UAE credit score update: Etihad Credit Bureau launches ‘3i’ model with faster recovery after defaults

Abu Dhabi: Etihad Credit Bureau (ECB) has launched its new generation of individual credit assessments, ‘3i’, which provides banks and financial institutions with a more comprehensive picture of customer behaviour. The assessment expands to include recent residents and those who have recently started using credit, with daily data updates. It also allows for improved financial behaviour to be reflected in the assessment within six months of resolving defaults, according to the model's terms. Furthermore, it addresses the issue of customers who face prolonged suspension of access to financing due to non-payment exceeding 180 days, which places them on a ‘write-off’ list. The company launched the new model yesterday from its new Abu Dhabi office, emphasising that it represents a qualitative leap in creditworthiness assessment methodology and keeps pace with developments in the financial sector, as well as the increasing diversity of credit products and individual borrowing patterns in the UAE. Last September, ECB unveiled a new credit report format designed to support customers who experienced financial difficulties but have since resumed regular payments. She explained at the time that the new system, which would be officially announced, would allow for the automatic improvement and adjustment of credit scores within six months of a customer returning to regular payments. The new model extends the period for analysing individuals' credit behaviour from 24 months in the previous model to 36 months, based on a wider range of indicators related to managing financial obligations and payment regularity. This allows for a more accurate and comprehensive picture of customer behaviour, rather than relying on recent practices or a short timeframe. The updates are not limited to extending the analysis period; the model also includes eligible individuals who have recently acquired credit, as well as recent residents of the country with limited credit histories - categories that were previously difficult to assess due to their short credit history. Etihad Credit Bureau launched the new model yesterday from its new Abu Dhabi office. Picture credit: Supplied Rating ranges According to Etihad Credit Bureau, the 3i system uses two different rating ranges. The first range is between 300 and 850 points for individuals with existing credit histories, while the second range is between 300 and 650 points for eligible new credit customers and new residents with relatively short credit histories. The model uses two different equations depending on the customer's category and the length of their credit history. One of the most significant advantages of the new model is its ability to detect continuous improvement in credit behaviour and demonstrate its potential impact on an individual's rating more quickly. After settling defaults, a customer's consistent repayment of obligations and adoption of responsible financial practices may be reflected in their credit rating within six months, based on their subsequent behaviour, their complete credit file, and the model's criteria. Etihad Credit Bureau emphasised that this does not guarantee an improvement in the rating within this period, as new defaults or negative data in the record may affect progress and require an additional period of compliance before further improvement is reflected. The report also presents the positive and negative factors affecting the score and provides users with recommendations that can help improve their rating, thereby raising awareness among individuals about the importance of regular repayment and responsible debt and financial management. Marwan Ahmed Lutfi, General Manager of Etihad Credit Bureau, stated that “the launch of 3i represents a significant step forward in utilising data and analytics to support a more comprehensive risk assessment, enhance the efficiency of the financial sector, and solidify responsible credit practices.” He added that “the model provides a deeper understanding of credit behaviour over a longer period and expands the scope of the assessment to include additional segments, helping individuals better understand their credit profiles and supporting lenders in making informed decisions and managing risks more effectively.” New rating calculation method Lutfi explained that the new rating calculation method takes into account 2,000 indicators and factors that address many customer issues related to the suspension of their access to financing for extended periods. It also clearly displays the customer's income and incorporates support from the National Social Security Fund (NAFS) and federal pensions. The model provides banks, financial institutions, and authorised entities, including fintech companies and eligible digital platforms, with more comprehensive indicators to support risk assessment. The company emphasised that a credit score does not guarantee automatic loan or financing approval, as lending decisions remain subjec