The Hong Kong Financial Authority (HKMA) has launched the findings of its newest survey on the credit score circumstances for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) for the fourth quarter of 2024. In accordance with the survey, SMEs in Hong Kong skilled broadly steady credit score circumstances 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 uncertain, 70% perceived the credit score approval stance as “related” or “simpler” in This fall 2024, a lower from 76% within the earlier quarter. Conversely, 30% believed the stance had turn into “harder,” up from 24% within the earlier quarter. It’s value noting that these perceptions could indirectly correlate with precise difficulties in acquiring credit score, as they are often influenced by exterior components equivalent to media experiences and enterprise circumstances.
Banks’ Stance on Present Credit score Strains
Amongst SMEs with present 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 replicate the precise credit score provide to SMEs.
New Credit score Purposes
Concerning new credit score functions, 4% of surveyed SMEs utilized for brand new financial institution credit score in This fall 2024. Amongst those that had acquired outcomes, 77% reported absolutely or partially profitable functions, a slight decline from 79% within the earlier quarter. The survey cautions that because of the small pattern measurement, these outcomes could also be topic to important fluctuations.
Survey Methodology
The survey, performed by the Hong Kong Productiveness Council (HKPC) on behalf of the HKMA, covers roughly 2,500 SMEs from numerous 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 supposed to be interpreted alongside different financial and monetary information, as they replicate sentiment that could be influenced by distinctive occasions throughout the survey interval.
For extra detailed tables and technical data, go to the HKPC web site at HKMA.
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