Documents and process: your questions answered

The Personal Property Securities Register is the national register of security interests in personal property, including vehicles and equipment. When a lender finances an asset, it registers its interest so the security is publicly recorded and its priority is protected if the asset is sold or the business fails. It also means a buyer searching the register will see the finance. The registration is released once the contract is paid out, and a small registration fee is usually passed on to you.

The lender pays the supplier directly, not you. For a dealer purchase, the financier settles against the dealer's tax invoice once signed documents and any conditions are complete, and the dealer releases the asset. For a private sale, the funds go to the verified seller after the PPSR check and identity verification, and you sign a receipt confirming delivery. If you have already paid a deposit, that is shown on the invoice and reduces the amount financed.

Yes, in almost all cases. Most lenders on our panel issue contracts through a secure electronic signing platform, with identity verification done digitally or by video. That is what allows a straightforward asset finance deal to move from approval to settlement within a day or two. A small number of documents — some property security and certain guarantee documents — may still require witnessed wet signatures, and we will tell you upfront when that applies.