Zaw Lin Aung, managing director of KBZ Bank, the largest private bank in Myanmar with the largest retail network, said the bank had changed its lending policy to help the growth of SMEs across the nation. He said less reliance on collateral led the bank to knowing more about customers, understanding their business plans, knowing their financial conditions, and identifying sources of repayment.

The bank aims to support start-ups by providing advice, financial literacy training and tailored banking solutions. It also aims to help female business owners to avoid gender inequality in Myanmar’s business climate, help SMEs in rural areas by leveraging its extensive branch coverage, and facilitate business matching to SMEs through its customer base in Myanmar and correspondent banks overseas.