FSC: Targeting NT$500 Billion in New Loans for SMEs This Year

(Central News Agency reporter Su Szu-Yun, Taipei, June 16) The Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) today convened the 61st Business Coordination Meeting and Awards Ceremony for Chief Executives of Domestic Banks, honoring local banks that excelled in implementing specific lending programs. The FSC announced that the 2025 target for growth in outstanding SME loan balances has been raised from the previous NT$460 billion to NT$500 billion, aiming to help more small and startup SMEs access funding.

The FSC held the 61st Business Coordination Meeting and Awards Ceremony for Chief Executives of Domestic Banks today, communicating with bank CEOs on recent key financial policies and issues of concern. It also recognized domestic banks that performed outstandingly in specific lending programs and invited banks that achieved notable success in facilitating loan-seeking enterprises to participate in the 'Carbon Health Check Service' to share their experiences.

The meeting featured an opening speech by FSC Chairperson Peng Jin-long, who, together with Banking Bureau Director Tong Zheng-zhang, presented awards to domestic banks recognized for excellence in SME lending, credit extension to New Southbound Policy target countries, and lending to the six core strategic industries, including Superior, Merit, and Special Awards.

The FSC also invited the SME and Startup Development Agency of the Ministry of Economic Affairs to brief participants on promoting the 'Financial Carbon Health Check' for micro, small, and medium enterprises. The agency highlighted top-performing financial institutions—Chang Hwa Commercial Bank and Mega International Commercial Bank—for successfully matching SMEs with the 'Carbon Health Check Service,' sharing best practices with other industry peers.

The FSC continues to promote the 21st phase of the 'Program for Domestic Banks to Strengthen SME Lending.' The expected growth target for SME loan balances in 2025 has been increased from last year's NT$460 billion to NT$500 billion. The FSC urges banks to continue strengthening SME lending while maintaining sound risk management, helping more small and startup SMEs obtain funding.

Additionally, at the beginning of this year, the FSC established the 'Incentive Program for Domestic Banks to Provide Loans to Five Trustworthy Industries' and set the first-phase loan increase target at NT$120 billion.

Furthermore, to enhance the effectiveness and appropriateness of risk management in online consumer lending operations across banks, the FSC analyzed fraud schemes in which criminal groups induce individuals to apply for online loans and transfer funds. It urged bank CEOs to supervise, review, and actively strengthen internal control mechanisms and customer protection measures.

CTBC Bank, in support of the New Southbound Policy and the upgrading of SMEs and industries, was awarded the top Merit Bank for SME Lending Programs, the top performer in credit extension to New Southbound Policy target countries, and a Class A Bank for lending to the six core strategic industries. In 2025, the monthly average SME loan balance increased by NT$66.1 billion year-on-year, achieving an 18% growth rate.

Taipei Fubon Bank has actively cultivated SME clients, meeting their funding needs during operations, investment, transformation, and overseas expansion through diversified financing mechanisms, utilization of credit guarantee resources, and process optimization. In 2025, the bank's SME loan balance reached NT$443.8 billion, with a year-on-year growth rate of 14%, maintaining double-digit growth for three consecutive years, earning recognition as an outstanding bank in the SME lending program. (Editor: Yang Kai-Xiang) 1150616