Trade Finance for Women Needs More Data, Less Red Tape, Says IFC

More collateral registries and credit bureaus in emerging economies would help correct biases that make it harder for women to access trade finance, according to the International Finance Corporation.

Women-led firms account for just 15% of exporting businesses globally, the World Bank’s sister organization said in a report Tuesday. That’s partly due to an information deficit on their creditworthiness.

“Financial institutions perceive women-owned enterprises as high risk, partly due to their small size and young average age, and partly because of incomplete records,” said the institution focused on lending to businesses in developing countries. “Consequently, financial institutions frequently ...