Business Loans Australia :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

New Horizon for Small Business Lending Rules

New Horizon for Small Business Lending Rules

New Horizon for Small Business Lending Rules?w=400

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

The Treasury has rolled out a fresh update to the lending landscape with the release of the Treasury Laws Amendment Instrument 2024: Small Business Exemption, bringing new changes up for public discussion.

The proposed regulations, aimed at modifying the National Consumer Credit Protection Regulations 2010, will push the deadline of the current small business lending exemption to October 3, 2026, from its original expiry of October 3, 2024.

Essentially, this extension means that loans serving both personal and legitimate business purposes-where the business component isn't marginal-will remain exempt from responsible lending regulations.

Current consumer credit laws, highlighted in Chapter 3 of the National Credit Act, generally bypass commercial funding. However, mixed-purpose loans (for example, blending personal and commercial finance needs) are subject to these laws unless it is evident that the primary use is for business.

Eligibility for the exemption defines a small business as having fewer than 100 employees or recording revenue of $5 million or below in the last fiscal year.

Extending the exemption offers more runtime for gathering data, which will aid in making a well-informed future decision about whether the exemption should become permanent, expire, or be altered to boost efficacy.

This approach appears to shed light on the adaptability of lending regulations, pushing boundaries for the benefit of small business dynamics within the evolving market landscape.

Source: Initially reported by David Jacobson, Bright Corporate Law Principal.

Disclaimer: This information is shared for informative purposes and should not be considered as legal advice. Always seek expert consultation to address specific needs before acting on any information provided.

Published:Thursday, 15th Aug 2024
Author: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Finance News

Liberty Financial's Expansion in SME and SMSF Lending Markets
Liberty Financial's Expansion in SME and SMSF Lending Markets
22 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
Liberty Financial Group has reported significant growth in its lending to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and self-managed super funds (SMSFs) in its half-year results ending December 31, 2025. The company's net profits after tax rose to $76.4 million, up from $67.7 million in the previous six months, driven by increased lending in these sectors. - read more
Rate Money's Competitive Edge: Lower Rates for Self-Employed Borrowers
Rate Money's Competitive Edge: Lower Rates for Self-Employed Borrowers
22 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
Rate Money, a non-bank lender specializing in loans for self-employed individuals, has announced significant reductions in interest rates across its 'Evolve Easy Doc' range. Effective June 30, 2025, new rates start from 6.64% per annum, with the 'Easy Doc One Year' product now beginning at 6.09% per annum. - read more
NAB Continues to Dominate Australia's Expanding Business Lending Market
NAB Continues to Dominate Australia's Expanding Business Lending Market
06 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
In January 2026, Australia's business lending landscape reached a significant milestone, with authorised deposit-taking institutions (ADIs) reporting a combined total of $1.2 trillion in loans to non-financial businesses. This marks a 9.3% increase over the previous year and a substantial 53.9% growth since January 2020. Among the major players, National Australia Bank (NAB) continues to lead, boasting a loan book of $261.1 billion, reflecting an 11.6% year-on-year growth. - read more
Westpac's Bold Move to Reinforce Its Business Lending Focus
Westpac's Bold Move to Reinforce Its Business Lending Focus
06 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
In a strategic effort to bolster its presence in the business lending sector, Westpac Banking Corporation has announced a significant restructuring of its operations. The bank plans to replace a substantial number of in-branch tellers with business bankers, aiming to enhance support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Australia. - read more
Renown Lending's Nationwide Expansion to Support Australian SMEs
Renown Lending's Nationwide Expansion to Support Australian SMEs
06 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
In response to the escalating demand for small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) financing, Renown Lending has announced an expansion of its funding pool from $250 million to $400 million. This substantial increase is designed to provide fast and flexible funding solutions to SMEs across all Australian states. - read more
NAB's Business Lending Surges by 7% Annually
NAB's Business Lending Surges by 7% Annually
26 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
National Australia Bank (NAB) has reported a significant 7% year-on-year growth in its business lending portfolio, bringing the total to $336.2 billion. This growth underscores NAB's commitment to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Australia. - read more
CBA's Business Lending Hits $168 Billion Mark
CBA's Business Lending Hits $168 Billion Mark
26 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) has announced a substantial 12% increase in its business lending portfolio, reaching $168 billion in the first half of 2026. This growth rate exceeds the bank's compound annual growth rate of 10.7%, indicating a strong performance in the business lending sector. - read more


Business Loans Articles

Unlocking the Secrets to Flexible Business Financing in Australia
Unlocking the Secrets to Flexible Business Financing in Australia
For emerging businesses seeking to navigate the vibrant economic currents of Australia, grasping the startup lending landscape is essential. A myriad of financing options, each with its distinct advantages and caveats, awaits the ambitious entrepreneur. In this sea of possibilities, securing the right funding becomes more than a mere necessity—it represents a decisive factor in charting the course toward business success. - read more
Maximizing Your Chances of Approval for a Startup Loan in Australia
Maximizing Your Chances of Approval for a Startup Loan in Australia
Securing financing is a pivotal step for any startup looking to establish itself and grow. In Australia, the startup lending landscape is buoyant, offering a mix of traditional and innovative financing options. The financial ecosystem is robust yet competitive, and understanding how to navigate it is crucial for new business owners. - read more
Mezzanine Finance: A Strategic Tool for Business Growth through Acquisition
Mezzanine Finance: A Strategic Tool for Business Growth through Acquisition
Mezzanine finance represents a sophisticated instrument within the realm of corporate finance, often utilized as a strategic tool when more traditional forms of capital are not ideally suited or are insufficient for a firm's needs. Inherently, it serves as a hybrid between debt and equity financing, tailored to support growth initiatives such as business acquisitions. - read more
Startup Loans vs. Business Lines of Credit: Which is Better for Your Company?
Startup Loans vs. Business Lines of Credit: Which is Better for Your Company?
Starting a new business is an exciting journey, but it often requires a significant amount of funding to get off the ground. Whether it's for purchasing equipment, hiring staff, or marketing your new venture, securing the right type of financing is crucial for success. - read more
How to Improve Your Credit Score Before Applying for a Business Loan
How to Improve Your Credit Score Before Applying for a Business Loan
Your credit score is a crucial factor that lenders examine when you apply for a loan. It acts as a numerical representation of your creditworthiness, helping lenders to determine the risk involved in offering you a loan. Essentially, it helps them predict your ability to repay the loan based on your past financial behaviour. - read more
Understanding Loan Terms and Conditions: A Guide for New Business Owners
Understanding Loan Terms and Conditions: A Guide for New Business Owners
Starting a business often requires a substantial amount of capital, which many new business owners may not have readily available. Business loans can provide the necessary funding to help get your startup off the ground, from purchasing equipment to hiring staff and everything in between. - read more
Business Loans in Australia: Tips for Finding the Perfect Fit
Business Loans in Australia: Tips for Finding the Perfect Fit
Funding is crucial for startups and small businesses looking to grow and succeed. In Australia, there are multiple financing options available, each catering to different business needs. These options range from traditional bank loans to more flexible lines of credit, helping entrepreneurs find the best fit for their specific requirements. - read more


Need Help Finding a Loan?
Loan Amount:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided free and without obligation by a Specialist from our National Broker referral panel. See our Privacy Statement for more details.

All finance quotes are provided free (via our secure server) and without obligation.
We respect your privacy.

Knowledgebase
Liquidity:
The ease with which an asset or security can be converted into cash without affecting its market price.