Finance

The collapse of First Brands demonstrates some of the challenges of private credit, while its use continues to expand. With standard cash-flow-based lending to corporate borrowers slowing, private equity firms and other private credit lenders are looking to collateral as a financing basis. That collateral, while typically consisting of assets …

Africa’s largest country offers opportunity for investors willing to navigate heavy bureaucracy and an unpredictable business environment. In July, Baladna, a Qatari firm famous for raising cows in the desert, signed a $500 million deal with Algeria’s National Investment Fund to launch the first phase of a $3.5 billion agro-industrial …

Home Awards Award Winners World’s Best SME Banks 2026: Western Europe Western Europe’s SMEs are advancing productivity and sustainability through innovation, strategic partnerships, and smart financing. Regional Winner | BBVA Headquartered in Bilbao, Spain, and with branches in more than 25 countries around the world and throughout Europe, BBVA is …

North American SMEs are leveraging innovation and digital finance to sustain growth in an increasingly competitive environment. Regional Winner | Bank of America Bank of America (BofA) serves about one in three small businesses in the United States, lending this group a total of roughly $7.4 billion in 2024. It …

The Middle East’s SME sector is evolving rapidly as banks and entrepreneurs align to diversify economies beyond traditional industries. Regional Winner | Qatar Islamic Bank Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB) is Qatar’s largest Islamic financial institution. It has long played a crucial role in supporting the nation’s SMEs, providing financial products …

Home Awards Award Winners World’s Best SME Banks 2026: Latin America, Central America, and the Caribbean SMEs in Latin America, Central America, and the Caribbean continue to strengthen their competitiveness amid evolving economic and regulatory landscapes. Regional Winners Latin America | BTG Pactual Empresas BTG Pactual Empresas has devoted significant …

In the Asia-Pacific region, SMEs are redefining growth via digital transformation, resilient supply chains, and expanding regional trade. Regional Winner | DBS Bank Its exceptional support for the SME ecosystem has earned DBS Bank this year’s Best SME Bank award in the Asia-Pacific region for the second consecutive year. In …

Small and midsize enterprises (SMEs) across Africa are driving innovation and inclusion despite persistent financing and productivity challenges. Regional Winner | FNB First National Bank (FNB) takes pride in being the largest bank for small and midsize enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa. The bank’s dominance in the field is rooted …

Home Awards Award Winners World’s Best SME Bank 2026: BTG Pactual Empresas BTG Pactual Empresas retains its ranking as the world’s best bank for small and mediumsized enterprises (SMEs). Its tremendous growth in the SME sector justifies this ranking. SME lending has increased 28% year over year, with lending to …

At Sibos 2025, Gilly Wright, Global Finance’s Technology and Transaction Banking editor, interviews Isaac Kamuta, Group Head, Payments, Cash Management & Client Access at Ecobank, about its solutions for helping clients collect and make payments and manage liquidity, supporting their growth objectives within and across Africa. Ecobank, which has consistently …