This is especially useful since some women entrepreneurs report that the process of applying for a loan appears “too complicated” (Vital Voices, 2013). In addition, the information sharing and networking possibilities generated by such technologies could further pave the way for innovation in the field of SME finance for women-owned businesses. The UAE is an interesting example (see Box 3.1) of the focus of the national reform agenda for bank financing on SMEs as well as women. Banks can take actions to enhance their transparency, improve information sharing and their outreach efforts to deepen their penetration of this new market segment.