Included in the SME interest margin charged by banks is an element of price that reflects the probability, from the banks’ experience and data, that some of its SME customers will not be able to repay the debt. The methodology and calculations used to determine the cost associated with the risk of lending are set out under international rules by the Basel Regulatory Framework4 . Regulators also give guidance to banks with regard to the buffers needed to protect banks in the event of shocks to the financial system. To ensure confidence of customers and the security of customer deposits, banks around the world are currently holding higher levels.
