Bangkok: Fitch Ratings has affirmed SME D Bank’s long-term credit rating for 2025 at “AAA(tha)” and its short-term rating at “F1+(tha),” the highest in the country. This affirmation will help Thai SMEs access “Pattanakarn Capital Partners” services.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Pichit Mitrawong, Managing Director of the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Bank of Thailand (SME D Bank), revealed that Fitch Ratings (Thailand) Limited has announced the 2025 credit rating results for SME D Bank. The bank has affirmed its national long-term rating at “AAA(tha)” with a stable outlook, and its short-term rating at “F1+(tha).” This marks the highest rating ever for a national credit rating, marking the 13th consecutive year (2013-2025).
Fitch views SME D Bank as playing a crucial role as a state-owned specialized financial institution, with the Ministry of Finance holding a 99.4% stake. This reflects its stability, strength, and pivotal role in driving government policy to support and create opportunities for Thai SME entrepreneurs, particularly during times of economic challenges, which may limit SME entrepreneurs’ access to funding from conventional commercial banks.
Furthermore, the government stands ready to continue supporting the SME D Bank, recognizing its crucial role in supporting SMEs, the backbone of the Thai economy, which account for approximately 35% of GDP by the end of 2024. Furthermore, Fitch believes the government will continue to prioritize the SME sector over the long term, given the SME D Bank’s unique role and expertise in this sector, which will continue to play a crucial role in boosting the Thai economy and supporting Thai entrepreneurs during times of economic weakness.
SME D Bank adheres to its policy of supporting Thai SME entrepreneurs through the “Capital Partner Development” process. For “finance,” the bank utilizes government-sponsored loan products (Public Service Account: PSA). The bank has earned the government’s trust in supporting entrepreneurs in accessing capital, enhancing their potential, and reducing business costs. The bank offers a special interest rate of just 3% per year, fixed for the first three years, with repayments over a maximum of 10 years. These products include: 1. “SME Green Productivity” loans with a maximum loan amount of 10 million baht; 2. “SME Empowerment” loans with a maximum loan amount of 1.5 million baht per individual; and 3. “Beyond: SME Wings” loans with a maximum loan amount of 15 million baht. These loans, coupled with comprehensive “development” services via the DX by SME D Bank platform (dx.smebank.co.th), help entrepreneurs elevate their businesses and propel them toward success and sustainable growth.