Slow, controlled burn: Experian’s 20-year AI strategy expanded credit access to 26 million Americans

Experian’s multi-decade AI strategy has transformed the credit bureau into an AI-powered platform company, leveraging advanced capabilities long before generative AI became mainstream. The company’s methodical approach to AI integration has improved business operations while expanding financial access to approximately 26 million previously excluded Americans—demonstrating how strategic, long-term AI development can create both business value and positive societal impact.

The big picture: While many enterprises rushed to adopt AI following ChatGPT‘s 2022 debut, Experian has been methodically building AI capabilities for nearly 20 years, creating a foundation that enabled rapid capitalization on recent generative AI breakthroughs.

• The credit bureau has developed proprietary frameworks, governance models and testing procedures that facilitate responsible AI deployment at scale.
• This measured approach contrasts sharply with competitors who only began exploring machine learning applications after 2022.

What they’re saying: “AI has been part of the fabric at Experian way beyond when it was cool to be in AI,” explained Shri Santhanam, EVP and GM, Software, Platforms and AI products at Experian.

• Santhanam emphasized that Experian has “used AI to unlock the power of our data to create a better impact for businesses and consumers for the past two decades.”

Key impacts: Experian’s AI implementation has expanded financial access to an estimated 26 million Americans previously excluded from traditional credit systems.

• The company has successfully transformed from a conventional credit bureau into a sophisticated AI-powered platform business.
• Their approach blends advanced machine learning techniques, agentic AI architectures, and grassroots innovation to improve both business operations and societal outcomes.

Behind the strategy: Experian built its AI capabilities through a deliberate, long-term approach rather than rushing to adopt trending technologies without proper infrastructure.

• This foundation allowed the company to quickly and effectively incorporate generative AI advances when they emerged.
• Their success demonstrates the value of patient, strategic AI development versus reactive adoption driven by market hype.