Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are the cornerstone of global economic development, contributing approximately 90% of all businesses and more than 50% of employment worldwide, as noted by the World Bank. In emerging markets alone, SMEs account for seven out of every ten jobs created, positioning them as a critical driver of sustainable growth and financial inclusion. Despite this, SMEs often face significant obstacles in accessing finance due to perceived risks, a lack of reliable data, and the absence of tailored banking solutions. These challenges have opened an urgent and strategic opportunity for banks and financial institutions to enhance their SME banking frameworks and tap into this high-potential segment.
The SME Banking Masterclass for Financial Excellence by Pideya Learning Academy is a specialized program designed to equip financial professionals with the strategic insight, tools, and methodologies required to build resilient and profitable SME banking models. The training program provides a structured and comprehensive view of how to transform traditional banking models into agile, customer-centric systems that cater effectively to the diverse needs of the SME sector.
In today’s evolving financial ecosystem, institutions are under increasing pressure to align risk management practices with commercial goals. The masterclass places strong emphasis on core frameworks such as RAROC (Risk-Adjusted Return on Capital), Economic Value Added (EVA), and risk-based pricing, helping participants evaluate client-level profitability and drive smarter lending decisions. Participants will explore innovative credit scoring mechanisms, scalable credit decision processes, and the integration of economic capital to optimize risk-return dynamics.
To help banks improve their market position and build lasting SME relationships, the course also examines product innovation, segmentation strategies, and how to create bundled offerings that support lifecycle banking. Participants will learn how to enhance cross-sell opportunities, align business development goals with risk tolerance, and structure high-performing sales teams focused on relationship management.
Delivered by global banking specialists with deep regional insights, the course blends real-world banking case studies, strategic planning tools, and implementation blueprints that are directly applicable to both developed and emerging markets. A standout feature of the program is its focus on breaking down institutional silos—credit, sales, and risk—ensuring SME strategies are holistic and performance-driven.
Key highlights of the SME Banking Masterclass for Financial Excellence include:
Development of risk-aligned SME lending models with clear performance metrics
Advanced strategies to improve salesforce capability and increase cross-sell ratios
Guidance on product bundling and the design of value-added SME offerings
Application of economic capital frameworks and RAROC for pricing optimization
Strategic alignment between credit, risk, and SME business development units
Implementation of dashboards and KPIs for SME banking performance tracking
As banking institutions look to future-proof their operations, success in the SME segment requires innovation, discipline, and strategic cohesion. This masterclass by Pideya Learning Academy empowers financial professionals to rethink traditional approaches and adopt best-in-class strategies that unlock long-term value from SME banking operations.

Key Takeaways:

• Development of risk-aligned SME lending models with clear performance metrics
• Advanced strategies to improve salesforce capability and increase cross-sell ratios
• Guidance on product bundling and the design of value-added SME offerings
• Application of economic capital frameworks and RAROC for pricing optimization
• Strategic alignment between credit, risk, and SME business development units
• Implementation of dashboards and KPIs for SME banking performance tracking

• Development of risk-aligned SME lending models with clear performance metrics
• Advanced strategies to improve salesforce capability and increase cross-sell ratios
• Guidance on product bundling and the design of value-added SME offerings
• Application of economic capital frameworks and RAROC for pricing optimization
• Strategic alignment between credit, risk, and SME business development units
• Implementation of dashboards and KPIs for SME banking performance tracking