Moniepoint Uses Transaction Data to Expand SME Credit

In Short

Moniepoint is leaning on transaction data to judge whether small businesses can repay loans.

What Happened

Moniepoint Microfinance Bank says it is using transaction histories, business patterns, and payment behaviour to assess creditworthiness for Nigerian SMEs. Moniepoint is the primary keyword in this story because it is the lender and the data holder.

This is an alternative data approach. It means the lender relies on day to day signals like sales volumes, incoming payments, and how often a business settles obligations, instead of only traditional credit bureau records.

BusinessDay reported that the bank disbursed more than ₦1 trillion in credit to thousands of small businesses in 2025, citing Moniepoint’s 2025 Year in Review. Moniepoint also said these businesses recorded average transaction value growth of more than 36% after taking the loans.

The goal is to reach SMEs that struggle to access formal financing. Many small businesses in Nigeria operate largely through POS (point of sale) terminals and bank transfers, but still have thin files with traditional lenders.

Why It Matters

SME credit in Nigeria is constrained by limited documentation and weak formal financial histories. If lenders can underwrite loans using transaction data, more businesses may qualify for working capital, which is short term money used to restock inventory and run daily operations.

This model also creates a tighter link between payments and lending. When a lender can see cash flow in near real time, it can price risk faster and adjust limits as a business grows.

Still, the approach raises questions about data quality and consent. As more fintech lenders rely on behavioural scoring, regulators and customers will likely pay closer attention to how transaction data is collected, stored, and used.