Credit scores are a foundational component of the US housing finance system and a key indicator of a homebuyer’s ability to access homeownership’s wealth-building benefits. Credit scores are central to risk-based pricing decisions, loan terms, down payment requirements, and more.   

Join the Urban Institute for a data-driven, evidence-based discussion on the evolution of credit scores in the housing finance ecosystem. Experts and policy practitioners will examine the historical development of credit scoring, its applications across different aspects of housing finance, and the ways consumers can better understand and improve their scores. Finally, we will look ahead to how innovations and emerging technologies are driving the next phase of progress in credit scoring and the implications of these developments for the future housing finance system.    

3:00 p.m. | Opening

• Sarah Rosen Wartell, President, Urban Institute 

3:05 p.m. | Presentation: Historical Development and Uses of Credit Scores

• Jung Hyun Choi, Principal Research Associate, Housing Finance Policy Center, Urban Institute 

3:15 p.m. | Panel 1: How are credit scores used in the housing finance ecosystem, and what role do consumers have in understanding their score?

• James Bennison, Former Executive Vice President and Head of Alternative Markets, Arch Mortgage Insurance
• Kenneth Brevoort, Principal Economist, Federal Reserve Board
• Mike Croxson, CEO, National Foundation for Credit Counseling
• Pete Sepp, President, National Taxpayers Union
• Laurie Goodman, Institute Fellow, Urban Institute (moderator) 

4:10 p.m. | Panel 2: How will innovations, emerging technologies, and alternative data affect credit scores and access to credit in the future?

• Ethan Dornhelm, Vice President, Scores and Predictive Analytics, FICO
• Don Lemire, Vice President of Risk, Affirm
• Sara Weiss, Executive Director, CRL Julian Bond Institute
• Amy Wipfler, Senior Product Manager, Social Impact, Zillow
• Janneke Ratcliffe, Vice President, Housing and Finance Policy, Urban Institute (moderator) 

5:00 p.m. | Event concludes and networking reception begins 

6:30 p.m. | Networking reception concludes

This event is available for in-person or virtual participation. Please be sure to register correctly. In-person check-in will begin at 2:30 p.m. A reception will follow from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. Food and drinks will be provided.

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully. Please email [email protected] if you require any accommodations or have any questions about this event.