Bridging the gap between innovative fintech solutions and traditional banking, QRED Bank is rewriting the rules for SME financing across Europe. In this revealing conversation with Norway Country Manager Kristina, we explore how QRED transformed from an ambitious startup into a fully-licensed bank without losing its entrepreneurial spirit or customer-first approach.
The statistics are startling: small and medium-sized enterprises make up 99% of all European businesses and contribute 36% of all taxes, yet receive merely 1% of traditional bank funding. This glaring disparity drives QRED's mission to create more accessible financing options for businesses that form the backbone of our economies.
What sets QRED apart isn't just their technology—it's their understanding that behind every loan application is a real business with unique needs. "Time is valuable for any business owner," Kristina explains. They don't want to spend hours filling out five-page loan applications." This recognition has shaped their approach, from streamlined application processes to the surprisingly simple competitive advantage of answering the phone when customers call.
The journey hasn't been without challenges. When entering the Norwegian market, QRED encountered unexpected cultural resistance to non-traditional lending. Rather than forcing their existing model, they adapted through education and trust-building. This flexibility, combined with their data-driven insights from a decade of SME lending, allows them to tailor financial solutions that work for business owners.
Curious about how fintech innovation can coexist with banking regulation? Want to understand how open banking is revolutionising SME lending? Listen now to discover how QRED reimagines financial services one relationship at a time. Follow us for more conversations connecting the worlds of fintech, banking, and regulatory innovation.

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Koen Vanderhoydonk
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