Equifax UK has announced a new partnership with Spear Technology, a provider of short-term credit facilities and Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL).

The collaboration will see both companies operating together to identify and help customers at financial risk.

Using Equifax’s solutions, Spear Technologies will provide traditional credit and BNPL products to the market.

The goal of the partnership is to leverage data and technology to on-board more customers responsibly using traditional credit data and transactional, Open Banking data. Credit and affordability checks for customers will enable Spear to provide access to credit in an underserved market, whilst building a better picture of their consumers’ financial health.

Richard Seal, BNPL lead at Equifax UK, said: “With the cost-of-living crisis putting UK households under financial pressure, the importance of lenders using data to build knowledge on their customers cannot be overstated, which is why we’re excited to be working with Spear Technologies, a market leader in short term credit products & BNPL.

“Collaborations like this are critical for both the lender and the consumer. Our own research has revealed that there is a clear need for greater transparency regarding consumers’ credit and affordability risks within the industry, especially as people seek short-term loans or alternative credit facilities to ease financial stress. As a result of this collaboration, we will have more consumer information including for customers who are thin file or from underserved segments, using which we will be able to drive better consumer outcomes.”

Andrew Perry, director at Spear Technologies, added: “This collaboration with Equifax could not come at a better time for us as we consider future opportunities in the near prime market. As we look ahead to our own expansion, data will play a critical role in funding this key audience. Our customers remain our top priority and preventing them from becoming indebted is critical.

“Through this partnership, we can continue to provide finance to those who would not otherwise have access to this type of lending whilst also ensuring that we are keeping their best interest at the forefront.”