The Hong Kong Financial Authority (HKMA) has launched the findings of its newest survey on the credit score situations for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) for the fourth quarter of 2024. Based on the survey, SMEs in Hong Kong skilled broadly secure credit score situations throughout this era.
Credit score Approval Stance Perceptions
The survey reveals a slight shift in SMEs’ notion of banks’ credit score approval stance in comparison with six months prior. Excluding respondents who had been not sure, 70% perceived the credit score approval stance as “comparable” or “simpler” in This autumn 2024, a lower from 76% within the earlier quarter. Conversely, 30% believed the stance had turn out to be “tougher,” up from 24% within the earlier quarter. It’s value noting that these perceptions could in a roundabout way correlate with precise difficulties in acquiring credit score, as they are often influenced by exterior elements akin to media reviews and enterprise situations.
Banks’ Stance on Present Credit score Strains
Amongst SMEs with current credit score traces, none reported a “tighter” stance from banks, a slight enchancment from 1% within the earlier quarter. A “tighter” stance can contain measures like decreasing credit score traces, elevating rates of interest, or imposing further collateral necessities. Nevertheless, this metric could not absolutely mirror the precise credit score provide to SMEs.
New Credit score Purposes
Relating to new credit score purposes, 4% of surveyed SMEs utilized for brand new financial institution credit score in This autumn 2024. Amongst those that had obtained outcomes, 77% reported absolutely or partially profitable purposes, a slight decline from 79% within the earlier quarter. The survey cautions that as a result of small pattern measurement, these outcomes could also be topic to vital fluctuations.
Survey Methodology
The survey, carried out by the Hong Kong Productiveness Council (HKPC) on behalf of the HKMA, covers roughly 2,500 SMEs from varied financial sectors every quarter. Initiated within the third quarter of 2016, it goals to observe SMEs’ entry to financial institution credit score from a demand-side perspective. The survey outcomes are meant to be interpreted alongside different financial and monetary information, as they mirror sentiment which may be influenced by distinctive occasions in the course of the survey interval.
For extra detailed tables and technical info, go to the HKPC web site at HKMA.
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