There’s One Mortgage Monopoly the U.S. Government Wants to Keep

Rivals press hard to break FICO’s lock on scoring credit risk
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are skeptical of benefits of change

Houses stand in this aerial photograph taken above Alameda, California, U.S., on Monday, Oct. 5, 2015. With tech workers flooding San Francisco, one-bedroom apartment rents have climbed to $3,500 a month, more than in any other U.S. city. — Houses stand in this aerial photograph taken above Alameda, California, U.S., on Monday, Oct. 5, 2015. With tech workers flooding San Francisco, one-bedroom apartment rents have climbed to $3,500 a month, more than in any other U.S. city.
Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg

Have a confidential tip for our reporters? Get in Touch

Before it’s here, it’s on the Bloomberg Terminal

August 25, 2017 at 6:00 AM EDT

This article is for subscribers only.

The FICO credit score is as ubiquitous as it is crucial in getting a mortgage.

Now, an odd-bedfellows alliance is out to break FICO’s lock and allow scores from rival companies.

Have a confidential tip for our reporters? Get in Touch

Before it’s here, it’s on the Bloomberg Terminal