There remains tremendous uncertainty surrounding the global COVID-19 pandemic as a health care crisis. There is also uncertainty about the economic collateral damage being caused by the pandemic—primarily around the slope of the economic recovery curve (will the curve be “V-,” “U-,” or “L-shaped?”). Whatever recovery trajectory different affected economies ultimately travel along, the following […]
International Committee on Credit Reporting Issues COVID-19 Reporting Guidance
Earlier today, the International Committee on Credit Reporting (ICCR) issued guidance for policymakers on credit reporting and COVID-19. The guidance was a response to requests from central bankers around the world on options for balancing two policy objectives: (1) protecting borrowers from undue harm to their creditworthiness as a consequence of the COVID-19 global pandemic; […]
PERC Findings from Hurricane Katrina Disaster Research Applicable to Economic Fallout from COVID-19 Pandemic
A new report released yesterday by the Policy and Economic Research Council (PERC) offers guidance to policymakers seeking solutions to economic challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. PERC has undertaken field research in communities and regions devastated by natural and manmade disasters—including a 5-year longitudinal study on small business impacts from the 2005 hurricanes in […]
Mobile Network Operators Must Credit Report Loan Data
In comments to the Federal Trade Commission and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s request for comments on accuracy in consumer reporting, the Policy & Economic Research Council (PERC) called for legislation requiring mobile network operators (MNOs including AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, US Cellular, and Verizon Wireless) to report credit and payment data to credit bureaus. Each […]
NEW REPORT EXPLORES PROBLEM OF ‘CREDIT INVISIBILITY’ AMONG HUD-ASSISTED HOUSEHOLDS
Landlords and property management groups regularly use credit checks to make determinations about renting to potential tenants and many employers incorporate credit checks in hiring decisions. A low credit score or credit invisibility can thusly limit housing choice and employment opportunity for low-income families. A new first-of-its-kind study from the U.S. Department of Housing and […]
Counting Rent Would Improve Credit Scores of Public Housing Residents, HUD Finds
New Report Explores Socially Beneficial Uses of Core Data
A new joint-study from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Technology Engagement Center (C_TEC) and the Policy and Economic Research Council (PERC) finds that many companies’ “core” data assets are used for other, non-core, ancillary applications that are often overlooked. It looks at how data makes outcomes more efficient in public safety, health, financial inclusion, and […]
Winter 2020
Study Finds No Evidence Data Breaches Increase Risk of Consumer Harm
A new joint-study from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Technology Engagement Center (C_TEC) and the Policy and Economic Research Council (PERC) finds weak support for the commonly held belief that data breaches lead to widespread incidences of identity theft. The first-of-its-kind, comprehensive study titled “Data Flows, Technology, and the Need for National Privacy Legislation,” looked […]