Equifax Inc, a global information solutions company, announced that it has acquired DataX, Ltd, a leading specialty finance credit reporting agency and alternative data provider to lenders nationwide. 

Through DataX, Equifax will help lenders expand credit access and broaden financial inclusion for more consumers, specifically in underbanked populations. DataX's data assets complement the Equifax core credit database adding alternative credit and payment data, analytics and identity solutions on underbanked consumers to the installment loan, rent-to-own and lease-to-own markets. Additional offerings include credit reporting, ID verification, bank account verification and custom risk services.

"Giving consumers fair access to credit has always been a key economic driver for upward mobility, and this acquisition will help more consumers gain access to credit and capital," said Trey Loughran, president, United States Information Solutions, Equifax. "The combination of DataX's data with Equifax's unique and robust data assets will add more depth to consumer's profiles and will help lenders expand borrowing options."

The acquisition of DataX complements other unique Equifax data assets that help provide greater depth and reach to those seeking credit such as The Work Number, the nation's largest centralized repository of payroll data, managed by Equifax. 

"Only 39 percent of Americans are able to cover a $1,000 emergency expense, which means the majority of people at some point will need some type of financial assistance," said Jon Geidel, president of DataX. "For more than 14 years, DataX's mission has been to support our partners to find more reasons to include underbanked consumers. Joining Equifax complements our mission and affords consumers better access to the credit they deserve to meet their financial needs."