Explore the Top 5 Credit Risk Assessment Trends for 2026
Credit risk trends to anticipate in 2026
Learn how to more confidently grow portfolios throughout dynamic economic conditions, consumer behaviour and regulatory changes.
The UK’s credit ecosystem is shifting toward deeper visibility and stronger consumer protections, and borrowers that were once considered “credit invisible or thin file” may now show signs of financial reliability. To help maintain compliance—as well as keep pace with demand and competition—financial institutions will need sharper visibility and flexible, multi-layered data strategies.
To help risk managers prepare for new challenges and opportunities in the year ahead, we’ve compiled the top five credit risk assessment trends for 2026. Download the infographic to learn more about these trends and how to manage them:
Credit inquiries—and the number of borrowers—steadily rise
As costs of living and interest rates increase, so too will the number of consumers seeking credit. Many will turn to personal loans, buy now, pay later (BNPL) and other credit products to get by.
BNPL undergoes increasing regulation and change
Beginning in July, BNPL providers will fall under FCA regulation. With new compliance comes rising costs, as new regulations will raise the bar on visibility and risk monitoring.
Financial inclusion and capability become increasingly mandatory
As HM Treasury pushes to expand access to affordable credit, richer data will be critical to improve credit assessments for historically disadvantaged consumers.
Rental data comes into the spotlight
The adoption of rental data into mainstream credit assessment is increasing, giving lenders a clearer, more thorough understanding of applicants’ financial reliability.
Motor finance remediation places pressure on lenders
Financial firms impacted by the UK motor finance redress scheme will need to prepare not only for the process, but also for verifying and enriching customer identities for outreach.
