Each week, we deliver a clear, credible wrap of Australian small business news — policy changes, tax and compliance updates, economic trends, technology shifts, grants, and standout industry stories. Expect plain-English context, key takeaways, and what it means for your operations. Stay informed in minutes, stay ahead of change, and start the week organised. We highlight major headlines from government, regulators, and trusted business outlets, summarised with practical context you can use.
This Week:
Weekly wrap for Australian SMEs: Revolut wins an ADI licence on 21 July, bringing new business banking options and deposit protection. NSW recommits on 24 July to reform the Emergency Services Levy that can add 10–34% to premiums, aiming to ease insurance costs over time. ACMA fines a major company about $2.7m on 22 July for spam and telemarketing breaches, a reminder for SMEs to tighten consent and unsubscribe processes. Also on 22 July, Sendle is rescued and relaunched, restoring a key e‑commerce shipping option. Practical tips included on cash flow, compliance and supplier checks.
EPISODE 2457 | Small Business Finance SME Newscast | Sat, 25th Jul 2026
28 Jul 2026 | Paige Estritori
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Read Full Transcript:
Hello and welcome to Small Business Finance SME Newscast; Im Paige Estritori, and its Saturday, 25 July 2026.
First up, more competition in business banking. On Tuesday, 21 July, Revolut became an authorised deposit‑taking institution, or ADI, after approval from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority, APRA. Its launched business accounts and signalled lending to follow, with deposits covered by the government guarantee up to $250,000 per ADI. For owners, that means another option to park surplus cash and, soon, to compare working capital products. If a sharper account or facility could smooth cash flow, run a quick eligibility check and compare fees before you switch.
Next, insurance costs in New South Wales. On Thursday, 24 July, the NSW Treasurer reaffirmed plans to reform the Emergency Services Levy, or ESL, which currently sits on insurance premiums and can add roughly 10 to 34 per cent. Reform is moving through a parliamentary process and timing isnt locked in, but the goal is to lower premiums over time by funding emergency services differently. For now, review your cover, budget for current pricing, and consider premium‑smoothing or broader cash‑flow finance if renewals are biting.
Meanwhile, regulators are stepping up on marketing compliance. On Wednesday, 22 July, the Australian Communications and Media Authority, ACMA, issued a penalty of about $2.7 million over spam and telemarketing breaches. The message for every SME is simple: send marketing only with clear consent, include easy opt‑outs, honour them promptly, and scrub call lists against the Do Not Call Register. A quick audit of your email, SMS and dialler settings now can save big headaches later.
Also on 22 July, parcel carrier Sendle was rescued and relaunched under new ownership, with services switching back on. If you paused your e‑commerce shipping, check your account settings, new rates and coverage before you resume. Keep a backup courier in place and monitor delivery performance so cash flow isnt squeezed by delays or re‑shipments.
Thats the wrap. For fast eligibility checks, lender comparisons and expert support on business loans, head to small-business-finance.com.au. Im Paige Estritori—thanks for listening, and have a productive week.
The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.
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