Bank technological innovations have a greater impact on the long-term borrowing of small and medium-sized enterprises than on short-term borrowing.
We delve into the impact of technological bank innovations on small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) borrowing across the European Union. By analyzing a comprehensive dataset of 179,921 SME-bank lending relationships from 2009 to 2019, we explore the mechanisms through which technological advancements in banking reshape traditional lending practices. Our empirical analysis documents that banks’ technological innovations have a more substantial impact on SMEs’ long-term credit growth than on their short-term growth, indicating the usefulness of these technologies in providing data that not only reduce information asymmetry but also enhance long-term decision channels. Specifically, blockchain and automation play a crucial role in expanding bank credit to SMEs. However, we also identify a paradoxical dual effect: while technological advancements facilitate credit access, they simultaneously increase the cost of borrowing for SMEs. This finding highlights a complex interplay where technological progress in banking presents both opportunities and challenges, especially for more opaque firms seeking financing.