Trust lending just got a lot harder in Australia, and most investors still do not understand what banks want now. In this episode, Moxin Reza and Ali Nanji break down the real trust lending changes, why some lenders are stepping back (including Macquarie pausing new trust and company home loans), and why other lenders are tightening visibility instead of shutting the doors completely.
You will learn what is actually changing inside assessments, why rates were already higher for trust borrowers at many major banks, and how lenders are now trying to “open the curtains” by checking connected entities, guarantor exposure, and trust structures more closely.
We also connect the dots to the bigger 2026 lending landscape, including APRA’s new debt to income guardrail, which limits how much high DTI lending banks can write (separately for investors and owner occupiers).
What we cover
Why major banks never loved residential trust lending, and how they priced it to discourage demand
Macquarie’s decision to pause new lending to trusts and companies and what it signals
The big policy shift: lenders want visibility on what sits behind the trust
What lenders are tightening: entity checks, related party exposure, and more scrutiny of structures
Myth busting: “your portfolio will freeze overnight” versus what actually happens in real approvals
Conservative banks vs specialist lenders, and why investor brokers often lean outside the majors
How APRA’s 6x DTI setting changes the game for outliers, and why most borrowers are still inside policy
Key takeaways for investors
Trust lending is not dead, but the “easy mode” is gone
Sustainable structuring matters more now (especially cashflow resilience at higher rates)
Expect more documents, more disclosure, and more questions about connected entities
The best defence is clean numbers, conservative buffers, and clear exit strategies
Useful references mentioned in the episode topic (for viewers)
Macquarie pauses new lending to trusts and companies (effective 31 Oct 2025)
APRA activates DTI limits (effective 1 Feb 2026, 6x DTI guardrail)
Example of non bank tightening trust policy (Firstmac coverage)
Guest and contact
Ali Nanji, Morgan Scout
Website: morganscout.com.au
For questions: info@helpmebuy.com.au
Disclaimer: This episode is general information only and is not financial or tax advice. Speak with your broker and accountant for advice on your situation.
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