Gauge the risk - Callcredit is the first to launch dynamic bureau scores

5th June 2008

Gauge the risk - Callcredit is the first to launch dynamic bureau scores

Credit reference agency Callcredit and DecisionMetrics, the UK's leading provider of analytics and decision management technology, today announce the launch of Gauge, a powerful next-generation suite of credit risk scores.

Gauge will break the mould of static bureau scores with technology that is specifically designed to identify how the current economic climate is impacting credit bureau profiles and dynamically reflecting this in the Gauge scores. This will ensure that the risk prediction provided by Gauge is always at its most robust.

Gauge has been developed exclusively for Callcredit by DecisionMetrics and provides lenders with a fast, objective and consistent measurement of the credit risk associated with their customers. Multiple scorecards have been developed to exploit the power of Callcredit's unique datasets but whilst the development methodology is important, the key differentiator for Gauge is the commitment to ongoing calibration and fine tuning. This coupled with regular re-development at the most appropriate point ensures that Gauge will retain its power during the changing economic environment.

John McAndrew, Managing Director, Callcredit said,

"It is clear that the legacy approach to developing generic bureau scores is no longer acceptable to lenders. As 2008 continues to challenge the consumer finance industry, the need to enhance our scoring products to reflect these changes is vital. At Callcredit we have achieved this by committing to an ongoing improvement process that offers a more dynamic and predictive solution than legacy offerings."

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

About Gauge

Key features

• Quick and simple access to an accurate risk assessment
• Provides a powerful standard offering removing the need for expensive bespoke scorecard developments
• Pre-tested across the UK population which ensures a robust result across shifting customer profiles
• Dynamic monitoring across the UK population reacting to changing customer profiles to maintain predictive power

What makes Gauge different from other scores?

• Gauge scores are monitored quarterly with dynamic updates to ensure they continue to deliver market leading power
• The design of the scorecards, from the complex segmentation scheme to the inclusion of ratios indicating the balance to limit within the scorecard performance definition, maximizes the power of Gauge across the full risk spectrum.
• The breadth of data underpinning Gauge from Callcredit's SHARE, postcode and public databases is unique. In particular, Callcredit's time series utilisation data is exclusive to the SHARE database and forms a core component of the score.
• Gauge scores are calculated in real time. Gauge is available online as an on-demand service 24x7 from Callcredit.

About Callcredit

• Callcredit (www.callcredit.co.uk) is the UK's most innovative, state-of-the art credit reference agency, with an extensive range of information and value added services for businesses and individuals.

• Callcredit check (www.callcreditcheck.com) is the consumer arm of credit reference agency Callcredit, providing consumers with instant online access to their credit report and services to help them monitor their credit status.

• Callcredit has harnessed state-of-the-art information technology with an unrivalled knowledge of the industry's needs to develop a range of innovative information solutions. Solutions that are enabling major lenders and a host of other blue chip companies to address regulatory requirements, make better credit decisions, target new customers more effectively and manage existing customers more profitably.

• Callcredit is one of six core businesses that form the Skipton Information Group. The other five are:
• Database management company EuroDirect
• Market analysis firm GMAP Consulting
• Online payment service provider, Legatio
• Scorecard development and affordability assessment specialist DecisionMetrics
• Marketing services and database specialist, Broadsystem

About DecisionMetrics

DecisionMetrics specialises in undertaking advanced analytical projects for the credit risk market, covering credit scoring, affordability assessment, Basel II modelling and ongoing performance monitoring and solutions implementation.

Identifying the need for greater independence in the credit risk market, DecisionMetrics provides its expertise, without bias, across all three UK credit reference agencies

DecisionMetrics provides a blend of analytical expertise and operational knowledge and experience that ensures that its solutions are not only statistically sound but will fully compliment the operation of the client's business.
Projects are approached from the perspective of identifying and providing the best solution for the client rather than dismissing the clients issues in favour of selling something already developed.
Creative thinking, innovation and value-add summarises DecisionMetrics' approach to business.