Informative Research Upgrade Enables Lenders To Adopt Multiple Credit Scoring Models
Informative Research has upgraded its technology infrastructure to support lenders’ adoption of multiple credit scoring models. IR clients are actively using both Classic FICO® and VantageScore® 4.0, the two models now available to every lender selling loans to the government-sponsored enterprises (GSE) following their Sept. 9 expansion. IR is also ready to support FICO® Score 10T, which the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will begin accepting from its approved lenders Jan. 1, 2027.
IR began its credit score modernization technology developments in 2023 and completed GSE delivery in August 2026, implementing well in advance of industry demand. That early work has laid the foundation for expanded automation tools designed to streamline how lenders manage scoring models in day-to-day operations. The IR Credit Platform allows lenders to select credit models per loan, ensuring every decision reflects their unique lending strategy. Lenders may also choose to receive both scores on one report.
“IR has prioritized modernization for years now, so we’re well prepared to execute changes regarding credit models quickly, without disruption and with the ability to support multiple billing models at one time,” said IR President Matt Orlando. “Our clients are already putting that flexibility to work, and we’re developing additional tools to make credit model management even more efficient.”
The updated GSE guidance lets lenders choose between the two models for each loan without first seeking approval, provided one model is applied to every borrower on that loan. Classic FICO is still required for manual underwriting, and it has no announced retirement date. GSE credit-reporting standards are otherwise unchanged.
Credit score model advancements are ongoing. The GSEs have not yet set a date for FICO Score 10T acceptance, and FHA acceptance of the new models is upcoming in Jan. 2027. IR continues to track guidance from the GSEs, FHA and secondary market investors to keep clients informed and increase regulatory alignment.
“Modernizing credit scoring is a complex process with many milestones to navigate,” said Orlando. “As the FHA and GSE timelines unfold, we will be working alongside our clients to support their model policies and operational decisions as we help them assess how loan-level score selection affects their business.”
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