The critical importance of mission-driven lenders

The role of credit unions, community development financial institutions (CDFIs) and minority depository institutions (MDIs) is essential. These lenders often make the positive difference in someone being able to buy a home, purchase a car or get a loan to open a dream business. They serve as the bridge to possibilities supporting consumers and small business owners in their communities, especially for those excluded from the credit economy due to a limited credit history.

At Experian®, we share these same values with those investing in underrepresented communities. Through our Inclusion Forward™ program, we continue to innovate and provide solutions and resources to help close the financial wealth gap.  

Powering the growth and reach of CDFIs and MDIs

The impact of mission-driven lenders within the financial inclusion ecosystem continues to increase as more organizations earn CDFI certification.

$13.5 billion

originated from low-income designated (LID) credit unions in small business loans, supporting local entrepreneurs and job creation.

Source: America’s Credit Unions, 2024 

151

FDIC-insured MDIs in the United States, with combined total assets of nearly $366 billion.

Source: FDIC, 2024

1,426+

CDFIs in the United States, managing more than $436 billion in assets.

Source: CDFI Fund Annual Report Fiscal Year 2024

Creating a bridge to financial inclusion

We can support your goals by providing solutions, tools and resources that accelerate impact

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Financial inclusion tools

Technological innovations such as Lift Premium™, cash flow data, Experian Boost® and Experian Go™ are shaking up the conventional scoring system by helping lenders bring in alternative credit factors to fill out the credit picture. For lenders, the emergence of alternative data helps them make informed business credit decisions among a wider number of customers and prospects.

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Working together to strengthen financial futures.

Experian works in partnership with several industry organizational leaders and media partners to promote the importance of financial inclusion, including:

Inclusiv-logo

Inclusiv

A leading CDFI association totaling more than 500 credit union members, serves 18.7 million consumers and promotes financial inclusion. Our collaboration leverages the wide network of Juntos Avanzamos-designated credit unions with tools and resources to meet the needs of Hispanic/Latino consumers.

NBA-logo

National Bankers Association

Champions MDIs across 43 states and territories that serve low-to-moderate-income communities. Experian supports NBA in its mission to promote economic empowerment, capital access and financial inclusion.

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Black Enterprise

This national communications platform empowers African Americans to create pathways to prosperity, including money management and entrepreneurship. We’ve teamed up with BE to deliver financial industry insights and resources to this audience.

Financial inclusion is not only a moral imperative — it also delivers meaningful business benefits for lenders. More importantly, it unlocks vast economic potential for underserved communities, empowering them to build stronger financial futures.

Jean Carlos Rosario Mercado, Juntos Avanzamos Program Officer
Inclusiv

Insights

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Alternative data: your key to understanding and serving every member

See how credit unions can use alternative credit data to improve risk profiling and decision accuracy.
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Navigating financial inclusion for credit unions

Experian can guide lenders through the twists and turns by leveraging our data, strategy and technology.

Your mission is our priority

If you’d like to learn more about how we can support your financial inclusion goals, please fill out the form below.

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