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                                                                    EXHIBIT 4.01


                                HNC SOFTWARE INC.

                           2001 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

                            AS ADOPTED APRIL 10, 2001


        1. PURPOSE. The purpose of this Plan is to provide incentives to
attract, retain and motivate eligible persons whose present and potential
contributions are important to the success of the Company, its Parent,
Subsidiaries and Affiliates, by offering them an opportunity to participate in
the Company's future performance through awards of Options, Restricted Stock and
Stock Bonuses. Capitalized terms not defined in the text are defined in Section
23.

        2. SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN.

               2.1 Number of Shares Available. Subject to Sections 2.2 and 18,
the total number of Shares reserved and available for grant and issuance
pursuant to this Plan will be 1,400,000 Shares plus Shares that are subject to:
(a) issuance upon exercise of an Option but cease to be subject to such Option
for any reason other than exercise of such Option; (b) an Award granted
hereunder but are forfeited or are repurchased by the Company at the original
issue price; or (c) an Award that otherwise terminates without Shares being
issued; will again be available for grant and issuance in connection with future
Awards under this Plan. At all times the Company shall reserve and keep
available a sufficient number of Shares as shall be required to satisfy the
requirements of all outstanding Options granted under this Plan and all other
outstanding but unvested Awards granted under this Plan.

               2.2 Adjustment of Shares. In the event that the number of
outstanding Shares is changed by a stock dividend, recapitalization, stock
split, reverse stock split, subdivision, combination, reclassification or
similar change in the capital structure of the Company without consideration, or
in the event of a change in the corporate structure, capitalization or a
dividend of property affecting the value of the Company's Shares, then
appropriate adjustments may be made by the Board in (a) the number of Shares
reserved for issuance under this Plan, (b) the number of Shares that may be
granted pursuant to Section 3 below, (c) the Exercise Prices of and number of
Shares subject to outstanding Options, and (d) the number of Shares subject to
other outstanding Awards will be proportionately adjusted in compliance with
applicable securities laws; provided, however, that fractions of a Share will
not be issued but will either be replaced by a cash payment equal to the Fair
Market Value of such fraction of a Share or will be rounded up to the nearest
whole Share, as determined by the Committee.

               3. ELIGIBILITY. ISOs (as defined in Section 5 below) may be
granted only to employees (including officers and directors who are also
employees) of the Company or of a Parent or Subsidiary of the Company. All other
Awards may be granted to employees, officers, directors, consultants,
independent contractors and advisors of the Company or any Parent, Subsidiary or
Affiliate of the Company; provided such consultants, contractors and advisors

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render bona fide services not in connection with the offer and sale of
securities in a capital-raising transaction. No person will be eligible to
receive more than 500,000 Shares in any calendar year under this Plan pursuant
to the grant of Awards hereunder, other than new employees of the Company or of
a Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company (including new employees who
are also officers and directors of the Company or any Parent, Subsidiary or
Affiliate of the Company) who are eligible to receive up to a maximum of 700,000
Shares in the calendar year in which they commence their employment. A person
may be granted more than one Award under this Plan.

        4. ADMINISTRATION.

               4.1 Committee Authority. This Plan will be administered by the
Committee or by the Board acting as the Committee. Subject to the general
purposes, terms and conditions of this Plan, and to the direction of the Board,
the Committee will have full power to implement and carry out this Plan. Without
limitation, the Committee will have the authority to:

        (a)    construe and interpret this Plan, any Award Agreement and any
               other agreement or document executed pursuant to this Plan;

        (b)    prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to
               this Plan or any Award;

        (c)    select persons to receive Awards;

        (d)    determine the form and terms of Awards;

        (e)    determine the number of Shares or other consideration subject to
               Awards;

        (f)    determine whether Awards will be granted singly, in combination
               with, in tandem with, in replacement of, or as alternatives to,
               other Awards under this Plan or any other incentive or
               compensation plan of the Company or any Parent, Subsidiary or
               Affiliate of the Company;

        (g)    grant waivers of Plan or Award conditions;

        (h)    determine the vesting, exercisability and payment of Awards;

        (i)    correct any defect, supply any omission or reconcile any
               inconsistency in this Plan, any Award or any Award Agreement;

        (j)    determine whether an Award has been earned; and

        (k)    make all other determinations necessary or advisable for the
               administration of this Plan.

               4.2 Committee Discretion. Any determination made by the Committee
with respect to any Award will be made in its sole discretion at the time of
grant of the Award or, unless in contravention of any express term of this Plan
or Award, at any later time, and such determination will be final and binding on
the Company and on all persons having an interest in


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any Award under this Plan. The Committee may delegate to one or more officers of
the Company the authority to grant an Award under this Plan to Participants who
are not Insiders of the Company.

               4.3 Exchange Act Requirements. The Committee will be comprised of
at least two (2) members of the Board, all of whom are Outside Directors.

        5. OPTIONS. The Committee may grant Options to eligible persons and will
determine whether such Options will be Incentive Stock Options within the
meaning of the Code ("ISOS") or Nonqualified Stock Options ("NQSOS"), the number
of Shares subject to the Option, the Exercise Price of the Option, the period
during which the Option may be exercised, and all other terms and conditions of
the Option, subject to the following:

               5.1 Form of Option Grant. Each Option granted under this Plan
will be evidenced by an Award Agreement which will expressly identify the Option
as an ISO or an NQSO ("STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT"), and will be in such form and
contain such provisions (which need not be the same for each Participant) as the
Committee may from time to time approve, and which will comply with and be
subject to the terms and conditions of this Plan.

               5.2 Date of Grant. The date of grant of an Option will be the
date on which the Committee makes the determination to grant such Option, unless
otherwise specified by the Committee. The Stock Option Agreement and a copy of
this Plan will be delivered to the Participant within a reasonable time after
the granting of the Option.

               5.3 Exercise Period. Options will be exercisable within the times
or upon the events determined by the Committee as set forth in the Stock Option
Agreement governing such Option; provided, however, that no Option will be
exercisable after the expiration of ten (10) years from the date the Option is
granted; and provided further that no ISO granted to a person who directly or by
attribution owns more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power
of all classes of stock of the Company or of any Parent or Subsidiary of the
Company ("TEN PERCENT STOCKHOLDER") will be exercisable after the expiration of
five (5) years from the date the ISO is granted. The Committee also may provide
for the exercise of Options to become exercisable at one time or from time to
time, periodically or otherwise, in such number of Shares or percentage of
Shares as the Committee determines.

               5.4 Exercise Price. The Exercise Price of an Option will be
determined by the Committee when the Option is granted and may be not less than
100% of the Fair Market Value of the Shares on the date of grant; provided that:
the Exercise Price of any ISO granted to a Ten Percent Shareholder will not be
less than 110% of the Fair Market Value of the Shares on the date of grant.
Payment for the Shares purchased may be made in accordance with Section 8 of
this Plan.

               5.5 Method of Exercise. Options may be exercised only by delivery
to the Company of a written stock option exercise agreement (the "EXERCISE
AGREEMENT") in a form approved by the Committee (which need not be the same for
each Participant), stating the number of Shares being purchased, the
restrictions imposed on the Shares purchased under such Exercise Agreement, if
any, and such representations and agreements regarding Participant's investment
intent and access to information and other matters, if any, as may be required
or


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desirable by the Company to comply with applicable securities laws, together
with payment in full of the Exercise Price for the number of Shares being
purchased.

               5.6 Termination. Notwithstanding the exercise periods set forth
in the Stock Option Agreement, exercise of an Option will always be subject to
the following:

        (a)    If the Participant is Terminated for any reason except death or
               Disability, then the Participant may exercise such Participant's
               Options only to the extent that such Options would have been
               exercisable upon the Termination Date no later than three (3)
               months after the Termination Date (or such shorter or longer time
               period not exceeding five (5) years as may be determined by the
               Committee, with any exercise beyond three (3) months after the
               Termination Date deemed to be an NQSO), but in any event, no
               later than the expiration date of the Options.

        (b)    If the Participant is Terminated because of Participant's death
               or Disability (or the Participant dies within three (3) months
               after a Termination other than because of Participant's death or
               disability), then Participant's Options may be exercised only to
               the extent that such Options would have been exercisable by
               Participant on the Termination Date and must be exercised by
               Participant (or Participant's legal representative or authorized
               assignee) no later than twelve (12) months after the Termination
               Date (or such shorter or longer time period not exceeding five
               (5) years as may be determined by the Committee, with any such
               exercise beyond (a) three (3) months after the Termination Date
               when the Termination is for any reason other than the
               Participant's death or Disability, or (b) twelve (12) months
               after the Termination Date when the Termination is for
               Participant's death or Disability, deemed to be an NQSO), but in
               any event no later than the expiration date of the Options.

               5.7 Limitations on Exercise. The Committee may specify a
reasonable minimum number of Shares that may be purchased on any exercise of an
Option, provided that such minimum number will not prevent Participant from
exercising the Option for the full number of Shares for which it is then
exercisable.

               5.8 Limitations on ISOs. The aggregate Fair Market Value
(determined as of the date of grant) of Shares with respect to which ISOs are
exercisable for the first time by a Participant during any calendar year (under
this Plan or under any other incentive stock option plan of the Company or any
Affiliate, Parent or Subsidiary of the Company) will not exceed $100,000. If the
Fair Market Value of Shares on the date of grant with respect to which ISOs are
exercisable for the first time by a Participant during any calendar year exceeds
$100,000, then the Options for the first $100,000 worth of Shares to become
exercisable in such calendar year will be ISOs and the Options for the amount in
excess of $100,000 that become exercisable in that calendar year will be NQSOs.
In the event that the Code or the regulations promulgated thereunder are amended
after the Effective Date of this Plan to provide for a different limit on the
Fair Market Value of Shares permitted to be subject to ISOs, such different
limit will be automatically incorporated herein and will apply to any Options
granted after the effective date of such amendment.


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               5.9 Modification, Extension or Renewal. Subject to the provisions
of Section 21, the Committee may modify, extend or renew outstanding Options and
authorize the grant of new Options in substitution therefor, provided that any
such action may not, without the written consent of a Participant, impair any of
such Participant's rights under any Option previously granted. Any outstanding
ISO that is modified, extended, renewed or otherwise altered will be treated in
accordance with Section 424(h) of the Code.

               5.10 No Disqualification. Notwithstanding any other provision in
this Plan, no term of this Plan relating to ISOs will be interpreted, amended or
altered, nor will any discretion or authority granted under this Plan be
exercised, so as to disqualify this Plan under Section 422 of the Code or,
without the consent of the Participant affected, to disqualify any ISO under
Section 422 of the Code.

        6. RESTRICTED STOCK. A Restricted Stock Award is an offer by the Company
to sell to an eligible person Shares that are subject to restrictions. The
Committee will determine to whom an offer will be made, the number of Shares the
person may purchase, the price to be paid (the "PURCHASE PRICE"), the
restrictions to which the Shares will be subject, and all other terms and
conditions of the Restricted Stock Award, subject to the following:

               6.1 Form of Restricted Stock Award. All purchases under a
Restricted Stock Award made pursuant to this Plan will be evidenced by an Award
Agreement ("RESTRICTED STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT") that will be in such form
(which need not be the same for each Participant) as the Committee will from
time to time approve, and will comply with and be subject to the terms and
conditions of this Plan. The offer of Restricted Stock will be accepted by the
Participant's execution and delivery of the Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement
and full payment for the Shares to the Company within thirty (30) days from the
date the Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement is delivered to the person. If such
person does not execute and deliver the Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement
along with full payment for the Shares to the Company within thirty (30) days,
then the offer will terminate, unless otherwise determined by the Committee.

               6.2 Purchase Price. The Purchase Price of Shares sold pursuant to
a Restricted Stock Award will be determined by the Committee and will be at
least 100% of the Fair Market Value of the Shares on the date the Restricted
Stock Award is granted. Payment of the Purchase Price may be made in accordance
with Section 8 of this Plan.

               6.3 Restrictions. Restricted Stock Awards will be subject to such
restrictions (if any) as the Committee may impose. The Committee may provide for
the lapse of such restrictions in installments and may accelerate or waive such
restrictions, in whole or part, based on length of service, performance or such
other factors or criteria as the Committee may determine. The total amount of
Shares subject to combined Restricted Stock Awards under this Section 6 and
Stock Bonus Awards under Section 7 shall not exceed 10% of the total Shares
approved for award under this Plan.


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        7. STOCK BONUSES.

               7.1 Awards of Stock Bonuses. A Stock Bonus is an award of Shares
(which may consist of Restricted Stock) for services rendered to the Company or
any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company. A Stock Bonus may be awarded
for past services already rendered to the Company, or any Parent, Subsidiary or
Affiliate of the Company (provided that the Participant pays the Company the par
value of the Shares awarded by such Stock Bonus in cash) pursuant to an Award
Agreement (the "STOCK BONUS AGREEMENT") that will be in such form (which need
not be the same for each Participant) as the Committee will from time to time
approve, and will comply with and be subject to the terms and conditions of this
Plan. A Stock Bonus may be awarded upon satisfaction of such performance goals
as are set out in advance in the Participant's individual Award Agreement (the
"PERFORMANCE STOCK BONUS AGREEMENT") that will be in such form (which need not
be the same for each Participant) as the Committee will from time to time
approve, and will comply with and be subject to the terms and conditions of this
Plan. Stock Bonuses may vary from Participant to Participant and between groups
of Participants, and may be based upon the achievement of the Company, Parent,
Subsidiary or Affiliate and/or individual performance factors or upon such other
criteria as the Committee may determine.

               7.2 Terms of Stock Bonuses. The Committee will determine the
number of Shares to be awarded to the Participant and whether such Shares will
be Restricted Stock. If the Stock Bonus is being earned upon the satisfaction of
performance goals pursuant to a Performance Stock Bonus Agreement, then the
Committee will determine: (a) the nature, length and starting date of any period
during which performance is to be measured (the "PERFORMANCE PERIOD") for each
Stock Bonus; (b) the performance goals and criteria to be used to measure the
performance, if any; (c) the number of Shares that may be awarded to the
Participant; and (d) the extent to which such Stock Bonuses have been earned.
Performance Periods may overlap and Participants may participate simultaneously
with respect to Stock Bonuses that are subject to different Performance Periods
and different performance goals and other criteria. The number of Shares may be
fixed or may vary in accordance with such performance goals and criteria as may
be determined by the Committee. The Committee may adjust the performance goals
applicable to the Stock Bonuses to take into account changes in law and
accounting or tax rules and to make such adjustments as the Committee deems
necessary or appropriate to reflect the impact of extraordinary or unusual
items, events or circumstances to avoid windfalls or hardships.

               7.3 Form of Payment. The earned portion of a Stock Bonus may be
paid currently or on a deferred basis with such interest or dividend equivalent,
if any, as the Committee may determine. Payment may be made in the form of cash,
whole Shares, including Restricted Stock, or a combination thereof, either in a
lump sum payment or in installments, all as the Committee will determine.

               7.4 Termination During Performance Period. If a Participant is
Terminated during a Performance Period for any reason, then such Participant
will be entitled to payment (whether in Shares, cash or otherwise) with respect
to the Stock Bonus only to the extent earned as of the date of Termination in
accordance with the Performance Stock Bonus Agreement, unless the Committee will
determine otherwise.


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        8. PAYMENT FOR SHARE PURCHASES.

               8.1 Payment. Payment for Shares purchased pursuant to this Plan
may be made in cash (by check) or, where expressly approved for the Participant
by the Committee and where permitted by law:

        (a)    by cancellation of indebtedness of the Company to the
               Participant;

        (b)    by surrender of shares that either: (1) have been owned by
               Participant for more than six (6) months and have been paid for
               within the meaning of SEC Rule 144 (and, if such shares were
               purchased from the Company by use of a promissory note, such note
               has been fully paid with respect to such shares); or (2) were
               obtained by Participant in the public market;

        (c)    by tender of a full recourse promissory note having such terms as
               may be approved by the Committee and bearing interest at a rate
               sufficient to avoid adverse accounting consequences and
               imputation of income under Sections 483 and 1274 of the Code.

        (d)    by waiver of compensation due or accrued to the Participant for
               services rendered; provided, further, that the portion of the
               Purchase Price equal to the par value of the Shares, if any, must
               be paid in cash;

        (e)    with respect only to purchases upon exercise of an Option, and
               provided that a public market for the Company's stock exists:

               (1)    through a "same day sale" commitment from the Participant
                      and a broker-dealer that is a member of the National
                      Association of Securities Dealers (an "NASD DEALER")
                      whereby the Participant irrevocably elects to exercise the
                      Option and to sell a portion of the Shares so purchased to
                      pay for the Exercise Price, and whereby the NASD Dealer
                      irrevocably commits upon receipt of such Shares to forward
                      the Exercise Price directly to the Company; or

               (2)    through a "margin" commitment from the Participant and a
                      NASD Dealer whereby the Participant irrevocably elects to
                      exercise the Option and to pledge the Shares so purchased
                      to the NASD Dealer in a margin account as security for a
                      loan from the NASD Dealer in the amount of the Exercise
                      Price, and whereby the NASD Dealer irrevocably commits
                      upon receipt of such Shares to forward the Exercise Price
                      directly to the Company; or

        (f)    by any combination of the foregoing.

               8.2 Loan Guarantees. The Committee may help the Participant pay
for Shares purchased under this Plan by authorizing a guarantee by the Company
of a third-party loan to the Participant.


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        9. WITHHOLDING TAXES.

               9.1 Withholding Generally. Whenever Shares are to be issued in
satisfaction of Awards granted under this Plan, the Company may require the
Participant to remit to the Company an amount sufficient to satisfy federal,
state and local withholding tax requirements prior to the delivery of any
certificate or certificates for such Shares. Whenever, under this Plan, payments
in satisfaction of Awards are to be made in cash, such payment will be net of an
amount sufficient to satisfy federal, state, and local withholding tax
requirements.

               9.2 Stock Withholding. When, under applicable tax laws, a
Participant incurs tax liability in connection with the exercise or vesting of
any Award that is subject to tax withholding and the Participant is obligated to
pay the Company the amount required to be withheld, the Committee may allow the
Participant to satisfy the minimum withholding tax obligation by electing to
have the Company withhold from the Shares to be issued that number of Shares
having a Fair Market Value equal to the minimum amount required to be withheld,
determined on the date that the amount of tax to be withheld is to be determined
(the "TAX DATE"). All elections by a Participant to have Shares withheld for
this purpose will be made in accordance with the requirements established by the
Committee and be in writing in a form acceptable to the Committee.

        10. PRIVILEGES OF STOCK OWNERSHIP.

               10.1 Voting and Dividends. No Participant will have any of the
rights of a stockholder with respect to any Shares until the Shares are issued
to the Participant. After Shares are issued to the Participant, the Participant
will be a stockholder and have all the rights of a stockholder with respect to
such Shares, including the right to vote and receive all dividends or other
distributions made or paid with respect to such Shares; provided, that if such
Shares are Restricted Stock, then any new, additional or different securities
the Participant may become entitled to receive with respect to such Shares by
virtue of a stock dividend, stock split or any other change in the corporate or
capital structure of the Company will be subject to the same restrictions as the
Restricted Stock.

               10.2 Financial Statements. The Company will provide financial
statements to each Participant prior to such Participant's purchase of Shares
under this Plan, and to each Participant annually during the period such
Participant has Awards outstanding; provided, however, the Company will not be
required to provide such financial statements to Participants whose services in
connection with the Company assure them access to equivalent information.


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        11. TRANSFERABILITY.

               11.1 Except as otherwise provided in this Section 11, Awards
granted under this Plan, and any interest therein, will not be transferable or
assignable by Participant, and may not be made subject to execution, attachment
or similar process, otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent and
distribution or as determined by the Committee and set forth in the Award
Agreement with respect to Awards that are not ISOs.

               11.2 All Awards other than NQSOs. All Awards other than NQSOs
shall be exercisable: (i) during the Participant's lifetime, only by (A) the
Participant, or (B) the Participant's guardian or legal representative; and (ii)
after Participant's death, by the legal representative of the Participant's
heirs or legatees.

        11.3 NQSOs. Unless otherwise restricted by the Committee, an NQSO shall
be exercisable: (i) during the Participant's lifetime only by (A) the
Participant; (B) the Participant's guardian or legal representative, (C) a
Family Member of the Participant who has acquired the NQSO by "permitted
transfer;" and (ii) after Participant's death, by the legal representative of
the Participant's heirs or legatees. "Permitted transfer" means, as authorized
by this Plan and the Committee in an NQSO, any transfer effected by the
Participant during the Participant's lifetime of an interest in such NQSO but
only such transfers which are by gift or domestic relations order. A permitted
transfer does not include any transfer for value and neither of the following
are transfers for value: (a) a transfer of under a domestic relations order in
settlement of marital property rights or (b) a transfer to an entity in which
more than fifty percent of the voting interests are owned by Family Members or
the Participant in exchange for an interest in that entity.

        12. CERTIFICATES. All certificates for Shares or other securities
delivered under this Plan will be subject to such stock transfer orders, legends
and other restrictions as the Committee may deem necessary or advisable,
including restrictions under any applicable federal, state or foreign securities
law, or any rules, regulations and other requirements of the SEC or any stock
exchange or automated quotation system upon which the Shares may be listed or
quoted.

        13. ESCROW; PLEDGE OF SHARES. To enforce any restrictions on a
Participant's Shares, the Committee may require the Participant to deposit all
certificates representing Shares, together with stock powers or other
instruments of transfer approved by the Committee, appropriately endorsed in
blank, with the Company or an agent designated by the Company to hold in escrow
until such restrictions have lapsed or terminated, and the Committee may cause a
legend or legends referencing such restrictions to be placed on the
certificates. Any Participant who is permitted to execute a promissory note as
partial or full consideration for the purchase of Shares under this Plan will be
required to pledge and deposit with the Company all or part of the Shares so
purchased as collateral to secure the payment of Participant's obligation to the
Company under the promissory note; provided, however, that the Committee may
require or accept other or additional forms of collateral to secure the payment
of such obligation and, in any event, the Company will have full recourse
against the Participant under the promissory note notwithstanding any pledge of
the Participant's Shares or other collateral. In connection with any pledge of
the Shares, Participant will be required to execute and deliver a written pledge
agreement in such form as the Committee will from time to time approve. The
Shares purchased


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with the promissory note may be released from the pledge on a pro rata basis as
the promissory note is paid.

        14. EXCHANGE AND BUYOUT OF AWARDS. The Committee may, at any time or
from time to time, authorize the Company, with the consent of the respective
Participants, to issue new Awards in exchange for the surrender and cancellation
of any or all outstanding Awards. The Committee may at any time buy from a
Participant an Award previously granted with payment in cash, Shares (including
Restricted Stock) or other consideration, based on such terms and conditions as
the Committee and the Participant may agree.

        15. SECURITIES LAW AND OTHER REGULATORY COMPLIANCE. An Award will not be
effective unless such Award is in compliance with all applicable federal and
state securities laws, rules and regulations of any governmental body, and the
requirements of any stock exchange or automated quotation system upon which the
Shares may then be listed or quoted, as they are in effect on the date of grant
of the Award and also on the date of exercise or other issuance. Notwithstanding
any other provision in this Plan, the Company will have no obligation to issue
or deliver certificates for Shares under this Plan prior to: (a) obtaining any
approvals from governmental agencies that the Company determines are necessary
or advisable; and/or (b) completion of any registration or other qualification
of such Shares under any state or federal law or ruling of any governmental body
that the Company determines to be necessary or advisable. The Company will be
under no obligation to register the Shares with the SEC or to effect compliance
with the registration, qualification or listing requirements of any state
securities laws, stock exchange or automated quotation system, and the Company
will have no liability for any inability or failure to do so.

        16. NO OBLIGATION TO EMPLOY. Nothing in this Plan or any Award granted
under this Plan will confer or be deemed to confer on any Participant any right
to continue in the employ of, or to continue any other relationship with, the
Company or any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company or limit in any
way the right of the Company or any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate of the
Company to terminate Participant's employment or other relationship at any time,
with or without cause.

        17. CORPORATE TRANSACTIONS.

               17.1 Assumption or Replacement of Awards by Successor. In the
event of (a) a dissolution or liquidation of the Company, (b) a merger or
consolidation in which the Company is not the surviving corporation (other than
a merger or consolidation with a wholly-owned subsidiary, a reincorporation of
the Company in a different jurisdiction, or other transaction in which there is
no substantial change in the stockholders of the Company or their relative stock
holdings and the Awards granted under this Plan are assumed, converted or
replaced by the successor corporation, which assumption will be binding on all
Participants), (c) a merger in which the Company is the surviving corporation
but after which the stockholders of the Company (other than any stockholder
which merges (or which owns or controls another corporation which merges) with
the Company in such merger) cease to own their shares or other equity interests
in the Company, (d) the sale of substantially all of the assets of the Company,
or (e) any other transaction which qualifies as a "corporate transaction" under
Section 424(a) of the Code wherein the stockholders of the Company give up all
of their equity interest in the Company (except for the acquisition, sale or
transfer of all or substantially all of the outstanding


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shares of the Company from or by the stockholders of the Company), any or all
outstanding Awards may be assumed, converted or replaced by the successor
corporation (if any), which assumption, conversion or replacement will be
binding on all Participants. In the alternative, the successor corporation may
substitute equivalent Awards or provide substantially similar consideration to
Participants as was provided to stockholders (after taking into account the
existing provisions of the Awards). The successor corporation may also issue, in
place of outstanding Shares of the Company held by the Participant,
substantially similar shares or other property subject to repurchase
restrictions no less favorable to the Participant. In the event such successor
corporation (if any) refuses to assume or substitute Options, as provided above,
pursuant to a transaction described in this Subsection 18.1, such Options will
expire on such transaction at such time and on such conditions as the Board will
determine.

               17.2 Other Treatment of Awards. Subject to any greater rights
granted to Participants under the foregoing provisions of this Section 18, in
the event of the occurrence of any transaction described in Section 18.1, any
outstanding Awards will be treated as provided in the applicable agreement or
plan of merger, consolidation, dissolution, liquidation, sale of assets or other
"corporate transaction."

               17.3 Assumption of Awards by the Company. The Company, from time
to time, also may substitute or assume outstanding awards granted by another
company, whether in connection with an acquisition of such other company or
otherwise, by either; (a) granting an Award under this Plan in substitution of
such other company's award; or (b) assuming such award as if it had been granted
under this Plan if the terms of such assumed award could be applied to an Award
granted under this Plan. Such substitution or assumption will be permissible if
the holder of the substituted or assumed award would have been eligible to be
granted an Award under this Plan if the other company had applied the rules of
this Plan to such grant. In the event the Company assumes an award granted by
another company, the terms and conditions of such award will remain unchanged
(except that the exercise price and the number and nature of Shares issuable
upon exercise of any such option will be adjusted appropriately pursuant to
Section 424(a) of the Code). In the event the Company elects to grant a new
Option rather than assuming an existing option, such new Option may be granted
with a similarly adjusted Exercise Price.

        18. ADOPTION AND STOCKHOLDER APPROVAL. This Plan will become effective
on the date the Plan is adopted by the Board (the "Effective Date"). This Plan
shall be approved by the stockholders of the Company (excluding Shares issued
pursuant to this Plan), consistent with applicable laws, within twelve (12)
months before or after the date this Plan is adopted by the Board. Upon the
Effective Date, the Committee may grant Awards pursuant to this Plan; provided,
however, that: (a) no Option may be exercised prior to initial stockholder
approval of this Plan; (b) no Option granted pursuant to an increase in the
number of Shares subject to this Plan approved by the Board will be exercised
prior to the time such increase has been approved by the stockholders of the
Company; and (c) in the event that stockholder approval of such increase is not
obtained within the time period provided herein, all Awards granted hereunder
will be canceled, any Shares issued pursuant to any Award will be canceled, and
any purchase of Shares hereunder will be rescinded.

        19. TERM OF PLAN/GOVERNING LAW. Unless earlier terminated as provided
herein, this Plan will terminate ten (10) years from the date this Plan is
adopted by the


                                       11
<PAGE>   12
Board or, if earlier, the date of stockholder approval. The Plan and all
agreements thereunder shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the
laws of the State of California.

        20. AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION OF PLAN. The Board may at any time
terminate or amend this Plan in any respect, including without limitation
amendment of any form of Award Agreement or instrument to be executed pursuant
to this Plan; provided, however, that the Board will not, without the approval
of the stockholders of the Company, amend this Plan in any manner that requires
such stockholder approval.

        21. NONEXCLUSIVITY OF THE PLAN. Neither the adoption of this Plan by the
Board, the submission of this Plan to the stockholders of the Company for
approval, nor any provision of this Plan will be construed as creating any
limitations on the power of the Board to adopt such additional compensation
arrangements as it may deem desirable, including, without limitation, the
granting of stock options and bonuses otherwise than under this Plan, and such
arrangements may be either generally applicable or applicable only in specific
cases.

        22. DEFINITIONS. As used in this Plan, the following terms will have the
following meanings:

               "AFFILIATE" means any corporation that directly, or indirectly
through one or more intermediaries, controls or is controlled by, or is under
common control with, another corporation, where "control" (including the terms
"controlled by" and "under common control with") means the possession, direct or
indirect, of the power to cause the direction of the management and policies of
the corporation, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract
or otherwise.

               "AWARD" means any award under this Plan, including any Option,
Restricted Stock or Stock Bonus.

               "AWARD AGREEMENT" means, with respect to each Award, the signed
written agreement between the Company and the Participant setting forth the
terms and conditions of the Award.

               "BOARD" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

               "CODE" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

               "COMMITTEE" means the committee appointed by the Board to
administer this Plan, or if no such committee is appointed, the Board.

               "COMPANY" means HNC Software Inc., a corporation organized under
the laws of the State of Delaware, or any successor corporation.

               "DISABILITY" means a disability, whether temporary or permanent,
partial or total, within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code, as
determined by the Committee.

               "EXCHANGE ACT" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.


                                       12
<PAGE>   13
               "EXERCISE PRICE" means the price at which a holder of an Option
may purchase the Shares issuable upon exercise of the Option.

               "FAIR MARKET VALUE" means, as of any date, the value of a share
of the Company's Common Stock determined as follows:

        (a)    if such Common Stock is then quoted on the Nasdaq National
               Market, its closing price on the Nasdaq National Market on the
               date of determination (if such day is a trading day) as reported
               in The Wall Street Journal, and, if such date of determination is
               not a trading day, then on the last trading day prior to the date
               of determination;

        (b)    if such Common Stock is publicly traded and is then listed on a
               national securities exchange, its closing price on the last
               trading day prior to the date of determination on the principal
               national securities exchange on which the Common Stock is listed
               or admitted to trading as reported in The Wall Street Journal;

        (c)    if such Common Stock is publicly traded but is not quoted on the
               Nasdaq National Market nor listed or admitted to trading on a
               national securities exchange, the average of the closing bid and
               asked prices on the last trading day prior to the date of
               determination as reported in The Wall Street Journal; or

        (d)    if none of the foregoing is applicable, by the Committee in good
               faith.

               "INSIDER" means an officer or director of the Company or any
other person whose transactions in the Company's Common Stock are subject to
Section 16 of the Exchange Act.

               "OUTSIDE DIRECTOR" means any director who is both a "non-employee
director" as defined in Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act and an "outside
director" for purposes of Code Section 162(m).

               "OPTION" means an award of an option to purchase Shares pursuant
to Section 5.

               "PARENT" means any corporation (other than the Company) in an
unbroken chain of corporations ending with the Company, if at the time of the
granting of an Award under this Plan, each of such corporations other than the
Company owns stock possessing 50% or more of the total combined voting power of
all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain.

               "PARTICIPANT" means a person who receives an Award under this
Plan.

               "PLAN" means this HNC Software Inc. 1995 Equity Incentive Plan,
as amended from time to time.

               "RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD" means an award of Shares pursuant to
Section 6.


                                       13
<PAGE>   14
               "SEC" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

               "SECURITIES ACT" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

               "SHARES" means shares of the Company's Common Stock reserved for
issuance under this Plan, as adjusted pursuant to Sections 2 and 18, and any
successor security.

               "STOCK BONUS" means an award of Shares, or cash in lieu of
Shares, pursuant to Section 7.

               "SUBSIDIARY" means any corporation (other than the Company) in an
unbroken chain of corporations beginning with the Company if, at the time of
granting of the Award, each of the corporations other than the last corporation
in the unbroken chain owns stock possessing 50% or more of the total combined
voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such
chain.

               "TERMINATION" or "TERMINATED" means, for purposes of this Plan
with respect to a Participant, that the Participant has for any reason ceased to
provide services as an employee, director, consultant, independent contractor or
advisor to the Company or a Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company,
except in the case of sick leave, military leave, or any other leave of absence
approved by the Committee, provided that such leave is for a period of not more
than ninety (90) days, or reinstatement upon the expiration of such leave is
guaranteed by contract or statute. The Committee will have sole discretion to
determine whether a Participant has ceased to provide services and the effective
date on which the Participant ceased to provide services (the "TERMINATION
DATE").


                                       14
<PAGE>   15
                                                                    NO.

                                HNC SOFTWARE INC.

                           2001 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

                             STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT


        This Stock Option Agreement (this "AGREEMENT") is made and entered into
as of the date of grant set forth below (the "DATE OF GRANT") by and between HNC
Software Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "COMPANY"), and the participant named
below ("PARTICIPANT"). Capitalized terms not defined herein shall have the
meaning ascribed to them in the Company's 2001 Equity Incentive Plan (the
"PLAN").

PARTICIPANT:
                              --------------------------------------------------
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER:
                              --------------------------------------------------
PARTICIPANT'S ADDRESS:
                              --------------------------------------------------
TOTAL OPTION SHARES:
                              --------------------------------------------------
EXERCISE PRICE PER SHARE:
                              --------------------------------------------------
DATE OF GRANT:
                              --------------------------------------------------
EXPIRATION DATE:
                              --------------------------------------------------
TYPE OF STOCK OPTION:        INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION
REASON FOR GRANT:            [ ] NEW HIRE           [ ] PROMOTION      [ ] OTHER

        1. GRANT OF OPTION. The Company hereby grants to Participant an option
(this "OPTION") to purchase up to the total number of shares of Common Stock of
the Company set forth above (collectively, the "SHARES") at the Exercise Price
Per Share set forth above (the "EXERCISE PRICE"), subject to all of the terms
and conditions of this Agreement and the Plan. If designated as an Incentive
Stock Option above, this Option is intended to qualify as an "incentive stock
option" ("ISO") within the meaning of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended (the "CODE").

        2. VESTING; EXERCISE PERIOD.

               2.1 Vesting of Right to Exercise Option. This Option shall become
exercisable as to portions of the Shares as follows: (a) this Option shall not
be exercisable with respect to any of the Shares until ____________ (the "FIRST
VESTING DATE"); (b) if Participant has continuously provided services to the
Company or any Subsidiary, Parent or Affiliate of the Company from the Date of
Grant through the First Vesting Date and has not been Terminated on or before
the First Vesting Date, then on the First Vesting Date this Option shall become
exercisable as to twenty-five percent (25%) of the Shares; and (c) thereafter,
so long as

<PAGE>   16
                                                               HNC Software Inc.
                                                      2001 Equity Incentive Plan
                                                          Stock Option Agreement

Participant continuously provides services to the Company or any Subsidiary,
Parent or Affiliate of the Company and is not Terminated, on the first
anniversary of the First Vesting Date and on each successive anniversary of the
First Vesting Date thereafter, this Option shall become exercisable as to an
additional twenty-five percent (25%) of the Shares; provided that this Option
shall in no event ever become exercisable with respect to more than 100% of the
Shares.

               2.2 Expiration. This Option shall expire on the Expiration Date
set forth above and must be exercised, if at all, on or before the earlier of
the Expiration Date or the date on which this Option is earlier terminated in
accordance with the provisions of Section 3.

        3. TERMINATION.

               3.1 Termination for Any Reason Except Death or Disability. If
Participant is Terminated for any reason, except Participant's death or
Disability, then this Option, to the extent (and only to the extent) that it
would have been exercisable by Participant on the date of Termination, may be
exercised by Participant no later than three (3) months after the date of
Termination (or seven (7) months after the date of Termination if the Company is
then subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act and Participant's transactions in
securities of the Company were subject to Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act on
the date of Termination), but in any event no later than the Expiration Date.

               3.2 Termination Because of Death or Disability. If Participant is
Terminated because of death or Disability of Participant, then this Option, to
the extent that it is exercisable by Participant on the date of Termination, may
be exercised by Participant (or Participant's legal representative) no later
than twelve (12) months after the date of Termination, but in any event no later
than the Expiration Date.

               3.3 No Obligation to Employ. Nothing in the Plan or this
Agreement shall confer on Participant any right to continue in the employ of, or
other relationship with, the Company or any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate of
the Company, or limit in any way the right of the Company or any Parent,
Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company to terminate Participant's employment or
other relationship at any time, with or without cause.

        4. MANNER OF EXERCISE.

               4.1 Stock Option Exercise Agreement. To exercise this Option,
Participant (or in the case of exercise after Participant's death, Participant's
executor, administrator, heir or legatee, as the case may be) must deliver to
the Company an executed stock option exercise agreement in the form attached
hereto as Exhibit A, or in such other form as may be approved by the Company
from time to time (the "EXERCISE AGREEMENT"), which shall set forth, inter alia,
Participant's election to exercise this Option, the number of Shares being
purchased, any restrictions imposed on the Shares and any representations,
warranties and agreements regarding Participant's investment intent and access
to information as may be required by the Company to comply with applicable
securities laws. If someone other than


                                       2
<PAGE>   17
                                                               HNC Software Inc.
                                                      2001 Equity Incentive Plan
                                                          Stock Option Agreement


Participant exercises this Option, then such person must submit documentation
reasonably acceptable to the Company that such person has the right to exercise
this Option.

               4.2 Limitations on Exercise. This Option may not be exercised
unless such exercise is in compliance with all applicable federal and state
securities laws, as they are in effect on the date of exercise. This Option may
not be exercised as to fewer than 100 Shares unless it is exercised as to all
Shares as to which this Option is then exercisable.

               4.3 Payment. The Exercise Agreement shall be accompanied by full
payment of the Exercise Price for the Shares being purchased in cash (by check),
or where permitted by law:

        (a)    by cancellation of indebtedness of the Company to the
               Participant;

        (b)    by surrender of shares of the Company's Common Stock that either:
               (1) have been owned by Participant for more than six (6) months
               and have been paid for within the meaning of SEC Rule 144 (and,
               if such shares were purchased from the Company by use of a
               promissory note, such note has been fully paid with respect to
               such shares); or (2) were obtained by Participant in the open
               public market; and (3) are clear of all liens, claims,
               encumbrances or security interests;

        (c)    by waiver of compensation due or accrued to Participant for
               services rendered;

        (d)    provided that a public market for the Company's stock exists: (1)
               through a "same day sale" commitment from Participant and a
               broker-dealer that is a member of the National Association of
               Securities Dealers (an "NASD DEALER") whereby Participant
               irrevocably elects to exercise this Option and to sell a portion
               of the Shares so purchased to pay for the exercise price and
               whereby the NASD Dealer irrevocably commits upon receipt of such
               Shares to forward the exercise price directly to the Company; or
               (2) through a "margin" commitment from Participant and a NASD
               Dealer whereby Participant irrevocably elects to exercise this
               Option and to pledge the Shares so purchased to the NASD Dealer
               in a margin account as security for a loan from the NASD Dealer
               in the amount of the exercise price, and whereby the NASD Dealer
               irrevocably commits upon receipt of such Shares to forward the
               exercise price directly to the Company; or

        (e)    by any combination of the foregoing.

               4.4 Tax Withholding. Prior to the issuance of the Shares upon
exercise of this Option, Participant must pay or provide for any applicable
federal or state withholding obligations of the Company. If the Committee
permits, Participant may provide for payment of withholding taxes upon exercise
of this Option by requesting that the Company retain Shares with a Fair Market
Value equal to the minimum amount of taxes required to be withheld. In such
case, the Company shall issue the net number of Shares to the Participant by
deducting the Shares retained from the Shares issuable upon exercise.


                                       3
<PAGE>   18
                                                               HNC Software Inc.
                                                      2001 Equity Incentive Plan
                                                          Stock Option Agreement

               4.5 Issuance of Shares. Provided that the Exercise Agreement and
payment are in form and substance satisfactory to counsel for the Company, the
Company shall issue the Shares registered in the name of Participant,
Participant's authorized assignee, or Participant's legal representative, and
shall deliver certificates representing the Shares with the appropriate legends
affixed thereto.

        5. NOTICE OF DISQUALIFYING DISPOSITION OF ISO SHARES. If this Option is
an ISO, and if Participant sells or otherwise disposes of any of the Shares
acquired pursuant to the ISO on or before the later of (a) the date two (2)
years after the Date of Grant, and (b) the date one (1) year after transfer of
such Shares to Participant upon exercise of this Option, then Participant shall
immediately notify the Company in writing of such disposition. Participant
agrees that Participant may be subject to income tax withholding by the Company
on the compensation income recognized by Participant from the early disposition
by payment in cash or out of the current wages or other compensation payable to
Participant.

        6. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS AND REGULATIONS. The exercise of this Option and
the issuance and transfer of Shares shall be subject to compliance by the
Company and Participant with all applicable requirements of federal and state
securities laws and with all applicable requirements of any stock exchange on
which the Company's Common Stock may be listed at the time of such issuance or
transfer. Participant understands that the Company is under no obligation to
register or qualify the Shares with the Securities and Exchange Commission, any
state securities commission or any stock exchange to effect such compliance.

        7. NONTRANSFERABILITY OF OPTION. This Option may not be transferred in
any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution and may
be exercised during the lifetime of Participant only by Participant. The terms
of this Option shall be binding upon the executors, administrators, successors
and assigns of Participant.

        8. TAX CONSEQUENCES. Set forth below is a brief summary as of the Date
of Grant of some of the federal and California tax consequences of exercise of
this Option and disposition of the Shares. THIS SUMMARY IS NECESSARILY
INCOMPLETE, AND THE TAX LAWS AND REGULATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. PARTICIPANT
SHOULD CONSULT A TAX ADVISOR BEFORE EXERCISING THE OPTION OR DISPOSING OF THE
SHARES.

               8.1 Exercise of ISO. If this Option qualifies as an ISO, there
will be no regular federal or California income tax liability upon the exercise
of this Option, although the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the
Shares on the date of exercise over the Exercise Price will be treated as a tax
preference item for federal income tax purposes and may subject the Participant
to the alternative minimum tax in the year of exercise.

               8.2 Exercise of Nonqualified Stock Option. If this Option does
not qualify as an ISO, there may be a regular federal and California income tax
liability upon the exercise of this Option. Participant will be treated as
having received compensation income


                                       4
<PAGE>   19
                                                               HNC Software Inc.
                                                      2001 Equity Incentive Plan
                                                          Stock Option Agreement

(taxable at ordinary income tax rates) equal to the excess, if any, of the fair
market value of the Shares on the date of exercise over the Exercise Price. The
Company will be required to withhold from Participant's compensation or collect
from Participant and pay to the applicable taxing authorities an amount equal to
a percentage of this compensation income at the time of exercise.

               8.3 Disposition of Shares. If the Shares are held for more than
twelve (12) months after the date of the transfer of the Shares pursuant to the
exercise of this Option (and, in the case of an ISO, are disposed of more than
two (2) years after the Date of Grant), then any gain realized on disposition of
the Shares will be treated as long term capital gain for federal and California
income tax purposes. If Shares purchased under an ISO are disposed of within one
(1) year of exercise or within two (2) years after the Date of Grant, then any
gain realized on such disposition will be treated as compensation income
(taxable at ordinary income rates) to the extent of the excess, if any, of the
fair market value of the Shares on the date of exercise over the Exercise Price.
The Company will be required to withhold from Participant's compensation or
collect from Participant and pay to the applicable taxing authorities an amount
equal to a percentage of this compensation income at the time of exercise.

        9. PRIVILEGES OF STOCK OWNERSHIP. Participant shall not have any of the
rights of a shareholder with respect to any Shares until Participant exercises
this Option and pays the Exercise Price.

        10. INTERPRETATION. Any dispute regarding the interpretation of this
Agreement shall be submitted by Participant or the Company to the Committee for
review. The resolution of such a dispute by the Committee shall be final and
binding on the Company and Participant.

        11. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. The Plan is incorporated herein by reference. This
Agreement and the Plan and the Exercise Agreement constitute the entire
agreement and understanding of the parties hereto with respect to the subject
matter hereof and supersede all prior understandings and agreements with respect
to such subject matter.

        12. NOTICES. Any notice required to be given or delivered to the Company
under the terms of this Agreement shall be in writing and addressed to the
Corporate Secretary of the Company at its principal corporate offices. Any
notice required to be given or delivered to Participant shall be in writing and
addressed to Participant at the address indicated above or to such other address
as such party may designate in writing from time to time to the Company. All
notices shall be deemed to have been given or delivered upon: personal delivery;
three (3) days after deposit in the United States mail by certified or
registered mail (return receipt requested); one (1) business day after deposit
with any return receipt express courier (prepaid); or one (1) business day after
transmission by rapifax or telecopier.

        13. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. The Company may assign any of its rights
under this Agreement. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the
benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company. Subject to the
restrictions on transfer set forth herein, this


                                       5
<PAGE>   20
                                                               HNC Software Inc.
                                                      2001 Equity Incentive Plan
                                                          Stock Option Agreement

Agreement shall be binding upon Participant and Participant's heirs, executors,
administrators, legal representatives, successors and assigns.

        14. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the internal laws of the State of California, without regard to
that body of law pertaining to choice of law or conflict of law.

        15. ACCEPTANCE. Participant hereby acknowledges receipt of a copy of the
Plan and this Agreement. Participant has read and understands the terms and
provisions thereof, and accepts this Option subject to all the terms and
conditions of the Plan and this Agreement. Participant acknowledges that there
may be adverse tax consequences upon exercise of this Option or disposition of
the Shares and that the Company has advised Participant to consult a tax advisor
prior to such exercise or disposition.

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Agreement to be executed
in duplicate by its duly authorized representative and Participant has executed
this Agreement in duplicate as of the Date of Grant.

HNC SOFTWARE INC.                         PARTICIPANT

By:
      -------------------------------     --------------------------------------
                                                       (Signature)

Kenneth J. Saunders
-------------------------------------     --------------------------------------
(Please print name)                                 (Please print name)

Chief Financial Officer
-------------------------------------
(Please print title)

                          [Signature Page to HNC SOFTWARE INC.
                   2001 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT]


                                       6
<PAGE>   21
                                    EXHIBIT A

                                HNC SOFTWARE INC.
                     2001 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN (THE "PLAN")
                         STOCK OPTION EXERCISE AGREEMENT

I hereby elect to purchase the number of shares of Common Stock of HNC SOFTWARE
INC. (the "Company") as set forth below:

<TABLE>
<S>                        <C>                                  <C>                                  <C>
Participant                                                     Number of Shares Exercised:
                           ----------------------------------                                        -------------------------------
Social Security Number:                                         Exercise Price per Share: $
                           ----------------------------------                                        -------------------------------
Address                                                         Total Exercise Price:
                           ----------------------------------                         ----------------------------------------------
                                                                                            (Number of Shares x Price per Share)
                           ----------------------------------

                           ----------------------------------
Daytime Phone:                                                  Date of Option Grant:
                          ----------------------------------                                        -------------------------------
Facsimile Number:                                               Exact Name of Title to Shares:
                          ----------------------------------                                        -------------------------------
                                                                                                      (only complete if purchasing
                                                                                                          and holding shares)
Type of Option:    [ ]    Incentive Stock Option
                   [ ]    Nonqualified Stock Option
</TABLE>

1. DELIVERY OF PURCHASE PRICE. Participant hereby delivers to the Company the
Aggregate Purchase Price, to the extent permitted in the Option Agreement (the
"Option Agreement") as follows (check as applicable and complete):

[ ]     through a "same-day-sale" or "cashless exercise" commitment, delivered
        herewith, from Participant and the NASD Dealer ("Broker") named therein,
        in the amount of _________ (please register the exercised shares in the
        name of the broker listed in item 2 below); or

[ ]     in cash (by check) in the amount of ______ , receipt of which is
        acknowledged by the Company;

[ ]     by cancellation of indebtedness of the Company to Participant in the
        amount of ________;

[ ]     by delivery of _________ fully-paid, nonassessable and vested shares of
        the common stock of the Company owned by Participant for at least six
        (6) months prior to the date hereof (and which have been paid for within
        the meaning of SEC Rule 144), or obtained by Participant in the open
        public market, and owned free and clear of all liens, claims,
        encumbrances or security interests, valued at the current Fair Market
        Value of ______ per share;

[ ]     by the waiver hereby of compensation due or accrued to Participant for
        services rendered in the amount of ______ (except that the par value of
        the Shares is tendered in cash (by check) receipt of which is
        acknowledged by the Company);

[ ]     through a "margin" commitment, delivered herewith from Participant and
        the Broker named therein, in the amount of ______.

2.      DELIVERY OF SHARES. Please complete the information requested below if
        either of the following is applicable (if you are purchasing and
        "holding" the shares and you do not complete the information requested
        below, the shares will be delivered to you via a share certificate
        mailed to your home address):

        -       You are purchasing your shares and wish to have the shares sent
                electronically to your brokerage account. In such case, the
                shares will be registered in the name of the Broker designated
                below.

        -       You elect to purchase the shares through a "same-day-sale" or
                "cashless exercise" or

<PAGE>   22
                                                               HNC Software Inc.
                                                      2001 Equity Incentive Plan
                                                          Stock Option Agreement

                "margin" commitment (the Broker will remit the exercise price
                and applicable withholding taxes, if any, directly to the
                Company).

       Name of Broker:                            Broker Phone:
                              ---------------                    ---------------
       Broker Account Number:                     Broker Fax:
                              ---------------                    ---------------

3. MARKET STANDOFF AGREEMENT. Participant agrees in connection with any
registration of the Company's securities that, upon the request of the Company
or the underwriters managing any public offering of the Company's securities,
Participant will not sell or otherwise dispose of any shares without the prior
written consent of the Company or such underwriters, as the case may be, for a
period of time (not to exceed 180 days) from the effective date of such
registration as the Company or the underwriters may specify for employee
shareholders generally.

4. TAX CONSEQUENCES. PARTICIPANT UNDERSTANDS THAT PARTICIPANT MAY SUFFER ADVERSE
TAX CONSEQUENCES AS A RESULT OF PARTICIPANT'S PURCHASE OR DISPOSITION OF THE
SHARES. PARTICIPANT REPRESENTS THAT PARTICIPANT HAS CONSULTED WITH ANY TAX
CONSULTANT(S) PARTICIPANT DEEMS ADVISABLE IN CONNECTION WITH THE PURCHASE OR
DISPOSITION OF THE SHARES AND THAT PARTICIPANT IS NOT RELYING ON THE COMPANY FOR
ANY TAX ADVICE.

5. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. The Plan and Option Agreement are incorporated herein by
reference. This Exercise Agreement, the Plan and the Option Agreement constitute
the entire agreement and understanding of the parties and supersede in their
entirety all prior understandings and agreements of the Company and Participant
with respect to the subject matter hereof, and are governed by California law
except for that body of law pertaining to choice of law or conflict of law.

Date:
      ------------------------------     ---------------------------------------
                                                Signature of Participant

This is to verify our receipt and acceptance of the attached Exercise Agreement
and our agreement to promptly issue and deliver the shares referred to above,
subject to our receipt of the Aggregate Purchase Price, and taxes due, if any.
The shares, when so issued will be fully paid and nonassessable.

HNC Software Inc.

Date:
      ------------------------------     ---------------------------------------
                                                   Authorized Signature

NOTICE TO BROKER:

HNC'S VERIFICATION IS VALID FOR ONLY 90 DAYS; HOWEVER, IT MAY BE VERBALLY
EXTENDED BY HNC'S STOCK PLAN ADMINISTRATOR BY CALLING 619-799-8275.


                      [Signature Page to HNC SOFTWARE INC.
           2001 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN STOCK OPTION EXERCISE AGREEMENT]


                                       2