Impact of Gig Economy on Credit Risk in Canada
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 4 days ago
0mins
Source: Newsfilter
- Gig Economy Overview: According to TransUnion's study, approximately 11% of Canada's workforce consists of gig workers, with 63% also holding full-time jobs, highlighting the significant role of gig income in household finances, particularly among younger generations.
- Credit Application Challenges: While 35% of gig workers applied for new credit in the past six months, nearly half reported difficulties during the application process, primarily due to complex procedures and income variability leading to rejections, indicating a lack of adequate service from the credit market for this group.
- Credit Risk Assessment: The study reveals that 68% of gig workers fall into prime credit risk tiers, compared to 73% of the general credit-active population, suggesting that gig workers' credit profiles are comparable to the overall market; however, 36% face payment challenges, indicating higher financial strain for certain segments.
- Changing Income Sources: With 71% of gig workers not planning to leave this work type soon and 20% intending to increase their hours, gig work is evolving into a durable component of household income, prompting lenders to reassess risk and inclusion strategies regarding this income source.
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Analyst Views on TRU
Wall Street analysts forecast TRU stock price to rise
15 Analyst Rating
11 Buy
3 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 71.660
Low
80.00
Averages
102.71
High
125.00
Current: 71.660
Low
80.00
Averages
102.71
High
125.00
About TRU
TransUnion is a global information and insights company. The Company uses its OneTru solution enablement platform to centralize data management, identity resolution and artificial intelligence (AI) powered analytics. The Company’s segments include U.S. Markets and International. The U.S. Markets segment provides data, analytics and actionable insights to businesses and consumers. Businesses use its services to acquire customers, assess consumers' ability to pay for services, identify cross-selling opportunities, measure and manage debt portfolio risk, collect debt, verify consumer identities, mitigate fraud risk and respond to data breach events. The International segment provides services similar to its U.S. Markets segment to businesses in select regions outside the United States. Depending on the maturity of the credit economy in each country, services may include credit reports, analytics and technology solutions services and other value-added risk management services.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
TransUnion Named One of America's Most Trustworthy Companies for 2026
- Foundation of Trust: TransUnion's recognition as one of America's Most Trustworthy Companies for 2026 highlights its strong trust with customers, employees, and investors, reflecting the company's long-standing commitment to data stewardship and transparency.
- Return on Tech Investment: By continuously investing in technology and innovation, the company has expanded beyond traditional credit reporting to provide a comprehensive view of consumer identity, thereby enhancing its competitive edge in the marketplace and supporting informed decision-making across the economy.
- Global Impact Strategy: TransUnion is committed to advancing financial inclusion, strengthening data and AI governance, and reducing environmental impact through its global impact strategy, demonstrating its sense of responsibility towards sustainable outcomes for all stakeholders.
- Long-term Value Creation: CEO Chris Cartwright emphasized that this recognition is both an honor and a responsibility, and TransUnion will continue to earn trust through responsible actions and long-term value creation in its operations.
See More
TRU Precious Metals Adopts Semi-Annual Financial Reporting
- Financial Reporting Reform: TRU Precious Metals Corp. announces the adoption of semi-annual financial reporting to reduce the administrative and financial burdens associated with quarterly reporting, allowing management to focus more on exploration and development projects.
- Reporting Cycle Adjustment: Under CBO 51-933, TRU will not file interim financial statements and related Management's Discussion and Analysis for the three and nine-month periods of each fiscal year, with the first interim period being for the three months ended March 31, 2026.
- Commitment to Transparency: Despite the shift to semi-annual reporting, TRU will continue to file audited annual financial statements and six-month interim reports on time, ensuring compliance with National Instrument 51-102's continuous disclosure obligations to maintain transparency with investors.
- Strategic Investment Context: TRU's flagship Golden Rose project spans 297.50 km² in Newfoundland and is subject to an earn-in agreement with Eldorado Gold Corporation, which can invest CAD 15.25 million over five years for an 80% interest, reflecting the company's long-term commitment to resource development.
See More
Impact of Gig Economy on Credit Risk in Canada
- Gig Economy Overview: According to TransUnion's study, approximately 11% of Canada's workforce consists of gig workers, with 63% also holding full-time jobs, highlighting the significant role of gig income in household finances, particularly among younger generations.
- Credit Application Challenges: While 35% of gig workers applied for new credit in the past six months, nearly half reported difficulties during the application process, primarily due to complex procedures and income variability leading to rejections, indicating a lack of adequate service from the credit market for this group.
- Credit Risk Assessment: The study reveals that 68% of gig workers fall into prime credit risk tiers, compared to 73% of the general credit-active population, suggesting that gig workers' credit profiles are comparable to the overall market; however, 36% face payment challenges, indicating higher financial strain for certain segments.
- Changing Income Sources: With 71% of gig workers not planning to leave this work type soon and 20% intending to increase their hours, gig work is evolving into a durable component of household income, prompting lenders to reassess risk and inclusion strategies regarding this income source.
See More
Creator Content Surge Drives $44 Billion Ad Spend in 2026
- Ad Spend Growth: According to a report from the Interactive Advertising Bureau, advertiser spending on creator content reached $37 billion in 2025 and is expected to rise to $44 billion in 2026, indicating a strong demand and trust from brands in creator-led content, thus transforming the advertising landscape.
- Streaming Platform Advantage: YouTube commands a 12.7% share of streaming viewership, surpassing Netflix's 8.4%, highlighting the effectiveness of creator content in attracting younger audiences and further driving advertisers' investments in streaming platforms.
- Traditional Media Transformation: Companies like Warner Bros. Discovery and Fox are integrating creator content, leveraging the influence of well-known creators to expand their audience base, thereby enhancing the connection between brands and consumers and improving advertising effectiveness.
- New Program Launches: Fox has launched Fox Creator Studios, focusing on food content and collaborating with social media creators to attract younger audiences, particularly Gen Z, further expanding the target market for advertisers.
See More
Canada's Digital Fraud Rate Exceeds Global Average
- Current Fraud Landscape: In 2025, Canada's digital fraud attempt rate reached 4.4%, surpassing the global average of 3.8%, indicating a significant threat to consumers despite a decline from 2024 levels, highlighting the need for enhanced security measures in digital transactions.
- Login Risk: In 2025, 14.2% of account login attempts in Canada were suspected of fraud, significantly higher than the global average of 4.3%, underscoring the vulnerability at this critical stage of the digital consumer lifecycle, necessitating stronger protective measures from businesses.
- Fraud Type Analysis: Among Canadians reporting losses, 26% cited credit card fraud as the cause, notably exceeding the global rate of 19%, indicating a pressing demand for data security in the Canadian market, prompting businesses to prioritize protective measures to maintain consumer trust.
- Industry Trend Changes: In 2025, the digital fraud attempt rate in online communities in Canada was 11.9%, with a 63% year-over-year increase, while the video gaming sector saw an 11.7% rate, reflecting a sharp rise in fraud activity in these areas, necessitating businesses to develop more effective prevention strategies for high-risk sectors.
See More
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- Aging Renter Demographics: TransUnion's report indicates that 53% of renters are over 40 years old, highlighting a delay in homeownership among Millennials and Gen Z, which positions this group as a stable and profitable market that insurers should prioritize.
- Evolving Insurance Needs: Although the average renters insurance premium is only $171 annually, the demand is increasing as renters enter life stages involving families and greater financial commitments, necessitating insurers to tailor products to meet this emerging market's needs.
- Improved Income and Credit Profiles: The median household income for renters aged 40 is now $56K with a credit score of 652, indicating their economic strength and stability, prompting insurers to offer more comprehensive coverage options tailored to this demographic.
- Insurance Shopping Trends: In Q1 2026, renters showed a significant increase in insurance shopping, with property insurance shopping rising by 6%, indicating a growing demand for higher-value insurance products that insurers should capitalize on.
See More
TransUnion Named One of America's Most Trustworthy Companies for 2026
- Foundation of Trust: TransUnion's recognition as one of America's Most Trustworthy Companies for 2026 highlights its strong trust with customers, employees, and investors, reflecting the company's long-standing commitment to data stewardship and transparency.
- Return on Tech Investment: By continuously investing in technology and innovation, the company has expanded beyond traditional credit reporting to provide a comprehensive view of consumer identity, thereby enhancing its competitive edge in the marketplace and supporting informed decision-making across the economy.
- Global Impact Strategy: TransUnion is committed to advancing financial inclusion, strengthening data and AI governance, and reducing environmental impact through its global impact strategy, demonstrating its sense of responsibility towards sustainable outcomes for all stakeholders.
- Long-term Value Creation: CEO Chris Cartwright emphasized that this recognition is both an honor and a responsibility, and TransUnion will continue to earn trust through responsible actions and long-term value creation in its operations.
See More
TRU Precious Metals Adopts Semi-Annual Financial Reporting
- Financial Reporting Reform: TRU Precious Metals Corp. announces the adoption of semi-annual financial reporting to reduce the administrative and financial burdens associated with quarterly reporting, allowing management to focus more on exploration and development projects.
- Reporting Cycle Adjustment: Under CBO 51-933, TRU will not file interim financial statements and related Management's Discussion and Analysis for the three and nine-month periods of each fiscal year, with the first interim period being for the three months ended March 31, 2026.
- Commitment to Transparency: Despite the shift to semi-annual reporting, TRU will continue to file audited annual financial statements and six-month interim reports on time, ensuring compliance with National Instrument 51-102's continuous disclosure obligations to maintain transparency with investors.
- Strategic Investment Context: TRU's flagship Golden Rose project spans 297.50 km² in Newfoundland and is subject to an earn-in agreement with Eldorado Gold Corporation, which can invest CAD 15.25 million over five years for an 80% interest, reflecting the company's long-term commitment to resource development.
See More
Impact of Gig Economy on Credit Risk in Canada
- Gig Economy Overview: According to TransUnion's study, approximately 11% of Canada's workforce consists of gig workers, with 63% also holding full-time jobs, highlighting the significant role of gig income in household finances, particularly among younger generations.
- Credit Application Challenges: While 35% of gig workers applied for new credit in the past six months, nearly half reported difficulties during the application process, primarily due to complex procedures and income variability leading to rejections, indicating a lack of adequate service from the credit market for this group.
- Credit Risk Assessment: The study reveals that 68% of gig workers fall into prime credit risk tiers, compared to 73% of the general credit-active population, suggesting that gig workers' credit profiles are comparable to the overall market; however, 36% face payment challenges, indicating higher financial strain for certain segments.
- Changing Income Sources: With 71% of gig workers not planning to leave this work type soon and 20% intending to increase their hours, gig work is evolving into a durable component of household income, prompting lenders to reassess risk and inclusion strategies regarding this income source.
See More
Creator Content Surge Drives $44 Billion Ad Spend in 2026
- Ad Spend Growth: According to a report from the Interactive Advertising Bureau, advertiser spending on creator content reached $37 billion in 2025 and is expected to rise to $44 billion in 2026, indicating a strong demand and trust from brands in creator-led content, thus transforming the advertising landscape.
- Streaming Platform Advantage: YouTube commands a 12.7% share of streaming viewership, surpassing Netflix's 8.4%, highlighting the effectiveness of creator content in attracting younger audiences and further driving advertisers' investments in streaming platforms.
- Traditional Media Transformation: Companies like Warner Bros. Discovery and Fox are integrating creator content, leveraging the influence of well-known creators to expand their audience base, thereby enhancing the connection between brands and consumers and improving advertising effectiveness.
- New Program Launches: Fox has launched Fox Creator Studios, focusing on food content and collaborating with social media creators to attract younger audiences, particularly Gen Z, further expanding the target market for advertisers.
See More
Canada's Digital Fraud Rate Exceeds Global Average
- Current Fraud Landscape: In 2025, Canada's digital fraud attempt rate reached 4.4%, surpassing the global average of 3.8%, indicating a significant threat to consumers despite a decline from 2024 levels, highlighting the need for enhanced security measures in digital transactions.
- Login Risk: In 2025, 14.2% of account login attempts in Canada were suspected of fraud, significantly higher than the global average of 4.3%, underscoring the vulnerability at this critical stage of the digital consumer lifecycle, necessitating stronger protective measures from businesses.
- Fraud Type Analysis: Among Canadians reporting losses, 26% cited credit card fraud as the cause, notably exceeding the global rate of 19%, indicating a pressing demand for data security in the Canadian market, prompting businesses to prioritize protective measures to maintain consumer trust.
- Industry Trend Changes: In 2025, the digital fraud attempt rate in online communities in Canada was 11.9%, with a 63% year-over-year increase, while the video gaming sector saw an 11.7% rate, reflecting a sharp rise in fraud activity in these areas, necessitating businesses to develop more effective prevention strategies for high-risk sectors.
See More
Significant Changes in Renter Demographics
- Aging Renter Demographics: TransUnion's report indicates that 53% of renters are over 40 years old, highlighting a delay in homeownership among Millennials and Gen Z, which positions this group as a stable and profitable market that insurers should prioritize.
- Evolving Insurance Needs: Although the average renters insurance premium is only $171 annually, the demand is increasing as renters enter life stages involving families and greater financial commitments, necessitating insurers to tailor products to meet this emerging market's needs.
- Improved Income and Credit Profiles: The median household income for renters aged 40 is now $56K with a credit score of 652, indicating their economic strength and stability, prompting insurers to offer more comprehensive coverage options tailored to this demographic.
- Insurance Shopping Trends: In Q1 2026, renters showed a significant increase in insurance shopping, with property insurance shopping rising by 6%, indicating a growing demand for higher-value insurance products that insurers should capitalize on.
See More
