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Valiant’s Q3 2025 wrap: What it means for our partners

SMEs are applying for and securing more funding than before.

Databook

min read

Published:

November 11, 2025

Last updated:

November 11, 2025

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Key Takeaways:

SME funding is trending up. Short-term dips post-EOFY are normal, but overall demand remains strong.
Construction, Transport and Hospitality lead the way, and partners can support growth with flexible finance and asset solutions.
Cash flow, expansion, and refinancing are hot and proactive positioning helps clients secure funding before opportunities pass.

Market at a glance

This quarter we saw a small dip in opportunities and settlements following EOFY, which is typical for this time of year. Importantly, compared to the same period last year, both opportunities and settlements are tracking higher overall, showing that SMEs are applying for and securing more funding than before.

👉 For partners: Short-term seasonal dips are expected, but the overall trend is upward. Demand from SMEs remains strong, and lenders continue to support businesses looking to invest and grow.

Top industries driving demand

Our data highlights three industries leading SME funding activity this quarter:

Construction
- Strong activity with larger average deal sizes.
  👉 For partners: Construction SMEs often need support with equipment, projects, or bridging cash flow. Position flexible finance early to help them stay competitive.
Transport, Postal & Warehousing
- Growth driven by logistics and e-commerce expansion.
  👉 For partners: SMEs are investing in vehicles, warehousing, and technology upgrades. Asset finance and working capital products are particularly relevant here.
Accommodation & Food Services
- Rebound in activity as businesses invest in refurbishments, stock, and staff.
  👉 For partners: Cash flow fluctuations are common — flexible repayment solutions can be a game changer.

SME trends we’re seeing

Cash flow management is a key driver of applications.
👉 For partners: Encourage clients to explore working capital solutions before challenges become urgent.
Expansion funding (new locations, hiring) is on the rise.
👉 For partners: Early conversations about growth financing can help SMEs secure capital before opportunities pass.
ATO debt and refinancing demand is climbing.
👉 For partners: Be proactive with clients facing tax or legacy debt issues. Positioning the right product early can protect them from risk.

💡 Market insight

Demand for working capital, debt refinancing, and growth funding is stronger through our queue and nurture than through our partner network, while asset finance is evenly distributed.

This represents an untapped opportunity for partners, particularly those looking to expand their services and client base.

Asset finance insights

In Q3 this year, average and median interest rates for asset finance have sat between 10.39% and 11.05%.
This is slightly lower than the same quarter last year (10.85% – 11.66%), showing a modest easing for SMEs seeking vehicle and equipment finance.
Utes, SUVs, vans, trucks, and cars accounted for over 50% of opportunities in Q3.

👉 Partner action:
Borrowing costs are slightly lower than last year, creating a window for SMEs to invest in vehicles or equipment. Partners can use this momentum to support clients in securing the right finance solutions with confidence.

References:

Partners

About the author

Carolina Mateus is an SEO Content Specialist at Valiant Finance, creating content that helps SMEs navigate business finance with confidence. She develops clear, actionable guides to simplify complex topics and support smarter funding decisions.

Ryan Ragland is VP of Enterprise Solutions at Valiant Finance, partnering with OEMs, resellers, and lenders to embed finance directly into their sales workflows. He designs scalable solutions that speed up deal cycles, improve customer experience, and unlock new revenue opportunities for partners.

Richie Cotton is Co-Founder and CTO at Valiant Finance, driving the company’s technology strategy and product innovation. He oversees the development of Valiant’s embedded finance platform and scalable solutions that make accessing business funding faster, simpler, and more reliable for SMEs.

Alex Molloy is CEO and Co-Founder of Valiant Finance, leading the company’s mission to make business finance more accessible and efficient. Since founding Valiant, he’s guided its growth from an Australian startup to a global fintech powering embedded finance for major institutions and platforms.

Henry Baker is Head of Working Capital at Valiant Finance, leading the company’s working capital solutions. He helps SMEs unlock funding to smooth daily operations and support strategic growth without additional financial burden.

Luke Saleh is Head of Asset Finance at Valiant Finance, leading the company’s vehicle and equipment lending solutions. He helps SMEs access loans that match their goals, enabling them to scale efficiently and invest in essential assets.

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James Pattison is National Business Development Manager at Valiant Finance, enabling brokers and accountants to diversify into asset finance and working capital funding, backed by 20 years in finance.