34% of commercial brokers expect financing to get easier in coming months

‍A shift in sentiment as financing pressures ease and demand for business lending holds firm

The latest findings from Agile Market Intelligence’s Broker Pulse survey reveal stabilising financing conditions for commercial clients, alongside continued strong demand for business loans. Conducted in partnership with CAFBA, the data provides a snapshot of broker sentiment on credit accessibility and loan demand across key segments.

Key stats you need to know

• 34% of brokers believe it will be easier for clients to obtain finance in the next three months, up from 22% in September 2024.
  
  
• 23% of brokers say financing has already become easier compared to three months ago.
  
  
• Business loan demand remains robust, with 53% of brokers expecting an increase in the next quarter.

Financing conditions are beginning to ease

• The proportion of brokers reporting easier access to finance rose to 23% in June 2025, compared to just 8% in December 2024.
  
  
• Those saying conditions have become more difficult fell to 24%, down from 39% in September 2024. 53% believe access to finance has remained unchanged, indicating a stabilising trend.
  
  
• The share of brokers expecting easier conditions in the future increased to 34%, up from 22% nine months earlier. Only 19% expect financing to become more difficult, a notable drop from 29% in December 2024.

There is growing consensus that access to finance is levelling out after a period of tightening. Sentiment has shifted gradually, with fewer brokers reporting worsening conditions and a steady uptick in those seeing improvements.

“Brokers are seeing some easing in credit pressures, particularly as lenders recalibrate risk appetite and business clients adjust expectations. It’s a welcome sign after a year of constraint,” said Michael Johnson, Director at Agile Market Intelligence.

Business loan demand remains strong

• 53% of brokers expect business loan demand to rise in the next three months, consistent with the May 2025 result. Just 5% foresee a decrease, slightly above the March 2025 low of 4%.
  
  
• 42% expect demand to remain steady, up from 41% in April 2025. The net demand index for business lending is +46, down slightly from +57 in April. This marks the tenth consecutive month where over half of brokers expect rising demand.

Despite some month-to-month fluctuations, demand for business loans remains a stronghold in the commercial lending market. Brokers continue to report consistent client appetite for secured and unsecured lending options.

“Business confidence is holding up, and that’s flowing through to sustained borrowing intentions. Brokers are still writing plenty of business loan deals,” said Michael Johnson.

Equipment finance outlook holds steady

• 54% of brokers anticipate increased demand for asset finance over the next three months. Only 8% expect a decline, returning to typical levels after a spike in March 2025. 38% expect no change, in line with recent months.
  
  
• The net demand index sits at +47, consistent with April and May 2025. Brokers continue to report steady interest in equipment and asset finance lending.

The outlook for equipment finance has stabilised after some earlier volatility, supported by infrastructure, transport and logistics clients maintaining spending activity. While not at peak levels, sentiment remains firmly positive.

“We’re seeing solid and sustained interest in asset finance from clients in capital-intensive sectors. Demand is holding despite broader economic caution,” said Michael Johnson.

About the report

The Broker Pulse: Commercial Lending report is a community-driven benchmarking initiative capturing the experiences of commercial and asset finance brokers across Australia. The latest edition captures experiences for applications submitted throughout June 2025, with the survey conducted between 1st to 23rd July 2025. The report includes data across asset finance, business loans, and commercial mortgages, and is conducted by Agile Market Intelligence in partnership with the Commercial & Asset Finance Brokers Association (CAFBA)