S.M.E. Commercial Finance Pty Ltd ('SME') is a specialist equipment finance company, established in 2003 to provide accountants, financial planners and solicitors with access to the full range of finance products under the SME brand.

SME is also able to provide these services directly to the end users.

Historically accountants, lawyers and financial planners arranged finance on behalf of their clients as an additional service to their clients. The preparation of different application forms for each financier, the submission of financial accounts and the negotiation of the best terms for the client was excessively time consuming. It was also extremely difficult to stay in touch with the ever changing credit requirements and appetites of the different financiers.

In response to this, SME has stepped in and has gradually become the 'intermediary' between the Banks and its Members, by offering highly skilled Lending Managers to act on behalf of their clients for all their finance needs.

SME has expanded its product offering to include "white label" products to equipment vendors, professional networks or non asset based financiers. These products can be branded in the name of the vendor, accounting firms/ solicitor or financier.

Vendors are also looking to provide financial products to their clients to either maximise the client loyalty, maximise the likelihood of success in the competitive sales market or protect its client base from competitors. SME is also able to provide a vendor with a total end-to-end 'finance solution' without having to adjust any current systems issues or requiring it to compensate for other business structures.

SME has executed multiple undisclosed principle and agency agreements with a range of Australian financiers that provided it the ability to efficiently deliver the full range of asset based finance. Through these agreements, SME is able to provide its members efficient access to the full range of finance providers on an undisclosed basis. The transactions are either written on SME paper or branded in the name of the vendor, thus preserving the confidentiality of the client. SME retains the on going maintenance of the contract as all contact is made through SME, not with the underwriter.

The IT system allows SME to act as a 'hub' for vendors, finance brokers, accountants, solicitors, financial planners and numerous other professional networks including whereby they will be able introduce asset finance transactions to S.M.E. without having to leave their own network.

SME is 100% Australian owned. Its directors and management team have extensive experience and knowledge across a wide range of business disciplines and financial services.

SME is a full member of the Australian Finance Conference.

The SME solution will help you create a profitable new dimension to your existing business. Our sophisticated software, proven marketing strategies and expert knowledge of the finance industry are yours to help strengthen and grow your business.

FAQ

Who can apply for finance?

Any individual, partnership, company and incorporated body wanting to finance an asset for business use. We cannot lend to Superannuation Funds.

Do you finance Personal Loans?

No, we do not assist with personal loans, but we are happy to refer you to a personal loan officer who can assist you.

Who prepares the finance documents?

All finance documents are prepared by our credit department at our office.

How do I receive the documents?

All finance documents are sent via email or mail. They are then signed and returned to our office via fax or mail (so we receive copies with original signatures).

Who signs the documents?

All finance documents must be signed by the entities taking out the finance and by the guarantees (if applicable) to that finance contract.

How do I know how much I have to pay?

On the front page of the finance documents is a schedule outlining the payments and terms of the contract. This schedule will not change once the deal has settled.

Why doesn't my finance contract show a finance contract rate or interest rate?

There is no government or banking requirement for the financial institution to disclose a finance rate or to show the interest charge as a percentage rate. The contract will disclose the dollar amount of the interest or charges, but will not mention any interest as a percentage.

Who is responsible for insuring the financed asset?

In most finance transactions, you are responsible for purchasing and maintaining vehicle insurance throughout the term of the finance contract. Your finance agreement will list the insurance requirements in the terms & conditions. When you sign the finance contract, you will be required to show proof of insurance coverage, including the names of the insurance company and agent, insurance amounts, coverage dates, interested parties and policy number.

How do I make payments?

Payments for any of our finance contracts are made via direct debit from your bank account.

When will my first payment be due?

Your first payment will be due on the date we settle the transaction. Your next will be collected approximately one month after until the contract terminates.

Do I get copies of the finance contracts I sign?

Yes, by law you must receive a copy of your finance documentation.

Is there a penalty for early termination?
With any finance agreement, if you choose to settle it early for any reason you will be charged a penalty for doing so.

What happens if I want to terminate my agreement before it is due to expire?

If you want to terminate your agreement before it is due to expire, simply call our office and our Credit Department will calculate a settlement figure for you in accordance with our Terms & Conditions. Simply pay the required amount and the contract will be terminated.

Can I terminate my finance contract early?

Your right to terminate your finance contract early is defined in your finance contract agreement. You may have to pay an additional charge if you end the finance contract early, but the actual charge will depend on when the finance contract is terminated. The earlier you end the finance contract, the greater this charge is likely to be.

What do I do if I have a problem with my finance contract? Who can I turn to?

Your first step should be to talk our office directly.