The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has launched the Credit Risk Database Philippines Web-based Scoring System (CRDPh System)—a major step toward improving access to finance for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Unveiled in July, the CRDPh System is an online platform that allows financial institutions (FIs) to assess SME creditworthiness using credit scores and probability of default metrics. These are derived from anonymized financial and non-financial data contributed by participating lenders. Unlike traditional systems, the CRDPh requires no standalone software installation, streamlining the credit evaluation process for lenders nationwide.
The initiative is designed to address a persistent financing gap for SMEs—often referred to as the “missing middle”—who are typically underserved due to their size and lack of formal credit history. By equipping banks and other FIs with a standardized, data-driven tool for risk assessment, the BSP aims to stimulate more inclusive and efficient SME lending.
Beyond its practical benefits for loan approval and pricing, the CRDPh System is expected to support broader policy making goals. The system will generate benchmark credit data that can inform evidence-based policies and targeted interventions in SME financing.
The launch underscores the BSP’s continued push for financial inclusion and risk-based lending, positioning the CRDPh System as both a market-enabling tool and a policymaking resource.
