SBP shifts all SME financing applications to new digital portal from November 1
Businesses will be able to track loan applications, view rejection reasons and apply for financing through a single platform, while SBP gains real-time oversight of banks' lending activity.
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has launched a centralized digital portal for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), making it mandatory for businesses to submit all financing applications through the platform from November 1, 2026.
The new portal, named SMEConnect, will serve as a single digital channel for SMEs across Pakistan to apply for financing from banks and development finance institutions (DFIs).
Accessible at https://smeconnect.sbp.org.pk, the platform aims to simplify the loan application process and improve accessibility, efficiency and transparency in SME financing.
Through the portal, businesses will be able to track the status of their financing applications in real time. Applicants whose requests are rejected will also be able to see the reasons for rejection.
The platform will also give the SBP real-time visibility into SME financing activity through a live dashboard covering applications received, processed, approved, disbursed and rejected.
The dashboard will provide data at both individual bank and DFI levels, as well as an industry-wide overview of SME financing applications and their outcomes.
All SME financing applications to go through new portal
From November 1, 2026, all SME financing applications will be received exclusively through the new digital portal.
Businesses visiting bank or DFI branches, or accessing their websites to apply for financing, will be directed to SMEConnect instead.
The SBP has advised all banks and DFIs to prominently display the portal's link on their websites to ensure easy access for potential applicants.
Financial institutions have also been directed to ensure their SME teams and field staff are familiar with the platform and can guide and assist businesses through the application process.
A tutorial video explaining how to apply for financing is also available on the portal.
The launch is part of the SBP's efforts to promote financial inclusion, support entrepreneurship and strengthen the SME financing ecosystem to encourage inclusive economic growth.
