Are you familiar with how credit reporting services like CTOS work? Here are the basics.
What Is CTOS?
Founded in 1992, CTOS is a Credit Reporting Agency (CRA) regulated by the Registrar of Credit Reporting Agencies, Ministry of Finance, and covered by the Credit Reporting Agencies Act 2010, which took effect in 2010. In addition to collecting information regarding the creditworthiness of individuals and businesses, CTOS also provides a portfolio of credit risk management services. Malaysian financial institutions, telecommunication companies, insurance companies, small and medium-sized enterprises, and legal firms use CTOS’s services extensively. In contrast to CCRIS, administered by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), CTOS is owned and managed by a Malaysian company and has been in business for over 20 years, collecting information from various official sources on individuals and companies.
CTOS Data are from the following sources:
- Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM) or Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia (SSM)
- The Central Bank of Malaysia (CCRIS)
- Online court listings and newspaper legal notices
- Publications and gazettes of the government
- Insolvency searches at the Malaysian Department of Insolvency (MDI) or the Malaysian Insolvency Agency (JIMA)
- Data from the Registrar of Societies (ROS)
- Contact details provided by creditors, litigators, and trade referees
- Subjects voluntarily provide their information
They compiled information into an electronic database that makes assessing loan applications, trade, and business credits and making decisions easy, quick, and efficient for credit grantors and lenders. A CTOS Score report costs RM25.
What Is CTOS Not?
It is strictly forbidden for CTOS to block anyone. Ultimately, the company will provide its subscribers with credit information, and lenders or credit grantors will determine whether credit applications will be approved. In making these decisions, lenders consider their risk appetite and business policies and strategies. CTO offers no opinion or recommendation that influences these decisions. There is another misconception about CTOS regarding handling personal data by a private agency, which can be highly sensitive and potentially dangerous, especially if it ends up in the wrong hands. As mandated by the CRA Act 2010, the CTOS may collect and process information pertinent to credit evaluation. Users, however, have restricted access to this information.
Is CTOS Going To Update Its Database?
A CTOS database is regularly updated based on information from statutory bodies, subscribers, and publicly available sources such as newspaper articles, publications, and court filings. In addition, it accepts requests for information updates and provides sufficient proof and the appropriate documentation.
What Is The Retention Period Of The Records?
CRA Act 2010 allows CTOS to keep the record as a historical archive of your background and credit history for 24 months. However, after two years from the date of full repayment or settlement, it will not reflect in your CTOS report. CTOS can also help protect you from fraud and scams and provide you with your latest credit score! In CTOS SecureID, CTOS offers new fraud protection and credit monitoring services designed to combat the growing issue of identity theft, fraud, and scams and monitor the health of consumers’ credit. Upon finding your info on the dark web, the system will alert you and send you a notification. If you choose to protect yourself, you can change your passwords or close certain accounts, among other measures. You’ll also benefit from RM20,000 in takaful coverage for financial losses from fraudulent transactions.
