Experian integrates commercial data into its Ascend platform to empower smarter credit decisions

Global data and technology company, Experian, announces that its market leading commercial data information is now available for the first time via its Ascend platform. Businesses can instantly access and analyse Experian’s full commercial data suite within a single platform, removing the need for separate integrations and manual data pulls.

Experian commercial data offers in-depth, granular information on the borrowing and repayment history of more than eight million UK businesses, giving lenders, businesses and other organisations an accurate view of performance and enabling them to make improved, more accurate, and faster lending decisions.

Users will be able to access that information instantly via the Experian Analytical Sandbox on the Ascend platform. „The integration of commercial data means they can access more than six years of full-file commercial credit data, including Commercial CAIS, Risk Scores, and CATO, alongside their own internal datasets quicky and easily. It marks the first time businesses can instantly access and analyse Experian’s full commercial data suite within a single platform, removing the need for separate integrations and manual data pulls.” – the company explained.

Ascend is Experian’s cloud-based analytics and decisioning platform. It brings together Experian’s data assets and advanced analytics tools, enabling organisations to gain a more complete picture of their customers and markets. In 2024, Experian data supported at least two-thirds of UK SME borrowing.

David Gallihawk, Chief Product Officer, Business Information, Experian UK&I, said: “The Ascend platform is the gateway to all Experian capabilities, giving clients the ability to access credit, fraud and identity solutions, analytics, and test and deploy models into production in minutes, rather than months.

“With an ever-growing number lenders and new products entering the market, staying competitive is critical. Experian Ascend helps lenders retain customers, identify new opportunities, launch new products, and leverage data to automate processes. Clients can have an even a better view of their customers and businesses so they can make smarter, faster decisions – all within one integrated platform.”

Major financial services companies, including Metro Bank, have taken part in commercial data pilots via Experian Ascend prior to launch. This saw the application of business data combined with cutting edge platform technology to support lending decisions and models.