Private Funding in Australia - Unravelling the World of Private Lenders

Welcome to the world of private funding in Australia, where traditional banks take a backseat and alternative lending options steal the spotlight. In this article, we unravel the mystery of private lenders and shed light on the growing trend that is reshaping the finance landscape.
Private funding offers a viable solution for businesses in need of quick and flexible financing. But how exactly does it work? Who are these private lenders, and what sets them apart from traditional financial institutions?

Speaking with Ray Ethell Managing Director of Non Conforming Loans Pty Ltd and his General Manager Sasha Anitei we delved into the world of Private Lending. We explore the benefits of turning to private lenders, such as faster loan approvals, personalized solutions, and an increased likelihood of approval for those in Business.
Join us on as we uncover the secrets of private funding in Australia and discover how this emerging sector is revolutionizing the way individuals and businesses secure the financial support they need.

Understanding the growth in private credit in Australia
Private credit stood at around $188 billion in Australia last year and has been growing at 18% each year according to recent projections.  BlackRock research puts the global private credit market at around US$1.6 trillion over the same period.

The rise of private lending in Australia can be attributed to several factors, including the tightening of lending standards by banks and higher capital requirements demanded by APRA (Australia’s Prudential Supervisor),” Ray Ethell said, observing it is “unlikely” there will be changes in this behaviour that could see this trend reversed.
“The Australian lending market will continue to move towards private credit providers to meet broader financing demands, while banks move towards consumer home loan financing and lending for small and medium-sized businesses, said Sasha Anitei from Non Conforming Loans”

Who are Australia’s Private Lenders?
Australia has several hundred Private Lenders who provide funding from a diverse pool of funds ranging from Institutional Investors, Superannuation Funds, Mortgage Funds and Private Individuals. They are driven by the potential for higher returns on their investments, as private lending typically offers higher interest rates compared to traditional banking products.
Unlike banks, which are heavily regulated and have strict lending criteria, private lenders operate with more flexibility and often cater to business borrowers who may not qualify for traditional bank loans.

Benefits of private funding
One of the primary benefits of private funding in Australia is the speed and flexibility it offers. Unlike the lengthy approval processes often associated with bank loans, private lenders can typically provide funding much more quickly, sometimes within a matter of days or even hours. This is particularly appealing to borrowers who need to act on time-sensitive business opportunities or who are facing urgent financial needs.
Another key advantage of private funding is the personalized approach that many private lenders take. Rather than relying solely on credit scores and rigid lending criteria, private lenders often take the time to understand the unique circumstances and goals of each borrower. This allows them to tailor their financing solutions to the specific needs of the individual or business, whether that means offering more flexible repayment terms, higher loan amounts, or more lenient credit requirements.

Private funding vs. traditional financing options
While private funding offers a range of benefits, it is important to understand how it differs from traditional financing options, such as bank loans. One of the key distinctions is the cost of borrowing, as private lenders typically charge higher interest rates than banks. Other factors are that private funds are generally only lent on non-coded loans that do not fall under the same regulatory framework as code loans.
While code loans adhere to regulatory requirements set by ASIC, non-code loans provide more flexibility. In most cases, people who acquire non-coded loans are business owners who require short term, immediate funding to “bridge” a shortfall for urgent business opportunities or developers to work on specific projects.
This higher cost of borrowing is often justified by the increased flexibility and speed of private funding, as well as the willingness of private lenders to take on borrowers who may not qualify for traditional bank loans. However, it is crucial for borrowers to carefully consider the long-term implications of these higher interest rates and to ensure that the benefits of private funding outweigh the additional costs.

How to find private lenders in Australia
Finding the right private lender in Australia can be a daunting task, as the market is diverse and can be difficult to navigate. However, there are several strategies that borrowers can employ to identify and connect with reputable private lenders.
One of the most effective ways to find private lenders is to work with a specialised broker such as Non Conforming Loans or an experienced Mortgage Broker who has extensive experience in the private lending market. These professionals can leverage their industry connections and knowledge to match borrowers with the most suitable private lenders based on their specific needs and financial profiles.
Another option is to search online for private lenders that operate in the Australian market. Many private lending companies and individuals have an online presence, often with detailed information about their lending products, eligibility criteria, and application processes. Borrowers can use search engines and industry directories to identify potential private lenders and then thoroughly research their reputations and track records.
It is also worth exploring personal and professional networks, as word-of-mouth referrals can be a valuable source of information about reputable private lenders. Borrowers may be able to connect with private lenders through their business contacts, industry associations, or even personal connections within their community.

Criteria for qualifying for private funding
While the criteria for qualifying for private funding in Australia can vary widely depending on the lender, there are some common factors that are typically considered. Understanding these criteria can help borrowers prepare and improve their chances of securing private financing.
One of the primary factors that private lenders evaluate is the borrower's credit history and financial stability. While private lenders may be more lenient than traditional banks, they still want to see a track record of responsible financial management and the ability to repay the loan. Borrowers with poor credit scores or a history of late payments may still be able to qualify, but they may face higher interest rates or additional requirements.
Another important consideration for private lenders is the purpose of the loan. Private funding is often used for specific business or investment purposes, such as purchasing commercial property, financing a business expansion, or funding a real estate development project. Private lenders will want to see a well-articulated and compelling business plan or investment strategy that demonstrates the potential for a successful return on their investment and a valid exit strategy to repay the loan.
The value, location and quality of the collateral or security offered by the borrower is also a critical factor in the private lending decision-making process. Private lenders may require borrowers to pledge assets, such as real estate, equipment, or other valuable items, as collateral to secure the loan. The more valuable and liquid the collateral, the more likely the borrower is to be approved for private funding.

Common misconceptions about private funding
Despite the growing popularity of private funding in Australia, there are still several common misconceptions that can deter borrowers from exploring this financing option.
One of the most prevalent misconceptions is that private funding is only available to high-net-worth individuals or large corporations. In reality, private lenders cater to a wide range of borrowers, including small businesses, entrepreneurs, and commercial property investors. As long as the borrower can demonstrate a viable plan and the ability to repay the loan, they may be able to secure private funding, regardless of their size or net worth.
Finally, some borrowers may believe that private funding is prohibitively expensive due to the higher interest rates charged by private lenders. While it's true that private funding can be more costly than bank loans, the increased flexibility, speed, and accessibility of private financing can often offset the higher costs, particularly for borrowers who may not qualify for traditional bank financing.

Conclusion: Is private funding the right choice for your business?
As you've seen throughout this article, private funding in Australia offers a range of benefits for businesses seeking alternative financing solutions. From the speed and flexibility of the lending process to the increased accessibility for borrowers with less-than-perfect credit, private lenders can provide a valuable lifeline for those in need of capital.
Ultimately, the decision to pursue private funding will depend on the unique needs and circumstances of your business or personal financial situation. By thoroughly researching the private lending landscape, understanding the criteria for qualifying, and working with reputable lenders, you can determine whether private funding is the right choice for you.
As you embark on this journey, remember that the world of private lending in Australia is constantly evolving, with new lenders and innovative financing solutions emerging all the time. Stay informed, be diligent in your research, and don't hesitate to seek the guidance of our financial professionals at Non Conforming Loans who have a dedicated website www.nodocloans.com.au to help you navigate this dynamic and exciting sector of the private finance industry.