Starting in Asia, the bank will use Experian's Connect+ data integration software to enable access, consolidation and aggregation of information from multiple sources, including credit bureaus and other third party providers.

HSBC is already using the technology for personal financial services business in Malaysia with rollout planned for three more countries in Asia and then other "specific regions" around the world.

The vendor says its system means that data feeds, which can differ widely from country-to-country, are made available in a standard format for consideration within implementations of its strategy management decision software, already in use at HSBC. This allows consistent decisioning models to be used across different countries.

The common interface created by Connect+ will enable HSBC to further standardise its third party data access around the world, claims Experian. As a result, when the bank requires external data, Connect+ will be used in determining and accessing the most relevant sources of credit information. The software will then gather the data, aggregate it into a consistent format and return it to HSBC.

Chris Hawkes, global head, retail credit risk, HSBC, says: "This initiative is helping us to achieve global standardisation around our risk management processes, obtain greater efficiencies and improve the customer experience we are able to offer. Through working with Experian, HSBC can continue to reduce the barriers to entering new markets, furthering our global reach and our position as one of the world's leading banks in emerging markets."