Editorial & Fact-Checking Policy
Dark Horse Financial publishes articles, guides, case studies and calculators to help Australian business owners understand their finance options, from tax debt and cash flow to equipment and property-backed lending. These topics have real financial consequences, so we hold our content to a clear standard. This policy explains who creates our content, how we research and check it, how we keep it current and how we correct mistakes.
Who creates our content
Our content is prepared by our editorial team, including an in-house writer who specialises in commercial finance and non-bank lending. Every piece is reviewed and approved by Jeff Suter, Director of Dark Horse Financial, before it is published.
Jeff has more than a decade of experience in commercial finance. He works with banks, non-bank lenders, private lenders and specialist financiers on transactions ranging from working capital facilities to complex debt restructures. His review checks three things: that the content is accurate, that it reflects how lenders actually assess applications, and that it is clear about risks and limitations.
Our editorial standards
Accurate
Factual claims are supported by a reliable source, and wherever possible, the primary source.
Clear
We write in plain English and explain terms such as GIC, DPN and LVR.
Balanced
We explain costs, risks and alternatives where relevant, including options that don't involve borrowing, such as an ATO payment plan.
General, not personal
Our content is general information. It does not consider your objectives, financial situation or needs.
No promises
We don't guarantee approval, rates or outcomes. All applications are subject to lender assessment and approval.
How we research and source information
We go to primary sources first and cite them beside the claims they support. Our main sources are:
Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
ato.gov.auTax debt, payment plans, interest charges, director penalty notices and ATO collection activity.
Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)
asic.gov.auCredit licensing, responsible lending and company obligations.
Moneysmart
moneysmart.gov.auASIC's guidance on borrowing, debt and financial hardship.
Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA)
afca.org.auComplaints and dispute resolution for financial services.
Federal Register of Legislation
legislation.gov.auThe legislation itself, including the National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009, the Taxation Administration Act 1953 and the Corporations Act 2001.
Lender product information
Published lender criteria, product terms and rates, where an article refers to specific lending products.
When we draw on our own experience, for example how lenders typically treat a particular situation, we say so. Our articles include a Sources and Methodology section listing the main sources used. We don't rely on other brokers' websites, forums or AI-generated summaries as sources for factual claims.
How we fact-check
Before anything is published:
The writer links each key claim to its source, including figures, thresholds, dates, interest rates, deadlines and legal obligations.
Each claim is checked against the original source as it stands at the time of review, not against a summary or an older version.
The Director reviews the content for accuracy, lending practice and compliance, including general information warnings and our credit representative details.
Only approved content is published.
When a rule has recently changed or is about to change, we state the date it takes effect.
Keeping content up to date
Tax rules, lender policies and regulatory guidance change often. We review content when:
- The ATO, ASIC or another regulator changes relevant rules or guidance
- Legislation affecting the topic changes
- Lender criteria or products we describe change
- A reader or client tells us something may be out of date
We also review our most important pages at least once every 12 months. When we make a substantive update, we update the date shown on the page.
Corrections
If you think something on our website is wrong or out of date, email jeffsuter@darkhorsefinancial.com.au with the page and the issue. We'll review it within 5 business days and, if we find an error, correct it promptly. If a correction changes the meaning of an article, we add a note at the end explaining what changed and when.
Independence and how we are paid
Our broking services are fee free for most products because lenders pay us standard commissions. The exceptions are private business lending and property development finance. For those, any fees are explained in writing, and we need your signed agreement before we proceed.
Lender relationships don't determine what we write. We don't accept payment from lenders or other third parties to publish content, and when we mention a lender or product, it is because it is relevant to the topic.
Use of AI tools
We may use AI tools to help with research, outlines or editing. AI is never used as a source of facts. No content is published until a person has checked it against primary sources and the Director has approved it.
Case studies
Our case studies are based on real transactions we have worked on, with client details de-identified to protect their privacy. Each outcome reflects that client's circumstances and the lender's assessment at the time. It does not mean a similar result is available to you.
About Dark Horse Financial
Dark Horse Financial Pty Ltd (ACN 166 546 130) is a Credit Representative (No. 465 325) of Buyers Choice Licencing Pty Ltd (ACN 626 172 281, Australian Credit Licence No. 509484).
The information on this website is general in nature and does not constitute financial, tax or legal advice. Before acting on it, consider your own circumstances and seek advice from a qualified professional.
Questions about this policy? Contact us or call 0439 062 771.