Spotlight: Judo Bank maps the next phase of SME growth

Uncertainty and volatility are defining the SME lending market right now – and brokers are right at the centre of it. We sat down with Judo Bank to find out how this SME specialist is navigating the shift and what it means for brokers on the ground. Commercial lending has changed. Rising costs, softer demand, and higher rates are putting pressure on SMEs, while complexity is replacing the old, one-size-fits-all approach to credit. Broker Daily's Julian Barnes is joined by George Obeid, chief third-party officer at Judo Bank, to unpack where the market is heading and how brokers are adapting. Here's what's happening on the ground: SME clients want tailored, flexible solutions – not just capital. Speed and direct access to decision-makers are now critical. Strong broker–lender relationships are key to delivering certainty. In a tougher market, the brokers who win won't just find a lender – they'll know how to structure the deal and take the partnership to the next level.