ANBC reinforces the importance of conscious credit and financial innovation to increase access to finance for small businesses
The organization's president warns that expanding financial inclusion with responsibility is essential for the development of the sector and the economy
Access to credit is still one of the main challenges faced by micro and small businesses in Brazil. Despite their importance for generating employment and income, many entrepreneurs are unaware of the financing possibilities available - such as working capital, expansion of operations or financial organization - and when they try to obtain credit, they come up against barriers such as the lack of guarantees and structured information.
With a smaller volume of operations and greater effort required in risk analysis, these companies are still given less priority by financial institutions, which tend to concentrate their efforts on large borrowers. However, this scenario has been evolving with the advance of technology and the diversification of credit sources.
According to Elias Sfeir, president of the National Association of Credit Agencies (ANBC), strengthening a more inclusive and efficient credit ecosystem involves the strategic use of information and innovation.
“It's essential to ensure that access to credit is expanded and also updated. The financial inclusion of micro and small companies must be accompanied by responsibility, technology and quality data so that credit is sustainable and contributes to business growth, and not to excessive indebtedness,” says Sfeir.
Financial innovation has been a great ally in this process. Fintechs have been democratizing access to credit by reducing operating costs and using data intelligence for more accurate risk analysis. In addition, these platforms integrate other essential services, such as issuing payment slips, anticipating receivables and financial management, optimizing the entrepreneur's day-to-day life.
Another relevant advance is embedded financing, a model in which companies from different sectors incorporate financial solutions into their own services, based on the relationship and history with their customers. This approach makes it possible to offer credit that is more tailored to the reality of those who already consume and interact with these brands - even outside the traditional banking system.
To further strengthen access to credit for small businesses, ANBC advocates the implementation of structuring measures such as:
- Improving credit information systems;
- Strengthening the recovery of guarantees;
- Stimulating competition and innovation in the financial sector;
- Development of alternatives to bank financing, such as the capital market.
Targeted measures, such as guaranteed funds and lines of credit with public support, are also important to mitigate risks and increase the granting of credit to companies that face greater difficulty in accessing it.
According to data from the Central Bank, the balance of credit destined for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) grew, reaching 45.7% of the total in January 2025, a significant increase on the 34.4% recorded in July 2018.
“It's a clear sign that the innovative policies and innovations of recent years are beginning to produce concrete results. ANBC will continue to work to ensure that this progress is innovative and responsible,” concludes Sfeir.
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Elias Sfeir on Radio Diário FM in Amapá: Credit Expansion and Default Challenges
