Asset finance for South African SMEs.
Finance tied to a specific business asset — usually plant, machinery, commercial equipment or specialised tools. The lender pays the supplier directly, you repay monthly over 24–60 months, and the asset itself sits as security. The asset earns (or saves) the money that services the debt.
Is asset finance a fit?
Green flags
- The asset has a clear commercial purpose — it lifts revenue, unlocks new contracts, or replaces an outgoing lease.
- You can show the payback maths: what the asset adds to revenue vs. the monthly instalment.
- You’d rather finance the asset than tie up working capital or a term loan with no collateral.
Red flags
- The asset depreciates faster than you can repay it (second-hand tech, niche equipment with thin resale markets).
- You need the capital this week — asset finance typically takes 2–4 weeks from quote to payout.
- The supplier requires full payment up front and won’t accept lender settlement — check before committing.
No lender on Frank’s panel offers asset finance yet.
This page explains how asset finance works so you can recognise a good offer when you see one. The questionnaire checks your business against every lender on the panel and shows which funding types it can actually get.
Start the questionnaireFAQ
Finance tied to a specific business asset — usually plant, machinery, commercial equipment or specialised tools. The lender pays the supplier directly, you repay monthly over 24–60 months, and the asset itself sits as security. The asset earns (or saves) the money that services the debt.
It tends to fit when the asset has a clear commercial purpose — it lifts revenue, unlocks new contracts, or replaces an outgoing lease; you can show the payback maths: what the asset adds to revenue vs. the monthly instalment; you’d rather finance the asset than tie up working capital or a term loan with no collateral.
Speeds vary by lender, from same day to a few weeks. Each lender above shows its typical speed; your own application can move faster or slower depending on the documents you have ready.
Yes, by the time you’re funded. Every lender on Frank’s panel requires the business to be registered in South Africa, but you can register with CIPC while you apply, so Frank still shows you your matches. Each lender also sets its own minimum trading history.
No. You are never charged for using Frank. If you are funded, the lender pays Frank a referral fee. The fee is the same whichever lender you choose, so it never changes the rate or terms you are offered.
No. Frank is not a registered financial services provider and does not give financial advice as defined in the FAIS Act. It explains funding products and introduces you to lenders; any credit agreement is directly between you and the lender.
Other funding types
Check your business
Not sure this is the right fit? Check your business against every lender’s rules.
It takes about a minute and there is no credit check. Frank checks your answers against every lender’s rules and shows you what fits and what does not. When you choose a lender, Frank sends them your application on the answers you have already given.
See my funding options