The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has launched a credit scoring model developed as part of a technical cooperation programme with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to enhance credit risk assessment by lenders. The Credit Risk Database (CRD) Scoring Model is expected to serve as an additional tool for lenders to analyse the creditworthiness of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). The BSP said the CRD utilises a data-driven approach to boost lenders’ confidence in financing MSMEs, especially those without credit history or enough collateral. BSP Governor Felipe M. Medalla said the CRD scoring model would contribute to bridging the funding gap to MSMEs and enhance credit risk management among financial institutions. JICA has agreed to extend the CRD project period for another year and will extend support for phase 2.