Fintech and large banks for <scp>SME</scp> financing: Evidence from China

Abstract In this paper, we adopt a mixed‐methods approach that combines case studies and fuzzy‐set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to analyse the collaborative efforts of financial technology (fintech) and large banks in mitigating small and medium‐sized enterprise (SME) financing problems. The findings demonstrate that fintech has challenged the traditional lending structure of “large bank–large firms, small bank–small firms” by reducing information asymmetry between banks and enterprises and enhancing technological capabilities. The inherent advantages of large banks, including economies of scale, risk diversification, and talent attraction, can accelerate fintech's role in promoting inclusive finance for SMEs. Overall, our results underscore the importance of fintech applications and the active involvement of large banks in addressing SME financing challenges.