Australian businesses have always faced the challenge of balancing growth with liquidity. In 2025, with supply chain pressures and tighter lending criteria, more SMEs are turning to accounts receivable financing (AR financing) as a strategic solution for immediate cash flow needs. But how does it work, what’s changed in the current financial landscape, and is it right for your business?
What Is Accounts Receivable Financing?
Accounts receivable financing is a funding method where businesses use their unpaid invoices as collateral to access immediate capital. Instead of waiting 30, 60, or even 90 days for customers to pay, companies can unlock up to 85% of their receivables’ value almost instantly through a financier. When customers settle the invoices, the lender forwards the balance (minus fees).
- Invoice factoring: The financier purchases your invoices and manages collections.
- Invoice discounting: You retain control over collections; the financier lends against your receivables.
This funding solution is gaining traction among Australian SMEs in 2025, with recent Reserve Bank figures showing a 12% year-on-year increase in AR financing volumes as traditional bank loans become harder to secure.
Why Accounts Receivable Financing Is Booming in 2025
The Australian business landscape has shifted significantly in the past year. Factors fuelling the rise of AR financing include:
- RBA’s Tight Monetary Policy: With interest rates remaining at a decade high to curb inflation, banks are more risk-averse. SME loan approval rates have dropped, making alternative finance crucial for cash-strapped businesses.
- Supply Chain Disruptions: Delays and increased costs mean longer payment cycles, leaving companies short on working capital.
- Digitisation and Fintech Innovation: New fintech lenders like Moula and Octet offer streamlined, digital AR financing platforms with rapid approvals and transparent fees.
For example, a Melbourne-based wholesale distributor recently used invoice discounting to cover a 45-day payment gap from major retailers, allowing them to pay suppliers on time and avoid stock shortages ahead of the busy season.
Key Benefits and Considerations
Accounts receivable financing isn’t just a lifeline for struggling businesses—it’s a proactive cash flow management tool. Here’s what makes it so appealing in 2025:
- Fast Access to Funds: Approval and funding can take as little as 24–48 hours, compared to weeks for traditional loans.
- No Need for Property Security: The invoices themselves act as collateral, reducing risk for business owners.
- Scalable Facility: Funding grows with your sales, making it ideal for seasonal or rapidly expanding businesses.
- Credit Risk Transfer (Factoring): In full-service factoring, the financier assumes collection and bad debt risk, freeing up your admin resources.
However, there are important points to weigh up:
- Costs: Fees can range from 2% to 5% of invoice value, plus possible admin charges. Always compare providers and clarify the total cost.
- Customer Perception: With factoring, your customers will interact with the financier, which may impact relationships if not managed transparently.
- Not a Debt Eraser: This is a cash flow tool, not a solution for chronic bad debts or declining sales.
2025 Policy Updates and Market Trends
In 2025, the Australian Small Business Ombudsman and the Treasury have introduced new guidelines around invoice payment terms. The Payment Times Reporting Act now requires large businesses to pay small suppliers within 30 days. While this is set to improve cash flow overall, late payments remain a reality—making AR financing a valuable buffer.
Additionally, the government’s SME Recovery Loan Scheme has wound down, leaving AR financing as a leading source of non-bank working capital. Fintechs are also partnering with accounting platforms like Xero and MYOB for seamless integration, further reducing friction for businesses seeking funding.
Is AR Financing Right for Your Business?
If your business is profitable but cash flow is tight due to slow-paying customers, AR financing can be a flexible, responsive solution. It’s especially effective for wholesalers, manufacturers, labour hire firms, and service providers with strong receivables but limited access to traditional loans. However, it’s vital to weigh the cost against the benefit of immediate liquidity and ensure your customers’ payment behaviour supports this approach.
