Mexico, ABM Partner to Boost SME Lending 3.5% Annually to 2030

The Mexican government and the Association of Banks of Mexico (ABM) have signed an agreement to increase lending to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by 3.5% annually from 2025 to 2030, aiming to enhance financial access and economic inclusion.

The agreement was formalized during the 88th Banking Convention by President Claudia Sheinbaum and ABM President Julio Carranza. Both parties committed to a coordinated strategy to expand credit access and strengthen the financial infrastructure supporting SMEs.

In addition to increasing credit, the collaboration outlines initiatives including financial education, digitalization, formalization of businesses, banking integration of supply chains, regulatory simplification, specialized commercial courts, development bank guarantees, and improved access to financial and accounting information.

President Sheinbaum highlighted the importance of inclusive prosperity, noting Mexico’s low credit penetration at 33% of GDP, compared with 46% in Peru and 42% in Colombia. “Expanding access to credit is vital for sustained growth and social welfare,” she stated.

Finance Minister Édgar Amador Zamora underscored the significance of SMEs, which make up 99.8% of Mexican businesses and generate 70% of employment. However, only 4.4% currently receive bank financing. “Closing this gap is crucial for economic development and reducing inequality,” he said.

In his final address as ABM president, Carranza emphasized the need to formalize over 60% of micro, small, and medium enterprises currently operating informally. He called for creating technological, regulatory, and financial conditions to help businesses transition into the formal economy and integrate into productive supply chains.

Carranza also urged legal reforms to enhance the rule of law and improve judicial efficiency. He pointed to 56,000 open credit recovery cases clogging the courts, advocating for specialized financial courts to provide quicker resolutions and boost financing accessibility.