The FHFA’s move to accept VantageScore for GSE mortgages could reshape credit access. In
this interview with Clayton Collins, Rikard Bandebo outlines why expanding scoring models
matters not just for regulators and lenders, but for rural communities, high-rent markets,
and millions of consumers previously excluded from homeownership. Bandebo discusses
the performance of VantageScore 4.0 with a 24-month lookback, and its ability to score
borrowers that legacy models could potentially overlook.
Bandebo also addresses the industry’s readiness challenge, from originators already back-
testing their portfolios to lenders who risk falling behind. He breaks down pricing dynamics,
bureau relationships, and what competition really looks like after decades. The message is
clear: the lenders preparing now will gain ground. Those who hesitate won’t.