Commonwealth Bank Adjusts Lending Policies for Companies and Trusts

Under the new policy, applicants or their servicing guarantors must have maintained an established lending facility with CBA for at least six months. This includes products such as home loans, business loans, personal loans, or credit cards. The policy applies specifically to broker-introduced applications for non-individual borrowers.

Baber Zaka, CBA's General Manager of Third Party Banking, stated, "When submitting an application, brokers will need to ensure these applicants and/or the servicing guarantor have an established lending facility with CBA for at least six months."

The rationale behind this policy change is to simplify the loan origination process and ensure a more streamlined assessment of applicants. However, it may also impact certain investor strategies, particularly for those without prior engagements with CBA.

For businesses and trusts considering loan applications with CBA, it's essential to:

• Review existing relationships with the bank to determine eligibility under the new policy.
• Consider establishing a lending facility with CBA if planning to apply for loans under company or trust structures in the future.
• Consult with financial advisors or brokers to understand how these changes may affect specific lending strategies.

By proactively addressing these considerations, businesses can better navigate the evolving lending landscape and make informed financial decisions.