The company has developed credit processes which underpin our commitment to be a responsible lender. We strive to ensure that our lending assessment practices are fair, and that the customer can afford to pay for the products we offer them. The processes are dynamic and are continuously refined to respond to changes in the lending environment.

We draw upon scientific analysis of our own customer base and of performance attributes that correlate to sound lending. These attributes have been identified over a number of years. They are built into a powerful and unique scorecard process, and a range of policy rules. This centralised scoring is highly predictive, and is supported by well trained store teams.

BrightHouse is a community business. Our store team’s extensive knowledge of its local community is an important factor. The final decision to offer an agreement rests with the Store Manager.

New customers

The acceleration of our new store opening programme also increases the volume of previously unknown customers entering our business. Herein potentially lies a heightened credit risk. Our screening process for new customer approval is systematic and rigorous.

Customer track record

Our customers can establish a track record with BrightHouse. The individual customer payment history provides opportunity to access more products. Even so, any decision to extend further credit to an existing customer is subject to systemic review and affordability assessment. All existing customers have an up to date risk grade, and an appropriate credit limit, accessed in-store via a look-up file.

Collections

Our service goal is to ensure that a customer successfully reaches the end of an agreement, and thus takes ownership of the product. Inevitably, some customers encounter difficulties over the life of an agreement.

Early recognition of issues, and rapid constructive response, is a vital mechanism in controlling arrears. Therefore when a customer initially defaults, the store team aims to counsel the customer towards returning to on time payment.

If arrears accumulate, the store team can apply a number of options to mitigate debt owed by the customer.

Any further escalation of arrears results in the collection process switching to internal or external agencies outside of the store. All assets relating to a default are written off at 90 days.

The credit process

© BrightHouse Limited 2011