Australian businesses are heading into 2026 with no shortage of pressure points. The Reserve Bank lifted the cash rate to 4.10% in March 2026, keeping borrowing costs elevated, while the ATO has sharpened its focus on payment discipline, tax debt and super compliance. At the same time, many businesses are still dealing with higher operating costs, supply chain friction and global trade uncertainty.
For commercial finance brokers, that changes the conversation. Clients are not just looking for funding - they need guidance on how to protect liquidity, manage risk and optimise cash flow in a more complex environment.
It also creates a clear opportunity for brokers who can deliver smarter working capital solutions can strengthen client relationships and unlock new revenue streams.
The Octet Referral Partner Program rewards brokers for helping clients access the right funding solutions - with upfront and ongoing commissions, as well as additional incentives such as airline rewards points on eligible deals.
The cash flow issues brokers should have front of mind in 2026
1. Higher funding costs are putting pressure on margins
With rates remaining elevated, many businesses are still operating in a higher-cost funding environment. This is compressing margins and increasing sensitivity to timing gaps in cash flow.
Broker focus: Structure funding around cash flow, not just price, as flexibility and fit-for-purpose facilities matter more than ever.
2. Compliance is becoming a direct cash flow issue
The ATO’s stronger enforcement stance, combined with changes like Payday Super from 1 July 2026, is accelerating cash outflows and reducing flexibility in payroll cycles.
Broker focus: Ensure clients have sufficient liquidity and planning in place to meet tax and super obligations without disruption.
3. Tax debt is impacting funding access
Rising businesses tax debt is now a material issue, with flow-on impacts for credit profiles and funding options.
Broker focus: Bring tax obligations into cash flow discussions early and position funding as a way to stay ahead of liabilities, not react to them.
4. Cash is still tied up in the working capital cycle
Many businesses remain asset-rich but cash-poor, with capital locked in receivables, inventory and extended supplier cycles.
Broker focus: Identify where cash is trapped and introduce solutions that unlock liquidity without increasing long-term debt.
5. Trade and currency volatility are harder to manage
Importers and exporters are facing ongoing FX volatility, shifting tariffs and longer lead times.
Broker focus: Help clients manage the timing mismatch between paying suppliers and receiving revenue, particularly across borders.
What broker advice looks like in 2026
The role of the commercial finance broker is evolving from finance arranger to cash flow adviser.
In today’s environment, clients need more than access to capital. They need guidance on how to structure, protect and optimise cash flow across the entire business cycle.
That means helping clients:
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align funding to their cash conversion cycle
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unlock working capital tied up in receivables, inventory and operations
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build buffers for tax, payroll and compliance obligations
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move quickly on opportunities such as supplier discounts or inventory purchases
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diversify funding sources beyond traditional bank lending
With banks becoming more selective and often slower to respond, many businesses are increasingly turning to non-bank lenders for faster, more flexible solutions that reflect how they actually operate.
Why working capital finance is now essential
Working capital finance is no longer a niche product - it is becoming central to how businesses manage liquidity.
It enables clients to:
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bridge the gap between paying suppliers and receiving customer payments
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fund inventory and trade cycles without draining cash reserves
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meet tax and compliance obligations on time
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manage volatility in costs, currency and supply chains
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act quickly when growth opportunities arise
For brokers, this creates an opportunity to deliver more strategic advice and deepen client relationships.
Partnering with Octet: support, speed and rewards
In a market where timing is critical, brokers need partners who can deliver speed, certainty and expertise.
Octet works alongside brokers to structure tailored working capital solutions across trade, debtor and supply chain finance. With a streamlined application and approval process, brokers can access funds faster for their clients when it matters most. Octet’s proprietary platform also helps businesses unlock working capital across their cash flow cycle, enabling them to buy, sell and get paid more efficiently.
Through the Octet Referral Partner Program, brokers can:
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expand their offering with specialist working capital solutions
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earn competitive upfront and ongoing commissions
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access airline rewards points on eligible settled deals
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leverage dedicated support to identify and structure the right solutions
The opportunity for brokers
Cash flow is now the central issue for Australian businesses.
Brokers who combine commercial insight, flexible funding solutions and speed to execution will be best positioned to win and retain clients.
With the right partner, you can go beyond sourcing finance to delivering meaningful outcomes. And be rewarded for the role you play.
Register for the Octet Referral Partner Program and help your clients move forward with confidence.
