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Non-Bank Lenders Excluded from Government's $1 Billion Loan Scheme

Moneytech Advocates for Inclusion to Broaden SME Access to Funds

Non-Bank Lenders Excluded from Government's $1 Billion Loan Scheme?w=400

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Moneytech has expressed concerns over the Australian government's $1 billion Economic Resilience Program, which currently excludes non-bank lenders from administering loans.
Announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, the scheme aims to provide zero-interest loans of up to $5 million to eligible small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in sectors like fuel, fertiliser, and plastics, helping them manage rising operational costs.

Administered through the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation (NRFC), the program is currently accessible only via a select group of participating banks, leaving non-bank lenders without a pathway to participate. Moneytech CEO Nick McGrath supports the program's objectives but questions the decision to limit its delivery to major banks. He suggests that including non-bank lenders could extend the program's reach, ensuring more SMEs benefit from the financial support.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, non-bank lenders, including Moneytech, were accredited to deliver loans under the government's SME Guarantee Scheme alongside major banks. This precedent highlights the potential for non-bank lenders to effectively distribute government-backed loans, raising questions about their exclusion from the current program.

The exclusion of non-bank lenders from the Economic Resilience Program has sparked discussions about the role of diverse financial institutions in supporting SMEs. Advocates argue that incorporating non-bank lenders could enhance the program's effectiveness, providing SMEs with broader access to essential funds during challenging economic times.

Published:Sunday, 26th Apr 2026
Author: Paige Estritori

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