HKMA Survey Shows Improving SME Credit Access

Hong Kong SME credit conditions remained broadly stable in the first quarter, with 27% of firms reporting difficulties securing credit-line approvals, down from 30% in the previous quarter, according to the Hong Kong Monetary Authority.

The survey of about 2,500 SMEs showed 73% viewed banks’ credit stance as similar or easier, compared with 70% previously.

Among companies with existing credit lines, none reported tighter conditions, improving from 1% in the prior quarter.

Around 2% of respondents applied for new credit, with 91% of those aware of the outcome reporting full or partial success, up from 77%.

The data suggests gradual improvement in Hong Kong SME credit access despite ongoing economic uncertainty.