Questions & Answers

General FAQ

Does it cost anything to engage Ares Capital?

In most cases, no. Banks pay us a referral fee when your loan is successfully approved and disbursed. Our comparison and advisory services are typically free. If any fees apply for complex structuring cases, we will disclose them upfront before proceeding.

Your preferred bankers represent their institution.
We represent you.

We compare across multiple banks and structure facilities strategically based on long-term portfolio goals and not product quotas.

All client information is handled with strict confidentiality. We submit applications strategically to suitable banks only.

SME loan approvals typically range from 1–4 weeks. Full approval timelines vary depending on documentation and complexity.

Different banks offer different rates and approval criteria. We compare packages across banks, structure your application strategically, and negotiate on your behalf, saving you time and improving approval confidence.

What is alternative lending in Singapore?

Alternative lending refers to financing solutions provided outside of traditional bank loan structures. These include B2B lending, short-term business financing, and property-backed facilities, typically accessed through private lenders and specialist financing partners.

It is suitable for businesses that require fast access to capital, have specialised financing needs, or do not meet the standard criteria for conventional bank loans. It is also commonly used for bridge financing or time-sensitive investment opportunities.

Ares Capital assists with B2B lending, short-term business financing, and property-backed financing. These can be structured around your funding purpose, available collateral, and required loan tenure.

Alternative financing solutions typically have faster approval timelines than traditional bank loans, making them well-suited for urgent or time-sensitive funding needs. Timelines vary depending on the lender and the complexity of your case.

Collateral requirements depend on the lender and the type of facility. Some structures are asset-backed and require property or business assets as security, while others may not. We assess each case individually and present options that align with your circumstances.

What is a business term loan in Singapore?

A business term loan is a lump-sum facility provided by a bank or lender, repaid over a fixed tenure with regular instalments. It is commonly used to fund business expansion, equipment purchases, operational scaling, or investment opportunities.

Loan amounts depend on your company’s revenue, profitability, and the lender’s credit assessment. Most banks offer facilities ranging from S$50,000 upwards, with higher quantum available for established businesses. Government-assisted schemes such as the Enterprise Financing Scheme (EFS) may provide additional coverage for eligible SMEs.

Typically: 2 years of financial statements, 6 months of bank statements, ACRA business profile, directors’ NRIC and CBS credit report, and details of any existing loan facilities.

Most bank approvals take between 1 to 4 weeks depending on the lender and documentation completeness. Preparing documents in advance helps reduce processing time significantly.

Rates vary depending on market conditions, your company’s financial profile, loan tenure, and the lender. Ares Capital compares packages across multiple banks to identify the most competitive rate available for your profile.

How much financing can I get for commercial property?

Banks may finance up to 80–90% of the property value, depending on profile, company structure, and credit assessment.

In many cases, banks only provide conditional approval after OTP. We help structure your application strategically to reduce risk before commitment.

Yes. Banks assess company financials, cash flow, directors’ profiles, and existing loan exposure.

This depends on tax planning, risk management, and long-term strategy. We advise alongside your accountant where necessary.

Rates vary depending on market conditions and borrower profile. Contact us for the latest comparison.

What is invoice financing and how does it work?

Invoice financing allows businesses to receive funds based on the value of outstanding invoices, without waiting for customers to complete payment. Lenders advance a portion of the invoice amount, which is then repaid once the customer settles the invoice.

It is suited for businesses that extend 30 to 60-day payment terms to their customers and need to maintain stable cash flow in the interim. It is particularly useful for SMEs managing operational expenses such as payroll, supplier payments, and inventory.

The financing limit depends on the lender’s assessment of your business’s financial performance and the creditworthiness of your customers. We compare offers across multiple lenders to identify the most suitable facility for your receivables profile.

This depends on the structure used. Some facilities are disclosed to your customers as part of the financing arrangement, while others are not. We advise on the most appropriate structure based on your business needs and customer relationships.

Traditional bank facilities can take several weeks to months to approve and activate. Applying in advance of a cash flow need is strongly recommended to avoid disruptions. Ares Capital assists with pre-assessment and lender matching to help move the process forward efficiently.