Japanese information technology group Fujitsu will offer financial institutions a credit-scoring tool that uses artificial intelligence to screen prospective borrowers. The Tokyo-based company envisions the cloud-based software, which is going to be available starting in October, being used by lenders primarily to assess small, owner-operated businesses.
Fujitsu finds out a necessity for such tools amid a shortage of data specialists available to perform credit analysis in Japan's financial sector. With financial technology startups proliferating, the IT-industry blue chip strives to draw on its existing customer relationships in marketing the AI software.
Credit scores will be generated based upon such information as bank and business transactions. Lenders will need prospective borrowers' consent to use such data. Fujitsu has yet to decide on pricing for the tool but envisions offering both flat-rate and performance-based plans. The latter would allow Fujitsu receive compensation if the tool leads to an approved loan.