PERC has consistently opposed most forms of bank or end-user ownership of private credit bureaus. The reason is simple—such ownership creates a conflict of interest that if acted upon could have anti-consumer and anti-competitive impacts. While some forms of constraints can be imposed upon end-user owners of credit bureaus, the jury is still out on whether they are effective. To assist lawmakers in their consideration of this issue, PERC undertook the following:
- Completed original research on optimal ownership structure of private credit bureau in Singapore and elsewhere;
- Delivered keynote address to policymakers and industry executives on value of comprehensive and full-file consumer credit reporting; and,
- Advocacy with senior government officials.