Industry News

What RBA Interest Rate Cut Means for Commercial Loans

The RBA interest rate cut in February is expected to be reflected in lender rates on commercial loans with specific rates varying with individual lenders. While the decision to cut rates was highly expected and most lenders passed on the cut to home mortgage holders promptly, a different scenario exists in the commercial lending sector. The commercial loan sector operates differently from the mortgage and consumer credit sectors. Commercial loans – finance for businesses, is a vast and diverse market and is not as closely regulated as consumer credit. The Reserve Bank (RBA) decision possibly leaving businesses with continuing challenges navigating the market to find their best rate and their most suitable lender. As specialists in commercial lending, we assist businesses to better understand the current scenario with an elaboration of the RBA’s February decision, possible outcomes from changes to how rates are set, and how operators can more easily secure affordable financing. Reserve Bank February Interest Rate Cut The... Read More Caret Right

Increase Performance with Next Level Tech CAT Dozer

The next generation CAT Dozer D8 has advanced technology to deliver more accurate results, faster, simplify machine transitions & boost operator productivity. Dozers are one of the most versatile and widely used machines across multiple industry sectors and the new D8 may be the solution for many operators. Caterpillar announced this new model in December 2024, highlighting how the design makes it easier for the operator to change to different sized machines and how the C15 engine provides increased horsepower compared with earlier models. Power required to tackle make ripping, grading and dozing jobs in challenging operating conditions. For any investment in new machinery to genuinely deliver in both the application and on the bottom line, the financing must also be workable. We outline the key features of the new D8 and the affordable CAT finance we can offer to all types of business operations. New CAT Dozer D8 Features The long undercarriage is a key feature of the new... Read More Caret Right

Record 2024 Truck Sales – Isuzu Trucks the Top Selling Brand

Isuzu Trucks was the top-selling brand of commercial vehicles in Australia for the 36th consecutive year with the market overall setting another sales record. According to figures from the Truck Industry Council, 2024 sales eclipsed the 2023 record with Japanese brands Isuzu, Hino and Fuso topping the overall best sellers and Kenworth remaining on top in the heavy-duty segment. While the record totals are encouraging for the market and potentially a positive indicator for the transport sector, not all brands posted uplifts in sales. Some of the top names, including the big 3 in light and medium duty, all posted drops compared with 2023. In drawing comparisons with the previous year it should be noted that the 2024 figures includes LDV and Peugeot which previously were not included in collating sales figures. Knowing which brands are best sellers can be an indication of what other operators, possibly your competitors, have already assessed as the best options. We report on the... Read More Caret Right

Isuzu Trucks continue sales dominance

With Isuzu dominating the new truck sales market, Business.Finance provides operators with tailored heavy vehicle loans to acquire these market-leading vehicles and other leading brands including Kenworth, Fuso and Hino. Facilitating affordable finance solutions to enable operators of all sizes across all industries to upgrade to more efficient vehicles to cut fuel and operating costs. A move that many operators have made with truck sales continually strong in the past few years. The July sales results show a slight drop on the record numbers recorded in June this year, but the leading brands continued their dominance. Isuzu dominates the light-duty and medium-duty segments while Kenworth leads the sale in the heavy-duty segment. While July sales were down 29% on June figures, the annual YTD data continues to be strong. July this year much stronger than July last year, despite the end to the general IAWO tax benefits for most businesses. In total sales for the year to date (YTD), Isuzu... Read More Caret Right

Secure farming machine finance for upcoming Field Days 2024 

Securing low rate farming machine finance through Business.Finance on a pre-approved basis, can equip agri operators for ordering at upcoming field days 2024. The annual schedule of agricultural focussed shows, expos and events is underway already with nearly all states and territories holding an event in the first half of the year. Many of these shows focus on agri equipment, providing attendees with the ideal opportunity to place orders on the latest models. Placing orders at shows saves time visiting the dealership in town at a later time and may allow the machinery to be delivered, commissioned and delivering yields sooner. To ensure operators are equipped to order, we provide a pre-approved farming and agriculture machinery loans. Approval of the credit application with an offer on a certain amount with repayment schedules, all before the order has been placed. Convenient, time-saving and a highly efficient way to approach agri equipment funding. To allow operators to plan which events to attend... Read More Caret Right

Interest Rates Update: Reserve Bank June Decision

The CPI data for April, released by the ABS (Australian Bureau of Statistics) on 31 May surprised the markets. The increase in headline inflation despite a continued fall in the underlying rate, changed expectations more towards a June rate rise rather than a hold. But despite the April spike, there were still strong economic data and convincing reasons in favour of holding rates steady. Reading the actual statements from the RBA, including especially from the Governor Philip Lowe, rather than relying purely on media headlines, may be useful in getting a better understanding of what’s happening with rates. At this critical time of year with temporary full expensing ending and the new financial year about to start, business owners will no doubt value as much intel as possible to assist with finance decisions. In this update, we provide a rundown on the information available to date from the RBA – the decision release and an address by Dr Lowe. Noting... Read More Caret Right

Q4 – time to finalise vehicle and equipment acquisitions with cheaper commercial finance

Maximize Your Tax Deductions The fourth quarter of the financial year signals time to speak with Business Finance about cheaper commercial finance for vehicle and equipment acquisitions. Traditionally the last 3 months of the financial year is the time when many business owners assess their position and look to maximise tax deductions through purchases before 30 June. To be eligible as a tax deduction, assets may need to be operational in a business prior to that date. For some machinery and equipment time may need to be allowed for delivery, installation and commissioning. There are additional compelling reasons as to why moving now on essential acquisitions is even more important this year. Capitalise, Optimise, Maximise, Minimise Reasons to act now are driven by the opportunities to minimise interest payable on finance, capitalise on opportunities, optimise benefits and maximise tax deductions. A key reason is the interest rates outlook. While the latest inflation figures are seen by many as a reason... Read More Caret Right

From soaring inflation to disinflation. Latest CPI relevance for interest rates

How Disinflation Affects Commercial Finance Interest Rates Business Finance Australia covers off on the latest inflation figures from the ABS and the relevance of disinflation on commercial finance interest rates. Disinflation is the term which Michelle Marquardt from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) used to describe the two consecutive monthly figures of a lower inflation rate annually. From the peak of 8.4% reached in December 2022 and following a year of soaring rates, the ABS has now reported two monthly CPI data series of lower rates. January’s rate was a significant fall to 7.4%. A smaller drop was expected by the markets for February, possibly to around 7.1%. But the figures were much better than expected with the annual inflation to February 2023 at 6.8%. The result is extremely significant for interest rates as it comes less than a week ahead of the crucial Reserve Bank (RBA) Board meeting to make the April cash rate decision. This meeting and... Read More Caret Right

Pause or raise? RBA interest rates options for upcoming decision

With both a pause and a rise in interest rates possible at the next RBA meeting, Business Finance updates on rates to assist operators with finance decisions. The Reserve Bank (RBA) Board has announced ten rate rises consecutively since May of last year. But based on discussions at the RBA Board’s March meeting, a pause in those increases may be upcoming. There was discussion of a pause at the December meeting, as revealed in the minutes. Governor Philip Lowe backed that up at the time with remarks that all options were on the table. But the economic conditions prevailing by the February meeting meant the pause was not discussed. However, the minutes of the March RBA Board meeting do reveal that the option of pausing interest rate increases will be discussed at the upcoming April meeting. The optimism around that revelation may be moderated by the discussion at the same meeting, that it is likely that more increases will be... Read More Caret Right

RBA March Monetary Policy Statement – interest rates up but pause closer

As was expected, the RBA lifted interest rates a further 0.25% on 7 March meeting, said more increases likely but also indicated a pause was closer. The RBA Governor, Dr Philip Lowe made the ‘pause’ comments in a speech at the Australian Financial Review Business Summit, held the day after the RBA Board meeting. The content of that speech is informative as it expands on comments in the monetary policy statement and covers more ground. Comments and ‘ground’ which may be of assistance to business owners in the midst of making those vital acquisition decisions in the lead-up to the end of the financial year. Having as much intel as possible as to what may lay ahead in business conditions may provide be vital to those finance decisions. Interest rates are critical to commercial loans and with rates set to move higher, using an experienced broker to secure the cheapest rates can be an astute decision. The current cash rate is... Read More Caret Right

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Our Lenders

Trusted by 60+ lenders Australia-wide

Westpac
Liberty
Automotive Financial Services
Macquarie
Finance One
Pepper Money
Morris
National Australia Bank
RACV
Get Capital
Prospa
Grow
Selfco Leasing
Scottish Pacific

FAQs
Business Finance FAQs

Yes, subject to the specific guidelines of individual brokers. Many brokers will offer services to all types and sizes of commercial set-ups while some may specialise in working for only some types of operations. Some brokers may also specialise in certain industry sectors or with specific financial products.

Commercial loans all offer tax deductible elements. These vary with the different products including Chattel Mortgage, Leasing, Rent to Own and Commercial Hire Purchase. Interest payments are all tax deductible. With Leasing and Rent to Own the repayments are tax deductible. With Chattel Mortgage a tax benefit is realised through depreciation.

The interest rates vary with the different funding products. Rates will change across the market with changes in the cash rate by the Reserve Bank. Rates will differ depending on the individual application and credit rating. Rates can vary for equipment in different industries. Credit providers will advertise their best rate for good credit rating applicants.

Yes. Having a current ABN is an essential requirement to be eligible for commercial funding products. Additional documentation on the financials of the operation and other details will be requested as part of the application process. If not all documents are available, ABN holders may seek No Doc or Low Doc options.

The same products apply across all industries and types of operations. But the funding offers can vary across different industry sectors for some credit products. This may occur with equipment and machinery in particular. Interest rates on equipment funding may be different from one industry to another. This may be due to risk assessment of the sector or the individual guidelines of a particular lender. Vehicle funding interest rates would be less subject to industry variations.

The type of credit product best suited to a commercial enterprise will depend on:- accounting method used; balance sheet approach; approach to tax; and financial objectives. The most popular options are Vehicle Leasing and Chattel Mortgage. Operators are advised to discuss choice of product for suitability with their accountant.

Cash flow support may be sought through an Overdraft Facility or a Secured or Unsecured Funding Option. All may be sought to support an operation with ongoing expenses to support cash flow.

New start-ups with an ABN are eligible to apply for all types of commercial loans. As most will not have all the documents for the application, they may seek No Doc and Low Doc options through specialist providers and brokers. Funding can be sought for vehicles, trucks, equipment and other purposes.

To be eligible for commercial loan, applicants must hold an ABN and identification are essential requirements. GST registration is not essential. A selection of documentation, docs, is requested. This may include tax returns, BAS returns, trading figures, bank statements, balance sheets and annual accounts.

Refinancing may be considered for many types of commercial funding arrangements. These may include asset acquisition funding, overdrafts as well as general secured and unsecured arrangements. Refinancing may be sought for a range of purposes including to achieve a lower interest rate, restructure repayment schedule or as part of a business-wide review of financials.

In general terms, any equipment which is for use in a commercial operation may be eligible for commercial funding. The ATO sets out eligibility for tax deductible asset acquisitions. The type of equipment will vary depending on the industry. It can include heavy machinery and equipment right through to general equipment such as computers, IT and photocopiers. Lenders may have their own guidelines as to what equipment they will fund.

Commercial financing is available through major and second tier banks and a wide range of non-bank lenders. Brokers offer services to assist operators to source funding to suit their requirements.

Rates are offered following an assessment of the application. The rate will be based on the credit rating of the applicant, the amount being applied for, aspects of the goods or purpose of the funding and other aspects. Rates offered vary across the lending market and are subject to the individual guidelines of the credit provider. Changes to monetary policy by the Reserve Bank can impact the interest rates market.

Features and structure of commercial loans should be assessed in relation to the accounting methods and objectives of the company. Consulting with an accountant can assist with this process. The best option is the one that suits the individual objectives and goals.

No. ABN holders and sole traders that are not incorporated are still eligible for commercial loans. Some lenders will have guidelines around application approvals. Small enterprises may seek a credit provider that accepts applications from their type of operation or seek assistance from a broker.