Certified Expert in SME Finance
Certificate Course
Your next career step starts here
The Certified Expert in SME Finance course equips you with the knowledge and practical skills to succeed in SME lending and small business finance. You’ll gain expertise in SME credit analysis, cash flow assessment, portfolio monitoring and risk management, while also learning how to design tailored lending products and strategies that expand access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises. By completing this programme, you’ll strengthen your career prospects, build confidence in evaluating business models and create long-term impact as a trusted expert in SME finance.
This programme is also available in French.
Next start date
01 March 2026
Duration
6 Months
Language
English
Format
Online
Type of education
Certificate Course
Early Bird Price
€ 1350
The Certified Expert in SME Finance course equips you with the knowledge and practical skills to succeed in SME lending and small business finance. You’ll gain expertise in SME credit analysis, cash flow assessment, portfolio monitoring and risk management, while also learning how to design tailored lending products and strategies that expand access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises. By completing this programme, you’ll strengthen your career prospects, build confidence in evaluating business models and create long-term impact as a trusted expert in SME finance.
This programme is also available in French.
Your Benefits
This course is designed to help you strengthen your expertise in SME finance and apply it directly in your work:
- Master SME credit analysis, cash flow assessment, portfolio monitoring and risk management to evaluate businesses with confidence.
- Learn how to structure SME lending products, assess business models and design strategies that expand financial access for entrepreneurs.
- Build the ability to apply proven methods in practice, turning technical knowledge into sustainable impact.
- Gain an accredited certification (6 ECTS credits)
Target group
This course is designed for you if you are a financial professional working in SME lending, development finance, or banking and want to take your expertise to the next level. It is particularly valuable if you are a credit officer, loan analyst, underwriter, portfolio manager, or mid-level manager looking to strengthen your skills and grow your career in SME finance.
You’ll also benefit if you are a consultant, advisor, or policymaker involved in shaping strategies that expand access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises. Whether you are already working in a financial institution or preparing to enter the SME finance sector, this certification will give you the knowledge, recognition, and confidence to advance your career, broaden your expertise, and contribute to sustainable SME growth worldwide.
DISCOUNTS
Register by 15 January 2026 and secure the early bird discount. Regular price after this date: EUR 1550.
DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE
- Early bird discount (by January 15)
- 10% group discount
- 10% alumni discount
Contact us for combinable discounts
Register by 15 January 2026 and secure the early bird discount. Regular price after this date: EUR 1550.
DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE
- Early bird discount (by January 15)
- 10% group discount
- 10% alumni discount
Contact us for combinable discounts
REGISTRATION
REGISTRATION
01 March 2026 - 31 August 2026
6 Months
€ 1350
METHODOLOGY
Flexible Learning. Lasting Impact
Our self-paced, asynchronous online courses are built for professionals who want to upskill on their own time, without putting work on hold. Our courses deliver international expertise and hands-on tools you can apply immediately.
Join a global community of professionals who are advancing their careers with flexible, high-quality learning.
Our self-paced, asynchronous online courses are built for professionals who want to upskill on their own time, without putting work on hold. Our courses deliver international expertise and hands-on tools you can apply immediately.
- Flexible, study anytime, anywhere
- Practical learning, real-world examples
- Expert support when you need it
- Optional live sessions (also recorded, of course)
Join a global community of professionals who are advancing their careers with flexible, high-quality learning.
CONTENTS
Do you want to grow your career in SME lending or small business finance? The Certified Expert in SME Finance online course gives you the knowledge and tools you need to succeed.
Across the programme, you’ll gain practical skills in SME credit analysis, cash flow assessment, portfolio monitoring, and risk management. You’ll also learn how to structure SME lending products, evaluate business models, and implement strategies that improve access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Now is the time to take the next step in your professional journey and become a trusted expert in SME finance.
Across the programme, you’ll gain practical skills in SME credit analysis, cash flow assessment, portfolio monitoring, and risk management. You’ll also learn how to structure SME lending products, evaluate business models, and implement strategies that improve access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Now is the time to take the next step in your professional journey and become a trusted expert in SME finance.
COURSE OUTLINE
Unit 1
Introduction to SMEs
Define what constitutes an SME, incl. size, scope, and types of businesses
The economic impact of SMEs globally and their role in job creation, innovation, and economic growth
Unit 2
Credit Analysis – Collecting & Understanding Information
Identify the Key Information Needed for Credit Analysis Basics
Explain the Sources and Types of Financial Information
Interpret and Extract Relevant Data from Financial Statements
Understand the Role of Non-Financial Factors in Credit Analysis
Unit 3
Credit Analysis – Verifying Information
Understand the Importance of Verification in Credit Analysis
Identify Methods for Verifying Financial Information
Develop Skills to Detect Potential Red Flags and Inconsistencies
Apply Due Diligence Processes to Non-Financial Information
Unit 4
Credit Analysis – Financial Analysis
Understand the Fundamentals of Financial Analysis for Credit Assessment
Calculate and Interpret Key Financial Ratios
Perform Trend and Comparative Analysis
Assess Financial Stability and Risk
Unit 5
Credit Analysis – Cash Flow Analysis
Understand the Importance of Cash Flow Analysis in Credit Decisions
Differentiate Between Types of Cash Flows
Analyse Cash Flow Statements to Evaluate Liquidity and Solvency
Assess the Impact of Cash Flow on Debt Repayment Capacity
Unit 6
Credit Analysis – Loan Portfolio
Understand the Components and Objectives of a Loan Portfolio Strategy
Identify and Assess Credit Risks Associated with Loan Portfolios
Develop and Implement Risk Mitigation Strategies
Monitor and Manage Loan Portfolios Effectively
Evaluate the Performance of the Loan Portfolio
Unit 7
Elective Unit (Choose 1 out of 3)
Unit 7A: SME & Sustainable Finance
- Understand the concept of sustainable finance and its importance for financial institutions and SMEs
- Analyse how sustainable finance practices can help SME banks and MFIs manage risks, enhance resilience, and achieve long-term growth
Unit 7B: SME & Inclusive Finance
- Explain the principles of inclusive finance and its significance for financial institutions and SMEs, particularly in underserved markets
- Evaluate strategies to increase financial inclusion for SME banks and MFIs, focusing on access to finance for diverse and marginalized business owners
Unit 7C: Develop Skills in Building SME Relationships
- Learn techniques for sourcing and originating SME clients through various channels
- Understand the process of pipeline building, including identifying potential clients, qualifying leads, and managing the client acquisition process
- Explore best practices for nurturing and maintaining long-term relationships with SME clients to foster trust and loyalty
Unit 8
Elective Unit (Choose 1 out of 2)
Unit 8A: Utilize Digital Tools for SME Finance
- Understand the range of digital tools available to support SME finance, including online platforms, mobile banking, and fintech solutions
- Evaluate the benefits and challenges of using digital tools in engaging with SMEs, such as enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and improving customer experiences
Unit 8B: Apply CRM Systems to SME Relationship Management
- Understand the purpose and functionality of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems in managing SME relationships
- Learn how to use CRM tools to track interactions, manage client data, and identify opportunities for cross-selling and upselling financial products and services to SMEs.
- Develop strategies for leveraging CRM data to enhance decision-making and personalize financial offerings for SMEs.
COURSE OUTLINE
Unit 1
Introduction to SMEs
Define what constitutes an SME, incl. size, scope, and types of businesses
The economic impact of SMEs globally and their role in job creation, innovation, and economic growth
Unit 2
Credit Analysis – Collecting & Understanding Information
Identify the Key Information Needed for Credit Analysis Basics
Explain the Sources and Types of Financial Information
Interpret and Extract Relevant Data from Financial Statements
Understand the Role of Non-Financial Factors in Credit Analysis
Unit 3
Credit Analysis – Verifying Information
Understand the Importance of Verification in Credit Analysis
Identify Methods for Verifying Financial Information
Develop Skills to Detect Potential Red Flags and Inconsistencies
Apply Due Diligence Processes to Non-Financial Information
Unit 4
Credit Analysis – Financial Analysis
Understand the Fundamentals of Financial Analysis for Credit Assessment
Calculate and Interpret Key Financial Ratios
Perform Trend and Comparative Analysis
Assess Financial Stability and Risk
Unit 5
Credit Analysis – Cash Flow Analysis
Understand the Importance of Cash Flow Analysis in Credit Decisions
Differentiate Between Types of Cash Flows
Analyse Cash Flow Statements to Evaluate Liquidity and Solvency
Assess the Impact of Cash Flow on Debt Repayment Capacity
Unit 6
Credit Analysis – Loan Portfolio
Understand the Components and Objectives of a Loan Portfolio Strategy
Identify and Assess Credit Risks Associated with Loan Portfolios
Develop and Implement Risk Mitigation Strategies
Monitor and Manage Loan Portfolios Effectively
Evaluate the Performance of the Loan Portfolio
Unit 7
Elective Unit (Choose 1 out of 3)
Unit 7A: SME & Sustainable Finance
- Understand the concept of sustainable finance and its importance for financial institutions and SMEs
- Analyse how sustainable finance practices can help SME banks and MFIs manage risks, enhance resilience, and achieve long-term growth
Unit 7B: SME & Inclusive Finance
- Explain the principles of inclusive finance and its significance for financial institutions and SMEs, particularly in underserved markets
- Evaluate strategies to increase financial inclusion for SME banks and MFIs, focusing on access to finance for diverse and marginalized business owners
Unit 7C: Develop Skills in Building SME Relationships
- Learn techniques for sourcing and originating SME clients through various channels
- Understand the process of pipeline building, including identifying potential clients, qualifying leads, and managing the client acquisition process
- Explore best practices for nurturing and maintaining long-term relationships with SME clients to foster trust and loyalty
Unit 8
Elective Unit (Choose 1 out of 2)
Unit 8A: Utilize Digital Tools for SME Finance
- Understand the range of digital tools available to support SME finance, including online platforms, mobile banking, and fintech solutions
- Evaluate the benefits and challenges of using digital tools in engaging with SMEs, such as enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and improving customer experiences
Unit 8B: Apply CRM Systems to SME Relationship Management
- Understand the purpose and functionality of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems in managing SME relationships
- Learn how to use CRM tools to track interactions, manage client data, and identify opportunities for cross-selling and upselling financial products and services to SMEs.
- Develop strategies for leveraging CRM data to enhance decision-making and personalize financial offerings for SMEs.
COURSE OUTLINE
Unit 1
Introduction to SMEs
Define what constitutes an SME, incl. size, scope, and types of businesses
The economic impact of SMEs globally and their role in job creation, innovation, and economic growth
Unit 2
Credit Analysis – Collecting & Understanding Information
Identify the Key Information Needed for Credit Analysis Basics
Explain the Sources and Types of Financial Information
Interpret and Extract Relevant Data from Financial Statements
Understand the Role of Non-Financial Factors in Credit Analysis
Unit 3
Credit Analysis – Verifying Information
Understand the Importance of Verification in Credit Analysis
Identify Methods for Verifying Financial Information
Develop Skills to Detect Potential Red Flags and Inconsistencies
Apply Due Diligence Processes to Non-Financial Information
Unit 4
Credit Analysis – Financial Analysis
Understand the Fundamentals of Financial Analysis for Credit Assessment
Calculate and Interpret Key Financial Ratios
Perform Trend and Comparative Analysis
Assess Financial Stability and Risk
Unit 5
Credit Analysis – Cash Flow Analysis
Understand the Importance of Cash Flow Analysis in Credit Decisions
Differentiate Between Types of Cash Flows
Analyse Cash Flow Statements to Evaluate Liquidity and Solvency
Assess the Impact of Cash Flow on Debt Repayment Capacity
Unit 6
Credit Analysis – Loan Portfolio
Understand the Components and Objectives of a Loan Portfolio Strategy
Identify and Assess Credit Risks Associated with Loan Portfolios
Develop and Implement Risk Mitigation Strategies
Monitor and Manage Loan Portfolios Effectively
Evaluate the Performance of the Loan Portfolio
Unit 7
Elective Unit (Choose 1 out of 3)
Unit 7A: SME & Sustainable Finance
- Understand the concept of sustainable finance and its importance for financial institutions and SMEs
- Analyse how sustainable finance practices can help SME banks and MFIs manage risks, enhance resilience, and achieve long-term growth
Unit 7B: SME & Inclusive Finance
- Explain the principles of inclusive finance and its significance for financial institutions and SMEs, particularly in underserved markets
- Evaluate strategies to increase financial inclusion for SME banks and MFIs, focusing on access to finance for diverse and marginalized business owners
Unit 7C: Develop Skills in Building SME Relationships
- Learn techniques for sourcing and originating SME clients through various channels
- Understand the process of pipeline building, including identifying potential clients, qualifying leads, and managing the client acquisition process
- Explore best practices for nurturing and maintaining long-term relationships with SME clients to foster trust and loyalty
Unit 8
Elective Unit (Choose 1 out of 2)
Unit 8A: Utilize Digital Tools for SME Finance
- Understand the range of digital tools available to support SME finance, including online platforms, mobile banking, and fintech solutions
- Evaluate the benefits and challenges of using digital tools in engaging with SMEs, such as enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and improving customer experiences
Unit 8B: Apply CRM Systems to SME Relationship Management
- Understand the purpose and functionality of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems in managing SME relationships
- Learn how to use CRM tools to track interactions, manage client data, and identify opportunities for cross-selling and upselling financial products and services to SMEs.
- Develop strategies for leveraging CRM data to enhance decision-making and personalize financial offerings for SMEs.
STUDY JOURNEY
Step
01
Register
The course starts twice a year, on 1 March and 1 September
Step
02
Participate
6 months, 100% online, self-pace, self-study, few deadlines
Step
03
Pass the Exam
Online, offered twice a year
Step
04
Get Certified
Receive your e-certificate
MODULE OF
ONLINE
Master of Leadership in Sustainable Finance
Recognised as elective module
Benefit from an Alumni discount and have the course credited when you continue to the Master of Leadership in Sustainable Finance.
BLENDED
Diploma in Financial Inclusion
Recognised as core module
Benefit from an Alumni discount and have the course credited when you continue to the Diploma in Financial Inclusion.
BLENDED
Diploma in Green Finance
Recognised as elective module
Benefit from an Alumni discount and have the course credited when you continue to the Diploma in Green Finance.
BLENDED
Diploma in Risk Management
Recognised as elective module
Benefit from an Alumni discount and have the course credited when you continue to the Diploma in Risk Management.
MODULE OF
ONLINE
Master of Leadership in Sustainable Finance
Recognised as elective module
Benefit from an Alumni discount and have the course credited when you continue to the Master of Leadership in Sustainable Finance.
BLENDED
Diploma in Financial Inclusion
Recognised as core module
Benefit from an Alumni discount and have the course credited when you continue to the Diploma in Financial Inclusion.
BLENDED
Diploma in Green Finance
Recognised as elective module
Benefit from an Alumni discount and have the course credited when you continue to the Diploma in Green Finance.
BLENDED
Diploma in Risk Management
Recognised as elective module
Benefit from an Alumni discount and have the course credited when you continue to the Diploma in Risk Management.
MODULE OF
ONLINE
Master of Leadership in Sustainable Finance
Recognised as elective module
Benefit from an Alumni discount and have the course credited when you continue to the Master of Leadership in Sustainable Finance.
BLENDED
Diploma in Financial Inclusion
Recognised as core module
Benefit from an Alumni discount and have the course credited when you continue to the Diploma in Financial Inclusion.
BLENDED
Diploma in Green Finance
Recognised as elective module
Benefit from an Alumni discount and have the course credited when you continue to the Diploma in Green Finance.
BLENDED
Diploma in Risk Management
Recognised as elective module
Benefit from an Alumni discount and have the course credited when you continue to the Diploma in Risk Management.
