Terms of Reference
Fintech Partner for “Bridging the Gap: Unlocking Small Business Finance
through Fintech Partnership” project
April 2026
BACKGROUND
The Asia Foundation (TAF) is implementing the Bridging the Gap: Unlocking Small Business Finance through Fintech Partnership Project to expand access to finance for underserved small businesses in Vietnam, India, and Bangladesh. In Vietnam, the project aims to reduce collateral dependence, improve bank – small business engagement, and pilot innovative digital solutions. A central component will be the co‑development of a fintech‑enabled readiness tool that helps small businesses prepare standardized loan documentation, meet compliance requirements, and connect more effectively with banks. TAF seeks a Fintech Partner to collaborate on design, testing, and deployment of this tool.
SCOPE OF WORK
The Fintech Partner will act as the project’s technology enabler, bringing expertise in AI‑powered credit risk, identity verification, and digital onboarding to help small businesses overcome barriers to finance. The partner will work closely with TAF and Vietnamese banks to ensure the tool is practical, scalable, and aligned with local credit risk management practices.
Key responsibilities include:
Tool Development & Customization
- Co‑design and build a fintech‑enabled readiness tool tailored to small business needs.
- Integrate modules for standardized loan documentation, guarantee eligibility checks, and compliance/ESG requirements.
- Ensure interoperability with bank systems and regulatory frameworks.
Pilot Implementation
- Collaborate with TAF and partner banks to test the tool in real loan intake processes.
- Collect and analyze feedback from small businesses and banks to refine usability and effectiveness.
- Support baseline finance‑readiness assessments and digital onboarding of small businesses
Capacity Building & Support
- Provide training sessions for small businesses, banks, and project staff on tool usage.
- Develop user manuals, training materials, and troubleshooting protocols.
- Offer ongoing technical support during pilot phase.
Key deliverables include:
- Prototype of readiness tool developed and tested within pilot timeline.
- At least 120 small businesses onboarded during pilot phase.
- Minimum of 2 banks engaged in testing tool outputs.
- Training materials and workshops delivered to small businesses and project staff.
- Final report with recommendations for scaling and sustainability.
The duration of the task is April to August 2026.
QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS
Given the scope of work mentioned above, The Asia Foundation is seeking a fintech partner with specific qualifications as follows:
Technical Expertise
- Proven track record in developing and deploying fintech solutions, particularly in AI‑powered credit risk assessment, identity verification, digital onboarding, or small business finance tools.
- Ability to customize digital platforms to local market conditions and regulatory frameworks.
- Strong data management and analytics capabilities, including integration with bank systems.
Market Experience
- Demonstrated experience working with banks, financial institutions, or DFIs in Vietnam or Southeast Asia.
- Familiarity with Vietnam’s SME lending environment, collateral practices, and regulatory requirements.
- Prior involvement in projects targeting underserved or underbanked populations is highly desirable.
Organizational Capacity
- Established company with sufficient technical staff and resources to deliver within project timelines.
- Ability to provide training, user support, and troubleshooting during pilot implementation.
- Commitment to scaling solutions beyond pilot phase if successful.
Values & Collaboration
- Strong commitment to inclusive finance, SME development, and gender equity.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including banks, regulators, SME associations, and international partners.
- Transparent governance and compliance with data privacy and security standards.
APPLICATION SUBMISSION
Interested fintech firms should submit:
- Company profile and track record in relevant fintech solutions.
- Case studies of similar projects or partnerships.
- Proposal outlining approach to co‑developing the readiness tool, including technical methodology, resource plan, and indicative timeline.
- Contact details of key personnel who would lead the collaboration.
Note that during the selection process, The Asia Foundation may ask the short-listed candidates to submit proposed budget as one of the considerations for making the final selection decision.
Please submit your application to the email address below:
The Asia Foundation – Inclusive Economic Development Program
Email: [email protected]
Title: Bridging the Gap: Unlocking Small Business Finance through Fintech Partnership
Closing time for applications is 5.00 PM (Hanoi time, GMT+7) on April 26, 2026. Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interview.