Changes in Banking Credit Assessment of Individuals in the Local Financial Services Market

Purpose: The study discussed changes in banking creditworthiness, from the perspective of consumers, individuals. The changes assessment was based on criteria and data obtained in the local financial services market, using the example of the Poznan agglomeration. Design/Methodology/Approach: The research is based, first, on secondary data. The results of the financial knowledge analysis of retail customers of Polish banks and their financial reports. Then, on the basis of selected criteria, a survey of bank customers' opinions in the Poznań agglomeration, in Poland, was developed and revealed. The survey was carried out by a diagnostic survey method in the period of 2023-2024, with 100 respondents using the technique of individual in-depth interview. Findings: The descriptive analysis confirmed that individual consumers' knowledge of how to assess their own creditworthiness is insufficient. The assessment criteria were identified from the positive perspective (level of personal income, credit history, stability of employment), as well as from the negative perspective (lack or weakness of credit security, instability of employment, irregular family situation, economic uncertainty). In this context, particularly sensitive risk areas of the banking business were identified. Practical Implications: In business practice, monitoring key credit scoring factors informs both customers and banks, the business risk. A ‘handy barometer’ of individual creditworthiness verification can therefore be drawn up and used. Originality/Value: Permanent assessment of creditworthiness rating factors of individuals, based on selected evaluation measures, allows monitoring of personal risk and also the risk of banking activities under conditions of economic uncertainty.