ABSTRACT:

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are critical drivers of economic growth, employment, and innovation, yet they continue to face persistent barriers in accessing formal financing due to structural credit risks and information asymmetry. This study examines the credit risk mitigation strategies applied in SME financing within the United States and compares them with practices adopted in emerging markets. The objective is to identify actionable frameworks that can enhance credit accessibility, improve loan performance, and strengthen financial resilience in both contexts. Using a comparative research approach, the paper evaluates risk assessment models, regulatory practices, collateral frameworks, alternative data usage, digital lending innovations, and the integration of AI-driven credit analytics. The study highlights how U.S. financial institutions benefit from advanced credit scoring systems, robust supervisory standards, and strong data infrastructure, enabling more precise risk profiling. Conversely, emerging markets demonstrate growing adoption of alternative data credit scoring, relationship-based lending models, and fintech-led solutions that compensate for limited documentation and informal economic structures. The findings show that combining U.S. regulatory strengths with the innovation-driven flexibility of emerging markets can create more inclusive and effective SME financing strategies. The study proposes a hybrid risk mitigation framework that integrates predictive analytics, diversified collateral approaches, dynamic cash-flow assessments, and real-time borrower monitoring. This approach can reduce default risk, expand credit opportunities, and support long-term economic stability. Overall, the research underscores the need for modernized credit risk mitigation strategies to unlock SME growth and promote sustainable economic development. The insights generated from this comparative analysis are valuable for policymakers, lenders, and financial institutions aiming to enhance SME financing environments, particularly in the U.S. market where small businesses remain central to national economic competitiveness.

Keywords: SME financing, credit risk mitigation, emerging markets, U.S. small businesses, credit scoring, AI-driven analytics, financial inclusion, SME lending frameworks, economic stability, digital lending.