For over five decades, Esquire Financing Inc. (EFI) has been atthe forefront of providing financial solutions and empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Philippines.

“The company was founded in 1974 as a trading business by my father Albert Uttamchandani. The company quickly recognized the critical role of credit in facilitating commerce, leading to its evolution into a renowned finance powerhouse,” said EFI Chief Executive Officer Rajan Uttamchandani.

Thus, in 1991, Uttamchandani established Esquire International Credit Resources with a primary focus on trade finance.

Understanding the pressing need for accessible financing, the company took a significant step forward in 2002, increasing its capitalization and transforming into Esquire International Financing Inc. This strategic move allowed Esquire to expand its reach and meet the growing demands of businesses across the nation.

In 2007, Rajan Uttamchandani, equipped withan entrepreneurial spirit honed at Bentley College and further refined at the Asian Institute of Management, joined the family enterprise.

Recognizing the immense potential of SMEs and their vital role in driving economic growth, Rajan spearheaded the establishment of Esquire Financing Inc., a subsidiary of the group dedicatedsolely to SME financing.

Since its inception, Esquire Financing hasbecome a catalyst for the success of more than 30,000 MSMEs. By providing non-collateral business loans to growing enterprises, Esquire Financing has unlocked opportunities for businesses that may have otherwise been overlooked by traditional financial institutions.

“EFI is known for providing easy and quick financing for additional capital and other business needs. Being in the industry for more than a decade, with a focus on helping small and medium-sized enterprises, EFI understands the challenges of startup or growing businesses,”said Rajan.

He added, “That is why we offer loans without collateral, with minimal documentary requirements, and with a fast turn around time. In as fast as three days or less, you can have your business loan amounting to up to ₱10 million.”

In lieu of collateral, EFI checks the financial health of the applicant’s business, including the cash flow, to determine the amount it can borrow and the terms of the loan.

The impact has been profound, with each $1million in loans estimated to create 10 to 15 jobs. Based on this formula, it is seen that Esquire Financing has contributed to the creation of close to onemillion jobs over the past 13 years, uplifting countless families and communities.

“The economic impact of Esquire Financing extends far beyond job creation. Through its expertise and support, the company has witnessed the transformative power of accessible and affordable capital for SMEs,” said Rajan.

He noted that, “The average SME, armed with the right financial resources, experiences exponential growth, bolstering not only its own prospects but also contributing to the wider economy. Esquire Financing firmly believes that funding SMEs has a multiplier effect of 10 times, as each loan generates economic productivity when channeled effectively intosustainable growth.”

The success stories of SMEs empowered by Esquire Financing are a testament to the company's unwavering commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and fueling economic progress.