Regulation and Supervision

Against the background of the need for alternative and additional financing channels for SMEs, this paper analyses the market segment of debt funds, provides examples, and presents EIF’s approach to implement financing tools for debt funds in Europe.

The European Union Delegation to Jordan announced in a press statement on Wednesday the results of an assessment regarding small- and medium-sized enterprises' (SMEs) policies in Jordan and eight other economies in the Middle East and North Africa region.

According to the press release, key stakeholders discussed reform priorities identified in a new report: "SME Policy Index: The Mediterranean Middle East and North Africa 2014, Implementation of the Small Business Act for Europe".

Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) face ongoing challenges. In response, governments have developed schemes to help remedy market deficiencies where private sector sources are unable or unwilling to operate, by creating public development banks.
 
The Montreal Group is a forum created to foster peer group exchanges, identify best practices and innovative solutions on issues/products such as loan guarantees, financing intangible projects, consulting services, global business matching or governance.

We know that North African economies urgently need economic reforms, opportunities for youth, and greater economic inclusion. But what do we know about where the opportunities lie and – just as important – what are the greatest barriers that obstruct the growth of businesses?

A few salient insights emerged from a recent survey of 131 Egyptian and 100 Tunisian entrepreneurs and business owners, which was conducted by the Center on Development, Democracy, and the Rule of Law at Stanford in cooperation with CIPE. Many of the findings will come as no surprise — the business environment and entrepreneurial ecosystems have room to improve in both countries, and political uncertainty puts a drag on business. One major, policy-relevant finding is the need to address disparities in access to opportunity.

Financial inclusion is expanding around the world, transforming the lives of widely diverse populations. From market women in Kenya and small farmers in India, shopkeepers in China and villagers in the remote Colombian mountains, millions are gaining access to the financial tools and services they need to stabilize their lives, take advantage of opportunities, and plan for the future.

The Board of Governors of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) through its private sector window approved on September 18, 2014 a USD 5 million line of credit (LOC) equivalent in Naira (NGN) to AB Microfinance Bank Nigeria.

Since the global financial crisis, credit growth in Australia has returned. But while growth in home lending between 2008 and 2014 was relatively strong (0.49 per cent per month), it was actually negative for business lending (-0.04 per cent per month).