Private lending, also known as private credit, has experienced rapid growth in Australia, with approximately $200 billion in loans extended, primarily to higher-risk real estate developers and property investors. This expansion has been fueled by investors seeking higher yields and borrowers looking for alternatives to traditional bank financing.

ASIC's investigation uncovered several areas of concern, including unclear reporting practices, downplayed risks, and conflicts of interest. Notably, the regulator found significant disparities between the returns offered to investors and the interest rates charged to borrowers, with some funds delivering returns between 4% and 10% to investors while charging borrowers rates ranging from 2.5% to 44.51%.

In response, ASIC has outlined measures to bring the private lending sector in line with banking standards. These include enhancing transparency in reporting, implementing robust risk management frameworks, and ensuring that fee structures are clear and fair. The regulator emphasizes that while private credit can play a positive role in the economy, it must be conducted with integrity and accountability to maintain investor confidence and financial stability.

For investors and borrowers, these developments signal a move towards a more transparent and secure private lending environment. Enhanced standards are expected to provide greater clarity and protection, enabling informed decision-making and fostering trust in the sector.