Credit Reporting

The Credit Reporting Act 2010 came into effect 1 October 2010. It establishes the framework for credit reporting in Jamaica to ensure that this is done through reasonable procedures that meet the needs of commerce for credit information in a manner that is fair and equitable to the consumer. The Act provides principles for confidentiality, accuracy, relevance and proper utilisation of credit information and, among other matters, specifically addresses:

• Licencing of persons who wish to offer credit reporting services
• Eligible credit information providers
• The nature of credit information
• Use of credit information
• Persons who can request a credit report
• Accessibility by customers to their credit information; and
• Handling of customer complaints

The Credit Reporting Regulations which operationalise the Act and specify matters pertaining to the licensing process such as the form of application, documentation requirements and licensing fees, were approved by Parliament on 14 January 2011 and have been gazetted.

Only entities licensed under the Act can offer credit bureau services and credit information can only be sourced and used from specified credit information providers.

The Bank of Jamaica is the designated supervising authority under the Act and is responsible for reviewing and recommending applications for license to the Minister of Finance and maintaining general supervisory oversight of the credit reporting regime in Jamaica.

Applications for a license to establish a credit bureau are made to the Honourable Minister of Finance and The Public Service, with copies submitted to the Bank of Jamaica.

For further information contact: The Credit Reporting Oversight Unit, Bank of Jamaica at 876-932-4116 or credit.bureau@boj.org.jm.