REGULATORY COMPLIANCE AND ACCESS TO FINANCE: IMPLICATIONS FOR BUSINESS GROWTH IN DEVELOPING ECONOMIES

Abstract

This paper examines how regulatory compliance requirements and access to suitable financing sources influence business growth potentials, particularly for small and medium enterprises in developing economies. The critical linkages between these factors are established through a review of academic literature and real-world case studies. Strict or disproportionate regulations are shown to impose significant compliance costs that hinder investments and expansionary activity. Lack of access to credit also constrains working capital and innovation expenditures needed to drive competitive advantages. A range of regulatory and financial system reforms are recommended to remove unnecessary bottlenecks while maintaining prudent oversight. Proposed strategies aim to streamline and digitize compliance, build capabilities, tailor support for micro-enterprises, and broaden credit availability. If implemented effectively, these recommendations can optimize developing countries' regulatory environments to maximize the productive contributions of small businesses.