Banks, more "lax" in lending to businesses - Survey/ They ease standards for small and medium-sized enterprises
Although commercial banks appear to have provided fewer loans to citizens in the third quarter, data shows that they have been more lax with businesses.
According to the Bank of Albania's lending activity survey, in the third quarter of 2025, lending standards for businesses did not change for large businesses. However, the surprise comes from the small and medium-sized business sector. Banks have significantly eased access to them, giving a new impetus to the engine of the domestic economy.
This easing comes as a result of lower financing costs and a strong competition among banks to win new customers. However, caution is not lacking, the perception of solvency risk remains a restraining factor.
In terms of credit conditions, banks are applying higher margins to risky loans, as a reflection of lower tolerance for uncertainty.
Meanwhile, they have been demanding even more credit. Businesses with healthy balance sheets are benefiting, while lack of collateral and poor payment history continue to be strong obstacles for others.
Demand for credit? Generally stable, but with a notable increase from small and medium-sized businesses seeking short-term liquidity. Large businesses, on the other hand, are showing more restraint in their requests for new investments.
Banks are optimistic that in the last quarter of the year, demand for credit is expected to increase in all segments.
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