Rising discontent over US govt's backing of mortgage monopoly

Washington

THE FICO credit score is as ubiquitous as it is crucial in getting a mortgage. Now, an odd-bedfellows alliance is out to break FICO's lock and allow scores from rival companies.

At stake, proponents say, is credit access for as many as 35 million consumers whom FICO doesn't evaluate, especially blacks and Hispanics with scant borrowing histories.