The impact of financial literacy on SMEs lending conditions

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of entrepreneurs' financial literacy on the banking-lending terms extended to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). We employed structured interviews with account managers from the second-largest bank in Brazil. The findings demonstrate that financial literacy positively impacts SME bank lending terms across three dimensions: knowledge, behavior, and attitudes. Entrepreneurs with higher levels of financial knowledge are more adept at negotiating favorable credit terms, thereby reducing administrative costs. Financial attitudes serve as a signal to banks of entrepreneurs' confidence and professional management capabilities. Additionally, heightened financial behavior enables entrepreneurs to advocate for more sophisticated financial products. Results achieved are further evidence of the positive impact that financial literacy can bring to SMEs by providing a basis for making sound financial decisions. This research provides valuable insights into how assessing lending practices through the lens of financial literacy can inform policy design, aiming to transform regions with low economic development by leveraging credit as a tool for poverty alleviation. The research aimed to analyze the influence of financial literacy on the lending conditions of SMEs from the perspective of financial institution agents involved in credit provision.