Driving growth through smarter trade and working capital solutions

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AS GLOBAL TRADE dynamics continue to evolve, business owners with cross-border supply chains are navigating heightened uncertainty. From tariff fluctuations to rising costs and exchange rate volatility, multiple factors are weighing on business confidence and putting pressure on bottom lines. Yet despite the challenges, optimism remains: nearly 60% of Australian businesses plan to invest in the next 12 months, according to NAB’s latest Business Insights report. NAB Group Economics forecasts domestic growth to gradually return to trend over the next 18 months, with inflation moderating to around 2.5% in the second half of 2025 and the labour market staying resilient. Although global risks remain, particularly around trade tensions and policy shifts, data to date suggests the Australian economy is holding up well.

NAB is committed to helping brokers deliver the best customer outcomes, backed by a national network of experienced BDMs and relationship managers, plus dedicated support through every stage of a customer’s home and business lending experience. As the bank behind brokers, we will continue to invest in the broker channel to provide brokers with the tools and support they need to help their customers, empowering them to build success on their own terms. 

JASMINE ASHTON,NAB

Brokers who understand the evolving landscape, both domestically and abroad, and approach it with a solutions mindset can help clients strategically position themselves for future growth – even as business conditions remain unpredictable. That’s exactly the role Jasmine Ashton sees brokers playing every day. As NAB executive, specialist banking, Business and Private Banking, she leads the bank’s Trade and Working Capital team – a group of specialists who work closely with brokers to deliver tailored finance solutions to SMEs across Australia. “At NAB, we partner with commercial brokers to deliver these solutions, ensuring that businesses are well equipped to handle fluctuations in cash flow, foreign exchange risk and supply chain disruptions,” she explains.

JASMINE ASHTON, NAB

When it comes to helping businesses manage working capital, it’s important to recognise that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Businesses in different sectors face unique challenges, and brokers who can pinpoint the right solutions for each situation are invaluable. For manufacturers, managing supplier terms and cash flow is critical to sustaining growth while mitigating the risks of international trade. This was clearly demonstrated by Sydney-based timber wholesaler and NAB customer True Blue Timber. The rapid growth of the business created pressure on its working capital, limiting its ability to act on new opportunities – including the acquisition of a timber manufacturing facility in New Zealand. With support from its broker, Adam Welsh, principal at CreditSME, True Blue Timber partnered with NAB to secure a tailored trade finance facility. This eased cash flow constraints tied to large overseas timber purchases, unlocked capital previously tied up in inventory, and ultimately enabled the acquisition, setting the stage for the next phase of growth.

Brokers play a vital role in helping businesses optimise their cash flow by identifying opportunities to improve liquidity. With trade and working capital solutions like invoice finance and foreign exchange risk management, businesses can unlock funds and maintain momentum, even during uncertain times. “A common problem many business owners face is how to smooth out seasonal and day-to-day cash flow fluctuations,” explains Ashton. “Businesses need convenient payment terms that align with their trading cycle, improving their bargaining power with suppliers and debtors.” Ashton says NAB works with a wide range of businesses across different industries to help them solve these challenges.

“We recently supported Nobody’s Princess, a fast-growing snow apparel brand, to expand their presence across Australia, New Zealand and Japan with a tailored trade finance facility,” says Ashton. “As a highly seasonal business, their key challenge was managing cash flow – particularly the gap between large upfront inventory outlays and delayed retail income. By leveraging NAB’s trade finance facility, they were able to unlock liquidity, smooth cash flow and ensure they had the capital needed to keep operations moving. “This not only helped them navigate seasonal pressures but also gave them the financial flexibility to invest in future growth opportunities.”

“Many business owners want to know how to grow while managing complexity. That’s where brokers and smart working capital strategies come in”

“With over 160 years of international trade expertise, NAB delivers bespoke trade and working capital solutions across geographies. For businesses, that can be the difference between a cash flow challenge and a business opportunity”

Strategic partners in unpredictable times

Tailored solutions for a diverse business landscape

Published 25 Aug 2025

In an evolving global economy, NAB’s trade and working capital solutions equip brokers with tools to help business customers manage risk, enhance liquidity and unlock sustainable growth

As the economic landscape continues to evolve, businesses require strategic guidance and expert advice more than ever. By understanding the complexities of the global economy and its direct impact on their clients’ bottom lines, brokers can provide the clarity and insight businesses need to make confident, well-informed decisions. NAB is committed to empowering brokers with the tools and knowledge to support their clients effectively. To learn more, download NAB Commercial Broker’s latest report, Capital Confidence: Trade and Working Capital Strategies for Business Growth, which explores how brokers can help Australian businesses with tailored trade and financing solutions and succession planning.

IN Partnership with

“Business owners are focused on growth, and a key problem they need to solve is how they can achieve growth while also managing the complexities of their business. Many customers need support to manage working capital efficiently and mitigate other risks. “I’ve seen first-hand how brokers can play a pivotal role in helping businesses navigate this environment and leverage TWC solutions to unlock growth potential.” To support brokers in this vital role, NAB Commercial Broker has developed the Capital Confidence: Trade and Working Capital Strategies for Business Growth report, which explores how brokers can assist Australian businesses with tailored trade and financing solutions, as well as succession planning.

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