Beyond the capitals: How brokers are supporting regional and agribusiness growth

Q. Chris: What are you seeing across regional business and agricultural lending in Australia now?

Khan: We’re seeing solid activity across the portfolio. While parts of regional Australia continue to deal with dry conditions in the south-west and flood impacts in the north, we remain confident in our customers’ ability to work through these challenges with the right support. Regional Australia has always been resilient. Farmers and business owners are well-versed in managing volatility and keeping their plans on track regardless of conditions.

Q. Chris: Where are the key growth opportunities for customers over the next 12–24 months?

Khan: The trends we saw through 2025 are continuing, which is positive for regional communities. Migration from capital cities into regional centres is supporting steady economic growth in many provincial towns. We’re seeing ongoing strength across manufacturing, agriculture, construction, and accommodation, each contributing to consistent borrowing demand. Equipment finance remains front of mind as customers look to deploy capital more effectively, particularly toward projects that lift productivity or improve energy efficiency. These themes will continue to present real opportunities.

Q. Chris: What does this mean for commercial brokers supporting regional and agribusiness customers?

Khan: The opportunity for commercial brokers is strong. As we move into 2026, many business owners have taken time over the new year to reassess their priorities and consider new directions. Recent weather events, whether dry spells, floods, or fires, also reinforce the importance of checking in with customers early.

This is the moment for brokers to lean in. Understanding what lies ahead for customers and providing guidance as a trusted adviser adds real value. As Australia’s largest business bank supporting regional Australia, we know how important it is to stand with customers in both the good times and the challenging ones. It’s an excellent time for brokers to deepen those conversations.

Q. Chris: What makes a great broker-bank partnership in the customers’ eyes? How do customers assess the value these partnerships create?

Khan: Customers rightly expect outcomes. They value clear communication, timely delivery, and solutions that genuinely meet their needs. A strong partnership between brokers and the bank is built on a shared understanding of the customer, co-ordinated effort, and disciplined execution.

Value shows up in different ways: speed, structure, and price. No single measure outweighs the others. What matters is delivering the right outcome, on time, and with minimal friction. When we meet those expectations consistently, referrals follow. Customer satisfaction remains the most powerful driver of growth, so being relentlessly customer-focused benefits all parties.

Q. Chris: How important are effective partnerships between brokers and the bank for regional communities? What will success look like in five years in this evolving channel?

Khan: Customer expectations will continue to rise, and that’s positive. It pushes all of us, bankers and brokers alike, to lift our performance. Given our longstanding presence in regional Australia, we’re well-placed to work alongside brokers to continually improve how we support our communities.

Success in the coming years will hinge on strong local insight, shared knowledge, and the ability to bring the best of NAB to the table. Our regional bankers are specialists, and when paired with high-quality commercial brokers, customers consistently benefit from that combined expertise. As a relationship bank, we understand the value of being present and accessible.

As expectations evolve, we’re confident that together with our broker partners, we can meet the needs of regional customers and deliver the outcomes they rely on.