EQUIFAX BRINGS DIGITAL CERTIFICATES TO THE ONLINE LENDING MARKET ENABLING SECURE ONLINE CREDIT APPLICATION PROCESSING

London, 4th July 2006 – Equifax, the leading consumer credit information and identity verification service provider has launched its SecureMark Digital Certificate service for the online lending market, revolutionising the way lenders process credit applications and acquire new customers online.

Recent changes to the Consumer Credit Act allow the use of digital certificates as a means of signing credit applications online. Equifax, an established and accredited provider of digital certificates, is now providing lenders and other organisations undertaking financial transactions with a highly secure method of electronic signing, which can significantly improve the speed and safety with which credit applications can be processed.

“Equifax is the only provider in the UK recognised as meeting the requirements for authenticating an individual or a business online and providing a certificate under the Electronic Signatures Regulations”, comments Steve Taylor, Product Director, Equifax. “Designed to be seamlessly embedded within a lender’s own online application processes, the Equifax SecureMark Digital Certificate interface utilises Equifax eIDverifier, a robust identity verification system, that reliably authenticates the consumer online before issuing a digital certificate for use in electronically signing the credit application”.

This means lenders can utilise the benefits of legally binding electronic signatures without having to invest in creating their own technology solutions. And lenders who implement SecureMark Digital Certificates as part of their credit application process will have the confidence of a greater level of protection from financial risk for their online business.

Taylor concludes: “By using Equifax SecureMark Digital Certificates, lenders will be able to confidently offer consumers the facility to complete and submit a signed loan application online. And we believe this will significantly enhance the customer’s experience as well as improve the lender’s acquisition targets whilst minimising their risks.”

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For further press information please contact the Equifax Press Office – HSL on 020 8977 9132. Claire Foster, Kate Clements or Wendy Harrison.

Notes to Editors

About Equifax (www.equifax.com)
Equifax Inc. is a global leader in information technology that enables and secures global commerce with consumers and businesses. We are one of the largest sources of consumer and commercial data. Utilizing our databases, advanced analytics and proprietary enabling technology, we provide real-time answers for our customers. This innovative ability to transform information into intelligence is valued by customers across a wide range of industries and markets. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Equifax employs approximately 4,600 people in 13 countries throughout North America, Latin America and Europe. Equifax was founded 107 years ago, and today is a member of Standard & Poor’s (S&P) 500® Index. Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol EFX.

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