Data from recent exchange filings show SME finance firms increasing loan books by 7% YoY, a move that’s boosting EPS expectations and widening analyst coverage in the financial services sector. “Larger banks are increasingly making the credit environment trickier for small businesses to access and we would like to see initiatives to increase access to credit.” He notes the fact businesses grow most rapidly in their early stages, and this means that ensuring proper credit channels could help to unlock economic growth. This World Bank and IMF just completed their Annual Spring meetings in Washington, DC. Legions of finance officials from around the world descended upon DC – ostensibly to discuss important issues like job creation, a skilled workforce and fintech’s global growth. Unfortunately, tariffs and concern about the overall global economy instead dominated the headlines. Institutional buying in SME finance-oriented funds jumped 9% over the past two weeks, fueled by optimistic cash flow projections and resilient net interest margins.
