Effect of Credit Information Bureau and Appraisal Methods on performance of Commercial Banks in Mwanza Region

This study intended to identify the effect of credit information bureau and appraisal methods on performance of commercial banks in Mwanza Region. Specifically, the study intended to assess the effect of Credit Reference Bureaus’ information sharing on the credit performance of commercial banks, to assess the effect of the credit scoring appraisal method employed on the performance of commercial banks and to assess the effect of non-performing loans on the performances of Commercial Banks in the Mwanza Region. The study was guided by three theories; the theory of asymmetric information, moral hazard theory and multiple - bank lending model. The study adopted a descriptive research design, sampling 105 respondents randomly and purposefully and collected data through questionnaires. The aim is to establish the effect of credit information bureau and appraisal credit scoring methods on the performance of commercial banks in the Mwanza Region. Results revealed that credit information bureau had a positive, strong effect on the credit performance of commercial banks, and this effect is significant in Mwanza region. Non-performing loans had a positive, weak effect on the credit performance of commercial bank and it was not significant. Finally the credit scoring appraisal approach has a negative, weak effect on commercial bank credit performance. The study concluded that credit information bureau has a significant influence on credit performance of commercial banks and therefore should be used to reduce non-performing loans. The study recommended that banks should continue to use the credit reference bureau’s information-sharing services as it enhances their profitability through the reduction of non-performing loans.