ASEAN’s MSME Finance Gap: Untapped Capital Demand by Country (USD Billion)

(Source)IMF

This graph shows the estimated MSME finance gap (in USD) across four ASEAN countries:

Key Points:

1. Indonesia has the largest gap at USD 234.7 billion, highlighting significant underfinancing of its MSME sector.

2. Thailand follows with a gap of around USD 103.9 billion, reflecting persistent structural lending challenges.

3. Malaysia and Vietnam show moderate gaps of USD 49.7 billion and USD 48.6 billion, respectively.

4. The combined finance gap exceeds USD 436 billion across the four countries, presenting a massive opportunity for alternative finance providers and policy-driven initiatives.

5. Addressing this gap is critical for inclusive growth, job creation, and regional economic resilience — particularly in a post-COVID environment of tightened bank lending.