BANGKOK — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Muangthai Capital (MTC) have signed a $200 million loan agreement to support the development of women-owned micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (WMSMEs) in rural Thailand.
The financing package, led by ADB and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) as the mandated lead arrangers and bookrunners, comprises $75 million from ADB’s ordinary capital resources and $125 million from a consortium of six B-lenders including SMBC, State Bank of India (Tokyo branch), SBI (Mauritius), Chang Hwa Commercial Bank, First Commercial Bank, and ILX Fund.
“This pivotal financing package demonstrates ADB’s role in catalyzing private capital for significant development impact,” said ADB Country Director for Thailand Anouj Mehta. “By anchoring this transaction, ADB has mobilized substantial commercial cofinancing that directly empowers women entrepreneurs, addresses critical financial inclusion gaps, and strengthens the foundation for sustainable and equitable economic growth across rural Thailand.”
Thailand’s MSMEs form the backbone of the economy, providing the majority of employment and generating over one-third of the national gross domestic product. Women-owned or women-led businesses, which comprise more than half of all MSMEs, are disproportionately affected by financing constraints. Despite their importance, WMSMEs face a financing gap of about $68 billion, approximately 66% of the total national financing gap for MSMEs. The loan proceeds will directly benefit WMSMEs in rural Thailand by improving their access to finance and integrating them into the formal financial system.
“We are delighted with ADB’s support. ADB has been instrumental in mobilizing our commercial banking partners in this inaugural international loan syndication. We see this transaction as a major milestone that strengthens our position in the international market,” said MTC Chief Executive Officer Parithad Petampai. “This project will help us expand financial inclusion to an estimated 200,000 WMSMEs, especially outside Bangkok, enhancing our capacity to serve these entrepreneurs and advancing our commitment to gender equality in both our operations and workforce.”
MTC is the largest nonbank financial institution in Thailand specializing in loans to individual customers, with a focus on serving MSMEs and informal self-employed individuals. MTC plays a key role in expanding financial inclusion in Thailand, particularly in the informal sector in rural areas, with its dynamic business model and extensive branch network.
ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members—50 from the region.
