Dun & Bradstreet at HKMA Data Summit: Enhancing SME Credit Insights with Alternative Data and Advanced Analytics

Dun & Bradstreet participated in the Hong Kong Monetary Authority's Data Summit 2025, highlighting SME credit insights and the potential of Commercial Data Interchange (CDI) in reshaping credit access and financial inclusion for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The company moderated a panel discussion on SME Credit Insights and showcased its data-driven solutions at the summit. Dun & Bradstreet is also contributing to two HKMA strategic initiatives: Project Cargox and the Cross-Boundary Data Validation Platform.

Dun & Bradstreet, a leading global provider of business decisioning data and analytics, participated in the Hong Kong Monetary Authority's (HKMA) Data Summit 2025, emphasizing the transformative potential of Commercial Data Interchange (CDI) in reshaping credit access and financial inclusion for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The company moderated a panel discussion on SME Credit Insights and showcased its data-driven solutions at the summit. Dun & Bradstreet is also contributing to two HKMA strategic initiatives: Project Cargox and the Cross-Boundary Data Validation Platform [1].

The panel discussion, moderated by Dun & Bradstreet, explored how alternative data and advanced analytics enabled by CDI and supported by HKMA and early-adopter banks, are reshaping credit access and financial inclusion for SMEs. Thought leaders from several major banks and a CDI data provider shared actionable strategies and discussed how Commercial Credit Reference Agency (CCRA) credit analytics can empower SMEs to thrive in a data-driven economy [1].

Dun & Bradstreet has been actively collaborating with ecosystem stakeholders, including the HKMA, major local banks, and data service providers, to reduce information asymmetries and build a more holistic view of industry-wide SME creditworthiness. Since November 2024, Dun & Bradstreet has initiated the development of CCRA credit analytics, working with pilot banks during the Proof-of-Concept phase to deliver more insightful and actionable credit analytics. These insights aim to help SMEs overcome financing barriers and unlock new growth opportunities [1].

In addition to the panel, Dun & Bradstreet hosted an exhibition booth at the Summit, showcasing its latest data-driven solutions for banks, other financial institutions, and fintech innovators. Further to CCRA credit analytics, Dun & Bradstreet is also contributing to two other HKMA strategic initiatives: Project Cargox – Enhancing the digital trade finance ecosystem by integrating shipping and logistics data, multi-source data reconciliation, and advance network analytics to improve SME financing accessibility. The Cross-Boundary Data Validation Platform supports pilot cases in cross-boundary credit assessment to increase transparency and facilitate easier access to financing for SMEs and cross-boundary enterprises [1][2].

The HKMA's Data Summit 2025, themed "Empowering business and trade through advanced data infrastructure," attracted around 800 senior executives and industry professionals from almost 100 public and private organizations. The keynote addresses and panel discussions focused on four key areas, including Project CargoX on trade finance, open government data, SME credit insights, and cross-boundary data validation. Fifteen CDI partner institutions showcased cutting-edge commercial data innovations and use cases through interactive exhibition booths, fostering industry collaboration and experience sharing [2].

The Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr. Eddie Yue, emphasized the HKMA's dedication to advancing Hong Kong's data infrastructure in partnership with strategic stakeholders in the data ecosystem. By continuously fostering data interconnectivity and unlocking the potential of both traditional and alternative data, the HKMA empowers financial institutions, data providers, and SME traders to benefit from streamlined and efficient processes brought by data sharing [2].

References:
[1] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/dun-bradstreet-hong-kong-spotlights-090000255.html
[2] https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202507/28/P2025072800336.htm