Senior management travelled from the company’s headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, on Wednesday to officially launch the new operation, which they say will bolster their operations in the model county and see the total workforce increase to more than 100 employees.
The new facility in Wexford, where Equifax has been established for just over 30 years, is described as being “a global hub for innovation”, building on the company’s 10 year history of AI innovation and expanding its global team of over 1,200 data and analytics professionals.
This investment comes with the support of the IDA, who were recently criticised for a perceived abandonment of Wexford, managing just 41 site visits there over a period of nine years – considerably less than neighbouring Carlow (54), Kilkenny (79) and Waterford (160).
However Deirdre O’Connor, Head of Regional Development at IDA Ireland was buoyant as Equifax management cut the ribbon on their new venture.
“The Equifax decision to expand its presence in Wexford is a testament to Ireland’s position as a hub for global innovation,” she said. “I am delighted that this will bring Equifax employment in Wexford to over 100 employees and would like to wish them every success.”
The AI Innovation Lab is set to focus on developing advanced AI models, machine learning algorithms, Research and Development, and data analytics tools to address complex challenges faced by businesses and consumers.
For its initial phase, the lab will concentrate on AI-driven solutions for credit risk assessment that can augment decision-making for fintechs and financial institutions. These innovations will leverage advanced AI to provide affordability and creditworthiness insights, helping more people access mainstream financial opportunities and driving greater financial inclusion.
This includes enhancing fraud detection, improving credit risk assessment, optimising marketing strategies, and strengthening cybersecurity measures.
“Our new AI Innovation Lab is designed to empower financial institutions with the tools needed to make smarter, faster, and more confident credit decisions, helping more consumers live their financial best,” Paul Heywood, Chief Data and Analytics Officer for Equifax Europe said.
“Driving AI innovation is a key strategic priority. We are incredibly excited to expand our Wexford team through this investment and have immense confidence in the calibre and expertise of the marketplace in Ireland and specifically in the South East, as evidenced by our thirty-year presence in Wexford town.”
Joining senior management at Equifax in celebrating this 30 year relationship with Wexford and the company’s investment in its future here was Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy.
“The Equifax decision to establish its AI Innovation Lab in Wexford is a powerful vote of confidence in Wexford and the South East Region,” she said.
“This investment highlights the highly skilled workforce and culture of innovation on offer in Wexford for companies that wish to expand their offering globally.”