- LMG's Asset Finance Exchange Hits $80 Million Milestone in First Year
In a remarkable demonstration of Australia's expanding asset finance sector, Loan Market Group's Asset Finance Exchange (AFX) has reported settlements totaling approximately $80 million within its first year of operation. This achievement underscores the platform's effectiveness in connecting mortgage brokers with asset finance specialists, thereby facilitating substantial business growth.
- Valiant Finance Facilitates Over $2.5 Billion in Loans to Australian SMEs
Valiant Finance, an Australian business finance marketplace established in 2015, has achieved a significant milestone by facilitating over $2.5 billion in loans to more than 20,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the country. This accomplishment underscores the growing reliance on digital platforms for business financing solutions.
- ANZ Receives $2 Billion Government Guarantee to Sustain Pacific Operations
In a strategic initiative to bolster its presence in the Pacific region, ANZ has secured a A$2 billion loan guarantee from the Australian government. This 10-year agreement aims to ensure the bank's continued operation of its Pacific branch network, serving as a countermeasure to growing regional influences.
- So Money Broadens Services to Support Australian SMEs
In response to the growing demand for small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) financing in Australia, non-bank lender So Money has expanded its services to include tailored lending solutions for self-employed borrowers and SMEs.
- ASIC Advocates for Enhanced Standards in Australia's Private Lending Sector
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has issued a call for the private lending sector to elevate its standards to align more closely with traditional banking practices.
- Westpac Restructures to Strengthen Business Lending Focus
Westpac Banking Corporation has announced a significant restructuring initiative aimed at bolstering its presence in the business lending market.
- ASX Adjusts Dividend Policy Following ASIC's $150 Million Capital Charge
The Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) has announced a reduction in its dividend payout ratio to 75–85% of underlying net profit after tax. This decision follows the Australian Securities and Investments Commission's (ASIC) imposition of an additional A$150 million capital charge on the exchange operator.
- Hanwha's Investment in Austal Expands Amidst Regulatory Oversight
The Australian government has approved South Korean conglomerate Hanwha's proposal to increase its shareholding in Australian shipbuilder Austal from 9.9% to 19.9%. This approval comes with stringent conditions concerning security and data access to safeguard Australia's strategic and national security interests.
- November Sees Softening in Australian Business Conditions Amidst Capacity Challenges
In November, Australian business conditions experienced a decline, as reported by the National Australia Bank (NAB) survey. The business conditions index fell by 3 points to +7, indicating a softening in sales and profits after a period of strong performance.
- RBA Holds Cash Rate at 3.60%, Forecasts Extended Stability
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has announced its decision to maintain the official cash rate at 3.60% during its December meeting, signaling a potential extended period of stability through 2026. This move reflects the central bank's response to higher-than-expected inflation and a robust economic environment.
- October Sees Significant Rise in Australian Household Spending
In October 2025, Australian household spending experienced a notable increase of 1.3%, reaching A$78.4 billion. This marks the most substantial monthly rise in nearly two years, driven primarily by year-end sales events and heightened consumer confidence.
- Australia's Economy Achieves 2.1% Annual Growth in Q3 2025
Australia's economy has demonstrated remarkable resilience, recording a 2.1% year-on-year growth in the third quarter of 2025. This marks the fastest annual expansion in two years, driven by robust business investments and consumer spending.
- APRA's New Cap on High DTI Home Loans: What It Means for Borrowers
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a significant policy change aimed at mitigating risks in the housing market. Effective February 2026, APRA will implement a cap restricting banks from issuing more than 20% of new home loans to borrowers with debt-to-income (DTI) ratios of six times or higher.
- Global Dynamics and Their Impact on Australia's Financial Landscape
In a recent address in Sydney, Penelope Smith, head of the international department at the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), shed light on the significant influence of global factors on Australia's financial conditions.
- Westpac's Financial Performance: Navigating Challenges in a Competitive Mortgage Market
Westpac Banking Corporation has reported a slight decrease in its annual profit, recording A$6.99 billion for the year ending September 30, 2025, down from A$7.11 billion the previous year. Despite this decline, the result surpassed analysts' expectations of A$6.83 billion.
- NAB Lowers Business Loan Interest Rates by 0.25%
National Australia Bank (NAB), Australia's largest business bank, has announced a 0.25% per annum reduction in interest rates for eligible business lending products. This decision follows the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) recent 0.25% cut to the cash rate.
- ASIC Advocates for Improved Standards in Private Lending Sector
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has released a comprehensive report urging the private lending sector to elevate its standards to align more closely with traditional banking practices.
- Australian Commercial Credit Demand Increases by 3% in Q3 2025
Recent data from Equifax indicates a 3% year-on-year rise in overall commercial credit demand in Australia for the third quarter of 2025. This growth is primarily driven by an uptick in business loan applications across the eastern states, reflecting a positive trend in the nation's business sector.
- ANZ Bank's Financial Performance and Strategic Cost Reductions
ANZ Group has reported a 14% decline in annual cash earnings, amounting to A$5.79 billion for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025. This downturn is primarily attributed to a significant post-tax impact of A$1.
- CBA's First-Quarter Financial Results: Balancing Growth and Margin Pressures
The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), the nation's largest bank by market value, has reported a modest increase in first-quarter cash profit, achieving approximately A$2.6 billion. This 1% rise from the previous two-quarter average is primarily driven by robust growth in home loans and household deposits.
- October Sees Uptick in Australian Business Activity, NAB Reports
A recent survey by the National Australia Bank (NAB) reveals an improvement in Australian business conditions for October 2025, marked by a rise in sales and profits. The NAB business conditions index increased by one point to +9, reaching its highest level since March 2024.
- Japanese Banks SMBC and MUFG Propel Business Lending Expansion in Australia
Australia's business lending sector is witnessing a significant shift as Japanese banking giants Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) emerge as leading growth drivers.
- ANZ Ceases Share Buyback to Fund Strategic Restructuring
In a significant strategic shift, ANZ Group has announced the cessation of its remaining A$800 million share buyback program. This decision is aimed at bolstering the bank's cash reserves to support a comprehensive restructuring plan under the leadership of CEO Nuno Matos.
- RBA's October 2025 Review Affirms Australia's Financial Resilience
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has released its October 2025 Financial Stability Review, providing a comprehensive assessment of the nation's financial system. The report underscores the resilience of Australia's financial institutions, households, and businesses in the face of elevated global uncertainties.
- Australian Business Conditions Remain Steady in September 2025
In September 2025, Australian business conditions remained steady, according to the latest survey from National Australia Bank (NAB). The survey's business conditions index held firm at +8, while the business confidence index saw a slight increase of 3 points to +7, both figures sitting just above their long-term averages.
- RBA's October 2025 Review Highlights Financial System Resilience
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has released its October 2025 Financial Stability Review, providing a comprehensive assessment of the nation's financial system. The report affirms that Australia's financial institutions are well-equipped to navigate current global economic uncertainties.
- Australian Consumer Sentiment Declines in October 2025
In October 2025, Australian consumer sentiment experienced a notable decline, marking the second consecutive month of reduced confidence. The Westpac-Melbourne Institute survey reported a 3.5% drop in the sentiment index, bringing it to 92.1. This follows a 3.1% decrease in September, indicating a growing sense of pessimism among consumers.
- Prime Capital Introduces 'Business Jumbo Loans' for SMEs
In response to the growing demand for substantial business financing, Sydney-based non-bank lender Prime Capital has unveiled its 'Business Jumbo Loans' program. This initiative offers loans ranging from $5 million to $25 million, with interest rates starting at 8.64% and a loan-to-value ratio of up to 75%.
- Westpac's Bold Move to Reclaim Business Lending Leadership
Westpac Banking Corporation has unveiled an ambitious plan to bolster its presence in the Australian business lending market by recruiting 350 additional bankers over the next two years.
- CBA's Record-Breaking Profit Fueled by Robust Lending Growth
The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) has announced a record full-year cash profit of A$10.25 billion for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. This impressive figure surpasses both analyst expectations and the previous year's profit of A$9.84 billion, highlighting the bank's strong performance in a competitive financial landscape.
- Japanese Banks SMBC and MUFG Drive Business Lending Growth in Australia
Australia's business lending sector is witnessing a significant shift as Japanese banking giants Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) emerge as leading growth drivers.
- Australian Business Lending Surges 9.2% in June 2025
In June 2025, Australia's business lending landscape experienced a significant upswing, with loans to non-financial businesses reaching $1.14 trillion—a 9.2% increase compared to the same month in 2024. This growth rate notably outpaced the 5.6% year-on-year rise in housing loans, which totaled $2.34 trillion.
- Non-Bank Lenders Fill Void as Traditional Banks Tighten Credit
The Australian financial landscape is witnessing a significant shift as non-bank lenders rapidly expand to meet the financing needs of businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This growth comes in response to traditional banks tightening their lending criteria, leaving many businesses seeking alternative funding sources.
- Private Lending Growth Opens Doors and Risks for Brokers
The private lending sector in Australia is experiencing unprecedented growth, presenting both opportunities and challenges for brokers navigating this evolving landscape. As traditional banks tighten lending criteria, brokers are increasingly turning to private lenders to meet the diverse financing needs of their clients.