London, January 5th, 2026 – Global data and technology company, Experian, today announces that its market leading commercial data information is now available for the first time via its Ascend platform.
Experian commercial data offers in-depth, granular information on the borrowing and repayment history of more than eight million UK businesses, giving lenders, businesses and other organisations an accurate view of performance and enabling them to make improved, more accurate, and faster lending decisions.
Users will be able to access that information instantly via the Experian Analytical Sandbox on the Ascend platform. The integration of commercial data means they can access more than six years of full-file commercial credit data, including Commercial CAIS, Risk Scores, and CATO, alongside their own internal datasets quicky and easily. It marks the first time businesses can instantly access and analyse Experian’s full commercial data suite within a single platform, removing the need for separate integrations and manual data pulls.
Ascend is Experian’s cloud-based analytics and decisioning platform. It brings together Experian’s data assets and advanced analytics tools, enabling organisations to gain a more complete picture of their customers and markets. In 2024, Experian data supported at least two-thirds of UK SME borrowing.
David Gallihawk, Chief Product Officer, Business Information, Experian UK&I, said: “The Ascend platform is the gateway to all Experian capabilities, giving clients the ability to access credit, fraud and identity solutions, analytics, and test and deploy models into production in minutes, rather than months.
“With an ever-growing number lenders and new products entering the market, staying competitive is critical. Experian Ascend helps lenders retain customers, identify new opportunities, launch new products, and leverage data to automate processes.
“Clients can have an even a better view of their customers and businesses so they can make smarter, faster decisions – all within one integrated platform.”
Major financial services companies, including Metro Bank, have taken part in commercial data pilots via Experian Ascend prior to launch. This saw the application of business data combined with cutting edge platform technology to support lending decisions and models.
To find out more about Experian Ascend and Experian commercial data visit here.
ENDS
Media contact:
Robert Goodman, PR Manager, Corporate & Business, UK&I, Experian
Tel: +44 7989 398 498 / Email: Robert.Goodman@Experian.com
About Experian
Experian is a global data and technology company, powering opportunities for people and businesses around the world. We help to redefine lending practices, uncover and prevent fraud, simplify healthcare, deliver digital marketing solutions, and gain deeper insights into the automotive market, all using our unique combination of data, analytics and software. We also assist millions of people to realise their financial goals and help them to save time and money.
We operate across a range of markets, from financial services to healthcare, automotive, agrifinance, insurance, and many more industry segments.
We invest in talented people and new advanced technologies to unlock the power of data and to innovate. A FTSE 100 Index company listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN), we have a team of 25,100 people across 32 countries. Our corporate headquarters are in Dublin, Ireland. Learn more at experianplc.com.