nab remains the largest business lender as Australia’s authorised deposit-taking institutions pushed total lending to non-financial businesses to $1, 199. 2 billion in January 2026 (ET). The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority’s monthly ADI statistics show growth over the year and since January 2020. The scale of lending underscores concentration in the major banks and active competition among rivals.
Nab leading the market
APRA’s Monthly Authorised Deposit-taking Institution Statistics show total business lending by ADIs reached $1, 199. 2 billion in January 2026 (ET), a 9. 3 per cent rise over the year and a 53. 9 per cent jump since January 2020. National Australia Bank’s loan book stood at $261. 1 billion in January, up 0. 2 per cent month on month and 11. 6 per cent year on year, leaving NAB with a 21. 8 per cent share of the market.
Competitors remain significant: Commonwealth Bank reported $230. 8 billion in business lending, Westpac $199. 7 billion and ANZ $149. 3 billion. After the big four, other notable loan books included Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation ($23 billion), Macquarie Bank ($22 billion), Rabobank Australia Limited ($21 billion), Bank of China ($21 billion), MUFG Bank ($20 billion) and Bendigo and Adelaide Bank ($14 billion). The data show the four majors continue to dominate overall volumes even as competition persists.
Immediate reactions from bank leaders and economists
“Business lending growth is strong, and so I think that tells you an underlying positive story about the economy, ” said Sally Auld, chief economist at National Australia Bank, reflecting on the strength of commercial building purchases and lending momentum at the bank.
At Commonwealth Bank’s half-year results, Matt Comyn, Chief Executive Officer of Commonwealth Bank, outlined the institution’s recent performance: “The Business Bank has had another period of strong performance. We grew lending at 1. 3 times system, increasing balances by $18 billion in the year. Business Banking lending balances have increased by 87 per cent, or $78 billion in the past six years, supporting growth and jobs in our economy. For small businesses, we have doubled the volume of loans auto approved through BizExpress over the past two years. We also launched a national AI, cyber security and digital capability initiative, supporting up to 1 million small businesses to lift productivity and competitiveness. The combination of deep customer relationships and prudent lending growth is delivering sustained earnings performance. ”
What the numbers mean and what’s next
The APRA figures place nab at the centre of a $1. 2 trillion market concentrated in major banks, while the half-year disclosures and comments from bank leaders signal continued focus on business lending as a growth lever. Market shares show NAB at 21. 8 per cent and CBA at 19. 1 per cent, with CBA’s share lifting by 41 basis points over the year as its business book expanded.
Expect further quarterly and monthly ADI updates to track movement across the big four and the next-tier lenders, and look for renewed emphasis from banks on commercial property and small-business initiatives. Analysts and businesses will be watching subsequent APRA releases for shifts in momentum and any change to the competitive landscape that could affect nab’s leading position.
