The great debate: Will AI solve the SME trade finance gap in the next five years?
Small and medium-sized enterprises continue to face significant barriers to accessing finance, from high lending costs and limited financial data to insufficient collateral and perceived risk.
Could artificial intelligence help change this?
At this year’s ITFA Annual Conference in Split, TTP brought together banking and insurance experts for a mock debate to explore both sides of the question.
The discussion examined how AI could improve data analysis, streamline processes, reduce operational costs and strengthen risk assessment, potentially making SME financing more accessible. But it also highlighted the challenges technology cannot solve alone, including capital availability, risk appetite, regulatory barriers and gaps in digital infrastructure.
The conclusion? AI has an important role to play in narrowing the financing gap, but meaningful progress will require collaboration and action across the wider trade finance ecosystem.
Read the full publication: Will AI solve the SME trade finance gap in the next five years?
Prefer to listen? The full conversation is also available as a podcast below.
