Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are widely regarded as the backbone of economies and make a unique contribution to gross domestic product, exports, and employment. Yet, SMEs face multiple challenges in gaining access to finance that can fuel their growth. This publication scrutinizes the multiple factors affecting SMEs' access to finance and the impact of credit guarantee schemes (CGSs), examines country case studies from across the globe, and highlights the financial and economic additionality of CGSs when they are rigorously setup. To support Asia and Pacific economies, the publication suggests operational policy recommendations for the key priority areas of CGSs, focusing on legal and regulatory setup, corporate governance, services offered, risk management, and monitoring.