How a Financial Adviser Can Help Your Business Secure a Better Deal

When interest rates begin to fall, it’s a moment of real opportunity for a business owner. This period allows you to take proactive steps to lower your borrowing costs, free up valuable cash flow, and secure a significant competitive edge. This article looks at how a financial adviser can help you do exactly that by strategically reviewing your existing loans and identifying new lending options to position your business for success.

Why Engage a Financial Adviser?

Working with a financial adviser provides you with a direct advantage. It gives you the insight to avoid common financial pitfalls and the confidence to make the right moves for your business’s future.

Specialised Knowledge and Access A financial adviser brings more than experience. They provide you with an extensive network of lender relationships and specialised industry knowledge. A professional understands New Zealand’s financial landscape, including the latest trends and lending criteria, which is a powerful asset when you're looking for funding. This helps you to find a financial advisor who has the connections to get you a more favourable deal.

Objective Evaluation and Strategy The greatest value of a business financial adviser is their objective perspective. They will review your current situation, compare various options, and structure terms that truly benefit you. This gives you a clear strategy, enabling you to make decisions on new loans, refinancing, or even leasing versus buying assets, all while feeling confident in your choice.

Key Areas a Financial Adviser Supports Your Business

Your adviser works to provide you with tangible benefits for your business.

Loan and Financing Negotiation When interest rates start to fall, an adviser can help you renegotiate existing loans or explore new financing options. They work on your behalf, advocating for your business to secure the most suitable terms. A commercial financial advisor knows how to best structure a deal to align with your business goals, helping you to save money and improve your bottom line.

Access to Preferential Terms Due to their established relationships with a wide range of lenders, a financial adviser can often access preferential terms or unique financial products that may not be available to you otherwise. These benefits can include better interest rates or more flexible repayment schedules, which can translate into substantial savings for your business. This is why it pays to seek out certified financial advisors who have a strong network to find you the best deals.

How to Find the Right Financial Adviser in NZ

Choosing the right partner for your business is a pivotal decision. Here’s what to look for when you find a financial advisor.

Credentials and Certification Look for certified financial advisors with relevant experience and industry affiliations. Their credentials indicate a commitment to ethical standards and a high level of expertise.

Relevant Business Expertise The best business financial advisors are familiar with your specific industry. They understand the challenges and opportunities you face, which allows them to offer advice that is both insightful and directly applicable to your business.

Trust and Communication A solid relationship is built on trust and clear communication. A trusted adviser will take the time to understand your goals and keep you informed throughout the process, empowering you to make confident financial decisions.

Take a look at our expert solutions here

Case Study Highlights

We recently assisted a small manufacturing business that was struggling with a high interest rate on an outdated loan. The business had not reviewed its lending options for several years. We worked closely with them, restructured their loan across a different lender, and successfully reduced their interest repayments by thousands of dollars each year. This freed up cash flow which they were then able to reinvest into new equipment, improving their operational efficiency. To find out more, explore our success stories.

What Makes Finance Link a Top Choice

At Finance Link, our team includes highly experienced and certified financial advisors dedicated to delivering impactful solutions for New Zealand businesses. Our approach focuses on collaboration, and we take pride in understanding your business as our partner. We have an extensive network of over thirty lenders, giving us the ability to provide you with a wide range of options. This allows us to focus on what matters most for you and your business, helping to secure a deal that works for you.

Need more help? Get in touch with our expert team.

What's the difference between a financial adviser and a financial planner?

A financial adviser typically helps with specific financial products, like a loan or investment, whereas a financial planner works with you to create a comprehensive long-term plan for your personal financial goals. For businesses, a financial adviser often focuses on the direct and strategic financial products needed to grow and operate.

How much does a business financial adviser cost in NZ?

Many business financial advisers are paid through commissions from the lender or provider, meaning there is no direct fee to you for their advice or service. This is a common and transparent model in New Zealand that makes their service accessible to businesses of all sizes.

How can I verify a financial adviser's credentials in NZ?

You can verify a financial adviser's credentials and see if they are a registered financial adviser on the Financial Service Providers Register (FSPR), which is managed by the Companies Office. This ensures they are legally permitted to give advice in New Zealand.

Can a financial adviser help with both startups and established businesses? Absolutely. A financial adviser can assist a startup with things like securing initial capital and creating a financial roadmap. For established businesses, they can help with more complex needs, such as growth funding, mergers, acquisitions, or restructuring existing debt.

How long does it take to see benefits from working with a financial adviser? The timeframe can vary depending on your specific needs. Some benefits, like a new loan approval, can be seen relatively quickly, while strategic gains like long-term cost savings on interest rates can be realised over time. The primary benefit is having a dedicated partner to guide you, saving you time and stress immediately.