• Individuals
    • Solutions for Individuals
    • Asset Finance
      • Overview

        Overview

        Merchant West is one of the largest privately owned providers of asset finance, fleet finance
        and working capital funding to corporates, SME’s and individuals in South Africa.

      • Aircraft Finance
      • Leisure Finance

        Leisure

        We help you enjoy your lifestyle by structuring a financial solution that allows you to get immediate use of recreational assets like:

      • Solar Power Financing

        Renewable Energy

        We finance commercial renewable energy solutions, giving your business energy-security when you need it most.

    • Investments
      • Overview

        Overview

        Merchant West Investmentsis an award-winning multi-strategy asset management business.
        The investment house covers a variety of strategies and asset classes, with money market, income, multi-asset class, listed property and domestic and global equity funds.

      • Discretionary Portfolio Management

        Discretionary Portfolio Management

        Merchant West Investments is an award-winning multi-strategy asset management business.
        The investment house covers a variety of strategies and asset classes, with money market, income, multi-asset class, listed property and domestic and global equity funds.

      • Tax-free Investments

        Tax-free Investments

        All our unit trust funds can be held with within a tax-free plan.

      • Unit Trust Investments

        Unit Trust Investments

        We offer a range of domestic and global unit trust funds covering equities, property, cash, bonds, and balanced fund solutions.

    • Private Wealth
      • Overview

        Unit Trust Investments

        Range of domestic and global unit trust funds covering equities, property, cash, bonds and balanced fund solutions.

      • Estate Planning

        Estate Planning

        Sterling Private Wealth offers assistance in drafting and protecting your wills, managing estates, and administering deceased estates to ensure that your wishes are respected, and your assets are managed appropriately.
        We partner with the best teams in the country in this regard and manage the process seamlessly for optimal outcomes.

      • Investment Planning

        Investment Planning

        Sterling Private Wealth offers you investment advice that is tailored to your unique circumstances, financial needs, objectives, and risk appetite. We offer bespoke solutions most appropriate for each circumstance. Detailed strategies are employed for each client.

      • Offshore Financial Services

        Offshore Financial Services

        At Sterling Private Wealth, we believe that offshore diversification is crucial in building lasting wealth and we offer you professional advice on a range of investment funds and structures to meet your specific needs.
        These include making use of annual investment allowances for physical offshore exposure as well as asset swap portfolio construction.

      • Retirement Planning

        Retirement Planning

        Sterling Private Wealth offers personalised retirement planning solutions to assist you in achieving your financial objectives.
        Our solutions allow you to enjoy a comfortable retirement and secure your financial future.
        Retirement planning includes the use of tax efficient vehicles, saving with both discretionary and compulsory (formal recognised retirement funds) assets, as well as carefully laid out and monitored Cash flow planning.

      • Risk Planning

        Risk Planning

        Sterling Private Wealth provides an unbiased insurance advisory service, obtaining quotes from multiple insurance companies to find the most appropriate product for your specific needs.

      • Tax Planning

        Tax Planning

        Sterling Private Wealth offers tax guidance (in conjunction with third-party providers) on your financial position and how investment planning can optimize your tax structuring. This includes pre-and post-retirement planning, the use of local and international trust structures, and life wrappers, both local and global.
        Tax efficient cash-like vehicles and other personal tax advice is readily available.

    • Treasury Solutions
      • Overview

        Overview

        Merchant West Treasury Solutions is a niche provider of treasury products and solutions to corporate and individual clients with foreign exchange, cash management and risk management requirements.

      • International Money Transfers

        International Money Transfers

        At Merchant West Treasury Solutions we specialise in facilitating secure and transparent transactions, ensuring your funds are transferred with utmost reliability and at competitive rates.

      • Cash Management

        Cash Management

        Merchant West Treasury Solutions is a niche provider of treasury products and solutions to corporate and individual clients with foreign exchange, cash management and risk management requirements.

      • Exchange Control Advice

        Exchange Control Advice

        Get expert exchange control advice and free tax clearance certificates for transfers above 1 million Rand with us.
        Let us simplify your transactions today.

      • Foreign Currency Accounts

        Foreign Currency Accounts

        Open an interest-bearing foreign currency account from the comfort of your own home with no monthly charges. Available in most major currencies.

      • Non Rand Transfers

        Non Rand Transfers

        Experience fast and secure non-Rand international transfers with our cutting-edge platform.
        Join now to enjoy seamless transactions.

  • Businesses
    • Solutions for Businesses
    • Asset Finance
      • Overview

        Overview

        Whether you are a business or an individual we make it possible to help you get the assets and equipment you want.

      • Agricultural Finance

        Agriculture

        We make it possible to help you acquire the agriculture assets your farming operation needs.
        We finance a wide range of agriculture assets such as:

      • Aircraft Finance

        Aviation

        We help you enjoy your flying more, by structuring a financial solution that allows you to get into the sky, without breaking the bank. In the South African aviation industry, we finance:

      • Construction Finance

        Construction and Plant Hire

        Our dedicated construction and manufacturing finance team can structure a financial solution for assets like:

      • Leisure Finance

        Leisure

        We help you enjoy your lifestyle by structuring a financial solution that allows you to get immediate use of recreational assets like:

      • Technology Finance

        IT and Technology

        We help you get the IT solutions your business requires for ongoing business operations and to remain competitive, by structuring a financial solution for:

      • Transport and Logistics Finance

        Logistics and Transport

        We make it possible for you to get the assets you want for your logistics and transport, by structuring a financial solution for:

      • Manufacturing Equipment Finance
      • Medical Equipment Finance

        Medical

        We help you get the equipment you want for your practice, by structuring financial solutions for devices like:

      • Mining Equipment Asset Finance

        Mining and industry

        We make it possible to help you get the assets and equipment you want for your business.
        Our dedicated Mining and Industry finance team can structure a financial solution for assets like:

      • Office Equipment Finance and Rentals
      • Solar Power Financing

        Renewable Energy

        We finance commercial renewable energy solutions, giving your business energy security when you need it most.

      • Security Equipment Finance

        Safety and Security

        We make it possible for you to get the solutions you want to protect your assets, by structuring a financial solution for:

    • Fleet Solutions
      • Overview

        Overview

        Our streamlined fleet management solution. We keep your business mobile without you tying up your cash in vehicles.
        Our Full Maintenance Lease optimises fleet management, minimises unexpected maintenance expenses, and provides a predictable monthly cost that you can budget for with ease. Comprehensive reporting at vehicle and fleet level is standard and is provided as per your specification and timing needs.

      • Dynamic Lease

        Dynamic Lease

        Our “Lease to Own” solution provides ownership and flexible usage.
        You may choose to purchase the vehicle at the end of the lease at the specified purchase option price, but there is no obligation to do so. We can modify the contract at any time to adjust the end of contract purchase option price, usage parameters, or include/exclude optional services.
        Comprehensive reporting at vehicle and fleet level is standard and is provided as per your specification and timing needs

      • Full Maintenance Lease

        Full Maintenance Lease

        Our streamlined fleet management solution. We keep your business mobile without you tying up your cash in vehicles.
        Our Full Maintenance Lease optimises fleet management, minimises unexpected maintenance expenses, and provides a predictable monthly cost that you can budget for with ease.
        Comprehensive reporting at vehicle and fleet level is standard and is provided as per your specification and timing needs.

      • Operating Lease

        Operating Lease

        Our Operating Lease is an efficient usage-based contract, whereby you can choose to either control your maintenance and tyre costs or outsource this function to us which will include a maintenance authorization desk, invoice scrutiny, and a consolidated monthly maintenance invoice.

        Comprehensive reporting at vehicle and fleet level is standard and is provided as per your specification and timing needs.

      • Fleet Services

        Strategic Fleet Solution

        Our Strategic Fleet Solution provides you with an expert “Back Office” to support your business which serves niche markets and supplies specific vehicles to clients.

        We offer access to funding, a fleet operating system to manage lease contracts from procurement to termination and streamlined administrative processes to support efficient operations.

        Comprehensive reporting at vehicle and fleet level is standard and is standard and is provided to your specification and timing needs.

    • Investments
      • Overview

        Overview

        Merchant West Investments is an award-winning multi-strategy asset management business.
        The investment house covers a variety of strategies and asset classes, with money market, income, multi-asset class, listed property and domestic and global equity funds.

      • Cash and Cash Plus Solutions

        Cash and Cash Plus Solutions

        Money market and cash plus solutions as an alternative to traditional bank deposits.

      • Retirement Fund Investments

        Retirement Fund Investments

        A range of funds and strategies suitable for company retirement funds.

      • Executive Compensation Plan

        Executive Compensation Plan

        Suitable for executive and senior management compensation enhancement.

    • Property Finance
      • Overview

        Overview

        Merchant West Investments is an award-winning multi-strategy asset management business.
        The investment house covers a variety of strategies and asset classes, with money market, income, multi-asset class, listed property and domestic and global equity funds.

      • Property Finance

        Commercial Property

        Commercial Property Finance for business customers looking to purchase owner occupied properties.

    • Treasury Solutions
      • Overview

        Overview

        Merchant West Treasury Solutions is a niche provider of treasury products and solutions to corporate and individual clients with foreign exchange, cash management and risk management requirements.

      • Cash Management

        Cash Management

        Maximise your business’s excess liquidity with our hassle-free service that offers consistently competitive interest rates. Let us help you earn more today.

      • CFC Accounts

        CFC Accounts

        Simplify your foreign currency inflows and outflows with our CFC account service. Avoid the hassle of converting to ZAR and increase convenience for your international business.

      • Currency Risk Management

        Currency Risk Management

        Mitigate the risk of currency volatility in your business with our expert currency risk management services. Let us help you implement or execute an effective policy to protect your bottom line.

      • Exchange Control Advice

        Exchange Control Advice

        Navigating exchange control regulations can be time-consuming and stressful. Let us provide you with our expertise to simplify and navigate the process of exchange control and save your business valuable time.

      • Foreign Exchange

        Foreign Exchange

        Navigating exchange control regulations can be time-consuming and stressful. Let us provide you with our expertise to simplify and navigate the process of exchange control and save your business valuable time.

    • Working Capital Solutions
      • Overview

        Overview

        Merchant West Working Capital Solutions can assist in providing your business with a sustainable working capital finance offering. Our facilities are flexible, and our team is dynamic to offer you with the best possible advice and service.

      • Escrow Accounts

        Escrow Accounts

        Merchant West provides an Escrow agency service to support commercial transactions where the commercial parties are unknown to each other and/or have recently commenced a commercial relationship. As an Escrow agent, Merchant West will hold funds on behalf of the parties under a signed Escrow agreement concluded between the parties.

      • Invoice Discounting

        Full Book Discounting

        Merchant West purchases qualifying invoices on your whole debtor’s book and provides you with an advance of up to eighty percent on the value of all invoices purchased. The facility remains Confidential (debtors are not notified of the facility). You continue to service, manage, and collect funds due directly from each debtor and remit these to Merchant West on collection.

      • Purchase Order Finance

        Purchase Order Finance

        We finance your imported or local stock purchases against a Purchase Order and discount your debtor invoice with recourse on a disclosed basis.

      • Bridge Loans

        Bridge Loans

        Merchant West provides short and medium-term funding structures for commercial activities including strategic asset purchases and business expansion, based on deal specific qualifying criteria. This solution is suitable for clients involved in strategic business initiatives who require funding partner support.

      • Stock Finance

        Stock Finance

        Merchant West provides Trade Finance for the import of machinery and other assets from global markets. Suitable for businesses that need to import machinery to meet Capex requirements.

      • Trade Finance
  • Corporates
    • Solutions for Corporates
    • Asset Finance
      • Overview

        Overview

        We make it possible to help you get the assets and equipment you want.

      • Agricultural Finance

        Agriculture

        We make it possible to help you acquire the agriculture assets your farming operation needs.
        We finance a wide range of agriculture assets such as:

      • Aircraft Finance

        Aviation

        We help you enjoy your flying more, by structuring a financial solution that allows you to get into the sky, without breaking the bank.
        In the South African aviation industry, we finance:

      • Construction Finance

        Construction and Plant Hire

        Our dedicated construction and manufacturing finance team can structure a financial solution for assets like:

      • Technology Finance

        IT and Technology

        We help you get the IT solutions your business requires for ongoing business operations and to remain competitive, by structuring a financial solution for:

      • Transport and Logistics Finance

        Logistics and Transport 

        We make it possible for you to get the assets you want for your logistics and transport, by structuring a financial solution for:

      • Mining Equipment Asset Finance

        Mining and Industry

        We make it possible to help you get the assets and equipment you want for your business.
        Our dedicated Mining and Industry finance team can structure a financial solution for assets like:

      • Office Equipment Finance and Rentals
      • Solar Power Financing

        Renewable Energy

        We finance commercial renewable energy solutions, giving your business energy security when you need it most.

    • Investments
      • Overview

        Overview

        Merchant West Investments is an award-winning multi-strategy asset management business.
        The investment house covers a variety of strategies and asset classes, with money market, income, multi-asset class, listed property and domestic and global equity funds.

      • Cash and Cash Plus Solutions

        Cash and Cash Plus Solutions

        Money market and cash plus solutions as an alternative to traditional bank deposits.

      • Executive Compensation Plan

        Executive Compensation Plan

        Suitable for executive and senior management compensation enhancement.

      • Retirement Fund Investors

        Retirement Fund Investors

        A range of funds and strategies suitable for company retirement funds.

    • Specialised Finance
      • Overview

        Overview

        Specfin utilises its specialist in-house expertise and the Group’s robust balance sheet in response to consumer demand for “big ticket” solutions, characterised as “Hi Value –Hi Complexity” transactions.
        Our deep understanding of credit and a demonstrable track record allows us to credit vet transactions and provide investors with co-investment opportunities, with the comfort that these solutions also meet our risk-return thresholds. Our minimum threshold for debt financing transactions is set at R65m.

      • Asset-Backed Funding Solutions

        Asset-Backed Funding

        At Merchant West, we understand the challenges businesses face when seeking financing. That’s why we offer innovative funding solutions that are asset-backed and tailored to your needs.

      • Mezzanine Capital

        Mezzanine Capital

        Merchant West offers financing that is structured to offer flexible solutions tailored to the borrower’s needs. It combines features of both debt and equity. Take a closer look here at its components:

      • Private Debt Financing

        Private Debt Opportunities

        Through our network of clients, we facilitate the creation of investable opportunities and private placements with investment grade counterparties.

      • Securitisation Solutions

        Securitisation Solutions

        Securitisation solutions offer a versatile approach to funding, enabling businesses to unlock the value of their assets, diversify funding sources, and access capital markets efficiently.

      • Structured Finance

        Structuring

        We are positioned to enable transactions thought our structuring expertise and ability to identify opportunities. This includes asset creation for investors.

    • Treasury Solutions
      • Overview

        Overview

        Merchant West Treasury Solutions is a niche provider of treasury products and solutions to corporate and individual clients with foreign exchange, cash management and risk management requirements.

      • CFC Accounts

        CFC Accounts

        Simplify your foreign currency inflows and outflows with our CFC account service. Avoid the hassle of converting to ZAR and increase convenience for your international business.

      • Cash Management

        Cash Management

        Maximise your business’s excess liquidity with our hassle-free service that offers consistently competitive interest rates. Let us help you earn more today.

      • Currency Risk Management

        Currency Risk Management

        Mitigate the risk of currency volatility in your business with our expert currency risk management services. Let us help you implement or execute an effective policy to protect your bottom line.

      • Exchange Control Advice

        Exchange Control Advice

        Navigating exchange control regulations can be time-consuming and stressful. Let us provide you with our expertise to simplify and navigate the process of exchange control and save your business valuable time.

      • Foreign Exchange

        Foreign Exchange

        Navigating exchange control regulations can be time-consuming and stressful. Let us provide you with our expertise to simplify and navigate the process of exchange control and save your business valuable time.

    • Working Capital Solutions
      • Overview

        Overview

        Merchant West Working Capital Solutions can assist in providing your business with a sustainable working capital finance offering. Our facilities are flexible, and our team is dynamic to offer you with the best possible advice and service.

      • Escrow Accounts

        Escrow Accounts

        Merchant West provides an Escrow agency service to support commercial transactions where the commercial parties are unknown to each other and/or have recently commenced a commercial relationship. As an Escrow agent, Merchant West will hold funds on behalf of the parties under a signed Escrow agreement concluded between the parties.

      • Invoice Discounting

        Full Book Discounting

        Merchant West purchases qualifying invoices on your whole debtor’s book and provides you with an advance of up to eighty percent on the value of all invoices purchased. The facility remains Confidential (debtors are not notified of the facility). You continue to service, manage, and collect funds due directly from each debtor and remit these to Merchant West on collection.

      • Purchase Order Finance

        Purchase Order Finance

        We finance your imported or local stock purchases against a Purchase Order and discount your debtor invoice with recourse on a disclosed basis.

      • Bridge Loans

        Bridge Loans

        Merchant West provides short and medium-term funding structures for commercial activities including strategic asset purchases and business expansion, based on deal specific qualifying criteria. This solution is suitable for clients involved in strategic business initiatives who require funding partner support.

      • Stock Finance

        Stock Finance

        Merchant West provides Trade Finance for the import of machinery and other assets from global markets. Suitable for businesses that need to import machinery to meet Capex requirements.

      • Trade Finance

        Unlock the full potential of your business with Merchant West’s trade finance solutions. We are committed to helping you thrive in the global market by providing seamless importation processes, flexible financing options, and expert support every step of the way.

        Unlock the full potential of your business with Merchant West’s trade finance solutions. We are committed to helping you thrive in the global market by providing seamless importation processes, flexible financing options, and expert support every step of the way.

  • Institutions
    • Solutions for Institutions
    • Investor Relations
      • Overview

        Overview

        The Merchant West Group consists of diversified financial service businesses that offer a range of lending, transactional, wealth management and asset management solutions in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and the United States of America

      • MW Asset Rentals

        MW Asset Rentals

        MW Asset Rentals (RF) Limited (“MWAR”) is a ring-fenced equipment rentals securitisation vehicle, originated and serviced by Merchant West Proprietary Limited.

      • MW Working Capital Solutions

        MW Working Capital Solutions

        MW Working Capital Solutions (RF) Limited (“MWWCS”) is a ring-fenced asset-backed securitisation vehicle, originated and serviced by Merchant West Working Capital Solutions Proprietary Limited.

    • Investments
    • Specialised Finance
      • Overview

        Overview

        Specfin utilises its specialist in-house expertise and the Group’s robust balance sheet in response to consumer demand for “big ticket” solutions, characterised as “Hi Value –Hi Complexity” transactions.
        Our deep understanding of credit and a demonstrable track record allows us to credit vet transactions and provide investors with co-investment opportunities, with the comfort that these solutions also meet our risk-return thresholds. Our minimum threshold for debt financing transactions is set at R65m.

      • Asset-Backed Funding Solutions

        Asset-Backed Funding

        At Merchant West, we understand the challenges businesses face when seeking financing. That’s why we offer innovative funding solutions that are asset-backed and tailored to your needs.

      • Mezzanine Capital

        Mezzanine Capital

        Merchant West offers financing that is structured to offer flexible solutions tailored to the borrower’s needs. It combines features of both debt and equity. Take a closer look here at its components:

      • Private Debt Financing

        Private Debt Opportunities

        Through our network of clients, we facilitate the creation of investable opportunities and private placements with investment grade counterparties.

      • Securitisation Solutions

        Securitisation Solutions

        Securitisation solutions offer a versatile approach to funding, enabling businesses to unlock the value of their assets, diversify funding sources, and access capital markets efficiently.

      • Structured Finance

        Structuring

        We are positioned to enable transactions thought our structuring expertise and ability to identify opportunities. This includes asset creation for investors.

    • Treasury Solutions
      • Overview

        Overview

        Merchant West Treasury Solutions is a niche provider of treasury products and solutions to corporate and individual clients with foreign exchange, cash management and risk management requirements.

      • Product Development

        Product Development

        Merchant West Treasury Solutions has established a strategic presence in offshore investments through strong partnerships with leading investment houses. Our role includes navigating exchange control regulations, refining processes, providing competitive exchange rates with transparent fees, and ensuring investment products are straightforward, especially regarding currency transfers.

      • Portfolio Switches

        Portfolio Switches

        Merchant West Treasury Solutions excels in managing complex financial transactions at both institutional and individual levels. Our role in portfolio switches is to simplify the process by providing expert currency management and seamless fund movement services.

  • Intermediaries
    • Solutions for Intermediaries
    • Asset Finance
    • Fleet Solutions
      • Strategic Fleet Solutions

        Strategic Fleet Solution

        Our Strategic Fleet Solution provides you with an expert “Back Office” to support your business which serves niche markets and supplies specific vehicles to clients.
        We offer access to funding, a fleet operating system to manage lease contracts from procurement to termination and streamlined administrative processes to support efficient operations.
        Comprehensive reporting at vehicle and fleet level is standard and is provided to your specification and timing needs.

    • Investments
    • Treasury Solutions
      • Overview

        Overview

        Merchant West Treasury Solutions is a niche provider of treasury products and solutions to corporate and individual clients with foreign exchange, cash management and risk management requirements.

      • Collaborative Partnerships

        Collaborative Partnerships

        In today’s fast-paced business world, collaboration is essential for growth and delivering value. At Merchant West Treasury Solutions, we understand the needs of professional firms—whether you’re an accountant, attorney, real estate professional, or financial advisor. Partnering with us allows you to enhance your services, offer more value to your clients, and strengthen your role as a trusted advisor.

  • About Us
    • Our Story
    • Merchant West Holdings
    • Leadership
    • Timeline
    • Careers
    • Media
    • Solutions
      • Asset Finance

        Asset Finance

        We pride ourselves on our reputation as a fast, efficient, and committed financier in our elected industries and offer tailor‐made asset financing for the equipment that is unique to your particular area of business.:

      • Working Capital Solutions

        Working Capital Solutions

        Merchant West Working Capital Solutions can assist in providing your business with a sustainable working capital finance offering. Our facilities are flexible, and our team is dynamic to offer you with the best possible advice and service.

      • Fleet Solutions

        Fleet Finance

        Our streamlined fleet management solution. We keep your business mobile without you tying up your cash in vehicles.
        Our Full Maintenance Lease optimises fleet management, minimises unexpected maintenance expenses, and provides a predictable monthly cost that you can budget for with ease. Comprehensive reporting at vehicle and fleet level is standard and is provided as per your specification and timing needs.

      • Investments

        Investments

        Merchant West Investmentsis an award-winning multi-strategy asset management business.
        The investment house covers a variety of strategies and asset classes, with money market, income, multi-asset class, listed property and domestic and global equity funds.

      • Treasury Solutions

        Treasury

        Merchant West Treasury Solutions is a niche provider of treasury products and solutions to corporate and individual clients with foreign exchange, cash management and risk management requirements.

      • Private Wealth

        Private Wealth

        Range of domestic and global unit trust funds covering equities, property, cash, bonds and balanced fund solutions.

      • Commercial Property Finance

        Property Finance

        Merchant West offers commercial property finance to clients for:

      • Specialised Finance

        Specialised Finance

        Specfin utilises its specialist in-house expertise and the Group’s robust balance sheet in response to consumer demand for “big ticket” solutions, characterised as ‘Hi Value –Hi Complexity’ transactions.

        Our deep understanding of credit and a demonstrable track record allows us to credit vet transactions and provide investors with co-investment opportunities, with the comfort that these solutions also meet our risk-return thresholds. Our minimum threshold for debt financing transactions is set at R65m.

Top 10 Things Lenders Look for Before Granting a Loan: Secure Approval

Top 10 Things Lenders Look for Before Granting a Business Loan

By Thomas Kruger, Head of Risk at Merchant West

When businesses apply for loans, its crucial to understand the factors lenders consider before making a decision. Thomas Kruger, Head of Risk at Merchant West, outlines the top 10 things lenders look for to help businesses position themselves for success.

By understanding these criteria, you can increase your chances of securing the financing you need to grow and thrive.

What lenders look for

1 – Loan Amount and Purpose: One of the first things lenders look for is clarity on how much funding is needed and why. Whether it’s for working capital, acquiring new assets, or expanding operations, the purpose of the loan provides crucial insight into the business’s strategy. Lenders, like Merchant West, assess whether the loan request aligns with the company’s goals and its capacity to utilise the funds effectively. This helps in recommending the right financial product tailored to the business’s unique needs.

2 – Registered Legal Entity: Lenders look for businesses that are legally registered, as this offers protection for both the lender and the borrower. A registered legal entity not only separates personal and business liabilities, which is crucial for mitigating risk, but also projects credibility. This is especially important in securing larger contracts or funding, as it demonstrates the business’s long-term commitment and professionalism. Incorporation is often a basic requirement to ensure compliance with lending protocols and protect all parties involved.

3 – Ownership and Shareholding Structure: Transparency in a business’s ownership and shareholding structure is critical. Lenders look for a clear understanding of who owns the business, how responsibilities are divided, and the distribution of profits. This helps lenders assess the stability of leadership and accountability within the business. Knowing who is ultimately responsible for decision-making provides insight into the company’s operational strategy and long-term viability, reducing the risk of disputes or instability that could affect repayment.

4 – Business Longevity: The length of time a company has been in operation is one of the most telling indicators of its stability. Lenders look for businesses with a proven track record, as this suggests they have successfully navigated various market conditions. Longevity demonstrates resilience, adaptability, and a deep understanding of the industry in which the business operates. It also suggests that the business’s products or services remain relevant, reducing the likelihood that they’ll be outcompeted or become obsolete.

5 – Management Experience: Strong management is often a make-or-break factor. Lenders look for experienced leadership that has a demonstrated ability to steer the company through growth and challenges. Experienced managers tend to have a strong grasp of modern business practices and a capacity for innovation, both of which are key to staying competitive. A stable management team also indicates that the business is likely to continue to succeed even in volatile market conditions, which adds confidence to the lending decision.

6 – Adverse Information or Media Reports: Negative information can pose a significant risk for lenders. Lenders look for any adverse information that may affect the company’s reputation or its ability to operate effectively. This includes negative credit history, unpaid debts, or any legal issues. Media reports involving unethical behaviour, fraud, or criminal activity can also raise red flags. Ensuring a clean record is critical for building trust with lenders, as any negative association could jeopardise the loan approval process.

7 – Financial Health: One of the most critical factors lenders look for is the overall financial position of the company. Key financial metrics such as revenue growth, profitability, and operating cash flow generation are carefully analysed. These figures help determine the business’s ability to manage debt and demonstrate its financial strength. Strong financial health is a direct indicator of a company’s ability to not only survive but also thrive in its market, ensuring that loan repayments can be met without compromising day-to-day operations.

8 – Ability to Repay: Closely tied to financial health is the company’s ability to repay the loan. Lenders look for businesses that can generate consistent cash flow and maintain liquidity. Cash flow is the lifeblood of any business, and lenders want to ensure that it is sufficient to meet all debt obligations without causing financial strain. Lenders also consider access to additional capital resources to handle unforeseen expenses or downturns, which could affect repayment. A strong repayment plan is a cornerstone of responsible borrowing and instils confidence in the lender.

9 – Collateral: Collateral, or security, is often a key element in the lending process. Lenders look for businesses that can offer high-quality, liquid assets as collateral, which helps mitigate the risk associated with lending. If a company defaults on its loan, collateral allows the lender to recoup their investment. The more valuable and liquid the collateral, the lower the risk to the lender, which can also result in more favourable loan terms for the borrower. This helps ensure the lender is protected in the event of a financial downturn or default. It also achieves a pari passu senior secured lending position from a debt structuring perspective, avoiding subordination relative to other creditors that has extended facilities to the same company.

10 – Sustainable Business Model The sustainability of a company’s business model is critical in determining its long-term viability. Lenders look for businesses that demonstrate they can continue to operate as a going concern well beyond the loan period. A business model that generates consistent value, while efficiently managing resources, ensures that the company will be in a strong position to repay the loan and grow sustainably. Lenders favour businesses that are adaptable and able to evolve with market demands, ensuring longevity and financial health.

Start Your Journey Here 

Simply complete the enquiry form to secure your complimentary consultation with one of our team of financial solutions experts.
What lenders look for

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top 10 things lenders look for before granting a business loan?

Lenders typically assess these top 10 factors:

  • Loan Amount and Purpose: Clear explanation of the loan’s intended use.
  • Legal Registration: Valid business registration confirms legality.
  • Ownership Structure: Details on who owns the business.
  • Business Longevity: Duration the business has been operating.
  • Management Experience: Experience and track record of management.
  • Adverse Information: Negative credit or media reports.
  • Financial Health: Key financial metrics like profitability and cash flow.
  • Repayment Ability: Ability to generate cash flow to repay the loan.
  • Collateral: Assets offered as security against the loan.
  • Business Model: Sustainability and long-term profitability of the business model.

Understanding these factors helps you build a strong business loan application. By addressing each key area, you show lenders that your business is well-managed and financially stable, which can significantly boost your chances of loan approval.

To enhance your loan application:

  • Clearly define the loan amount and purpose.
  • Ensure your business is legally registered and compliant.
  • Address any negative credit history or media reports.
  • Demonstrate financial health with accurate financial statements.
  • Provide valuable collateral to secure the loan.
  • Highlight a sustainable business model for long-term success.

If your business falls short in some areas, focus on improving those aspects. Consider consulting with financial advisors to strengthen your application or explore alternative funding sources like private lenders or government programs.

Regular reviews of your business practices are crucial. Aim for an annual review or whenever there are significant changes in your operations or financials. This keeps you prepared for loan applications and ensures you can adapt to changing conditions.

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