Recorded live at MBA Annual25 in Las Vegas, host Rebecca Kritzman, SVP of Experience and Partner Marketing at Equifax, sits down with Emmaline Aliff, Tom Ciulla, and Chris Mock to unpack the biggest themes from Day One — from innovation and data-driven lending to the industry’s ongoing dialogue around tri-merge vs. single-bureau credit models.

Who are the speakers?

• Rebecca Kritzman – SVP, Experience & Partner Marketing, Equifax
• Emmaline Aliff – Leader, Equifax Advisors
• Tom Ciulla – SVP, Enterprise Alliances, Equifax
• Chris Mock – VP Mortgage Verification Services, Equifax

Together, they bring perspectives from marketing, data strategy, sales, and economic analysis.

What are the major takeaways from MBA Annual25 Day One?

• Optimism and Energy: Attendees are feeling energized by collaboration and the potential for industry innovation.
• Tri-Merge vs. Single-Bureau Debate: Executives discussed the implications of recent announcements on credit models and what they mean for lenders and low-to-moderate-income borrowers.
• Data-Driven Decisions: The Equifax team emphasized how expanded data, tri-bureau perspectives, and new credit indicators help lenders make more responsible, inclusive lending decisions.
• Balancing Innovation and Safety: Many sessions focused on adopting new technologies without compromising trust or consumer protection.
• Industry Alignment: Across meetings, Equifax was recognized for leadership in data innovation and responsible lending.

Why is innovation such a key theme this year?
Rapid regulatory shifts, market uncertainty, and announcements about credit scoring models have pushed lenders to explore new data sources, smarter automation, and more personalized credit insights. The conversation centered on how innovation can serve both lenders and consumers — improving efficiency while promoting fair access to credit.

What challenges did the speakers highlight?
The group noted miscommunication and uncertainty around policy changes and data use. They stressed the need for industry education, transparent communication, and data-backed decision-making to reduce fear and misinformation.

What gives them hope about the mortgage market?
Every guest emphasized a shared sense of responsibility and care within the industry — a collective commitment to helping people live their financial best through responsible, data-driven lending.