Our Methodology
How we research, verify, and present SME financing information to help you make informed decisions.
Data Sources
Primary Sources
- Lender Websites – Official product pages, rate sheets, and eligibility criteria
- Enterprise Singapore – EFS scheme documentation, caps, and participating institutions
- Monetary Authority of Singapore – Financial stability reports, NPL data, regulatory filings
- Direct Enquiries – Verification calls and emails to lender SME banking teams
Secondary Sources
- Linkflow Capital – 2024 SME Finance Accessibility Survey
- SBF National Business Survey – SME sentiment and financing trends
- Industry Reports – OECD SME financing reports, regional fintech studies
- User Reviews – Trustpilot, Seedly, Google Reviews (where available)
How We Verify Information
Rate Verification
We check lender websites monthly and cross-reference with aggregator sites and direct enquiries. Rates shown are indicative ranges; actual rates depend on credit assessment.
Product Details
Loan amounts, tenors, fees, and eligibility criteria are sourced from official lender materials. We note the "last verified" date on each product.
Government Schemes
EFS details come directly from Enterprise Singapore's official documentation. We update when scheme parameters change (e.g., the April 2024 WCL cap increase).
Rate Normalisation
Different lenders quote rates differently. To enable fair comparison, we:
| Lender Quotes | We Show | Conversion Method |
|---|---|---|
| X% per annum (p.a.) | X% p.a. | Shown as-is |
| X% per month | X%/mo (≈Y% p.a.) | Multiply by 12 for approximate APR |
| Factor rate (e.g., 1.35) | 1.35 factor | Use our calculator for APR based on term |
| Discount rate per 30 days | X%/30d | Use invoice APR calculator for true cost |
Our calculators use IRR (Internal Rate of Return) methodology to compute effective interest rates, accounting for payment timing and fees.
What We Don't Do
No Paid Placements
Lenders cannot pay for higher rankings or featured positions in our comparison tables. Order is determined by objective criteria (rate, speed, amount) that users can sort.
No Application Processing
We do not process loan applications or collect personal financial data. We link to lender websites where you apply directly.
Limitations
- Rates are indicative. Actual rates depend on your credit profile, financials, and lender assessment.
- Information can change. Lenders update products, rates, and criteria. We aim for monthly updates but cannot guarantee real-time accuracy.
- Not financial advice. This site provides information for comparison purposes. Consult a financial advisor for personalised recommendations.
- Coverage is not exhaustive. We focus on major banks and established fintech lenders. Smaller or newer players may not be included.
Key Research References
- 2024 SME Finance Accessibility Survey – Linkflow Capital
- Enterprise Financing Scheme – Enterprise Singapore
- Financial Stability Review – MAS
- National Business Survey – Singapore Business Federation
Last methodology review: December 2024