How bank-specific factors affect access to financing for small and medium enterprises: Evidence from an emerging economy

Abstract

In this study, hypotheses were tested regarding the impact of bank size, ownership structure, branch location, and distress condition on access to financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The empirical analysis was conducted using data obtained from scheduled banks of Bangladesh (banks listed under the Bangladesh Bank Order, 1972) and SMEs operating in Bangladesh. The results suggest that SMEs in Bangladesh have greater access to financing when their application for financing is made to a small bank, a domestic private bank, or a rural branch. Bank distress appears to have a negative impact on the provision of financing to SMEs. SME access to financing is also lower if the application is made to a state-owned bank or a foreign bank.