Non-bank lender Asset Based Lending (ABL) has appointed Jacob Schiavon (pictured) as business development manager for NSW and ACT, as demand for fast, asset-backed cash-out solutions accelerates among brokers navigating growing SME cash flow pressure.
The hire reflects sustained demand from brokers seeking faster, more flexible funding for clients who can't meet traditional lending timelines or criteria. Equifax's Q1 2026 Business Market Pulse shows high-risk SMEs credit shopping at nearly three times the rate of low-risk counterparts, while the Tax Ombudsman has recorded a 127% year-on-year spike in ATO debt complaints — both signals of the cash flow pressure pushing more businesses toward alternative lending channels.
ABL's model assesses loans against the asset and the borrower's ability to service the debt within a defined timeframe, rather than credit scores or detailed financials — making it relevant for time-sensitive situations where conventional approval processes fall short.
Its Track It service specifically allows businesses to access funding against working assets such as debtor books and inventory while maintaining normal operations, with loans from $20,000 to $1 million available on terms of one to nine months.
"We've seen exceptional traction this year," said Steve Heavey, managing director at Asset Based Lending. "Advisors and brokers are increasingly turning to asset-backed solutions when traditional lending timelines and criteria don't fit. Jacob's appointment reflects that growth and our commitment to making this option more accessible across the market."
Schiavon said his time on the broker side gave him a direct view of the problem ABL is solving.
"Working on the broker side, I saw firsthand the gap between when clients need capital and how long traditional lending takes," he said. "ABL's speed and flexibility is what brokers need to actually solve for their clients. That's why I'm here."
Schiavon’s background spans both sides of the commercial lending desk — previously managing a book of approximately 250 clients as a commercial finance broker at Maclean Financial, and most recently as broker support officer at Azora Finance Group, where he managed end-to-end deal lifecycles across commercial and consumer lending.
The appointment coincides with ABL's recent addition to several aggregator panels, with Schiavon's role covering broker network support across NSW and ACT.
Get the hottest and freshest property and mortgage news delivered right into your inbox. Subscribe now to our FREE daily newsletter.
