FICO announced that it has added Cotality and Ascend Companies to its Mortgage Direct License Program, a move that expands the company’s direct‑score delivery network for mortgage lenders. The partnership brings Cotality Credco, Advantage Credit, and Partners Credit into the program, allowing these tri‑merge resellers to generate and deliver FICO® Scores directly to lenders without routing through traditional credit‑bureau channels.
The expansion is part of FICO’s broader strategy to move beyond bureau‑based licensing and capture a larger share of the mortgage‑originations market. By offering a direct‑score model, FICO can provide lenders with lower per‑score costs—$4.95 per score royalty versus the traditional $10 fee—alongside a $33 funded‑loan fee. The pricing structure is designed to reduce mark‑ups, increase transparency, and give lenders a competitive edge against VantageScore, which has recently gained acceptance from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
FICO expects the new partners to accelerate commercial availability of the direct‑score solution. While a formal update will be issued once the solution is live at the participating resellers, the company has indicated that the rollout is slated for the first quarter of 2026. The direct‑license model is projected to generate recurring revenue streams for FICO and to lower the cost burden on lenders, potentially translating into higher loan volumes and deeper market penetration.
Julie May, vice president and general manager of B2B Scores at FICO, said the program’s growth reflects “the increasing demand from lenders for cost‑efficient, transparent solutions.” Blake Matheson, CEO of Ascend Companies, added that clients “value flexibility and market competition when it comes to fulfilling their credit data mandates.” These comments underscore the market’s appetite for direct‑score delivery and the strategic fit of the partnership.
The announcement follows FICO’s initial launch of the Mortgage Direct License Program on October 1 2025, which saw a record intraday rally in the company’s shares. Analysts have noted that the expansion strengthens FICO’s moat against VantageScore and positions the company to capture a larger portion of the mortgage‑originations market. The move also signals FICO’s commitment to expanding its direct‑score ecosystem and diversifying its revenue base beyond traditional bureau licensing.
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