The Presidents / Chief Executives
All Banks /DFIs

Dear Sir/Madam,

Launch of SMEConnect - the Centralized SME Financing Portal

In continuation of its efforts to develop an SME friendly financial ecosystem, the SBP is pleased to announce the launch of “SMEConnect”- the centralized SME Financing Portal (accessible at https://smeconnect.sbp.org.pk. The portal will strengthen the linkage between SMEs and banks/DFIs and will serve as the single digital platform for all SMEs interested in availing financing from banks/DFIs.

2. All SME finance applications shall be submitted on the SMEConnect w.e.f. 1^st November 2026 and will be forwarded to the applicant’s bank/DFI after necessary verifications. The applicants visiting their respective bank’s/DFI’s branch for submitting the financing application shall be guided and facilitated by the branch staff for digitally submitting the application on the portal. Similarly, the applicants visiting their bank’s portal to apply for financing shall be directed to SMEConnect. The R-6 of Prudential Regulations for Small & Medium Enterprise Financing requiring banks/DFIs to allow applicants to digitally apply for financing will stand withdrawn w.e.f. 1^st November 2026.

3. Banks/DFIs are advised to prominently display the SMEConnect link on their respective website and App for facilitating the SME applicants for applying for financing. Furthermore, banks/DFIs shall also use all available marketing channels for creating awareness about the SMEConnect.

4. Banks/DFIs shall take all necessary measures to ensure implementation of the above instructions with effect from 1^st November 2026.