SME Bank Emerges as a Leader in SME Lending with Continued Growth
By the end of 2023, SME Bank held a prominent position in the small and medium-sized enterprise lending market, ranking sixth among sector lenders according to research from the Expert RA rating agency. This standing reflects sustained market penetration and a credible credit portfolio within the SME segment across Russia’s economy.
The bank’s loan portfolio surpassed 73 billion rubles at year-end 2023, marking a year-over-year increase of 23.7 percent from 2022. This growth underscores SME Bank’s ability to expand credit access for small and medium enterprises, including those in manufacturing, tourism, and technology-driven sectors.
Key strategic milestones were achieved after a 9 billion ruble capitalization in 2022. The bank’s leadership emphasized a clear, forward-looking agenda: broaden the reach of financial support while maintaining robust capital adequacy and sustainable profitability. The organization reported profitability in 2022–2023 and a widening scope of financial services delivered to clients.
The head of SME Corporation outlined how internal reforms contributed to this trajectory. Revisions to procedures, enhancements in the scoring framework, and the adoption of digital processes played pivotal roles in improving efficiency and risk assessment. Looking ahead, SME Bank aims to lift its loan portfolio by at least 20 percent in the current year, driven by targeted product development and disciplined risk management.
Ivan Podbareznyak, Chairman of the Board, described a deliberate shift toward products tailored for the real sector. The focus areas include manufacturing enterprises, tourism, and high‑tech companies. This strategic realignment has altered the composition of the loan portfolio, aligning it more closely with sectors that demonstrate resilience and growth potential.
Historically, SME Bank participated in the national initiative for supporting small and medium enterprises and individual entrepreneurship. This program, overseen by senior government leadership, highlights the bank’s role in broader economic development goals and public‑private collaboration aimed at expanding SME financial infrastructure. Attribution: Expert RA