The chapter reports on trends and conditions in SME access to finance. It first provides a brief overview of the developments of the macroeconomic conditions and business environment in the context of high inflation and a significant increase in policy interest rates and tightening lending conditions. It then analyses the provision of SME bank financing and credit conditions in 2022, as well as developments on asset-based finance, equity and Fintech. Trends in bankruptcies, payment delays and non-performing loans and recent developments in government policies are also assessed.

This chapter provides an overview of the sustainable finance landscape for SMEs and focuses on the key challenges that these companies face in seeking out and accessing financing for the green transition. It also provides recommendations to strengthen the provision of financial and non-financial support for SME sustainability.