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NAB Continues to Dominate Australia's Expanding Business Lending Market

A Closer Look at NAB's Leadership in the $1.2 Trillion Business Lending Sector

NAB Continues to Dominate Australia's Expanding Business Lending Market?w=400

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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.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) follows closely, with its business lending portfolio reaching $230.8 billion, up 12.0% from the previous year. This competitive environment underscores the robust demand for business financing across the nation.

For Australian business owners and entrepreneurs, these figures highlight the increasing availability of capital to support growth and expansion initiatives. NAB's sustained leadership in this sector suggests a strong commitment to meeting the diverse needs of businesses, from small enterprises to large corporations.

As the business lending market continues to evolve, it's crucial for business owners to stay informed about the various financing options available. Understanding the offerings from leading institutions like NAB and CBA can empower businesses to make strategic decisions that align with their growth objectives.

Published:Friday, 6th Mar 2026
Author: Paige Estritori

Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.

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