CA Takes on Indonesian Credit Bureau Study Tour! Print

February 2010

Since 2006 Bank Indonesia has been in support of the banking intermediary function of a public credit bureau or Biro Informasi Kredit (BIK). The overall aim was to establish the stability of the financial system that will continue to support a sustained economy and bring about a sound, strong and efficient banking system in Indonesia.

Further to this, they are also dedicated to setting up a private credit bureau and extending their interests in this area. The aim is to centralize data on borrowers and to operate and manage the private credit bureau as effectively and efficiently as possible. In order to commence on a project like this, it was decided to look for a company who can provide the staff of the Bank Indonesia with the relevant knowledge, skills and know-how to achieve this outcome.

Due to Compuscan’s expertise in setting up credit bureaus in developing countries like Uganda, Compuscan Academy was chosen as the preferred training provider to host a study tour for the employees of the Bank Indonesia in South Africa.

The first two days of the study tour kicked off in Stellenbosch where the delegation attended various workshops on topical issues related to credit bureaus. The aim of the workshops was to impart knowledge on the inner workings of the credit bureau industry with its roles, operations, supervision and legal requirements with the South African credit industry as a point of reference. The curriculum of the Credit Bureau Active Learning Programme was designed and tailored specifically to the needs of the Bank Indonesia in order to provide the delegates with a valuable learning experience.

Frank Lenisa, one of Compuscan’s Directors, shared his insights into identifying the roles and functions of credit bureaus. Delegates learned about the need for credit bureaus and the credit environment it serves. A specific focus on individual and SME lending was dealt with as well as the credit life cycle using credit information, scoring and modern technologies, and the measurement and management of credit risk.

The delegates were also given a closer look at credit bureaus in general to allow them to come to terms with credit bureau data, different user groups and alternate credit bureau data and the management thereof. The operations, value-adding products and development stages of a credit bureau in an emerging market were also discussed within the required credit bureau policies and procedures.

Demonstrations of Compuscan’s software products i.e. Xcelerator (our credit application processing system), Codix (our decision rules engine), Credit Check (our credit reporting system), South African Fraud Prevention Services (SAFPS), Compuscore (our credit bureau score), and Proloan (our loan management system) was also conducted by the relevant Compuscan staff members to showcase the value-added products that a credit bureau can offer its clients. The staff members that presented these demonstrations were Craig Boonzaaier, our Java Developer and Xcellerator Team Leader and Reghardt Victor, our Call Centre Manager.

Lauren Wepener, Compuscan’s Legal and Compliance Officer, gave an informative presentation on the legal and regulatory environment for credit bureaus, identifying important stakeholders within a credit bureau. Different types of credit bureau regulatory environments were also identified. The role of the consumer and the sensitive nature of information that affects consumers in these situations were also discussed.

On the second day, the delegation attended a revealing presentation on a day in the life of a credit bureau IT department conducted by the Director of Compuscan’s IT Department - Jaco Alberts. The role and functions of the IT Department were identified as well as an overview of data processing and management, database and warehousing management, network administration and control, facilities and security management within the ambit of required IT policies and procedures.

Ian Abrahams, Head: Credit Operations at Capitec Bank, a leading micro lending bank in South Africa, also conducted a presentation to the Indonesian delegates. He shared with them Capitec Bank’s experience on how a credit bureau has positively impacted on their operations.

The Credit Bureau Active Learning Programme concluded with site visits to various regulatory and industry bodies in Cape Town and in Johannesburg. In Cape Town, the delegation visited a representative of the Credit Providers Association (CPA), a non-profit organisation representing all credit providers to learn more about their operations and the role they play in the South African credit environment.

The delegation then proceeded to Johannesburg where they were welcomed by the National Credit Regulator (NCR), the Credit Bureau Association (CBA) and finally the Credit Information Ombud (CIO). The NCR shared with the delegation how credit bureaus are regulated and monitored within the South African credit industry. From the CBA, the delegation received information on the representation and regulation of credit bureaus through an association and during their last site visit, the CIO shared with them their experiences in dealing with consumer disputes and issues relating to the use of credit information.

The delegates learnt about credit bureaus and were introduced to how Compuscan makes a valuable contribution to society in general. They commented on their experience and we would like to share some of their thoughts with you:
  • “Very good hospitality”
  • “Explained to our management how to improve the system or implement credit bureau world standards”.
  • “The information will be used to develop our own credit bureau”.
  • “The information will be used especially for the IT banking sector to develop the credit bureau system”.
  • “A plan will be made for the future development of a credit bureau in Indonesia”.
  • “The course is very good to help us understand the credit bureau topic”.

They were also fortunate enough to have some time-off to do some sight-seeing in our beautiful country. We hope that they enjoyed their time in South Africa and we wish them well on their return to Indonesia.

If you would like to know more about attending a study tour and see what credit bureaus have to offer in your country please call us on +27 21 888 6000, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.compuscanacademy.co.za.

Compuscan Academy is a skills development & training provider who delivers accredited training services to the corporate industry of South Africa. Our wide variety of workshops & skills programmes can also be customised to meet your business needs.