2 2026 Consumer Pulse Survey

² Interest rates and Bank Rate: our latest decision | Bank of England

³ Vacancies and jobs in the UK - Office for National Statistics

⁴ Insights in this report are based on TransUnion’s UK consumer credit database, covering nearly all UK credit active consumers. The analysis reflects currently open credit accounts and those active within the period of study, providing a robust view of recent credit behaviour and trends.

⁵ CPIH Inflation Rate - Office for National Statistics

⁶ Transunion US CIIR Q4 2025; US Census Bureau, Population Estimates by Age (18+) July 1, 2025

⁷ Transunion Canada CIIR Q4 2025; Statistics Canada, Table 17-10-0005-01

⁸ All statistics shown reflect market positions at end‑Q1 2026, except for originations (product openings) statistics, which are derived from data covering Q4 2025 due to standard reporting lags.

⁹ TransUnion UK TruVision AM Risk Scores: Super prime – 900+; Prime plus – 780 – 899; Prime – 680 – 779; Near prime – 540 – 659; Subprime 1-539

¹⁰ FCA Financial Lives Survey – Among those consumers who shopped around, for loans, 68% used a price comparison website, up from 58% in 2020 and 65% in 2022.– Question CC19

This milestone agreement marks an extended and closer relationship between Marshmallow and Percayso Inform. Marshmallow already uses Percayso’s vehicle data, but for the first time Percayso is delivering TransUnion bureau data across the insurance and auto-finance sectors for Marshmallow via the Percayso platform.

The agreement with Marshmallow, which is initially on a three-year term, has been completed for an undisclosed sum. As part of this process, Marshmallow has extended its vehicle data licence with Percayso for a further three years.  

The partnership also marks the first joint client win for Percayso Inform and TransUnion, which have also signed an initial four-year agreement but view the contract as the start of a long-term strategic arrangement.

Bringing together Percayso Inform’s behaviour analytics and risk segmentation with intelligence from TransUnion’s TrueVision credit solution, Marshmallow will focus on supporting under-served consumers.

For its part Percayso will enable the seamless integration of third-party credit bureau data into insurance and auto-finance workflows into one platform.

This will allow Marshmallow to understand risk at point of quote, renewal and claim for its insurance business and to understand credit suitability and affordability for its auto-finance business. The solution also offers enhanced underwriting through enriched data insights, improved data consistency and accuracy across customer touchpoints.

The solution supports both insurance and lending use cases, demonstrating Percayso’s ability to act as a single integration layer for multiple complex data sources. Furthermore, the arrangement allows for the further integration and adoption of Percayso’s wider insurance intelligence solutions in due course.

In addition, the strategic partnership between Percayso and TransUnion will be expanded across UK insurance markets in 2026. This signals a broader go-to-market strategy rather than a one-off client engagement for the pair. By working together, Percayso and TransUnion aim to unlock a more holistic view of risk.

Mark Shields, head of partnerships at Marshmallow Insurance, said: “Marshmallow chose Percayso to deliver their bureau requirements for their insurance and auto-finance based on Percayso’s proven ability to deliver both rapid and accurate results, no matter how complex the requirement.

“This partnership will support Marshmallow’s continued growth and scaling needs across the insurance and auto-finance markets, and Percayso’s role as a key data partner in that journey.”

“The adoption of credit and Percayso insights will allow Marshmallow to provide more accessible and affordable financial products.”

Chris Traill, client director at Percayso Inform, said: “This partnership represents a significant, multi-year commitment from Marshmallow, reflecting the strategic importance of Percayso’s data orchestration capabilities within their business.

“Percayso has demonstrated proven speed and agility in delivery, has a strong-track record in delivering complex, multi-source data solutions accurately. We also have a deep

understanding of insurance and auto-finance requirements.”

“With the increasing importance of real-time, multi-source data in underwriting and lending decisions, Percayso offers an innovative data orchestration layer that delivers faster decisions, better pricing accuracy, and improved customer experience.”

Russell Dixon, senior director, insurance, at TransUnion, said: “Percayso’s approach aligns closely with TransUnion’s focus on responsible growth, fair access to financial products, and helping clients make better, evidence-based decisions.

“This partnership extends TransUnion’s distribution and reach through Percayso’s established platform, while Percayso can now access integrated market-leading credit, identity and affordability insights from TransUnion.

“TransUnion and Percayso share a vision of enabling smarter risk decision, improved customer outcomes, and innovation across insurance and lending.”

TransUnion UK, a global information and insights company and an industry leader in affordability and income assessment solutions, has today announced the launch of Modelled Income Assessment. The new capability sits within TransUnion’s  Affordability Report, which is designed to help lenders make affordability decisions more confidently. 

TransUnion’s most recent Consumer Pulse Q1 2026 survey found that 38% of UK adults stated their income had changed over the last three monthsⁱ. As household finances continue to face sustained pressure and consumer income patterns grow increasingly volatile, lenders need fast, reliable income insights when traditional salary data is limited. TransUnion’s new Modelled Income solution addresses this by estimating net monthly income at configurable confidence thresholds to enable proportional affordability checks, rather than attempting to generate a precise pound-value prediction. Modelled Income returns an income estimate at a client-agreed custom thresholds, allowing lenders to tailor the output to their own risk appetite.  

Kelli Fielding, chief product officer at TransUnion in the UK, said: “The way people earn and manage money has fundamentally shifted. Incomes are more volatile, data gaps are more common, and lenders are under growing pressure to evidence affordability decisions. Modelled Income provides lenders with a dependable, data-driven proxy that fills critical gaps in affordability strategies, without adding friction for consumers or compliance risk for lenders. At TransUnion, Information for Good is at the heart of what we do, our new Modelled Income solution supports this mission by helping to reduce over indebtedness and improve access to affordable credit, whilst protecting consumers from taking on products they may not be able to afford.” 

The solution addresses client demand for friction right alternatives to manual verification or alternatives such as Open Banking. As such, it delivers an estimate of an individual’s net monthly income using advanced machine learning to support proportional affordability assessments in real time. 

Clare Hollis, director of credit at TransUnion in the UK, added: “Expectations around affordability assessments continue to rise as regulation, such as Consumer Duty, demands richer affordability data, clear evidence of fair outcomes, earlier identification of vulnerability, and support for customers showing signs of financial stress. Modelled Income is designed to sit within strong model risk management frameworks and address regulatory pressure for fairness and appropriate consumer outcomes, while helping lenders streamline onboarding and reduce unnecessary friction in the customer journey.” 

Modelled Income will be made available within TransUnion’s current Affordability Report. It is available to clients across lending, buy now pay later, retail finance, captive motor finance and payments verticals.  

To find out more about Modelled Income and TransUnion’s wider affordability capabilities, visit the TransUnion website.

Notes:

ⁱ TransUnion’s Consumer Pulse study, which is based on the survey of 1,000 adults in the UK, conducted February 2026

·       England matches are the top pick for games to bet on

·       Yet one in eight of those who have ever used online betting have already knowingly been a victim of fraud after using an unknown betting site

·       London bettors are most likely to place a bet this World Cup

Young adults are driving a surge in betting on the Men’s World Cup 2026 this summer, with over two fifths (43%) of 25–34-year-olds more likely than other age groups to bet more often during the tournament, according to new research from TransUnion.  

What is more – Millennials also bet more than regular gamblers from other age groups, staking £16.56 on average on each bet – compared to £9.54 across all bettors.

Enthusiasm for betting more frequently during the World Cup drops sharply with age: 36% of 35-44 year olds plan to increase how often they bet, falling to 19% of 45-54 year olds, 13% of 55-64 year olds, and just 4% of those aged 65 and over.

But as enthusiasm peaks among younger adults, so does their exposure to risk, with almost one in eight (12%) of 25–34-year-olds who bet online, saying they have already fallen victim to fraud after using an unknown betting site.

Comparatively, 10% of 35–44-year-olds, 5% of 45–54-year-olds, 1% of 55–64-year-olds and 2% of those aged over 65 stating they have fallen victim to this type of fraud in the past.

London is the Nation's Betting Capital

Geographically, London stands apart. Over half (52%) of London bettors plan to bet on England matches –the highest region in Great Britain.

London bettors don't just bet on England either: 42% plan to place bets on other major team matches during the tournament, and 29% plan to bet on who they expect to be the outright tournament winners, consistently outpacing the rest of the country across every market.

Security and Convenience Drive Betting Choices

When it comes to what drives betting preferences, ease of use is the single biggest factor overall (17%), followed closely by a preference for betting online (16%).

Among 25-34-year-olds, the ease of online betting is a stronger pull: 24% cite it as their primary influence, the highest of any age group, while flexibility and the ability to bet anywhere also resonates more strongly with 35-44-year-olds (15%) than older groups. Punters from the 25-34-year-olds are also twice as likely than the average to point to confidentiality, and the ability to bet in real time online as why they chose how to gamble.

Staying safe online continues to be a main priority for consumers with more than nine in ten (91%) online punters say they value a secure experience when placing bets, with three in five (60%) valuing it "a lot." London bettors place particularly high value on security, with 95% saying it matters to them, the highest of any region.

Chad Reimers, international vice president of fraud solutions at TransUnion, said: “The football World Cup is one of the biggest betting and social events of the year and fraudsters know it. Younger fans are the most enthusiastic punters, but that can bring heightened risk if they are not stopping to check the legitimacy of the provider. The gap between trusting a brand and checking whether it's legitimately regulated is exactly where consumers get caught out. At TransUnion our mission is to help consumers stay protected, we work closely with licensed and regulated operators to drive safe experiences for bettors.”

Betting Safely this World Cup: TransUnion's Guidance

Whether you're a seasoned punter or placing your first bet on your favoured nation to lift the trophy, TransUnion recommends the following steps to help protect yourself:

1. Check the operator is Gambling Commission licensed: Before depositing any money, verify that the site is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission at gamblingcommission.gov.uk. Licensed operators must meet strict standards for fairness, player protection and data security. If a site isn't on the register, don't use it.

2. Be wary of too-good-to-be-true promotions: Fraudulent sites often lure punters in with unusually generous welcome offers or odds. If a promotion seems exceptional compared to established operators, treat it as a warning sign rather than an opportunity.

3. Stick to brands you can verify - not just recognise: Brand familiarity is not the same as legitimacy. A professional-looking site with a recognisable name can still be fraudulent. Always cross-check against the Gambling Commission register.

4. Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication: Reusing passwords across betting accounts and other online services significantly increases your exposure if one account is compromised. Where platforms offer two-factor authentication, use it.

5. Monitor your financial accounts and credit report: Regularly monitoring your credit report can help you to identify unauthorised or unfamiliar transactions that could be fraudulent activity. This can be an important first step in discovering identity fraud following a breach of personal data. You can request a copy of your statutory TransUnion credit report for free through the TransUnion website, or access it for free via Credit Karma, MoneySuperMarket Credit Monitor, or TotallyMoney

6. Know where to get help: If you think you've been a victim of fraud, report it to Action Fraud (actionfraud.police.uk) and notify your bank immediately. If you're concerned about your gambling, free confidential support is available from GamCare (gamcare.org.uk) and the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133.

New analysis from TransUnion, a global information and insights company, finds that phishing and stolen credit cards are driving the greatest financial losses for UK consumers, closely followed by the rise of third-party seller scams. These losses are occurring as the digital fraud landscape grows more complex, partly due to increasingly sophisticated AI‑driven fraud and the industrialisation of fraud operations.

According to TransUnion’s H1 2026 Update to the Top Fraud Trends Report, just over one in 10 (12%) of UK consumers said they lost money to digital fraud (email, online, phone call or text messaging scams) in the past year¹, with a median reported loss of GBP 1,205. Globally, 26% of consumers – across 18 countries and regions surveyed – said they lost money to digital fraud last year, with a median loss of GBP 1,237.

Generative AI (GenAI) has accelerated the scale and sophistication of criminal activity, allowing fraudsters to target both consumers and businesses with greater precision, speed and scale. UK consumers were most affected by fraudulent emails, websites, social posts, and QR codes meant to steal data. Over a quarter (26%) of UK consumers who said they lost money to digital fraud cited phishing as the cause – the highest‑reported category in the country and significantly higher than the global rate of 20%.

“Criminals are weaponising both consumer trust and emerging technologies,” said Chad Reimers, general manager of fraud and ID at TransUnion in the UK. “As GenAI accelerates the sophistication and scale of criminal operations, the threat landscape – and associated vectors – is evolving faster than ever for consumers and businesses. Addressing this requires a new generation of identity‑centric defences that combine advanced analytics, adaptive authentication and multilayered fraud detection. Organisations must match fraudsters’ technological innovation to stay ahead of rapidly changing schemes.”

Phishing Was the Most Prevalent Digital Fraud Type That Caused Consumer Financial Losses in United Kingdom (UK)

Percentage reporting losing money to these schemes among consumers who said they lost funds from digital fraud in the last year

Source: TransUnion consumer survey

Globally, Gen Z consumers were the most likely to report financial losses, with 39% saying they lost money to digital fraud in the past year. This elevated exposure may be influenced by Gen Z’s use of gaming platforms, cryptocurrency exchanges and social apps, which are commonly targeted by fraudsters. In the UK, Gen Z consumers showed a similar pattern with 30% saying they lost money to digital fraud in the past year, also the highest among generations surveyed.

Suspected Digital Fraud Rates Decrease in UK, but Risk Most Prevalent During Account Creation

The suspected digital fraud rate* for attempted transactions involving consumers in the UK declined from 4.9% in 2023 to 3.8% in 2025 among TransUnion’s business customers, a trend also seen globally. Nevertheless, this decrease does not necessarily indicate reduced broader criminal activity and targeting; rather, it may reflect the increased effectiveness of mature, multi-layered defences and ongoing optimisation of fraud strategies being adopted.

During account creation, 8.3% of attempted transactions globally in 2025 were suspected to be digital fraud, representing an 18% increase year-over-year (YoY) and by far the highest rate of suspected digital fraud in the consumer lifecycle. In the UK, a similar rate of 8.1% was observed.

“Fraudsters continue to view upstream vulnerabilities as a key target area,” continued Reimers. “They exploit vulnerabilities at account creation, often concealing identity manipulation until losses mount later in the life-cycle. To keep pace, businesses need intelligence‑driven, multi-layered, proactive solutions – like TransUnion Fraud Solutions – to detect sophisticated identity risks at onboarding. Notwithstanding the threat at onboarding stage, we also observe a diversification of the fraud threat, with the account management stage also being targeted, often in the pursuit of ‘bust-out’ opportunity where a fraudster will demonstrate trustworthy behaviour before vanishing without repayment.”

Industries Facing the Highest Digital Fraud Risk in the UK

TransUnion’s industry analysis shows that the Communities sector (encompassing social media marketplace, online dating, and similar businesses) faced the highest digital fraud pressure in 2025, with 12.5% of attempted transactions involving UK consumers flagged as suspected digital fraud. This was followed by Telecommunications with 5.9% of attempted transactions flagged as digital fraud and Gaming (online sports betting, poker etc.) at 3.1%.

TransUnion came to its conclusions about digital fraud based on a global survey of 12,730 consumers in 18 countries and regions from Nov. 20–Dec. 9, 2025 and intelligence from its array of TransUnion TruValidate solutions. To learn more about how TransUnion fraud prevention solutions can help businesses detect potential fraud and reduce fraud losses, click here.

Specific country and regional data in the report includes the United Kingdom, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, India, Kenya, Mexico, Namibia, Nicaragua, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Rwanda, South Africa, Spain, the United States and Zambia. Download the TransUnion H1 2026 Update to the Top Fraud Trends Report for more information and insights about the global fraud trends.

Notes:

* Suspected digital fraud attempts reflects those which TransUnion clients determined met one of the following conditions: 1) denial in real time due to fraudulent indicators, 2) denial in real time for corporate policy violations, 3) fraudulent upon client investigation, or 4) a corporate policy violation upon client investigation. The country and regional analyses examined transactions in which the consumer or suspected fraudster was located in a select country or region when conducting a transaction. Global statistics represent every country worldwide and not just the select countries and regions.

¹ TransUnion surveyed 1,000 consumers in the United Kingdom from Nov. 20 to Dec. 4, 2025

"The Bank of England’s decision to hold the base rate at 3.75% is unsurprising, despite expectations of a cut only a few weeks ago. For households this means borrowing costs stay where they are for now, although it is worth noting that many lenders had already increased their mortgage rates. With energy prices still volatile due to the current geopolitical climate, there is a short-term inflation risk. The overall cost of living will remain a point of concern for many households as price increases will likely filter through the economy for the remainder of the year and into 2027.

“The better news for consumers is that stabilising measures should help soften the blow: Ofgem's energy price cap will fall by 7% from April 1st and HMRC has extended the 5p-per-litre fuel duty cut until the end of August, which should help to offset some of the energy price increases that consumers are set to face.

"Unfortunately, consumer confidence is likely to be impacted, affecting spending behaviours and personal finances. It is important that consumers are actively managing their personal finances: reviewing fixed and variable commitments, checking their credit reports regularly and utilising competitive savings rates while they remain higher. With lenders repricing their mortgage offers, people nearing the end of fixed terms should keep a close eye on the market to find the right deal. Staying vigilant against scams, particularly those mimicking lenders or energy providers, is equally important in periods of uncertainty. Strong credit habits and timely shopping around will help households navigate what may remain a bumpy few months."

TransUnion, a global information and insights company, has announced an expanded alliance with Eyeota, a Dun & Bradstreet company, a leading provider of audience data solutions. The expanded alliance can help advertisers to enhance campaign planning and activation by leveraging TransUnion’s CAMEO geodemographic insights across 34 international territories all within Eyeota’s Audience Marketplace. Advertisers can then deploy these segments across leading programmatic platforms.

The alliance addresses the growing demand for precise audience targeting that is designed to be privacy compliant. By incorporating TransUnion’s CAMEO’s deep insights into Eyeota’s Audience Marketplace, organisations will be able to segment audiences and directly activate campaigns across over 60 connected advertising platforms, spanning programmatic, mobile, connected TV, and social media. 

Kelli Fielding, chief product officer at TransUnion in the UK, commented: “Marketers now operate in a complex, multi-channel ecosystem where reaching the right customers is increasingly difficult. CAMEO offers the all-important detail that helps businesses adapt to their audience, unlocking value in targeted campaigns, confidently assessing risks, and nurturing new and existing customer relationships. Our broad CAMEO data enables hyper-local segmentation, targeting and personalisation, supporting improved marketing precision and helping to drive ROI. We’re thrilled to deepen our alliance with a market leader like Eyeota and to be able to offer Eyeota’s customers the opportunity to benefit from CAMEO’s rich insights.”

TransUnion has supported leading global brands in enhancing and optimising their marketing performance. Now available through Eyeota’s Audience Marketplace, CAMEO data enables agencies and brands to:

• Build and activate campaigns consistently across international territories, using consistent, highly-targeted audience segmentation 

• Apply a consistent approach to customer acquisition and management across their marketing ecosystem   

• Retain customers by helping brands to make more informed decisions by segmenting customers into categories

“We’re pleased to bring TransUnion’s CAMEO data to our clients,” said Marc Fanelli, senior vice president of digital audiences – global at Eyeota. “CAMEO’s detailed geodemographic insight is a strong complement to our marketplace, helping advertisers achieve more accurate and privacy‑first audience targeting across their programmatic campaigns.”

To find out more about TransUnion’s CAMEO solution, you can visit their website: https://www.transunion.co.uk/product/cameo

·       29% of Gen Z (aged 18-24) follow influencer advice, yet 32% fail to check credentials

·       15% of young adults say influencer advice harmed their credit, caused losses or led to scams

Millions of UK consumers are turning to social media influencers for financial guidance without checking their credentials, potentially putting their credit health at risk, according to new researchⁱ commissioned by TransUnion.

The survey found that 14% of consumers, around 7.7 million peopleⁱⁱ, have taken financial advice from a social media personality or online influencer with a quarter (25%) of these consumers, approximately 1.9 million peopleⁱⁱⁱ, admitting they did not check whether the influencer had any formal financial qualifications or credentials before acting on the advice.

Among Gen Z consumers (aged 18-24), the use of financial influences rises sharply to 29% – roughly 1.4 million young people^iv with almost a third (32%) of 18-24 year olds admitting they did not check the influencers qualifications before acting on the advice.

While some younger consumers reported benefits, the findings underline clear risks. Among 18-24 year olds who followed influencer advice, 39% said they gained useful financial knowledge and 31% said it helped them choose a good credit or financial product. However, 15% said following financial influencer advice negatively affected their credit score, led to financial losses or resulted in them being scammed. The latter should be of particular concern, as scams (23%) and synthetic identity fraud (23%) are now leading cause of losses according to TransUnion’s 2025 Global Fraud Trends Report.

The findings also suggest that families have an opportunity to have more conversations at home with their children about the financial content they see online. Currently, 24% of consumers say they encourage their children to fact-check influencers’ financial claims.

Madhu Kejriwal, chief executive officer of TransUnion UK and Europe commented: “Social media can be a powerful source of information and it’s great to see younger generations engaging with easily accessible financial content and the positive impact this can have on their financial awareness. However, it is important to remember that popularity does not always equate to financial expertise. Consumers may be acting on advice that may be well-intentioned but unqualified and without fully understanding how certain decisions can affect their financial standing.

“People should work on building a healthy credit report and checking it regularly to build a good understanding of how their financial choices could impact their credit report and score.  Our advice: Enjoy the content but always verify it with trusted sources. Evidence-based guidance, grounded in a clear view of someone’s credit data, is far more reliable than just anecdotal tips shared online.”

James O'Donnell, TransUnion's director of research and consulting also reflected on the immediate and real impact of bad advice on consumers: "I have great respect for the level of awareness and education the financial influencer community brings to the general population, but we should all be reminded that bad advice can have catastrophic impacts for consumers who don't know better. Globally, we are currently seeing real examples of this, with many US consumers currently facing legal repercussions after following TikToker advice^v. UK authorities are also battling similar risks, with a number of influencers scheduled to face court in 2027 on illegal financial promotions related to direct consumer losses^vi.”

TransUnion’s tips for young people considering using finfluencers for guidance:

• Verify influencer advice before acting: Cross-check tips against trusted financial bodies, like the Financial Conduct Authority, or a financial adviser you know has the appropriate qualifications. We encourage young people to validate influencer guidance against reliable sources to help ensure decisions are grounded in facts.
• Understand your own financial data: Advice is only useful when it aligns with your financial profile. Ensure you have signed up to at least one credit reference agency platform and start building a credit file. You can request a copy of your statutory TransUnion credit report for free through the TransUnion website, or access it for free via  Credit Karma, MoneySuperMarket Credit Monitor, or TotallyMoney and a wide variety of banking apps, including NatWest, Lloyds, Monzo and Halifax.
• Focus on building strong financial habits, not chasing quick wins: Viral financial “hacks” can be tempting, but lasting habits, like paying bills on time, budgeting effectively, and keeping an eye on your credit score, have a much greater impact on long-term financial wellbeing.

“Building and protecting good credit doesn’t rely on shortcuts or viral trends,” added Madhu Kejriwal. “It’s about consistent behaviours, such as paying bills on time, managing credit balances and understanding how financial decisions show up on your credit report. As we continue into 2026, consumers who base their plans on trusted data and credible guidance will be better placed to improve their financial wellbeing.
 

Notes:

The information in this release is intended for journalists and media professionals only. The information should not be construed as a financial promotion under the Financial Conduct Authority's (FCA) Handbook of rules and Guidance.

Unless otherwise stated, all figures are from a nationally representative sample of 2,000 UK adults aged 18+. The survey was commissioned by TransUnion and conducted in December 2025 by OnePoll.

i Based on latest ONS UK population estimate of 69,487,000, with 55,653,768 over 18 (November 2025): Population estimates - Office for National Statistics

ii Based on latest ONS UK population estimate of 69,487,000, with 55,653,768 over 18 (November 2025): Population estimates - Office for National Statistics

iii Based on latest ONS UK population estimate of 55,653,768 over 18 (November 2025): Population estimates - Office for National Statistics - 25% of the estimated 7.7M is 1.9M

iv Based on latest ONS 18-24 year old population estimate of 5,842,000 (January 2026) 18-24 year old population: All persons: 000s - Office for National Statistics

v Reuters - JPMorgan sues customers over check fraud linked to glitch that went viral | Reuters

vi FCA -  First court appearance for three ‘finfluencers’ charged in FCA-led global crackdown on illegal promotions | FCA

TransUnion colleagues initially voted for Andy’s Man Club as their Charity of the Year in 2024 and decided to extend their support throughout 2025, to continue raising awareness and fundraising efforts.  

The £40,000 total was raised through a variety of events hosted by TransUnion for their UK employees, including charity walks of the Yorkshire Three Peaks and the Peak district, charity football and netball tournaments, the JPMorganChase Corproate Challenge and cake sales. As part of the partnership, TransUnion also held sessions for employees to learn more about Andys Man Club and how to seek support with their mental health. 

TransUnion employees are given three volunteering days per year and are encouraged to take the time off to help support their individual charity efforts. Alongside companywide fundraisers, TransUnion employees have also utilised their volunteer days to participate in individual challenges, such as the Great North Run, as part of their support.  

Co-founded by Luke Ambler after his brother-in-law Andy Roberts died by suicide aged 23 in 2016, Andy’s Man Club offers men of all ages a judgement-free, non-clinical environment of free-to-attend peer-to-peer support groups. Groups are led by trained facilitators and run every Monday at 7pm, except Bank Holidays. There are now more than 330 clubs attended by more than 6,500 men across the UK, with more groups starting up each week. 

“Death by suicide is the biggest killer of men under 54 in the UK, with male mental health surrounded by deeply ingrained cultural stigma,” said Luke Ambler, co-founder of Andy’s Man Club. “As Andy’s family, we had no idea of his mental health struggles, and we wanted to help other men who may feel that they have nobody to talk to, or they don’t know where to get the right kind of support. We’ve built a network across the country, and we’re looking forward to expanding it to help even more men in the future.” 

Kaushik Gopalan, chief human resources officer at TransUnion in the UK said: "At TransUnion, giving back isn’t just something we do—it’s part of how we create lasting social value. Community initiatives like this deepen our local partnerships and help us make a positive and measurable difference. We encourage all our colleagues to champion the charities and causes they care about, because together we drive real impact. 

“We are proud that so many of our UK colleagues have come together to support a charity that is close to many of our hearts. Andy’s Man Club is an incredible organisation with an important cause to destigmatise the conversations around men’s mental health and wellbeing. At TransUnion we believe that mental health is a fundamental part of overall well-being, we will continue encouraging education, normalising conversation and building awareness for mental health and wellness in the workplace.”    

“The Bank of England’s decision to cut interest rates to 3.75% will be a welcome relief for many households as consumer sentiment shows early signs of improvement. Our latest TransUnion Q4 Consumer Pulse report shows 44% of UK consumers are optimistic about their household finances for the year ahead well above the 26% at the start of the rate hike journey back in 2022. Consumers will be equally pleased with the cooling rate of inflation, with energy prices remaining relatively flat this winter.

“However, even as inflation cools, it remains a top concern for 84% of adults. This is compounded by the rising unemployment rate which jumped to 5.1% for the three months to October from 4.3% this time last year. Associated slowing wage growth forecasts and falling jobs vacancy volumes represent new difficulties even as we emerge from the cost-of-living crisis. These were all cited by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) as reasons behind the dropping rate. After years of high job vacancies, high wage growth and low unemployment, consumers are facing an unwanted downturn, and many households will likely feel the strain.

“The rate cut offers consumers some breathing room, but they remain cautious with just over one in 10 (11%) consumers increasing their spend in the last 6 months, signalling that households remained focused on essentials, and partially contributing to the lacklustre market performance and the slowing economy that the Bank of England used to justify the latest rate cut.

“Credit appetite is also cooling after two years of high demand; just 22% of consumers intend to refinance existing credit or apply for new credit in the year ahead.  While consumers remain cautious towards spending and credit, today’s rate cut will provide some relief to households. But it’s vital that lenders maintain a responsible, data-driven approach, supporting consumers through the transition and ensuring fair access to credit.

“It should be noted that the vote was close with just 5-4 in favour of this latest rate cut. We can expect a continued cautious approach from the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) in coming quarters.

“As a final observation, slightly contrary to the Bank’s observations, while unemployment is technically on the rise, employment is notably flat, with the proportion of adults in employment remaining practically unchanged since this time last year. Much of the rise in unemployment can be instead attributed to a drop in the economically inactive population instead, signifying a counterintuitive rise in consumer and market activity.”

Notes:

TransUnion’s Q4 Consumer Pulse study, is based on the survey of 1,000 adults in the UK, conducted between 25 Sept. and 7 Oct. 2025.

·       After having their phone stolen, one in five (20%) have had money taken from their bank accounts, losing £600 on average

·       A further 25% had their phone number hacked, and 22% fell victim to identity theft

TransUnion, a global information and insights company, warns that festive work parties can be a hotspot for phone theft, as new research reveals that one in seven UK adults (15%) has fallen victim in the last 12 months.  

New research undertaken by OnePoll on behalf of TransUnion reveals that after having had their phone stolen, a quarter (25%) had their phone number hacked, and 22% fell victim to identity theft. One in five (20%) also had money taken from their bank accounts, losing £600 on average. Meanwhile, one in five (20%) of those lost over £1,000. 

Chad Reimers, general manager of identity and fraud at TransUnion in the UK and Europe, said: “Phones are often the keys to our finances and identities. As the work holiday party season continues, devices can be easily misplaced or stolen – left on a table while chatting or taken in a moment of distraction. Historically, phone theft has been around the handset – that is, seeking to resell the device through illegal means, often overseas. While this remains common, in recent times, the modus operandi has evolved.

“It is important for consumers to be aware that when a device is stolen, criminals can access personal information and try to hack into banking, email and social media accounts, putting consumers at potential risk of losing money or having their identity stolen. Consumers who have their phone stolen should act fast: lock or wipe the device remotely, contact their bank and mobile provider, change passwords, and monitor their credit report for signs of identity fraud.”

While just 3% of those who have had their phone stolen in the past 12 months are over 55 years old, younger adults are seemingly more at risk. Nearly seven in 10 (69%) of all phone theft victims were 18-34-year-olds, with one in 10 of those (11%) having had multiple phones stolen. This could be potentially due to younger adults being more likely to socialise in crowed areas such as bars and clubs, particularly during the festive season – with research showing that adults under the age of 45 are more likely to feel pressured into attending a social event during this time.  

Worryingly, only about half of this group recognise that phone thieves could access personal information (55%), emails (51%), or even steal their identity (46%). Awareness of risks like blackmail (35%) dropped even further.  

TransUnion’s tips to help reduce the risk – and what to do fast after a theft:

Must-dos for phone security: 
 

·       Use a strong device passcode (not birthdays or simple patterns) and enable biometrics

·       Turn on Find My/Find My Device and remote lock/wipe features

·       Enable 2-step verification on banking, email and social apps – preferably with an authenticator app

·       Store digital copies of important IDs and your phone’s IMEI somewhere secure 

 

What to do if your phone is stolen:
 

·       Lock or wipe the device remotely and mark it as lost as soon as possible

·       Contact your bank(s) immediately to freeze cards, review transactions and re-secure mobile banking

·       Notify your mobile network to block the SIM and prevent number-hijacking

·       Change passwords for email, cloud storage, and key apps from another device

·       Check your credit report frequently for unfamiliar applications or accounts – you can view your TransUnion credit report for free via Credit Karma, MoneySuperMarket Credit Monitor, or TotallyMoney

Visit TransUnion’s International Fraud Awareness Week webpage for more consumer tips and stories around fraud.

Notes:

Unless otherwise stated, all figures are from a nationally representative sample of 2,000 UK adults aged 18+. The data was commissioned by TransUnion and conducted in October 2025 by OnePoll.

The information in this release is intended for journalists and media professionals only. The information should not be construed as a financial promotion under the Financial Conduct Authority's (FCA) Handbook of rules and Guidance.

Now in its tenth year, the Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers List is the definitive cross-industry index harnessing both best practice and innovation with the goal of driving inclusion for all. It comprises the 50 most inclusive companies in the UK as chosen by a dedicated panel of judges, based on each organisation’s performance across all strands of diversity – gender, disability, age, LGBTQ+, race, faith and religion. 

TransUnion’s UK business has been recognised for its continued commitment to creating a workplace where everyone feels they belong. The accolade was achieved through initiatives such as specialist sessions on neurodiversity and menopause, leadership programmes designed to empower diverse talent to thrive and a focus on colleague’s mental health and wellbeing with Mental Health First Aiders and free access to mental health resources. TransUnion also has numerous executive sponsored employee resource groups and wellbeing initiatives to further reinforce their culture of belonging by ensuring colleagues have the resources to feel supported.

Kaushik Gopalan, chief human resources officer for TransUnion in the UK said: “We're proud to have been listed amongst the Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers List. TransUnion believes diversity in talent brings strength, as the more unique voices, perspectives and ideas at the table, the more authentic and successful our vision for the future will be. As a global organisation we take pride in creating an inclusive workplace and celebrating multiple cultures. We strive to ensure all our colleagues feel welcome, respected and empowered to bring their authentic self to work. This accreditation demonstrates our commitment to creating a work environment where everyone feels empowered and encouraged to succeed.” 

“Every year, the standard rises as organisations demonstrate ever-stronger evidence of their commitment to truly inclusive cultures,” says Paul Sesay, founder and CEO of Inclusive Companies. “The IT50 List celebrates employers who go beyond initiatives and policies, and instead embed diversity and inclusion into the fabric of how they operate. Our judges look for consistency, authenticity and long-term impact, and this year’s entries show just how many organisations are investing in meaningful, sustainable change.”

To find out more about opportunities with TransUnion visit: www.transunion.co.uk/careers

●        Inflation remains among top financial consumer concerns with 84% having it in their top three

●        Growing divide in optimism between the haves and have nots: 74% of high earners (greater than £80,000 a year) were optimistic versus just 36% of low-income households (less than £30,000 a year).

●        Following last year’s budget, TransUnion data showed that consumer optimism dropped from 44% in Q4 2024, to 41% in Q1 2025.

Consumer optimism about household finances has climbed to its highest level in a year, according to data from TransUnion, a global information and insights company, released as part of its Q4 2025 Consumer Pulse report. The latest report found 44% of consumers are optimistic about their finances over the next 12 months, up two percentage points from the previous quarter, and well above the all-time low of 26% in Q3 2022.

With inflation holding at 3.8%[i] in October, 84% of UK adults ranked inflation for everyday goods among their top three financial concerns over the next six months. Recession fears (53%) and interest rates (50%) followed, while concerns about housing costs (40%) and jobs (32%) have both risen by two percentage points since the previous quarter.

James O’Donnell, director of research & consulting at TransUnion in the UK, said: “We find ourselves at a turning point, on the one hand, consumers are increasingly optimistic as they emerge from the inflation-driven cost of living crisis. On the other hand, consumers are increasingly concerned about the weakening jobs market, softer wage growth and inconsistent economic growth. Nonetheless, the broad positivity and pulse of the everyday consumer appears to have been on a slow but steady upward trajectory, though it remains to be seen what impact the budget will have and whether consumer optimism will hold up. We noted that after last year’s autumn budget, our data showed that consumer optimism dropped from 44% in Q4 2024, to 41% in Q1 2025.

Spending and Debt

Rebounding consumer optimism is shaping spending behaviour, as less consumers claim to have cut back on discretionary spending, including dining out, travel, and entertainment – down five percentage points from last year (46% in Q4 2025 from 51% in Q4 2024).Yet, just over one in ten (11%) reported increasing discretionary spending during this period, signalling cautious confidence as households focus on essentials.

Debt pressures also remain, as the proportion of consumers expecting to miss a bill or loan payment stayed steady from a year ago at 19%. However, this rises to 22% among Gen Z consumers, despite this demographic being the most optimistic about their finances over the next 12 months among generations surveyed at 74%. In contrast, only 7% of Baby Boomers expect they’ll be unable to pay at least one of their current bills or loans in full, the lowest of any generation surveyed.

Credit Behaviour

Access to credit and lending products continues to play a vital role in helping consumers reach their financial goals, with over three-quarters (76%) of respondents in agreement. At the same time, nearly three in five (59%) consumers now believe they have sufficient access to credit, increasing by six percentage points year-on-year.

However, credit appetite is cooling slightly. Less than a quarter (22%) plan to apply for new credit or refinance in the next year, down from 24% in the previous quarter and 23% in Q4 2024. Younger generations continue to lead credit demand, with 43% of Gen Z and 35% of Millennials planning to seek credit, compared to 20% of Gen X and 5% of Baby Boomers.

Overall, among those who said they’ll apply for credit or refinance in the next 12 months, applying for a new credit card (49%) remains the most popular credit and loan activity, although that’s down from 54% last quarter. The second most popular credit product and loan activity was applying for buy now, pay later services (26%) which stayed stable, while those who said they’d refinance their mortgage ticked up slightly to 17%. Overall, fewer consumers are reporting abandoning credit applications, from 26% in Q4 2024 to 22% in Q4 2025, with cost (26%) and fear of rejection due to credit history (19%) being among the top reasons.

Credit monitoring also appears to be on the rise, with more than two in five (41%) saying they check their credit report at least monthly. Accuracy checks (37%) and fraud detection (31%) rose from last quarter, while score improvement (33%) has dipped, suggesting consumers are increasingly prioritising protection amid growing fraud risks.

James O’ Donnell, continued: “Even as the general perception appears brighter, financial pressures continue to hold sway over a large portion of the population, with the cost-of-living crisis having had an uneven impact on households. Consumer attitudes, credit behaviours and spending habits seem to be diverging across demographics. In this environment, it’s crucial that businesses and financial institutions understand and adapt to the evolving financial landscape, to support consumers and ensure safe and fair access to credit.”

For more information on the Consumer Pulse study findings, please visit the TransUnion website.

Notes:

Unless otherwise stated, all figures are from TransUnion’s Consumer Pulse study, which is based on the survey of 1,000 adults in the UK, conducted between 25 Sept. and 7 Oct. 2025.

Generations are defined in this research as follows: Gen Z, 18-28 years old; Millennials, 29-44 years old; Gen X, 45-60 years old; and Baby Boomers, age 61 and above.

References to weaker job market are in accordance to the latest Labour market overview, UK - Office for National Statistics.

i ONS Inflation and prices indices, https://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/inflationandpriceindices

●        Amongst those who were scammed, average losses were £504, with 15% losing more than £1,000

●        Younger shoppers are more than twice as likely (81%) to have encountered a scam when shopping online, compared to those aged 55 and above (32%)

Over three-quarters (78%) of shoppers are worried about being scammed this Black Friday, as one in eight (13%) have fallen victim, according to new research from TransUnion, a global information and insights company.

With almost 23 millionⁱ consumers expected to shop in this year’s Black Friday sales, many may be more vulnerable to fraud than they realise. One in eight consumers (13%) struggle to differentiate between genuine deals and scams, while nearly one in 10 consumers (9%) say big savings distract them from being vigilant. A smaller but still significant amount (8%) of respondents even admitted that they would be more likely to interact with a scam if it offered a substantial discount, and 6% said the potential risk of fraud would be worth it if they could save a lot of money.

Madhu Kejriwal, CEO of TransUnion in the UK and Europe, said: “As Black Friday deals ramp up, fraudsters are exploiting the rush to secure a bargain. These scams look increasingly legitimate, from fake products to cloned retailer websites. Consumers should take a moment before they pay, check the source, and avoid deals that seem too good to be true.”

Among those who had been scammed during Black Friday sales, 39% admitted they acted too quickly out of fear of missing out on a good deal, while 31% prioritised saving money over avoiding fraud.

After falling victim to a Black Friday scam, two in five (40%) consumers never received the item, while 31% received a different product to the one that they ordered. Almost three in ten (29%) scam victims also had their card details stolen, a quarter had their bank account details (25%) or personal information (24%) compromised, and 19% were victims of identity theft. Overall, these scams led to average losses of £504, with 14% losing more than £1,000.

This week, as ambassadors of International Fraud Awareness week - an annual, global initiative dedicated to raising awareness about the impact of fraud and promoting anti-fraud education TransUnion took to the streets of Leeds City Centre to talk to and help educate members of the public on the dangers of scams.

TransUnion spoke to a woman who highlighted how minor transactions alerted her husband that his bank account had been breached after falling victim to a scam: “[My husband] noticed that small amounts were going out from his bank account to a supermarket – so, it was like 8p then it went up to about 24p. I can’t say that I check my account that carefully, but he does and he recognised that…it wasn’t a supermarket that he shops in…So he rang the bank and in fact they [Fraudsters] were testing to see whether he picked it up.”

Chad Reimers, managing director of fraud & ID at TransUnion in the UK added: “Many consumers are unaware of the dangers of falling victim to a retail scam; over a quarter (27%) of consumers that have fallen victim admitted that they knew their purchase was risky, but did not consider it that big a deal.

“Online scams pose a real threat not only to your current finances, but to your future financial goals as well. Critically, it is not just the potential financial loss, but the compromise of personal or financial information which can result in further risks for consumers. This is why it’s important to remain vigilant to all potential fraud threats and act quickly should you think you’ve fallen victim.”

Gen Z and Millennial shoppers are at greatest risk, with seven in 10 (70%) 18-34-year-olds planning to shop online this year – above the national average of 41%. Yet, younger shoppers are more than twice as likely (81%) to have encountered a scam when shopping online compared to those aged 55 and above (32%).

With over a third (36%) of consumers unaware of the dangers of fraud during Black Friday, TransUnion shares tips to spot and avoid scams:

●      Be sceptical of unrealistic discounts – if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is!

●      Don’t click on links in unsolicited emails, texts or social posts. Go directly to the retailer’s official website instead. If you have received an email that you’re not quite sure about, forward it to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS): report@phishing.gov.uk. Likewise, most phone providers are part of an initiative that allows customers to report suspicious text messages for free by forwarding it to 7726

●      Look for “https” and the padlock symbol in your browser before entering payment details. This indicates that it’s secure. You can also report a suspicious website via the National Cyber Security Centre

●      Use secure payment methods such as credit cards or PayPal, which offer extra protection

●      Set up alerts on your credit report and monitor it regularly to help you quickly identify and report any suspicious activity, or signs of identity theft. You can check your TransUnion credit report for free via Credit Karma, MoneySuperMarket Credit Monitor, or TotallyMoney and a wide variety of banking apps.

To find out more about what TransUnion are doing as ambassadors of International Fraud Awareness week, visit TransUnion’s International Fraud Awareness Week webpage.

Note:

Unless otherwise stated, all figures are from a nationally representative sample of 2,000 UK adults aged 18+. The data was commissioned by TransUnion and conducted in October 2025 by OnePoll.

i The UK adult population is estimated at 55,022,253 according to the ONS. 41% of UK adults plan to shop the Black Friday sales this year, or 22,559,123 adults.

●      Scams (23%) and synthetic identity fraud (23%) are now leading cause of losses according to the survey of UK business leaders

●    Over a third (34%) of business leaders report using biometric authentication to tackle the issue, but adoption remains limited 

UK business leaders reported their companies lost the equivalent of 7.4% of their annual revenue in the past year due to fraud, representing £88 billion of fraud losses for the 200 surveyed, according to a new report from global information and insights company TransUnion. Whilst reported fraud losses in the UK were slightly below the global average of 7.7%, it has accelerated sharply in the UK from 5.7% in 2024 to 7.4% this year. 

With threats like AI scams and deepfakes becoming increasingly prevalent, TransUnion’s H2 2025 Update to the Top Fraud Trends Report reveals nearly seven in 10 (69%) UK business leaders are very or extremely concerned about the impact of fraud on their organisation – a sharp rise of 14 percentage points from 55% in 2024. 

“Fraud is now one of the most significant and fast-changing risks to UK businesses,” said Chad Reimers, general manager of Fraud & ID at TransUnion in the UK. “As fraudsters exploit new technologies to create AI scams and deepfakes, and the fraud-as-a-service market burgeons, businesses can no longer rely on traditional detection methods alone. Organisations that invest in robust authentication, identity intelligence, and proactive fraud prevention are best positioned to stay ahead of rapidly evolving threats and to mitigate the significant losses they currently face.” 

UK Faces Higher Risk of Synthetic Identity Fraud 

Alongside scams (23%), synthetic identity fraud (23%), where personal data is combined to create a fabricated identity, are the leading causes of fraud losses in the UK according to the UK business leaders surveyed – above the global average of 20% for synthetic fraud. With the growing accessibility of stolen data and advances in generative AI, synthetic fraud is the biggest driver of fraud losses for telecommunications (31%), financial services (26%), and retail (36%) industries in the UK according to the surveyed business leaders. 

Additionally, one in five (20%) business leaders said fraud losses are caused by account takeover, where fraudsters gain unauthorised access to online accounts, including banking, social media or email. 

Advanced Fraud Detection Tools on the Rise 

The UK is the only region globally to rank device reputation (54%), which detects suspicious or fraudulent behaviour across devices accessing the internet, as the most effective technology for preventing fraud. In all other regions surveyed, traditional identity verification was ranked the most effective technology. 

To better assess risk in real time, advanced, data-driven fraud management strategies are on the rise. Half (50%) of UK business leaders said the most effective technology for preventing fraud is identity verification, while just under half said it’s IP intelligence (48%) and behavioural solutions (48%). 

Biometric Authentication Growing, But Still Underused 

The UK has traditionally been a leader in biometric authentication, with over a third (34%) of business leaders saying they use it as a primary method of authentication. Biometric authentication is the top primary customer authentication method and growing – up from 31% in 2024. Although liveness checks and deepfake detection can combat emerging fraud threats and synthetic identities, biometrics still appear to be underutilised by organisations. 

Meanwhile, nearly two in five (39%) business leaders say they still rely on usernames and passwords as the primary method to authenticate customers to confirm user identity – above the global average of 34%. Username and password can easily be compromised and increase the risk of fraud. Interestingly while the use of social media credentials is declining, 8% of UK business leaders continue to rely on this method for primary authentication. 

“Traditional fraud detection methods alone are no longer enough – in fact, they often can create risk,” continued Chad, “Alongside a more relaxed attitude toward first-party fraud, rising customer expectations for seamless experiences and regulatory changes, business leaders face a wave of challenges to mitigate the growing cost of fraud. By leveraging advanced, data-driven technologies, such as biometrics and device intelligence, businesses can reduce the risk of fraud loss and enhance the customer experience.”   

To find out more about fraud trends in the UK, you can download the H2 2025 Update to the Top Fraud Trends Report here. 

Notes:

This online survey was conducted in Canada (200 respondents), Hong Kong (200) India (200), and the Philippines (200), UK (200) and US (200) from May 29–June 6, 2025 by TransUnion in partnership with third-party research provider, Dynata.  

The survey targeted managerial roles with responsibility for risk and/or fraud at businesses in which primary customer bases were consumers, and with a minimum annual revenue of CAD$300M in Canada, HK$200M in Hong Kong, 1B in India, 1B in the Philippines, £200M in the UK and USD$200M in the US.  

●      Men (54%) are more likely to be targeted by romance scams than women (31%)

●      Half (50%) of those targeted by a romance scam have lost money, with an average loss of £1,848

●      Almost Half (48%) of consumers would trust dating apps more if there were mandatory identity checks

More than a quarter (26%) of UK adults have stopped pursuing a potential romantic connection online due to fear of being scammed, according to new research from TransUnion, a global information and insights company.

The threat of romance scams – in which fraudsters use fake profiles to steal money or personal information – is expected to rise. This is because people are turning to dating apps for ‘cuffing season’, the time of year when single people actively seek romantic partners for the colder months. Two-thirds (66%) of online daters are worried about being targeted by scammers, and over two in five (44%) have encountered a suspected fraudulent dating profile. Meanwhile, almost one in five (17%) have fallen victim to a romance scam.

Madhu Kejriwal, CEO of TransUnion in the UK and Europe, said: “The threat of romance scams is growing, as fraudsters exploit the trust and vulnerability of online daters. Our research shows that these scams are not just causing financial losses, but also eroding confidence in forming genuine connections. Stronger identity checks on dating apps are urgently needed to keep consumers safe and help protect them from fraud.”

While almost a third (31%) of women who have used dating apps have encountered a romance fraud attempt, men (54%) are more likely to be targeted, as one in five (21%) have fallen victim. In fact, nearly a third (31%) of men say the fear of these scams has stopped them from pursuing potential romantic connections online.

Among those targeted by romance fraud, over half (56%) were encouraged to send money to someone they had matched with online, and 46% were asked to share their personal information. As fraudsters create fake profiles, nearly half (49%) matched with a profile using an alternative persona, while over a quarter (26%) matched with a suspected AI bot.

Of those who have fallen victim to a romance scam, half (50%) lost money, with an average loss of £1,848, while 7% lost more than £5,000. Over a third (35%) also reported having their identity stolen, and 32% had their online accounts compromised, including banking accounts.

Although dating apps have recently introduced age checks in the UK, almost half (48%) of UK adults would be more likely to trust these platforms if mandatory identity verification, such as ID checks and video verification, were implemented. Even among those who don’t intend to use dating platforms, 13% say they would be more likely to trust them if such measures were in place.

To help protect online daters, TransUnion shares tips to spot and avoid romance scams:

●      Watch out for red flags: Requests for money, gifts, or personal details early in a conversation are warning signs of attempted fraud

●      Look out for inconsistencies: Profiles using different names, locations, or personas across platforms can indicate fraud

●      Be cautious with AI-generated content: Messages, photos, or voice notes that feel ‘too perfect’ or generic could be AI-generated

●      Report suspicious activity: If you think you’ve matched with a fraudster, contact the dating platform immediately and report scams to Action Fraud or relevant authorities

●      Protect your accounts: Never share banking passwords or one-time codes, and enable two-factor authentication on all accounts

●      Regularly check your credit report: This will help you to understand and protect your financial information. It can also help you monitor for potentially fraudulent activity. If someone tries to use your identity, this is one of the places you’re likely to spot it. You can check your TransUnion credit report and score for free with Credit Karma, Credit Monitor from MoneySuperMarket, or TotallyMoney

 Notes

Unless otherwise stated, all figures are from a nationally representative sample of 2,000 UK adults aged 18+. The data was commissioned by TransUnion, and conducted between 9th September and 3rd October 2025 by OnePoll.

Madhu Kejriwal, CEO and Regional President of TransUnion UK & Europe, said: “This year’s Summit has been an inspiring opportunity to bring together leaders across industries to explore how we can build greater trust throughout the consumer journey. By engaging on challenges and sharing solutions that empower both businesses and consumers, we’re advancing our mission of using Information for Good and helping create an economy that’s transparent, inclusive and built on confidence.”

Three of the key takeaways from the event were:

1.     Trust is the defining currency of the digital economy

As consumers navigate new technologies, increasing risks and evolving expectations, organisations must deliver seamless and secure experiences with transparency embedded into every step of the customer journey. With the FCA’s Consumer Duty now fully in force, financial organisations are facing higher standards of fairness, transparency and accountability, while forthcoming reforms to the Consumer Credit Act and oversight of buy now, pay later products signal a broader shift toward regulation that prioritises the consumer experience.

By harnessing data and insights, each consumer can be reliably represented in the marketplace and businesses can make accurate, data-driven decisions.

2.     Data will drive financial inclusion

Financial exclusion remains a significant challenge, but with Consumer Duty, and updated Financial Ombudsman Service guidance, financial organisations have the opportunity to reach consumers who’ve traditionally been underserved. TransUnion’s latest Consumer Pulse study found that three-quarters (75%) of consumers believe that it’s important to have access to credit, yet just over half (58%) believe they have sufficient access to these products.ⁱ

By combining richer data with regulatory clarity, consumers can better understand and manage their financial health, while making access to credit fairer.

3.     Safeguard against fraud while upholding customer experience

With the financial services industry losing nearly £1.2 billion to fraud in 2024,ⁱⁱ fraud continues to be a major area of concern as new, sophisticated scams rapidly emerge. TransUnion research reveals that seven in ten UK adults (70%) have received a scam message from what appeared to be a trusted source, with over half (56%) believing the attempt used artificial intelligence, such as fake voices or images, to make it more convincing.ⁱⁱⁱ

Businesses must balance the demands of stopping fraud in real-time while maintaining friction-right experiences for consumers. By leveraging fraud analytics to identify suspicious behaviours using risk insights, device information and behavioural analytics, businesses can stop fraud in real-time, without disrupting the user experience for legitimate customers.

Commenting on the takeaways from the summit, James O’Donnell, Director of Research & Consulting at TransUnion UK, said: “We’ve seen a renewed sense of optimism this year. Despite economic uncertainty, businesses are embracing data-led innovation and putting trust at the centre of their strategies. With better insights, smarter analytics and a focus on inclusion, the industry is building a financial ecosystem that’s resilient, transparent and built for long-term growth.”

To learn more about TransUnion’s products and solutions, visit www.transunion.co.uk

Notes:

i TransUnion’s Q2 2025 Consumer Pulse survey of 1,000 adults was conducted between 5 and 9 May 2025 in partnership with Dynata

ii UK Finance’s Annual Fraud Report 2025

iii Research commissioned by TransUnion and conducted in June 2025 by YouGov. The figures are from a nationally representative sample of 2,180 UK adults aged 18+

Research from TransUnion’s Q3 2025 Consumer Pulse survey shows that while the overwhelming majority (95%) of Gen Z believes that access to credit is important, many may already be feeling the strain of day-to-day financial commitments. Nearly four in 10 (38%) reported cutting back on discretionary spending, including dining out and entertainment, in the last three months.

When looking ahead, almost half of all UK consumers (47%) expect to spend more on essentials such as bills, utilities and credit repayments. Research suggests that Gen Z may also be the most concerned about future financial security as almost a quarter (23%) had saved more in emergency funds in the past three months.

James Robinson, TransUnion’s managing director of consumer interactive in the UK, said: “Younger generations can often be the most vulnerable as they begin to navigate the financial landscape. Becoming financially independent and taking on the responsibility of everyday expenditures for the first time can be overwhelming and confusing to many. This is why it is important for students, and young people more generally, to equip themselves with the knowledge and tools they need to understand their credit report and scores. This can help them to better understand their financial standing and help them make the right financial decisions.”

Despite already being vigilant with their spending, students who take out credit for the first time are unfortunately a high risk of fraud. More than half (55%) of Gen Z reported being targeted by fraud in the last three months, with 10% having fallen victim – much higher than any other generation, with the average rate being 5%. Phishing (fraudulent emails, websites or QR codes designed to steal data) is the most common threat, with 43% of  consumers having been targeted or fallen victim to a phishing scheme, this is followed by  vishing (fraudulent phone calls) with 40% and smishing (fake text messages) with 37% of consumers having been targeted or fallen victim.

As students take on financial responsibilities and start to build their credit profile, TransUnion has shared some tips on how to create positive credit habits early and be aware of potential fraud risks:

●      Pay bills on time

Whether it’s utilities, like water or electricity bills for a shared house or your phone contract, late or missed payments can harm your credit score, especially if your name is on the bill. Speak to your housemates about splitting household bills and who’s responsible for paying them, and set up reminders to avoid missing payments.

●      Don’t apply for lots of credit at once

Making multiple applications in a short space of time can lower your credit score. Check your credit score before applying to get a sense of what products you’re likely to be eligible for.

●      Budget and plan

If you live in halls, your college or university will usually take rent payments by direct debit each term, so make sure the money is there when that date comes around. A failed direct debit could incur charges with your bank, as well as impacting your credit score, and may be in breach of your rent contract as well.

●      Keep an eye on your credit score

Regular checks can help you track your financial health and spot any unusual activity, which could be a warning sign of potential fraud. You can check your TransUnion credit report for free via Credit Karma, Credit Monitor from MoneySuperMarket or TotallyMoney.

●      Don’t rely on your overdraft and credit limits

Although student loans won’t appear on your credit report, overdrafts, credit cards and personal loans will. Try to keep balances low or paid in full on credit cards and overdrafts, and be sure to make regular repayments.

●      Watch out for scams

Fraudsters may pose as banks, delivery companies, or even friends. Be cautious about things like “free” holidays or an unexpected refund – if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Never click suspicious links – instead, contact the company directly using official contact details.

●      Report suspicious activity

If you think your details have been compromised, contact your bank immediately, consider freezing your accounts, and report the incident to Action Fraud.

Starting university is about more than lectures and late-night study sessions; it’s also about building the foundation for your future financial life. By taking steps now to manage your credit responsibly and protect yourself from fraud, you’ll be setting yourself up for success long after graduation.

Notes:

Unless otherwise stated, all figures are from TransUnion’s Consumer Pulse study, which is based on the survey of 1,000 adults in the UK, conducted between 17 July and 4 August 2025 by TransUnion in partnership with third-party research provider, Dynata.

Gen Z is defined in this research as adults aged 18-28 years old.

The awards, based on customer feedback, place the information and insights company as the UK’s industry leader of choice. TransUnion has retained the title of Credit Information Partner of the Year since 2021, this year clients highlighted TransUnion’s strengths in their customer-facing approach and credit education.

James Robinson, managing director of consumer interactive for TransUnion in the UK, commented: “We’re thrilled to have been named as Credit Information Partner of the Year for a fifth year. At TransUnion, information for good is at the heart of what we do; we’re committed to supporting our clients and the customers they serve to help improve financial wellbeing and better consumer’s understanding of their credit information. This award demonstrates the hard work of our teams. A huge thank you to all that voted for us and their continued support.”

Jacqueline Dewey, CEO of Smart Money People said: “A big congratulations to TransUnion UK for winning this award for the fifth year in a row. It’s great to see recognition for a team that’s helping so many people better understand their credit. Users really appreciate how clear and easy their credit reports are to navigate, and the helpful tips on where things can be improved make a real difference. TransUnion is there when it counts, giving people the information they need to take control of their financial journey. Well done to the whole team.”

The Consumer Credit Awards are run by Smart Money People to increase trust and transparency in financial services, by giving consumers and clients the chance to have their say. This year’s awards saw over 93,000 reviews left for the 16 categories across 18 weeks.

For more about TransUnion's services, visit www.transunion.co.uk