London, Jan 28, 2026, 08:55 GMT — Regular session
- Experian shares fell 1.3% in early trading, marking a fourth consecutive session of losses
- Investors remain cautious amid ongoing worries about credit-score economics and the impact of AI disruption
- Attention turns to central bank cues and Experian’s February dividend schedule
Experian (EXPN.L) shares slipped further on Wednesday, dropping 1.3% to 2,749 pence by 0840 GMT. The stock has been facing consistent downward pressure over recent sessions. (Halifax)
The recent slide comes after losses of 3.2% on Monday and 5.0% on Tuesday, despite the FTSE 100 closing up in the previous session. (MarketWatch)
Why it matters now: These developments are prompting a rethink on how much investors value credit bureaux, whose fortunes hinge on lending activity and pricing leverage. A Panmure Liberum analyst flagged several concerns last week — currency volatility, uncertain U.S. regulations, and the impact of artificial intelligence. Meanwhile, Fair Isaac’s move to market mortgage credit scores directly is adding to the pressure. (Reuters)
Last week, Experian sought to steady nerves with its third-quarter trading update, revealing 12% revenue growth at actual exchange rates and 8% organic growth—excluding currency effects and acquisitions. The company maintained its full-year outlook. CEO Brian Cassin highlighted “exciting new AI opportunities.” (Experian)
Fair Isaac (FICO) has rattled the sector since rolling out its direct license programme for mortgage lending, designed to bypass the three major credit bureaus. “Today marks a turning point in how credit scores are delivered and priced across the mortgage industry,” FICO CEO Will Lansing declared at launch. (FICO)
Reuters reported the model might help lenders dodge the roughly 100% markup credit bureaus slap on when reselling FICO scores. Jefferies analysts put the potential hit to bureau earnings at around 10% to 15%. (Reuters)
Macro factors took a new turn. The dollar slipped after fresh political comments, with investors eyeing the Federal Reserve’s policy meeting due to wrap up Wednesday. Rates and currency moves remain key for UK stocks with global exposure. (Reuters)
The downside isn’t straightforward. How fast mortgage score distributions shift hinges on lenders and resellers moving over, whether bureaus drop prices, and how much Experian can cushion the blow through fraud detection, analytics, and consumer product sales.
UK investors are turning their attention to the Bank of England’s February rate decision for hints on credit conditions. On the corporate front, Experian plans to pay its first interim dividend on Feb. 6, ahead of full-year results scheduled for May 20. (Bank of England)
