SBP launches SMEConnect to streamline small business financing

The State Bank of Pakistan has introduced SMEConnect, an online gateway for small and medium enterprises seeking loans from banks and development finance institutions. From November 1, 2026, financing requests from SMEs must be filed through this portal, according to a statement reported by Profit by Pakistan Today.

Applicants will be able to follow their cases online and see why a request was declined. A live monitoring panel will also give SBP figures on applications at different stages, including approvals and disbursements, both for individual lenders and across the sector. Banks and DFIs have been told to place the portal link prominently on their websites and prepare staff to help applicants use it.