2021 Commercial Property Debt Market Overview

21 January 2021

Good liquidity and low interest rates mean that Australia’s commercial property debt market has recovered quickly from the economic shock of Covid-19. The outlook for property debt markets in 2021 is promising, as capital markets are deeper and more agile than they were at the time of the last great shock, the Global Financial Crisis.

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How to Grow your Business

17 January 2021

With the economic environment in the grips of the pandemic, you may be looking for ways to grow your business. Your first instinct is to go out and find new customers, right?

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Email Marketing Basics: Key Principles and Useful Resource

14 January 2021

As a follow on from the Digital Champions webinar series ‘Growing Your Business Through Your Existing Customers’, we’ve put together a helpful guide to get you started in the email marketing space. If you’re already harnessing the power of email, take a look at the useful resources to help you improve your communication skills and make the most of digital marketing.

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CAFBA 2020 Broker and Financier Award Finalists are Announced!

25 November 2020

Finalists have now been chosen for the CAFBA 2020 Awards! Our prestigious panel of judges have thoroughly considered all nominees, and are happy to announce the following finalists...

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CAFBA access to Equifax Credit Reports

24 November 2020

CAFBA assess to Equifax Credit Reports – Equifax Commercial Apply Access Seeker Credit Report and Scored Company/Business Enquiry

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ACCC alleges unfair terms in Fuji-Xerox finance contracts

24 November 2020

The ACCC is taking legal action against Fuji Xerox Australia group alleging unfair terms in its standard suite of SME financing contracts, including, lease, rental, CHP and software funding. The targeted clauses are long standing and well recognised. In some instances they have been confirmed in historical court cases. The clauses are found in virtually all equivalent competitor documents. If successful, the ACCC’s case will create much uncertainty and increase costs in the SME credit markets. This will occur at a time when the government is trying to loosen up the provision of credit to small business generally.

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Instant Asset Write Off – Budget Outcomes

27 October 2020

CAFBA was very pleased with the Budget announcement that the Instant Asset Write Off has been extended to assist business during economic recovery. The existing provisions for the instant asset write-off provided for an immediate deduction for assets, including second hand assets, costing less than $150,000 to all taxpayers with turnover of less than $500m, provided:

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CAFBA Aggregator Benchmarking Report 2020

01 October 2020

SMES LOOK TO COMMERCIAL BROKERS, FINDS FIRST-EVER AGGREGATOR BENCHMARK REPORT CAFBA recently undertook an Aggregator Benchmark Survey, to ascertain the role, the impact and the functions of aggregators in commercial finance. We are very grateful for the 11 Aggregators that participated, as it provides valuable information on the industry and a data base to work from. The Report will be conducted annually which will allow us to monitor trends and how differing models impact the industry.

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Broker-first Perspective Drives New Asset Finance Company

30 September 2020

A new Australian asset finance company is putting brokers at the centre of its business model to deliver finance from a different angle.

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NSW Fair Trading Act – Operational Clarification

25 September 2020

Last month we reported on some important changes to the NSW Fair Trading laws, which had some implications for members. Following this we received some member queries on operational matters, and therefore provide the following additional information from Creditwise. 

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What is a private mortgage?

24 September 2020

There’s often confusion with brokers about what a private mortgage actually is and when a private mortgage would be a good option. With a multitude of non-bank, low doc, peer-to-peer and alternative lenders in the market, there is good reason for misunderstandings. So, let’s get the basic details on private mortgages and how they work for brokers and borrowers.

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CAFBA PPS Case Study – Serial Numbered Goods

28 August 2020

Recent CAFBA Bulletins have dealt with case studies involving a motor vehicle, describing it as a type of ‘serial numbered good’, as it is generally described in the context of the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 (PPSA), although the Act does not define that term. However, under the PPSA, not all goods with a serial number are, or can be, registered as serial numbered goods. This Bulletin deals with what are serial numbered goods and some key implications of that concept arising from registering on, and searching of, the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR).

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Fraud Awareness – the need to remain vigilant.

27 August 2020

During the pandemic there seems to be a rise in attempted fraudulent activity, with levels of sophistication increasing. The following example was brought to our attention by an experienced member, who had the foresight and knowledge to thwart the attempt, and it was this experience that saved an unsuspecting customer of being the victim. Whilst it relates to a home loan, it exemplifies the differing scenarios being used.

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Financial Incentive Disclosures (NSW)

27 August 2020

Fair Trading Act NSW – Disclosure Obligations | Commission/Referral Arrangements & Prejudicial Terms 1. NSW Legislative Changes Members should be aware amendments to the Fair Trading Act 1987 (NSW) (the ‘FTA’), which commenced on 1 July 2020, which imposes obligations on all brokers doing business with NSW consumer clients to both inform clients of potential contract terms to their disadvantage and to disclose financial incentive arrangements with suppliers. 

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DIRECTORS’ IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS (DINs) – New Laws coming

29 June 2020

In June 2020 the Commonwealth Parliament passed a new law which will require all company directors to be identifiable by a unique number. This number will be in addition to the usual manner in which a director is identified on the ASIC register, by way of full name, address and date and place of birth.

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CAFBA PPS Case Study – Priorities & Processes

29 June 2020

CAFBA provides this case study on the PPS processes required to release a priority security interest over a financed vehicle when a general security interest is in place. It focusses on the processes and timing involved to enable the sale and new finance to proceed. It is based on a member’s recent experience in assisting a customer in this situation.

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ASIC Regulatory Guide on Best Interest Duty – Bulletin Note

28 June 2020

Last week, ASIC released its Regulatory Guide 273: Mortgage Brokers: Best Interests Duty. In doing so, ASIC makes clear the “the best interests obligations apply only in relation to credit products that are regulated under the National Credit Act—that is, products provided to consumers for personal, domestic or household purposes or for the purchase or improvement of residential investment property”. This is consistent with advice to CAFBA and settles any concerns that the legislated duty might extend to licensed mortgage brokers when they arrange business or commercial finance – it does not.

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Diversification and Education – they are not mutually exclusive

28 May 2020

By Terry Moody – Director of Moody Kiddell & Partners, Board Member and Life Member of CAFBA, and Chair of CAFBA Education Council We are living in a very different world now, and the way we do things and the plans that we have made have been turned upside down. Nevertheless, our common hope (and goal) is for business to eventually return to normal. And when this happens will we be prepared?

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The Role of Private Lenders During the Coronavirus Crisis

28 May 2020

Australian businesses have had a rocky start to 2020, to say the least. Businesses still recovering from the impact of the bushfires are now having to face cancelled events, dwindling customers, reduced rental income and supply chain disruptions as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. It's taking a real toll on companies, particularly SMEs.

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Did you get the memo? New employee legislation for the Banking, Finance, and Insurance Industries.

27 May 2020

Amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic there was some key legislation that was introduced on the 1 st of March to selected Modern Awards.

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Digital Champions Series - Social Media Basics

27 January 2021

Join Brand and Marketing Strategist Prue Kingsford-West who will take you through the key elements of social media strategy, dealing with brand damage and how to maximise your brand's presence online.

The SME Playbook for Commercial Finance Brokers

02 February 2021

Following from the successful Credit Skills Workshop CAFBA are running The SME Playbook for Commercial Finance Brokers.

CAFBA Credit Skills Workshop for commercial brokers

16 February 2021

Due to an overwhelming response for registrations for previous workshops, , CAFBA is running another Credit Skills workshop in November to meet the demand.

The SME Playbook for Commercial Finance Brokers

09 March 2021

Following from the successful Credit Skills Workshop CAFBA are running The SME Playbook for Commercial Finance Brokers.

CAFBA Credit Skills Workshop for commercial brokers

23 March 2021

Due to an overwhelming response for registrations for previous workshop, , CAFBA is running another Credit Skills workshop in November to meet the demand.