Unfortunately whatever algorithm computers come up with to assess creditworthiness is going to be "racist" by the broad disparate impact definition of racism that the government uses. Ironically, the algorithms will have to be made actually racist to correct for this.

I'm not comfortable assuming facts not covered in the article. Generally, it's the journalist's job to fill in such blanks. If your take is correct, then this is just poor craftsmanship on their part, although it will certainly achieve the emotional resonance they pursue.