Singapore-Based Financier Help SMEs Grow their Business by Extending Alternative Financing Solutions

          EFA Group lent over US$1 billion in 2015 to firms that wish to diversify their sources of capital

          EFA Group is a Singapore-based firm providing financing solutions across the capital structure to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the real economy. To create awareness of its lending solutions, EFA Group has launched a dedicated website to provide better access for companies looking for alternative capital solutions. The site, www.efa-fs.net , hosts useful resources such as white papers, blog posts and information on the various lending solutions available to SMEs.

          Established in 2003, EFA currently provides around US$1.5 billion of short-term, trade finance loans to over 100 global mid-market companies annually. Of these loans 30% are made to Singaporean firms.

          According to the SME Growth and Financing Survey 2016 conducted by the Singapore Business Federation and Standard Chartered Bank, the SMEs surveyed cited that overseas business activities will drive their growth but at the same time they are seeking to overcome challenges in meeting their regional financing needs. Recognizing these concerns facing businesses, EFA believes it can step in as an alternative provider of capital to complement the firms' existing banking lines.

          To meet the rising demand for financing from businesses, the Group is beefing up its supply chain finance and receivables finance components, which have always been an extension of its trade finance solutions. The Group's suite of financing solutions provides loans from US$500,000 to up to US$20 million and also include longer term loans such as asset-based finance and acquisition finance.

          "We've always been dedicated to serving real economy businesses, particularly those in the SME market. Our corporate mission complements the latest Singapore Government's initiatives to help SMEs that wish to grow their business or overcome cash flow issues. We have the expertise and infrastructure to provide capital to the companies that need it most, be it short-term financing needs, or longer term loans to expand overseas or acquire new assets," said CEO of EFA Group, Francois Dotta.

          "Our flexible structuring approach, speed and ability to do smaller deals make us an attractive alternative financing option for the companies," he added.

          About EFA Group

          EFA Group provides financing solutions to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Asia, Middle East, Europe and Africa. With a deep understanding and close working ties with its borrowers, EFA is able to finance and fuel their growth. The Group is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore and holds a Capital Markets License under EuroFin Investments Pte Ltd. Established in 2003 in Singapore, the Group has since expanded in size and capabilities, and now employs over 50 personnel between its offices in Singapore, Geneva, Dubai, London and Istanbul.