In Portugal, more than half of the firms do not have any bank relationship, reveals the country’s Central Bank (BdP).

According to an analysis taken by BdP’s team, when firms borrow from banks, they hold two bank relationships on average. The smaller firms rely on less banks than the larger ones. Large firms have on average six different bank relationships, while micro firms, that employ less than 10 employees, usually have only one bank relationship.

There is also evidence that when firms gain access to bank loans for the first time, they usually establish a single bank relationship. As time goes by and the firm expands its activity, the likelihood of establishing relationships with other banks increases.

Original Story: BdP | Author: Diana Bonfim and Sujiao Zhao 
Photo: FreeImages.com/ Matthew Bowden
Edition: Prime Yield