The last two countries also seek management expertise, unlike Korea. Decimation was the fate of Thai companies over the past year. One in 10 disappeared between the survey conducted in early 1998 and the one early this year. Indications from other Crisis countries suggest they had a similar casualty rate. Indonesian and Thai banks seem the least strict in probing prospective borrowers.
Korean banks are the toughest in demanding collateral.
Nine out of 10 companies surveyed in the country have to back loans with assets. Not far behind are Philippine and Thai lenders. But only about two-fifths of Malaysian borrowers need to offer security. Malaysian firms are least keen for foreign partners. Philippine workers get the most training.