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AFSL 222640 · Global Mutual Funds Pty Ltd

What Finance Brokers Do

A finance broker sources and structures non-residential lending solutions across a range of asset classes and business needs:

Equipment and machinery finance (chattel mortgage, lease, hire purchase)
Motor vehicle and fleet finance
Commercial property lending
Business loans and working capital facilities
Invoice finance and debtor factoring
Trade finance for import/export businesses
Franchise finance structuring
Agricultural and rural finance
Unsecured business lending and overdraft facilities
Cash flow analysis and finance structuring to optimise tax outcomes

How a Finance Broker Can Help

Engaging a finance broker may provide several advantages:

1
Access to a broad panel of commercial and specialist lenders not available through retail banking channels
2
Expertise in structuring finance to align with business cash flow and tax considerations
3
Time savings: one application assessed across multiple lenders simultaneously
4
Knowledge of lender appetite for different asset types and industries
5
Assistance with complex scenarios such as start-ups, turnarounds, or unusual security
6
Ongoing relationship management and facility reviews as business needs evolve

Regulatory Framework

Finance brokers providing credit assistance for consumer-regulated credit must hold an Australian Credit Licence (ACL) or be authorised under an existing licensee. They must comply with the National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009, maintain adequate financial resources, implement compliance frameworks, and hold AFCA membership. Note that purely commercial lending (business-purpose credit above certain thresholds) may fall outside the consumer credit regime, though many finance brokers voluntarily comply with these standards across all their activities.

Key Regulatory & Oversight Bodies

ASIC

Australian Securities and Investments Commission

ASIC regulates finance brokers providing credit assistance under the National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009. Brokers must hold an Australian Credit Licence (ACL) or operate as a credit representative.

AFCA

Australian Financial Complaints Authority

AFCA provides free external dispute resolution for complaints about finance brokers and credit providers.

Key Qualifications & Requirements

Australian Credit Licence (ACL) holder or credit representative
Minimum Certificate IV in Finance and Mortgage Broking (or equivalent)
Compliant with responsible lending obligations (for regulated credit)
Member of AFCA for external dispute resolution
Holding professional indemnity insurance
Meeting ongoing CPD requirements

Why You May Need to Consider a Finance Broker

There are a number of life events and circumstances where engaging a finance broker may be worth considering. The following are common scenarios — this is not an exhaustive list and is provided for general information only.

Purchasing business equipment

Equipment finance can be structured in several ways (lease, chattel mortgage, hire purchase) each with different ownership, tax, and cash flow implications.

Fleet or vehicle acquisition

Fleet financing involves volume discounts, FBT considerations, and balloon payment structuring that benefits from specialist advice.

Commercial property acquisition

Commercial lending criteria differ significantly from residential — LVR limits, lease assignment requirements, and industry exposure limits vary by lender.

Business expansion or working capital

Securing appropriate funding for growth requires understanding the range of products available beyond traditional bank overdrafts.

Start-up or early-stage funding

New businesses face unique challenges in securing finance. A broker can identify lenders with appetite for emerging businesses.

Where to Find a Finance Broker

Locate a licensed finance broker through these channels:

ASIC's Credit Professional Register — verify ACL status and authorisations
Commercial & Asset Finance Brokers Association of Australia (CAFBA) — cafba.com.au
Finance Brokers Association of Australia (FBAA) — fbaa.com.au
MyMoney® Marketplace — post a brief describing business finance needs and receive proposals from verified brokers

Related Verticals

Financial and professional services are interconnected. Depending on the situation, it may be worth exploring these related service areas:

Important Notice & Disclaimer

The information above is general in nature and does not take into account individual business objectives, financial situations, or needs. It is not a recommendation of any particular finance product or lender. Before making commercial finance decisions, consider whether the information is appropriate for the circumstances and consider obtaining advice from a licensed finance broker.

The final decision about engaging any professional service provider rests with you. MyMoney® Marketplace facilitates connections between consumers and verified service providers — it does not provide personal advice or endorse any individual provider.

General advice only — does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider whether the information is appropriate before acting on it.

MyMoney® Marketplace is operated by Global Mutual Funds Pty Ltd (ABN 20 090 555 436, AFSL 222640). For more information, please read our Financial Services Guide.

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