Office address: 100 Arthur St, North Sydney NSW 2060
Website: equifax.com.au
Year established: 1967 (as The Credit Reference Association of Australia)
Company type: financial services
Employees: 15,000 (globally)
Expertise: credit reporting, data analytics, identity protection, risk management, fraud prevention, business insights, credit scoring
Parent company: Equifax Inc.
Key people: Melanie Cochrane (CEO), Suellen Heintz (chief presales officer), Tony O'Connor (chief client officer), Anuj Kindra (chief ratings analyst), Lee Clarke (head of strategic industries), Moses Samaha (executive GM)
Financing status: corporation
Equifax is a leading data and analytics company in Australia. It serves banks, businesses, employers, and government agencies nationwide. The company uses a mix of data, analytics, and cloud tools to help clients make smart choices and support people’s financial goals.
In 2023, it helped over 687,000 Australian families buy their first home. This shows the firm’s strong role in the local economy.
Equifax began in 1899 as the Retail Credit Company in Atlanta, Georgia, and grew across the US and Canada by the 1920s. In Australia, the story started with The Credit Reference Association of Australia in 1967, which later became Data Advantage in 1998, leading to a series of key milestones:
In 2023, Equifax partnered with LMG to launch a digital service that lets brokers quickly verify employment and income for loan applicants. This tool helps brokers speed up approvals and improve the lending process for clients.
Equifax Australia provides a wide range of credit, identity, and business solutions for individuals and organisations. Offerings include:
Equifax supports the home loan process by providing credit reports and verification tools used by lenders and brokers. Their products help Australians prove their creditworthiness and speed up loan approvals.
Equifax offers a vibrant and inclusive workplace where people are encouraged to make a real difference and live their best lives. Their staff is also provided with:
Equifax supports financial access in 24 countries and partners with diverse suppliers for economic growth. It also honours Traditional Custodians and values the unique backgrounds and experiences of every team member.
Melanie Cochrane is the CEO and group managing director of Equifax Australia and New Zealand. She leads the company’s growth, customer service, and business strategy across both countries.
The leadership team guides the business and supports its success across Australia. Here are some of the key people:
These leaders help Equifax Australia deliver strong results for clients in the country. Their teamwork and skills keep the company moving forward in a busy market.
The company’s 2025 modelling shows that RBA rate cuts may take six to nine months to lift mortgage demand. The company uses data from Canada and New Zealand to predict a slow recovery in Australia, even with lower rates.
Equifax tracks consumer behaviour and notes rising demand for Buy Now, Pay Later and unsecured credit, signalling cautious optimism. Their insights help lenders and borrowers understand market shifts and manage expectations during changing economic conditions.
Experian data shows new home loan demand fell 13% in July
Average earner could lose $10,700 more borrowing power, Canstar estimates
Mutual sector adviser Matt Gijselman brings two decades of policy experienc
Self-employed borrowers don’t fit a template anymore, and the brokers who can tell their story are the ones who’ll stand out
CEO warns of slower sales and enquiries in biggest markets as rate rises and tax changes hit sentiment
Brokers chase better deals for clients as serviceability limits switching
PIPA survey finds investor confidence collapsing after tax changes
Construction and freight operators seek credit to keep cash flowing
Home sales slump 20.9% as selling times stretch to 41 days
Both first-home buyer and investor cohorts post sharp declines in September
