The article explores how different types of financial institutions and their size impact firms' access to financial services. Banks dominate in many countries, leading to lower financial service usage by firms. Smaller financial institutions, like low-end and specialized lenders, can help improve access to finance in low-income countries. Contrary to popular belief, smaller institutions are not necessarily better at providing finance. Larger specialized lenders and banks can actually help small firms with financing, especially in countries with low GDP per capita.