Emirates NBD offers VAT-based loan solution to SMEs

It’s just been one year since the introduction of VAT in the UAE and while there have been many learnings, many SMEs have also faced a range of challenges. To cater to the market’s needs, Emirates NBD, Dubai’s largest bank, has launched a new VAT-based loan solution for SME customers.

The new programme makes the lending application process easy for SMEs. They can now get their business turnover and income validated by simply providing copies of the VAT returns filed with the UAE’s Federal Tax Authority. To begin with, home, auto and business loan products will be offered.

This programme also addresses one of the biggest challenges faced by SMEs in the region: getting bank loans. Bank lending remains the lowest in the region at 5%, and understandably so as banks face loss rates as high as 20%, as revealed by Mashreq Bank.

Learn more about this new programme and the market reactions it has received here.