The President of the Polish competition authority, Tomasz Chróstny, has launched an inquiry to determine whether there are anti-competitive practices in the banking sector concerning the assessment of consumers' creditworthiness. The investigation focuses on the credit scoring model used by the Credit Information Bureau (BIK) and its impact on loan conditions.

Currently, banks and lenders evaluate each consumer's creditworthiness based on various factors, including credit history, current debt, and the frequency of credit inquiries. This means that even the act of making credit inquiries can significantly affect a consumer's credit score, regardless of whether they receive a loan approval. Consumers often lack clear information on how long previous inquiries affect their credit score.

Chróstny expressed concerns that the BIK scoring model may limit competition among banks. Consumers seeking the best mortgage rates may apply for credit from multiple banks, unaware that each inquiry could lower their credit score. This situation is likened to consumers seeking insurance quotes or telecom offers, where inquiries could lead to information sharing that negatively impacts subsequent offers.

The current scoring model may penalize proactive consumers who wish to compare financial products, particularly affecting those seeking mortgages who often need to secure loans quickly. The investigation aims to assess whether this scoring mechanism constitutes an anti-competitive practice that discourages consumers from exploring their options.

UOKiK is examining whether the scoring model facilitates coordination and anti-competitive information exchange among financial market players. The inquiry is not directed against specific entities but seeks to understand the broader implications of these practices. If evidence of anti-competitive behavior is found, UOKiK may initiate antitrust proceedings, which could result in fines of up to 10% of a company's turnover.

Companies involved in any illegal agreements may benefit from a leniency program, allowing them to reduce or avoid penalties by cooperating with UOKiK. The authority also encourages anonymous whistleblowers to report anti-competitive practices through a dedicated online platform.