In the post-global financial crisis era, governments the world over are battling to get more bank financing to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which today are widely recognized as crucial drivers of growth and employment across economies.

Often, especially during times of financial stress, SMEs find credit in short supply, as lenders judge them too risky to transact with. Consequently, these dynamic companies may struggle to fulfill their full potential as engines of economic development and job creation.

Unlike large companies, which can access capital markets or use cash flow to make large investments, SMEs rely heavily on bank finance to fund growth, but often lack the robust track records they need to borrow at affordable rates.