The Hong Kong Monetary Authority published its survey of small and medium-sized enterprises’ credit conditions for the second quarter of 2026, finding that conditions remained broadly stable. Among respondents expressing a view, 78% perceived banks’ credit approval stance as similar or easier than six months earlier, up from 73% in the previous quarter, while 22% considered it more difficult, down from 27%. Among SMEs with existing credit lines, 4% reported a tighter bank stance, compared with none in the previous quarter. Only 3% of respondents applied for new bank credit during the quarter, and 85% of those who knew the outcome reported fully or partially successful applications, down from 91%. The authority cautioned that the small samples of SMEs with existing credit lines and new applications could produce large fluctuations and that perceptions do not necessarily reflect banks’ actual credit supply.
Hong Kong Monetary Authority2026-08-03
Hong Kong Monetary Authority finds SME credit conditions broadly stable in second quarter of 2026
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority found that SME credit conditions remained broadly stable in the second quarter of 2026, with 78% of respondents expressing a view perceiving banks’ approval stance as similar or easier. Among applicants who knew their outcome, 85% reported fully or partially successful applications, although the authority cautioned that the small sample sizes could cause substantial fluctuations.