Asset-Based Loans
in Australia
Dark Horse Financial arranges asset-based loans using property, equipment, vehicles or accounts receivable as collateral, connecting you with the right lender from our panel of 100+ banks and non-banks. Because your asset gives the lender security, an asset based loan can unlock larger amounts and lower rates than unsecured lending — and can even fund a tax debt payout after the ATO has already listed a default on your credit file, which unsecured loans can't do. Our brokers structure the facility around your asset, not a generic policy.
Quick Enquiry
Get a free, obligation-free assessment. Usually responds within 2 hours.
How to Apply for an Asset-Based Loan
Four straightforward steps from enquiry to funds against your asset.
Contact Our Team
Submit a quick enquiry or call us directly. We'll ask about the asset you want to use as security and your funding goal.
Contact Us →Submit Your Application
Provide details of the asset offered as collateral, along with your business information. We match you to suited lenders.
Start Application →Sign Electronically
Review your offer, including how the asset is secured, and sign documentation online — no branch visits required.
Sign Documents →Rated by Our Clients on Google
How Asset-Based Lending Works
An asset-based loan is secured business finance where the lender assesses the value of an asset you offer as collateral — property, equipment, vehicles or receivables — rather than relying solely on cashflow or credit history. The amount available is generally set against that assessed value, and the asset remains security for the facility until it's repaid in full. Secured finance like this can be an option where unsecured lending isn't suitable or available.
What's assessed
The lender values the specific asset offered as security — its type, condition, age and marketability all factor into the assessment.
How your limit is set
The amount available is generally calculated against the assessed value of the asset, not your revenue or credit score alone.
Repayment & security
The asset stays registered as security until the facility is repaid in full; repayments are structured around the asset type and loan term.
What Assets Can I Borrow Against?
Most asset-based loans are secured against one of four collateral types, each assessed differently by lenders.
- Property — commercial or residential real estate, often secured via a caveat loan or second mortgage
- Equipment and machinery — condition, age and resale value affect what's available
- Vehicles and plant — trucks, trailers and heavy equipment used in your business
- Accounts receivable — outstanding invoices owed to your business by other businesses
Lenders also weigh how easily the asset could be sold or recovered if needed, and whether any existing security is already registered against it.
What Can You Use an Asset-Based Loan For?
An asset-based loan is built around your collateral — here's where it typically earns its place in a business's finances.
Bridging cashflow gaps while waiting on a property sale, refinance or invoice payment
Funding business growth or expansion without waiting to save capital
Purchasing additional equipment, machinery or vehicles
Consolidating multiple existing business debts into one facility
Covering a tax debt or ATO payment plan — even after the ATO has listed a default on your credit file, which unsecured lenders generally won't touch
Meeting an urgent working capital need
Funding renovations or a fit-out ahead of a sale or new lease
Bridging a timing gap in a property settlement
Types of Asset-Based Loans
Dark Horse arranges asset-based facilities across every major collateral type.
Is My Business Eligible for an Asset-Based Loan?
- Your business is registered in Australia (ABN or ACN)
- You own, or hold sufficient equity in, the asset offered as security
- The asset's value supports the amount you're seeking to borrow
- You have a workable repayment or exit strategy for the facility
- Time in business and trading history (requirements vary by lender)
- Credit history that isn't perfect can sometimes be offset by strong asset value with certain lenders
Asset-Based Loans Rates
There's no single headline rate for an asset-based loan — the cost depends on how the facility is structured against your specific asset. Factors that drive the rate include:
- The type and quality of the asset offered as security
- The Loan-to-Value Ratio (LVR) — the amount borrowed as a proportion of the asset's assessed value
- Whether the facility is secured by a registered mortgage, caveat or general security agreement
- The loan term and repayment structure
- Your business's trading history and financials
- Whether the lender is a bank or non-bank
Compare Your Costs
See how different asset types and facility structures affect your repayments before you apply.
Compare Costs →Asset-Based Loans Success Stories
A Temporary Cash Flow Gap While Awaiting a Larger Payment
Challenge: A business was expecting several hundred thousand dollars in incoming funds but couldn't access that money immediately, leaving a short-term cash flow gap.
Solution: Dark Horse arranged a $40,000 asset-backed bridging loan secured against business vehicles the client didn't need during the loan term — with no financials, no bank assessment and no property security required. Interest was capitalised and payable at maturity, rather than charged during the term.
Outcome: The business bridged its short-term cash flow gap without the paperwork or delays of a traditional bank assessment, using an asset it wasn't relying on day-to-day as security.
Why Choose Dark Horse Financial?
Broad Lender Access
Broker access to 100+ bank and non-bank lenders, so you're not limited to one credit policy or one asset class.
Multiple Asset Classes
Dark Horse arranges facilities secured by property, equipment, vehicles and receivables — not just one type of collateral.
Fast Turnaround
Approvals typically within 24–48 hours, so funding doesn't hold up your plans.
Established & Proven
Trusted by Australian businesses since 2013.
Specialist Expertise
Led by a working capital specialist with nearly 15 years' experience and industry recognition in SME business lending.
No-Obligation Assessment
A free initial assessment, with no obligation to proceed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about asset-based loans — answered directly.