The impact of interest rate on loan repayment and demand for credit : a case study for the Swaziland Development Finance Corporation (FINCORP).
Date
2015
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Abstract
Interest rate is the premium that a borrower pays to a lender, usually expressed as a
percentage of the amount granted or principal. Interest rates, higher interest rates to be
specific, are often associated with low demand or appetite for credit. Moreover, it is also
believed to negatively affect loan repayment amongst borrowers. The aim of the study was to
determine whether the interest rate leads to low demand for credit amongst FINCORP clients.
Stratified random sampling method was used to select 89 active clients for this study. Data
were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. Results revealed that interest rates
charged at FINCORP is not a challenge for customers, represented by almost 50% of
respondents. Another 82% of respondents stated that loan repayment was smooth. Regression
analysis found that interest rates and non-performing loans (NPLs) were negatively related to
demand for credit. Furthermore, repayment ability was positively related to demand for
credit. Despite the significant contribution of the loan facility from FINCORP, the loan
duration for most products is too short, and thus results in poor loan repayments. It is also
recommended that the interest rate should not be generalized across the clients; loyal clients
with FINCORP should be rewarded with somewhat low interest rates. FINCORP has the
potential to change the credit lending landscape amongst SMEs in Swaziland through its wide
range of loan products.
Description
Master of Business Administration. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville 2015.
Keywords
Bank loans--Swaziland., Loans--Swaziland., Credit--Swaziland., Interest rates--Swaziland., Theses--Business administration., Loan repayment., Swaziland Development Finance Corporation (FINCORP)