NAB, IBA launch guarantee to unlock lending for First Nations businesses - NAB
01 June 2026
First Nations Affairs Business Banking
NAB and Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) have launched a new corporate guarantee designed to address one of the biggest barriers facing First Nations businesses: access to finance.
The initiative supports lending of up to $1 million per business, with IBA guaranteeing up to 50% of the loan amount.
The solution is designed to assist more businesses secure funding to support them to grow and prosper, where traditional lending requirements, such as property security, may have previously presented challenges.
The guarantee is one part of NAB’s ambition to lend $1 billion to Australia’s estimated 5,200 registered First Nations business and community organisations. It also aligns with IBA’s strategy to 2030, with a goal to invest $5 to 7 billion over the next five years to advance the commercial and economic interests of First Nations people.
IBA deputy CEO Sean Armistead, NAB Executive, Sustainability Jessica Forrest, NAB Associate Director Indigenous Banking Clark Donovan, Towcha Technology founder Alan Holmes,Towcha Technology CEO Isaac Harrison, NAB Group Executive, Business and Private Bank Andrew Auerbach and IBA CEO David Knights meet to discuss the new Indigenous Banking Guarantee.
NAB Business and Private Banking Group Executive Andrew Auerbach said the guarantee was a practical, targeted way for First Nations business customers to unlock growth.
“Strong First Nations businesses deserve innovative solutions that unlock capital, to help them realise their ambition and potential,” Mr Auerbach said.
“This guarantee helps remove that barrier, enabling good businesses to invest, grow and create jobs on their own terms. First Nations businesses are critical to local economies and communities. When they succeed, the benefits flow well beyond the business itself.”
IBA Chief Executive Officer David Knights said the guarantee will help support more First Nations business owners access the funding they need to invest and expand.
“First Nations businesses bring deep experience and innovation to the Australian economy, and access to finance helps them take the next step,” Mr Knights said.
“By broadening the access to capital for First Nations businesses and collaborating with the financial sector, we can expand the support available for businesses to achieve their goals. This is about backing strong business plans and supporting sustainable economic outcomes for First Nations people.”
The initiative builds on a Memorandum of Understanding signed by NAB and IBA in 2023. It forms part of the broader Indigenous business strategies and Reconciliation Action Plans of both organisations, demonstrating collaboration is key.
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