In supporting the development of new areas in the market, the SBCI will seek to develop a functioning commercial market rather than a State-supported market. As the SBCI matures it will adopt a counter-cyclical approach. This will involve scaling back operations in markets which are strengthening, with the focus moving to weaker environments.

The initial business model of the SBCI is to serve as an on-lending financial institution providing low cost wholesale fi nance to on-lenders in the SME market. In advance of new delivery partners coming on-stream, the SBCI conducts rigorous due diligence on these organisations and key individuals.

The SBCI employs a small, high quality and efficient team in order to transmit the maximum benefit to SMEs. To this end the SBCI leverages the resources of the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA). SBCI staff are employees of the NTMA and are assigned to the SBCI while most of the SBCI’s corporate services are provided by the NTMA. The SBCI reimburses the NTMA for the provision of these services (including staff costs).