Across the board, SMEs took a practical approach. Cashflow came first. Most upgrades were essential rather than expansive, especially in construction, transport and service industries where operating costs kept squeezing margins.
Queensland and WA carried real momentum. Strong project pipelines and long-term investment meant businesses kept buying the equipment they needed to stay competitive, even while other states moved more cautiously.
Demand did not fall away, but it did not surge either. Earlier tax incentives had shifted activity forward, which left 2025 flatter than many expected. Confidence also did not lift as quickly after the election or the expected rate movement. Still, one area that kept building was sustainable equipment. More industries are adopting ESG frameworks and government support made these upgrades easier to justify.
“The year reinforced how important it is for brokers to specialise. Expertise and strong lender relationships are what deliver real value in this market.”
— Brent Starrenburg, Head of Connective Commercial and Asset Finance
Even with a softer market, our Commercial Asset and Finance team had a strong year. Settlement volumes grew well ahead of industry trends. Commercial settlements were up 40 percent year on year, and asset finance climbed 10 percent at a time when the industry reported declines.
Our lender panel also expanded to 74 specialist providers. This gave brokers more choice and more ways to place complex scenarios in a tighter credit environment.
One of the biggest shifts was bringing commercial and asset finance together under one integrated proposition. It means brokers now have one team, one structure and a clearer pathway to support. This was all built around making the experience smoother and more consistent.
Education continued to be a big focus. Attendance across training, webinars and scenario workshops reached record levels. We also launched Commercial Asset and Finance Community Spaces, giving brokers more places to connect, learn and share deals with each other.
These efforts were recognised through two industry awards.
- CAFBA Commercial and Asset Finance Aggregator of the Year.
- Commercial Finance Award Aggregator of the Year for the second year in a row.
What matters most is what sits behind those awards. The brokers who trusted us. The more than 80 brokers and bankers who referred colleagues into the network this year. Their support shaped much of the growth.
Operating costs will still shape how SMEs choose to invest. Essential upgrades are likely to remain the main driver of demand. Larger discretionary purchases may take longer to return.
Sustainable and energy efficient equipment will keep gaining ground as incentives grow and businesses look for ways to cut costs and emissions. Technology will also play a bigger part in how brokers operate. AI will help streamline workflows and speed up deal processing.
SMEs will remain sensitive to rate movements. Any extension of the $20,000 asset write off would support smaller operators. Longer term, infrastructure linked to the Brisbane Olympics will continue to create opportunities across Queensland.
“It is not a booming environment, but it is a steady one. The brokers who thrive will be the ones who understand the nuances of asset finance and guide their clients with confidence.”
— Brent Starrenburg, Head of Connective Commercial and Asset Finance
Brokers who specialise, stay close to lenders and keep building capability will be best placed to grow in this environment.
In 2026, we will keep investing in Commercial and Asset Finance with deeper lender integration, stronger community support and more tailored training to help brokers build capability and confidence. We are also developing a dedicated marketing proposition to help brokers reach SME clients more effectively and grow their commercial and asset finance businesses.
If you would like to strengthen your asset and equipment finance offering or access more specialist lender support, you can learn more about our Asset Finance program here.
