Industry groups react to proposal to allow single-file credit reports

In a HousingWire article published February 9, 2026, and available behind a paywall, the industry is once again debating whether mortgage lenders should be allowed to use a single file credit report instead of the traditional tri merge. The proposal has drawn support from some trade groups focused on cost and efficiency, while others are urging caution around data coverage and risk.

Key points from the article

• Supporters say a single file approach could lower borrower and lender costs and streamline origination.
• Opponents argue tri merge reports help surface missing or conflicting data across bureaus.
• Research shows meaningful score differences can exist across bureaus, especially for lower score bands.
• Some studies suggest investors could demand higher returns if perceived credit risk increases.

Things to consider

This conversation highlights how much nuance exists in credit data, even for well qualified borrowers. At IR, we see firsthand how differences in bureau reporting, score dispersion, and data completeness can affect loan level outcomes. While cost control matters, lenders will want flexibility and transparency so they can choose the approach that best fits their mortgage origination process, risk posture and investor expectations.

As this discussion continues, IR will keep helping clients understand what is changing, what is not, and how to make informed credit decisions without oversimplifying a complex ecosystem.