Access to finance a problem for small business - an industry opportunity?

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman has welcomed government moves to reduce regulatory barriers to entry for new entrants to the banking system. Treasury is consulting on proposed changes to the Banking Act, which would allow use of the word “bank” by authorised deposit-taking institutions.

Ombudsman Kate Carnell said this should improve access to finance for small business.

In recent years we have seen the continual emergence of P2P - Peer to Peer lending, filling the void left by the Banks' unwillingness to lend to this sector. There are more lenders accessible to small businesses for both secured and unsecured loans since the emergence of P2P lending, however, the loan limits based on individual circumstances may be restrictive.

“The power and control of the established banks remains a barrier for small businesses seeking capital to start or expand their operations,” Ms Carnell said.

Greater competition in this sector between Peer to Peer lenders and the Deposit-taking institutions as well as the Banks is a good thing for consumers.

“Another barrier is a general requirement by the major banks for bricks-and-mortar security. Unless a small business is able to meet this requirement, often by using a business owner’s home as security, they have few options to obtain finance. Many young people do not own a home or have limited equity in their home, and therefore struggle to borrow to start or expand a business.” says Ms Carnell.

Lack of suitable asset security currently still remains a barrier for small businesses seeking to start-out and expand. Access to unsecured loans usually means extremely high interest rates and/or shortened lending terms. Let's hope these regulatory relaxation moves result in greater flexibility and a leg up for our small business industry - a huge part of the future economic footprint in Australia, if we are willing to allow it to be.

Ms Carnell said removing restrictions on use of the term “bank” should enable more industry participants to compete with established institutions and make it easier for small business operators to borrow funds. She noted the Australian Prudential Regulatory Authority’s guidelines currently require “banks” to hold at least $50 million in Tier 1 capital.

“APRA will need to review its guidelines for minimum capital requirements if new entrants are to compete equally with the major banks,” Ms Carnell said.

These changes could pave the way for significant opportunities for movers in the financial services industry to take more market share and make lending conditions more favourable to small business consumers.