Etihad Credit Bureau to launch Credit Score 3.0 in H1 of 2026

Sajjad Ahmad, Deputy Business Editor

Dubai: Celebrating its first anniversary of growth and innovation, Etihad Credit Bureau is entering its second decade of operations with new vision and solutions to support the UAE’s financial infrastructure.

Marwan Ahmad Lutfi, Director General of Etihad Credit Bureau said, “Over the past decade, the Bureau has firmly established itself as a cornerstone of the UAE’s financial infrastructure, playing a vital role in promoting transparency, governance, and enabling individuals and institutions to make credit decisions based on accurate and reliable data.”

Addressing a media roundtable in Dubai, Lutfi added, “The Bureau has achieved remarkable milestone during the last decade as the volume of Credit Reports and Credit Scores issued annually has recorded sixteen-fold rise in ten years from 1 million reports in 2015 to over 17 million reports and scores by the end of 2025.

Since issuing its first Credit Report in 2014, the Bureau has been a catalyst for enhanced credit risk management across the nation, contributing to a more financially-aware and sustainable economy.

Lutfi also revealed, “The Bureau has developed its Credit Score 3.0 and will be ready for the launch before mid-next year, featuring enhanced accuracy and a broader set of behavioral indicators to provide institutions with deeper and more comprehensive risk assessments.”

The year 2025 also marks a transformational milestone in the Bureau’s journey as the ECB continues its digital advancement with the rollout of its new mobile application and enhanced online portal.

He said,” These digital channels enable customers to easily access their Credit Reports and Credit Scores, and to view their data in an interactive and integrated manner. The Cheque Clearance Indicator has also been incorporated into these platforms, offering a more comprehensive and seamless digital experience. With a wide range of new and innovative features planned in the upcoming development roadmap, the new application and online portal represent a core pillar of Etihad Credit Bureau’s strategy to serve as the trusted financial companion for individuals and businesses across the United Arab Emirates.”

Etihad Credit Bureau has expanded extensively over the last decade, and is connected with more than 119 data providers, including banks, financial institutions, government bodies, telecom operators, utilities, courts, and other entities that rely on verified credit information before providing services to individuals and businesses.

About the partnerships with various industries, Lutfi explained, “The Bureau has broadened its partnerships to include non-traditional finance entities such as telecom operators, utilities, and government institutions like the courts, and soon, Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL). This expansion strengthens the inclusiveness of the UAE’s financial system and enhances data integration across sectors, supporting the nation’s vision of a more sustainable economy.”

Mapping out the Bureau’s future vision, Marwan Ahmad Lutfi concluded, “As we are entering our second decade of operations, ECB’s vision will build on three strategic pillars: Enhancing digital applications to offer a faster, more seamless user experience, direct to credit consumers (D2C); integrating additional (B2B) sectors — such as real estate obligations — into credit indicators for a more comprehensive assessment and expanding collaboration with non-banking entities to include alternative financial commitments within Credit Scores and evaluations.”

National Recognition: Etihad Credit Bureau, through the Central Bank of the UAE, has issued a commemorative silver coin with a value of 10 Dirhams. This issuance embodies the Bureau's pivotal role in supporting financial stability and fostering a culture of responsible credit behavior. The coin's design reflects the Bureau’s new corporate identity, symbolizing the transition from an era of establishment and influence to a new phase characterized by deep community connection forged through the principles of trust, innovation, and inclusion.