The Globe and Mail reports in its Wednesday, June 10, edition that Peter Routledge, head of the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions, has urged banks to increase lending to small- and medium-sized businesses, citing JPMorgan's commitment of $1.5-trillion (U.S.) to boost the United States economy as an example. The Globe's Stephanie Marotta writes that Mr. Routledge told a Senate committee that banks need to adapt their business models to better support hardworking entrepreneurs. He has faced criticism for not providing small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with capital, which is crucial for bolstering the economy. In October, JPMorgan, the world's biggest bank, said it will dole out the money over the next 10 years. In April, the lender expanded the initiative to invest in Europe. "Well, wouldn't it be great if we had some Canadian banks step up and make the same commitment to Canada?" Mr. Routledge said Thursday. The committee is studying access to credit and capital markets for SMEs and its impact on growth and productivity in Canada. This issue has gained attention, with the Competition Bureau also investigating the financing options and barriers discouraging banks from lending to SMEs.