FICO drops 14.78% after FHFA decision allowing use of VantageScore
Fair Isaac Corp. (FICO) sank –$275 (-14.78%) to $1,586.00 after a major policy update rattled investor confidence.
📉 What Happened:
- According to CNBC, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) said on X (formerly Twitter) that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will now allow lenders to use VantageScore 4.0 when evaluating mortgage applicants.
- VantageScore, a competitor to FICO, is jointly owned by Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
🏦 Why It Matters:
- The decision threatens FICO’s monopoly position in mortgage credit assessments, a highly profitable segment for the company.
- Analysts fear it could reduce FICO’s revenue potential from government-backed mortgage originations.
📊 Market Reaction:
- FICO shares plunged nearly 15%, marking one of their steepest one-day declines in recent memory.
🔍 Industry Context:
- FHFA says the change is part of its effort to increase competition and expand access to credit.
- The move could encourage broader lender adoption of VantageScore across the industry.
Takeaway:
FICO’s dominance in mortgage lending is facing new regulatory pressure. As reported by CNBC, FHFA’s statement on X may mark the start of a more competitive era in credit scoring.