Industry News

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

February RBA Meeting Minutes reveal uncertainties re interest rates and inflation

The uncertainties discussed by the RBA Board at its February around interest rates and inflation may present reason to expedite new asset purchases with finance. These uncertainties were detailed in the Minutes of the 7 February meeting which were posted to the Reserve Bank website on 21 February. While most will obtain information on RBA decisions through media reports, it can often be worthwhile referring directly to the source documents to gain a better perspective and greater insights. Meeting minutes contain a lot more detail and cover a wider range of topics than are included in the statement issued by the Board to announce its monthly interest rates decisions. This additional information may be beneficial to business owners and operators in acquiring a more broad-based view of the outlook for their sector or the Australian economy in general. Most importantly, the minutes may offer a greater understanding of the RBA’s thinking and reasoning around interest rates. Rates are key to... Read More Caret Right

Inflation Rate, Interest Rates and now the Unemployment Rate for businesses to consider

Release of the latest unemployment rate and increases in interest rates may prompt businesses to act to upgrade equipment and vehicles with commercial loans. Australians have been swamped with the stats, data and rates over the past month or so. While inflation rates and interest rates will be of greatest interest to individuals, the employment situation can be of critical importance to many business operators. The conditions in the labour market have been a key impact on the ability for many businesses to operate to full capacity. Affecting output, productivity, profitability, supply and potentially pricing. The labour market has been tight for quite some time, so any signs of an easing may be good news for many and reason to get moving with plans that have been on hold. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released the unemployment rate data on February 16th and it showed an increase. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) had included a rise in unemployment... Read More Caret Right

Possibilities of refinancing to offset pressures from increased operating expenses

With the latest CPI indicating more inflationary pressure, business owners may consider refinancing to offset the pressures from increased operating expenses. Most widely used to achieve lower interest rates on current loans, refinancing does have broader purposes and may be a realistic solution in the current economic conditions. It may form an integral component of an operation-wide finance restructure and/or part of a raft of measures undertaken to cut outgoings as prices continue to rise. The current labour situation in Australia may also give rise to the need to consider refinancing. The tightness in the market has meant that many businesses are operating well below capacity. Thus limiting income while costs and outgoings continue to rise. Refinancing may contribute by achieving reduced finance repayment amounts to ease the monthly outgoings commitments. Something which may be significant in affecting a positive change to the bottom line and easing cash flow pressures. The latest data on inflation from the Australian Bureau of... Read More Caret Right

RBA discusses both halting and hiking interest rates. So what’s next?

With the minutes of the RBA December meeting revealing the Board considered a larger hike and a hold, businesses may wonder what’s ahead for interest rates in 2023. Since the first of this current cycle of interest rate rises in May 2022, the RBA Board has constantly included a remark that further interest rate rise would be expected. But when delving further than the media release statement and into the more detailed minutes of the meeting, greater insights into the Board’s decision-making process is revealed. But sometimes more information is not always helpful. The December board meeting minutes detail the arguments that were discussed for returning to the earlier larger rate hikes of 0.5%, of continuing the run of 0.25% increases and holding the cash rate steady at the 2.85%. The possibility of a stop to rate rises would be good news while another large increase could put plans for acquiring assets with finance into limbo. One economics reporter described... Read More Caret Right

What the unemployment figures can mean for commercial loans decisions

Staying across the latest unemployment and other economic data may assist businesses make key decisions on commercial loans for major asset acquisitions. The labour market in Australia has been extremely tight for some time as the economy records near record low unemployment rates. The situation has meant many businesses across many industries are continuing to face issues in achieving full staffing. A scenario which is limiting their ability to operate at their full capacity and realise their full potential. These constraints can affect how business owners approach decisions to invest in new or upgrade equipment and machinery. Having some indication as to what could play out moving forward, may provide guidance as to whether the business will be well-placed to support such a major investment over the full term of the finance or not. There are a number of statistics-based resources available through a range of Government bodies and other organisations which are available for easy access. These include statistics... Read More Caret Right

RBA Continues with Interest Rates Increases

Pressure mounts on businesses to seek cheaper interest rate business and asset finance as the RBA continued increasing interest rates with its December decision. The RBA December decision to raise the cash rate again makes it the eighth consecutive increase this year. Raising the cash rate from that historic low 0.1% to the now 3.1% over those eight increases. Quite a significant amount of increases in a relatively short time. A fact which has been acknowledged by RBA Governor Philip Lowe in recent remarks and statement. The cash rate is now at its highest in around 10 years. The repercussions through lending markets has been increases in interest rates by banks and non-bank lenders. But those increases can vary across and within different loan markets and for finance applicable for different industry sectors. Taking this all into consideration along with high inflation, the tight labour market and rising costs, the importance of understanding what’s happening with interest rates and having... Read More Caret Right

Act now to beat deadline for temporary full expensing

The availability of temporary full expensing expires on 30 June 2023 and businesses are encouraged place vehicle and machinery orders now to avoid missing out. Six months ahead may seem a long way off for many businesses to address a deadline. But there is a compelling case for prompt attention to this particular issue, which we will outline along with how we can assist with suitable finance. We did provide a brief mention of this in a recent article when updating on a number of looming deadlines for business owners to note. But the benefits available through tax deductions and potentially refunds on tax already paid are so significant, temporary full expensing is worth a more urgent reminder. Reasons to Act Now There are a number of reasons why we consider that businesses should seriously consider temporary full expensing for their operation and take actions now, 6 months ahead of the expiry date. For starters, we’re entering the silly season... Read More Caret Right

Surprise unemployment fall points to more interest rates rises a certainty

A fall in unemployment in the latest ABS report raises the chances of more interest rates rises and highlights importance of cheaper rates for commercial loans. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) published the latest Job Figures last week and in a surprise to many, the unemployment rate in Australia dropped again. This time by 1% to 3.4%. The fall is being interpreted in some comments as the economy continuing to show strength and with inflation still rising, seen as further backing for another rate rise by the RBA when the Board next meets on 6 December. There may have been a glimmer of hope that the RBA would ease up on by how much it would increase the cash rate in the coming period. In remarks in an address at a business dinner following the November rate decision, Governor Lowe said that the Board had discussed the effects on households of rising prices and rising rates. There was mention... Read More Caret Right

Business Finance: tax benefit reminders, Director ID, interest rates update & details for flood victims

2022 has been full of challenges for business in general with inflationary pressures, tightness in the labour market, interest rates rising and for many, dealing with the impacts of devastating floods. While dealing with those many challenges it can be understandable that many other issues may be put on the back burner or overlooked. This general business finance article updates on deadlines for Director IDs and a key tax benefit, latest on interest rates and details for those impacted by recent floods. Director Identification Number Deadline Looms We recently posted a detailed article on Director Identification Numbers but with the deadline a week away, it’s worth another reminder as the penalties for those that do not comply can be sever. This ASIC regulation requires all directors of companies (there are some exclusions) to have an individual and unique identification number. Existing directors of companies must have their Director ID by the deadline of 30 November 2022. The process is a... 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.