- Non-Bank Lenders Capture 26% of SME Loan Market
In recent years, non-bank lenders have significantly increased their presence in the Australian small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) financing sector. As of early 2025, these lenders account for 26% of smaller loans to SMEs, marking a notable shift in the financial landscape.
- Australian SMEs Navigate Cashflow Struggles Amid Cost Increases
Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are currently grappling with significant cashflow challenges, primarily driven by rising operational costs. Factors such as increased wages, inflation, and higher interest rates have placed considerable strain on these businesses, affecting their financial stability and growth prospects.
- OnDeck Australia Sees Significant Growth in Broker-Originated SME Loans
OnDeck Australia has reported a remarkable 246% year-on-year increase in broker-originated small business loans funded in November 2024 compared to the same month in 2023. This substantial growth underscores a renewed confidence among Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in seeking financial support through broker channels.
- AFCA Issues Caution to SMEs on Unregulated Lending Practices
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has issued a warning to small businesses regarding the risks associated with engaging unregulated lenders. This caution comes in response to a notable increase in complaints related to lenders not covered by the Credit Act and who are not members of AFCA.
- So Money Launches New Lending Solutions for Self-Employed and SMEs
In response to Australia's expanding small business sector, non-bank lender So Money has introduced new lending solutions tailored for self-employed borrowers and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This strategic move aims to simplify the income verification process and provide more flexible financing options to a traditionally underserved market.
- Understanding APRA's New Cap on High Debt-to-Income Loans
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a significant policy change aimed at mitigating risks in the housing market.
- ASIC's Deep Dive into Private Lending Reveals Industry Shortcomings
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has conducted a comprehensive review of the private lending sector, uncovering several areas of concern. The investigation revealed inconsistent and unclear reporting, downplayed risks, opaque fee structures, conflicts of interest, and poor valuation practices within the industry.
- Rising Non-Bank Lenders Draw Attention from Regulators
The Australian non-bank lending sector is experiencing significant growth, attracting attention from both the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). As more Australians turn to non-bank lenders for property loans, concerns about financial stability and regulatory oversight have emerged.
- Australian Business Lending Hits Record Highs
In a significant development for Australia's financial sector, business lending has reached an unprecedented $925 billion across the nation's top 10 authorised deposit-taking institutions (ADIs) as of July 2025. This milestone underscores a robust appetite for corporate borrowing, reflecting growing economic confidence among businesses.
- Australian SMEs Embrace Non-Bank Lenders for Growth
Recent data indicates a significant shift in the financing preferences of Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with over 54% now planning to utilise non-bank lenders for business investment in the next six months.
- Understanding APRA's New Cap on High Debt-to-Income Home Loans
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a significant policy change aimed at curbing high-risk lending practices within the housing market.
- The Rise of Non-Bank Lending Among Australian SMEs
Recent trends indicate a significant shift in the financing preferences of Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). A growing number of these businesses are turning to non-bank lenders to meet their funding needs, driven by the desire for more flexible and accessible financing solutions.
- The Growing Preference for Buy Now Pay Later Services in Australia
In recent years, Australia has witnessed a significant transformation in consumer financing preferences, with Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) services emerging as a favoured alternative to traditional credit options such as credit cards and personal loans.
- APRA's New Debt-to-Income Cap: What Homebuyers Need to Know
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a significant policy change aimed at mitigating risks in the housing market.
- NAB's Interest Rate Reduction: A Boost for Australian Businesses
In response to the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) recent decision to lower the official cash rate by 0.25%, National Australia Bank (NAB) has announced a corresponding reduction in interest rates for eligible business lending products.
- Bizcap's Enhanced Loan Limits: Empowering SMEs with Up to $7.5 Million
Australian non-bank lender Bizcap has announced an increase in its lending limits for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), now offering loans up to $7.5 million, up from the previous $5 million cap.
- AFCA Issues Warning to Small Businesses on Unregulated Lending Risks
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has recently raised concerns regarding the increasing number of small businesses engaging with unregulated lenders. This caution comes in response to a record 4,648 complaints lodged by small businesses in the 2024-25 financial year, marking a 4% increase from the previous year.
- ATO Debt Rule Changes Prompt Surge in Business Loan Applications
Recent changes to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) debt regulations have led to a significant increase in business loan inquiries among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Effective from 1 July 2025, general interest charges (GIC) and shortfall interest charges (SIC) on tax debts will no longer be tax-deductible.
- ASIC Raises Compliance Concerns Among Small Credit Lenders
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has recently expressed concerns regarding the compliance practices of certain small credit lenders.
- ASIC Highlights Compliance Concerns Among Payday Lenders
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has recently conducted a comprehensive review into the practices of payday lenders, uncovering potential breaches of consumer protection laws.
- Harmoney Introduces Tailored Small Personal Loans
Harmoney, a prominent Australian non-bank lender, has expanded its offerings to include small personal loans designed to meet the diverse needs of consumers. These loans range from $2,000 to $100,000, with interest rates starting from 5.76% per annum, tailored to each individual's credit profile.
- Swoosh Finance Delivers Quick Small Cash Loans Online
Swoosh Finance, an Australian online lender, is offering small cash loans ranging from $2,200 to $5,000, with a streamlined application process that can result in same-day approval. This service is designed to provide quick financial relief for individuals facing unexpected expenses or short-term cash flow challenges.
- RBA's Interest Rate Reduction Fuels Surge in SME Lending
The Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) recent decision to cut the official cash rate by 0.25% has had a significant impact on the small business sector.
- Australian SMEs Increasingly Turn to Non-Bank Lenders for Investment
Recent findings from ScotPac's SME Growth Index Report reveal a significant shift in the financing preferences of Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
- Rate Money Announces Rate Reductions for Self-Employed Borrowers
In a move to support self-employed Australians, non-bank lender Rate Money has announced significant reductions in interest rates across its 'Evolve Easy Doc' loan range. Effective from June 30, 2025, the new rates start from 6.
- Renown Lending Partners with Marlbury Capital to Expand SME Asset-Backed Loans
Renown Lending has announced a significant partnership with Marlbury Capital, securing a $100 million facility to expand asset-backed loans for Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This initiative is designed to offer fast, simple, and flexible financing solutions, enabling business owners to seize opportunities, manage cash flow, and stabilize operations.
- ASIC Highlights Compliance Issues Among Small Credit Lenders
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has recently expressed concerns regarding the compliance practices of certain small credit lenders.
- Small Business Lending Surges After RBA's Interest Rate Reductions
In a significant development for Australia's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), recent interest rate cuts by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) have led to a notable increase in small business loan applications.
- Expansion of Private Credit Market Opens New Financing Avenues for Australian SMEs
The Australian financial landscape is witnessing a significant shift as the private credit market experiences substantial growth, offering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) alternative avenues for financing.
- Reserve Bank of Australia Advises Caution on Borrowing as Rate Cuts Loom
As the Australian economy anticipates potential interest rate reductions, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has issued a cautionary note to households, advising against excessive borrowing that could lead to financial instability.
- Westpac's Strategic Expansion in Business Banking
Westpac Banking Corporation has announced a significant expansion in its business banking division, with plans to recruit 350 new bankers over the next two years. This strategic move is part of Westpac's concerted effort to reclaim its leadership position in Australia's business lending market.
- New Credit Check Requirements for BNPL Services in Australia
The Australian government has introduced new legislation mandating that buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) providers conduct credit checks on borrowers. This move aims to align BNPL services with traditional credit providers, enhancing consumer protection and financial transparency.
- APRA's Decision to Retain the 3% Serviceability Buffer
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced its decision to maintain the 3% serviceability buffer for home loan lending. This buffer requires lenders to assess a borrower's ability to meet loan repayments at an interest rate 3% higher than the current rate, ensuring borrowers can withstand potential rate increases.
- Government Extends Small Business Lending Exemption to 2026
The Australian government has announced an extension of the exemption from Responsible Lending Obligations (RLOs) for small businesses, now set to continue until October 3, 2026. This decision aims to facilitate easier access to credit for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), recognizing their pivotal role in the national economy.
- AFCA Releases Guidance on Small Business Lending Complaints
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has published its 'Approach to Lending to Small Business,' providing comprehensive guidance on how it considers complaints related to small business lending. This initiative aims to offer clarity and transparency for both financial firms and small business owners navigating lending disputes.
- Afterpay Reports BNPL Users Advised to Close Accounts for Mortgage Approval
Afterpay, Australia's leading buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) provider, has reported that over 10% of its surveyed users were advised to close their BNPL accounts to qualify for a mortgage. Subsequently, these users were offered credit cards by the same banks or mortgage brokers, highlighting the competitive dynamics within the consumer finance sector.
