Following the passing of Federal Law 6/2010 on Credit Information, Al Etihad Credit Bureau (‘The Bureau’) was created in 2012 and began its official operations by December 2014, which can now be considered an important milestone in the establishment of the UAE’s financial infrastructure. During this establishment period, The Bureau implemented the National Credit Registry and successfully integrated with banks and financial institutions across the country – enabling the secure collection of credit data and behavioral indicators for both individuals and companies.
In its inaugural year alone, The Bureau issued more than one million Credit Reports as a new, mandatory requirement in the credit underwriting process of lenders regulated by The Central Bank of the UAE.
Subsequent to this validation of demand and transaction volume, Etihad Credit Bureau has expanded extensively over the last decade, and is connected with more than 119 data providers, including banks, financial institutions, government bodies, telecom operators, utilities, courts, and other entities that rely on verified credit information before providing services to individuals and businesses.
As it enters its second decade of operations, Etihad Credit Bureau continues to scale at pace through a vision built on three strategic pillars:
- Enhancing digital applications to offer a faster, more seamless user experience, direct to credit consumers (D2C)
- Integrating additional (B2B) sectors—such as real estate obligations—into credit indicators for a more comprehensive assessment
- Expanding collaboration with non-banking entities to include alternative financial commitments within Credit Scores and evaluations
The year 2025 marks a transformational milestone in The Bureau’s journey. It has seen the launch of a redesigned mobile application that delivers a richer and more intuitive interface and empowers users through an interactive experience of their Credit Score and Report data. Through this upgrade, individuals are able to better understand their financial standing, make informed decisions, and adopt more responsible financial behaviours.
Credit services have grown significantly in recent years. The number of Credit Reports and Credit Scores issued increased from approximately one million at launch to more than 17 million as of the end of 2025.
As awareness, adoption and inclusion for credit products continue to increase, 10% of the country’s ‘credit active’ population have availed The Bureau’s services to obtain their personal credit score/report. This reflects a rise in awareness of the importance of credit records as a tool for improving financial behavior and enhancing confidence.
Over the past decade, Etihad Credit Bureau has firmly established itself as a cornerstone of the UAE’s financial infrastructure, playing a vital role in promoting transparency, governance, and enabling individuals and institutions to make credit decisions based on accurate and reliable data.
Since issuing its first Credit Report in 2014, the Bureau has been a catalyst for enhanced credit risk management across the nation, contributing to a more financially aware and sustainable economy. Today, as it celebrates its 10th anniversary, Etihad Credit Bureau reaffirms its commitment to empowering banks, companies, and individuals through innovative, data-driven solutions that help build a stronger, more resilient, and transparent financial future.
Key Milestones:
Unprecedented Growth in Services and Data:
The number of Credit Reports increased from one million in 2014 to more than 17 million Credit Reports and Scores annually, reflecting the growing demand for accurate credit data and analytics.
Transformation:
Since launching its mobile application in 2018, Etihad Credit Bureau has digitised over 100% of its services, enabling easy access to Credit Reports and Scores through convenient digital channels.
Following our award-winning rebranding, we are delighted to announce the launch of our new Mobile App and Web Portal. Through these channels, end-consumers can access their own credit score and report and explore their data interactively. We have also integrated our cheque clearance service into these channels, as we retire our previous apps. With a long list of exciting new features in our roadmap, the app and portal are key parts of our mission to be a financial companion to the UAE public.
Expanding Partnerships and Integration:
The Bureau has broadened its partnerships to include non-traditional finance entities such as telecom operators, utilities, and government institutions like the courts, and soon, Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL). This expansion strengthens the inclusiveness of the UAE’s financial system and enhances data integration across sectors, supporting the nation’s vision of a more sustainable economy.
National Recognition:
Etihad Credit Bureau, through the Central Bank of the UAE, has issued a commemorative silver coin with a value of 10 Dirhams. This issuance embodies the Bureau’s pivotal role in supporting financial stability and fostering a culture of responsible credit behavior. The coin’s design reflects the Bureau’s new corporate identity, symbolizing the transition from an era of establishment and influence to a new phase characterized by deep community connection forged through the principles of trust, innovation, and inclusion.
Etihad Credit Bureau – Facts & Figures
A Decade of Growth and Financial Empowerment in Numbers
The journey of Etihad Credit Bureau over the past decade reflects a transformative era for the UAE’s credit landscape — marked by innovation, digital evolution, and sustainable financial empowerment.
Etihad Credit Bureau in Numbers:
- 17 million Credit Reports and Credit Scores issued annually
Compared with only one million reports at launch in 2015. - 32.6 million International Bank Account Numbers (IBANs)
Supporting greater financial inclusion and accuracy in credit reporting. - 100% of operations fully digital
Enabled by a comprehensive digital transformation strategy launched in 2018, improving accessibility, transparency, and efficiency. - Strict compliance with UAE regulatory frameworks and global best practices
Supported by advanced systems that safeguard confidentiality, accuracy, and the protection of credit data. - Accurate analytical reports
Empowering institutions to evaluate risk more effectively and enhance national financial stability. - 10 years of trust, innovation, and financial empowerment
Cementing Etihad Credit Bureau as a cornerstone of the UAE’s financial infrastructure.
Etihad Credit Bureau – Evolution Timeline
A Decade of Innovation, Transparency and Financial Empowerment
2010 – Laying the Foundation
The UAE took a historic step toward building a transparent and responsible credit ecosystem with the issuance of Federal Law No. 6 on Credit Information, establishing the legislative groundwork for a modern national credit infrastructure.
2012 – Establishment of Etihad Credit Bureau
Etihad Credit Bureau was officially founded as a federal entity mandated to collect, maintain, and disseminate credit information for individuals and businesses across the UAE — forming a centralized, secure hub for national credit data.
2014 – First Credit Report Issued
In 2014, Etihad Credit Bureau issued its first Credit Report, giving individuals and organizations a comprehensive, accurate view of their credit history and enabling more informed decisions on loans, credit cards, and financial services.
2017 – Launch of the Credit Score
The UAE’s first Credit Score — a three-digit, predictive indicator of payment behavior over the next 12 months — was launched in 2017, representing a major leap in risk assessment and financial transparency.
2018 – Digital Transformation
Etihad Credit Bureau accelerated its digital strategy in 2018 with the launch of online and mobile channels, allowing users to instantly access Credit Reports and Scores, and supporting greater financial inclusion nationwide.
2020 – Strengthened Legal Framework
An important regulatory enhancement came with Federal Law No. 8 of 2020, reinforcing the UAE’s credit infrastructure and strengthening the governance of credit data.
2022 – Cheque Clearance Indicator
In 2022, ETIHAD CREDIT BUREAU introduced the innovative Cheque Clearance Indicator, offering predictive insights on cheque clearance outcomes and helping individuals and businesses make more confident financial decisions.
2023 – Accessing Foreign Credit Reports
The launch of the Foreign Credit Report in 2023 marked a new chapter of international integration, enabling individuals to access foreign credit data — strengthening transparency and supporting mobility in an increasingly global market.
2024 – Providing Credit Reports through “TAMM” and “DubaiNow” platforms
Through this Collaboration, users of the “TAMM” and “DubaiNow” platforms will have seamless access to their individual Credit Report and Credit Score by simply logging into the App. Users can quickly obtain these vital insights through one click.
2025 – Award-Winning Rebranding and Digital Relaunch
This year marked the comprehensive rebranding of the Bureau for a new age, featuring a new tone of voice and the launch of new apps and websites. Most notably, the Bureau won prestigious design awards from IIF and Red Dot Design. This digital transformation positions us to significantly boost consumer awareness and engagement across the community.
Future Plans
Etihad Credit Bureau continues to evolve its ecosystem through strategic initiatives aimed at expanding data integration, improving service quality, and developing innovative analytical products.
- Institutional Integration Expansion: Enhancing collaboration with insurance companies, real estate entities, and non-banking institutions to broaden the national credit data network.
- New Credit Indicators:
Incorporating real estate commitments and alternative financing behaviors into Credit Reports provides a more holistic view of financial behavior. - Financial Awareness Campaigns: Launching nationwide educational programs to strengthen credit literacy and promote responsible financial behavior among individuals and businesses.
- Ongoing Digital Transformation: Following the successful launch of its award-winning new corporate identity in 2025, Etihad Credit Bureau continues its digital advancement with the rollout of its new mobile application and enhanced online portal. These digital channels enable customers to easily access their Credit Reports and Credit Scores, and to view their data in an interactive and integrated manner. The Cheque Clearance Indicator has also been incorporated into these platforms, offering a more comprehensive and seamless digital experience. With a wide range of new and innovative features planned in the upcoming development roadmap, the new application and online portal represent a core pillar of Etihad Credit Bureau’s strategy to serve as the trusted financial companion for individuals and businesses across the United Arab Emirates.
- Partnerships and Innovation: Building strategic collaborations with FinTech firms and government entities to establish a more adaptive and future-ready credit ecosystem.
- Enhanced Collaboration with Government Entities: Etihad Credit Bureau aims to strengthen partnerships with key federal and local entities to expand data coverage and support sustainable financial development in the UAE.
- Launch of Credit Score 3.0: Etihad Credit Bureau has developed the third version of its Credit Score, featuring enhanced accuracy and a broader set of behavioral indicators to provide institutions with deeper and more comprehensive risk assessments.
Role of Etihad Credit Bureau
Etihad Credit Bureau plays a pivotal role in the UAE’s financial ecosystem, empowering key stakeholders across multiple sectors:
For Financial Institutions: Providing accurate risk assessments that enhance lending decisions and minimize default rates, improving overall efficiency in the banking sector.
A Decade of Positive Impact
Ten years after the issuance of the UAE’s first Credit Report, Etihad Credit Bureau has become a fundamental driver in promoting the responsible use of data and technology to strengthen credit risk management and support informed financial decision-making across the nation.
The journey continues — and the next decade promises even greater impact, deeper integration, and new levels of innovation that will further strengthen the UAE’s financial ecosystem and support its vision for a smart, connected, and sustainable economy.
A National Asset – The UAE Credit Registry
From its early beginnings as a centralized financial data aggregator, Etihad Credit Bureau has evolved into one of the UAE’s most comprehensive and integrated credit information repositories. Today, the national credit registry stands as a strategic asset for the country’s financial ecosystem, strengthening risk management and fostering a healthier lending environment.
Sectors Empowerment
In close partnership with the Central Bank of the UAE and the broader financial ecosystem, Etihad Credit Bureau continues to expand its data partnerships across vital sectors. This growing network forms an intelligent and unified information framework — one that drives innovation, accelerates economic impact, and enhances national competitiveness.
Data Providers
Etihad Credit Bureau collaborates with more than 119 information providers across the UAE, ensuring that credit data is comprehensive, accurate, and continuously updated. By integrating diverse sources from financial institutions to essential service providers, the Bureau delivers a complete and trustworthy picture of credit behavior for individuals and businesses.
The data providers are:
- Central Bank of the UAE
- Commercial Banks and Finance Companies
- Courts and Judicial Authorities
- Federal and Local Government Entities
- Telecommunications Companies
- Utility providers
For Businesses: Delivering reliable credit data on customers and partners, building trust and reducing operational and credit risk exposure.
For Individuals: Empowering them to access and understand their Credit Reports and Scores, helping improve their financial discipline and overall credit health.
For the National Economy: Supporting financial transparency, broadening access to finance, and strengthening financial inclusion in alignment with the UAE’s sustainable development goals.
Driving Digital Integration and Accessibility
Etihad Credit Bureau remains committed to advancing the UAE’s digital transformation agenda through seamless integration with key government service platforms such as DubaiNow and TAMM – Abu Dhabi Unified Government Services Platform.
By leveraging advanced technologies and secure APIs, the Bureau enables customers to access and monitor their Credit Reports and Scores through the same digital channels they use every day — reinforcing convenience, accessibility, and financial awareness.
These integrations not only improve customer experience but also pave the way for efficient data exchange across government entities, supporting the nation’s vision of a connected, intelligent, and digitally empowered economy.
Our pillars
Simply engaging
We minimize the complexity that is synonymous with the financial ecosystem and strive to build clarity and confidence. We believe that by making things simpler, finance becomes accessible to everyone, so decisions can be made more easily, unlocking more possibilities for everyone.
Boldly transformational
We are courageous forward-thinkers, fueled by passion and propelled by innovation. We leverage valuable insights to create a myriad of inspiring opportunities
Approachable companions
We are optimistic, approachable and open to ideas, people and partnerships. We value everyone and find ways to be accessible, inclusive and relatable. This means that we reach out to connect and welcome people, businesses and the government so that they can move towards their goals and ambitions.
Dynamic enablers
We are fast on our feet and driven to make things happen. We leverage our people and centralized technology ecosystem to work in an agile way that enables people, businesses and the government to access insights.
Board of Directors
H.E. Mohamed Bin Hadi Al Hussaini
Minister of State for Financial Affairs
Chairman
H.E. Younis Haji Al Khoori
Undersecretary
Minister of Finance
Vice Chairman
H.E. Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khyeli
Director General
Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security
Board Member
H.E. Waleed Saeed Al Awadhi
Chief Executive Officer
The Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA)
Board Member
H.E. Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori
Director General
Dubai Digital Authority
Board Member
H.E. Wesam Alabbas Lootah
Director General
Gov Digital
Board Member
H.E. Salem Sultan Al Dhaheri
Deputy Director – Internal Audit
Abu Dhabi Investment Authority
Board Member
H.E. Ahmad Khalifa Al Mehairi
Chief Executive Officer
ADSS Holding
Board Member
H.E. Nasir Abdallah Al Owais
Head Of Project Studies and Funding Section
Ruwad SME
Board Member
H.E. Marwan Ahmad Lutfi
Director General
Marwan Ahmad Lutfi is an executive leader with over two decades of experience in driving transformative initiatives across finance, technology and government sectors. As the Director General of Etihad Credit Bureau, he has set up the Bureau as a data and technology powerhouse, enabling automated data-driven decision-making and fostering financial literacy across the UAE.
Under his leadership, The Bureau has become a cornerstone of the nation’s financial infrastructure, issuing over 14 million credit reports, Credit Scores, and value-added analytical products to support risk management across the banking, telecommunications & government sectors.
Previously, he served as Deputy CEO at DIFC, driving revenue growth and managing investment coverage for Abraaj Capital in the GCC region, as well as spearheading the launch of Thuraya Satellite Telecommunications services in the region. He holds a Business Administration degree from Boston University and has completed senior executive programs at Harvard, IMD, and the UAE National Defence College.
