Visa, Uplinq Partner to Boost SME Financing in Latin America

Visa announced a partnership with Uplinq, an AI-powered global credit assessment platform, to expand financing options for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Latin America and the Caribbean.

The collaboration aims to overcome limitations of traditional credit models and unlock growth opportunities for a sector comprising more than 93 million businesses, which generate 60% of formal employment in the region.

Uplinq’s technology will enable local issuers to assess SME creditworthiness more accurately, enhancing access to affordable capital. “With this alliance, we are unlocking new opportunities for SMEs to innovate, expand, formalize, and thrive in the digital economy,” said Ana Rojas, Head of Commercial Solutions and Money Movement, Visa Latin America and the Caribbean.

According to a recent study, financial institutions using Uplinq’s AI-driven platform achieved a 50% reduction in credit application evaluation costs, experienced 15 times fewer credit losses, and realized a threefold increase in profitability. Through this partnership, Visa aims to help local issuers close data gaps and foster inclusive growth within the SME segment.

Visa’s integrated SME portfolio includes debit, credit, and prepaid cards; expense management tools such as Visa Spend Clarity; business purchase rebates; cybersecurity and payment protection benefits; and free training through the “Practical Finance for Business” program.

The company is also promoting payment solutions such as Tap to Phone, Tap to Pay, and Click to Pay to enhance acceptance at points of sale and support small businesses in adapting to growing digital payment demands.

Visa emphasized that this initiative reinforces its role as a strategic partner for SMEs while advancing financial inclusion and the region’s digital transformation.