Nov 5 (Reuters) - Fair Isaac Corp ( FICO )

reported a higher fourth-quarter profit on Wednesday, driven by

robust demand for its scores business.

Analysts say loan demand has begun to pick up as the U.S.

Federal Reserve cuts benchmark lending rates, a shift expected

to benefit FICO and other companies that depend on lenders'

credit assessments before approving loans.

Rising delinquencies have prompted banks to tighten

standards and step up credit checks on customers.

Revenue at its scores business came in at $311.6 million in

the three months ended September 30, up 25% from a year earlier.

Founded in 1956, the company is best known for its FICO

Score, the standard measure of consumer credit risk used by

banks, credit card issuers, mortgage lenders and auto loan

providers.

The FICO Score is used by 90% of top U.S. lenders and is

available in more than 40 countries.

It posted an adjusted profit of $7.74 per share in the

fourth quarter versus $6.54 per share in the prior-year period.

Overall revenue rose to $515.8 million from $453.8 million

in the year-ago quarter.