Credit Information Corporation

Credit Information Corporation

Korporasyon para sa Impormasyon ng Utang
Agency overview
Jurisdiction	Credit Registry
Headquarters	Exchange Corner Building, Legaspi Village, Makati
Agency executive	Ben Joshua A. Baltazar, President and CEO
Parent agency	Department of Finance
Website	www.creditinfo.gov.ph

The Credit Information Corporation (CIC) is a government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) that operates a credit information system in the Philippines. It was established in 2008 through the Credit Information System Act (CISA) to develop a centralized and comprehensive system for collecting and disseminating accurate and fair information related to credit and credit-related activities of all entities participating in the financial system. ^{[1] [2] [3] [4] [5]}

Credit information is collected from various sources, including banks, financial institutions, insurance companies, financing companies, credit cooperatives, utility companies, and other businesses that extend loans. The CIC compiles this information to help creditors assess the creditworthiness of borrowers.

The credit information system is designed to directly address the need for reliable credit data on borrowers. It aims to significantly improve the availability of credit—particularly for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs)—make credit more cost-effective, and reduce reliance on collateral to secure credit facilities. ^[6] An efficient credit information system also enables financial institutions to lower overall credit risk, contributing to a healthier and more stable financial system. ^[7]

By law, credit information must be provided to all participants at minimal cost. The CIC is also mandated to ensure the protection of consumer rights and to uphold fair competition in the industry at all times.

Credit Information System Act

The Credit Information System Act of 2008 (Republic Act No. 9510), also known as CISA is the act establishing Credit Information Corporation. ^{[8] [9]}

Accredited Credit Bureaus

On March 13, 2016, the CIC announced the accreditation of the first four credit bureaus, three international firms and one national credit bureau. ^[10]

• CIBI Information, Inc. , also known as CIBI, formerly known as Credit Information Bureau, Inc., is the first credit bureau in the Philippines. In 1982, the CIBI started as a quasi-government body to initiate a credit information exchange system in the Philippines under the Central Bank of the Philippines, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX). ^[11] In 1997, Credit Information Bureau, Inc. was incorporated into a private entity and became CIBI Information, Inc. At present, CIBI is a provider of information and intelligence for business, credit and individuals. The company also supplies compliance reports before accrediting suppliers, industry partners and even hiring professionals. Marlo R. Cruz is the current President and CEO of CIBI.
• TransUnion Philippines is a local office of TransUnion that has partnered with banks in the Philippines in 2011. ^[12]
• Compuscan Philippines was licensed in October 2015 as Compuscan Philippines Inc., a subsidiary of Compuscan, as a Special Accessing Entity (“SAE”). Compuscan Philippines Inc. currently operates from Manila, Philippines. ^{[13] [14]}
• CRIF of Italy was established in 1988 and it specializes in credit information systems, business information and credit management solutions.

See also

• Credit bureau in the Philippines

References

1. "Frequently Asked Questions". creditinfo.gov.ph. Retrieved October 5, 2015.
2. "Rural banks back MSME, credit information system". The Manila Times. March 9, 2016. Retrieved April 22, 2019.
3. Galolo, Jeandie O. (January 28, 2016). "Credit industry to gain from operation of national credit information system". SunStar.
4. "Rural banks back Credit Information System". The Manila Times.
5. "BusinessWorld - Credit bureau fully operational by 2015". BusinessWorld. Archived from the original on July 1, 2018. Retrieved October 5, 2015.
6. "CO-OPS to follow CISA Law, June 16". cibi.com.ph. Retrieved October 5, 2015.
7. "Bankers welcome new credit law". cibi.com.ph. Retrieved October 5, 2015.
8. "Info" (PDF). www.creditinfo.gov.ph. Retrieved December 22, 2019.
9. "Data" (PDF). www.ctb.com.ph. 2010. Retrieved December 22, 2019.
10. Cuaresma, Bianca (March 14, 2016). "CIC accredits six 'special access entities' | Bianca Cuaresma". BusinessMirror.
11. "Consumer and Bureau Credit Score in the Philippines | CIBI Information, Inc". Cibi.com.ph. March 14, 2016. Retrieved December 22, 2019.
12. Dumlao, Doris C. "5 banks set up credit bureau to keep track of good, bad borrowers". Philippine Daily Inquirer.
13. Ong, Michelle. "Philippines OKs 6 credit bureaus". ABS-CBN News.
14. "Accredited Credit Bureaus".