BFM 89.9

HIGHLIGHTS 
Podcast  >  Enterprise  >  Open For Business  >  AI Meets Microfinance? Bee Informatica’s SME Lending Model

AI Meets Microfinance? Bee Informatica’s SME Lending Model

Fumiko Inada, Co-Founder and CEO, Bee Informatica

17-Mar-25 10:00

AI Meets Microfinance? Bee Informatica’s SME Lending Model

Securing financing can be a major hurdle for SMEs, especially those without traditional collateral. Enter Bee Informatica, a digital microfinance platform blending AI-driven credit assessments with microloan principles to provide quick, unsecured loans to underserved businesses in Malaysia. Fumiko Inada, Co-Founder and CEO of Bee Informatica, joins us to share how the company is reshaping SME financing with AI-powered risk assessment, its approach to responsible lending, and how it maintains a low non-performing loan (NPL) ratio of just 1.4%.

We also discuss the expected impact of Malaysia’s upcoming Consumer Credit Act, how Bee Informatica differentiates itself from banks and P2P lenders, and what the future holds, including expansion plans and a potential IPO in Tokyo by 2030.

Produced by: Carol Wong, Roshan Kanesan

Presented by: Roshan Kanesan


This and more than 60,000 other podcasts in your hand. Download the all new BFM mobile app.

Categories:  marketsWomen in BusinessinternationaleconomySMEentrepreneurs

Tags:  AI-powered microfinanceSME lendingfintech Malaysiadigital credit assessmentalternative financing





Play / Pause

Listen now : BFM 89.9 -- The Business Station

Today’s Shows



11:00 AM

Best of Enterprise

(REPEAT) We discuss how AI is shaping information, engagement, and credibility in the digital age with Kiron Kesav, Chief Strategy Officer, PHD APAC at OMG Malaysia.

12:00 PM

Popcorn Culture

(REPEAT) We review Zootopia 2 and then ask: What (or who) are your favourite on-screen animal characters?

1:00 PM

Cruise Control

(REPEAT) We talk about Perodua's new EV, the QV-E and the conversations surrounding it. Daniel also shares his thoughts on the recently launched luxury sedan from JAC, the Maestro S800.

2:00 PM

Matt-Splained

(REPEAT) We look at the benefits of pressure washing your brain, Matt’s morbid curiosity and Richard’s misconceptions about horror fans.

3:00 PM

Earth Matters

(REPEAT) We speak to Meenakshi Raman about what COP30 in Belém achieved, what fell short, and what the outcomes mean for global climate action.

4:00 PM

Bar None

(REPEAT) We look ahead to the upcoming SEA Games and Malaysia's chances in the tournament.

5:00 PM

BBC World Service

What kinds of food and drink help people keep warm while living in extreme cold? The Food Chain explores.