Business Financing in Australia - Industry Market Research Report

Back to business: Growing demand for new loans is aiding revenue growth for lenders

A volatile economic environment has seen revenue for business lenders fluctuate over the five years through 2023-24. Demand was subdued at the start of the period, with demand from miners subdued by lower commodity prices and weaker demand from China. Negative consumer and business confidence following the onset of COVID-19 led the RBA to continue drastically cutting the cash rate, which was passed on by lenders through lower interest rates. Lower lending rates, while helping to stimulate some loan demand for businesses, reduced the value of repayments, seeing revenue fall. However, the economic recovery has driven demand for new loans, bolstered by surging interest rates. Business financing revenue has risen at an average annual rate of 7.7% over the five years through 2023-24 to reach an estimated $59.1 billion. This includes an expected rise of 2.4% in 2023-24.

Operators offer financing options to businesses. This includes finance leases, as they are recorded as a liability on the borrower's balance sheet. However, this industry excludes loans to financial institutions.

This report covers the scope, size, disposition and growth of the industry including the key sensitivities and success factors. Also included are five year industry forecasts, growth rates and an analysis of the industry key players and their market shares.