Dejan Bratic

Director at BIG Finance

dejan@bigfinance.com.au

0402 565 700

BIG Finance Dejan Bratic

About Dejan Bratic

Dejan Bratic (pronounced Dey-yan Bra-tich) has over 14 years experience in the asset and business finance industry, including time as a senior broker within one of Australia’s leading broking firms. With an entrepreneurial mindset, he founded BIG Finance to build stronger relationships with his clients and deliver more value than traditional broking.

Dejan works closely with business owners across construction, civil, transport, logistics, engineering, and manufacturing. He focuses on businesses that rely heavily on equipment, where having the right assets and the right funding in place is key to growth. His experience covers both equipment finance and broader business finance, helping clients access the working capital and flexibility they need to run and grow their business.

His approach goes beyond simply arranging finance. He follows a clear, client first method that helps business owners make better decisions around how and when to invest, whether that is in new equipment, more capacity, or improving cash flow.

Dejan is more than a broker or a loan writer. He works as a partner to his clients, helping them identify opportunities within their business. By combining equipment, vehicle, and business finance solutions, he helps unlock capacity, improve efficiency, and put businesses in a position to take on bigger and more profitable work.

With a strong understanding of cash flow cycles, project demands, and the day to day reality of running an equipment heavy business, Dejan brings practical insight and forward thinking to every conversation. His focus is not just on getting finance approved, but on helping clients use it properly to grow, innovate, and build stronger businesses over time.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I finance used equipment or assets from private sellers?

Yes, we can arrange finance for both new and used equipment, including assets purchased from private vendors.

Many businesses choose to buy used equipment to manage costs or secure specific machinery quickly. We work with a wide range of lenders who are comfortable funding used assets, provided they meet certain criteria such as age, condition, and intended use.

Whether you're purchasing through a dealer, auction, or private sale, we’ll guide you through the process, ensure the asset meets lender requirements, and structure a finance solution that works for your business.

Do you charge fees for your broking services?

BIG Finance is typically paid a commission by the lender once your finance settles, meaning there's usually no upfront cost to you for our service. This commission is already factored into the lender's pricing structure. In some situations, particularly complex applications or specialized funding requirements, we may discuss a service fee, but this would always be disclosed and agreed upon before we proceed. Our focus is on securing suitable finance solutions that support your business growth. We're transparent about all costs involved in your finance arrangement, including any applicable establishment fees, ongoing account fees, or other charges from the lender, so you understand the full picture before committing.

How long does the finance approval process typically take?

The timeline varies depending on the complexity of your application and the lender involved. For straightforward applications with established businesses and complete documentation, we can often secure conditional approval within 24 to 48 hours. More complex applications, such as those involving newer businesses, larger amounts, or multiple assets, may take one to two weeks. The key factor affecting timeline is documentation - when you provide complete financial information upfront, the process moves considerably faster. We work to expedite applications where timing is critical, such as when you need to secure equipment for an upcoming project. Once approved, settlement can typically occur within a few days, allowing you to take possession of your equipment quickly.

What's the difference between a chattel mortgage, finance lease, and commercial hire purchase?

These are different structures for equipment finance, each with distinct tax and ownership implications. A chattel mortgage means you own the equipment from day one, claim depreciation, and claim GST upfront if registered. You make regular repayments plus a balloon payment at the end if structured that way. A finance lease means the lender owns the equipment during the lease term, you make regular payments that may be fully tax deductible, and you have options to purchase, refinance, or return the equipment at lease end. Commercial hire purchase is similar to chattel mortgage but you don't own the equipment until the final payment is made. Which structure suits you depends on your tax position, cash flow preferences, and accounting requirements. We'll explain each option and recommend the most suitable structure for your circumstances.

What types of equipment can I finance through your service?

We arrange finance for virtually any business-critical equipment that holds value and generates income. This includes earthmoving machinery like excavators, bulldozers, and loaders, commercial vehicles including trucks and trailers, construction equipment, manufacturing machinery, agricultural equipment, medical and dental equipment, and technology infrastructure. The equipment can be new or used, and we can structure finance for single assets or entire fleet acquisitions. What matters most is that the equipment serves a genuine business purpose and supports your revenue generation or operational capacity. We can also arrange finance for fit-outs, attachments, and ancillary equipment that complements your core machinery.

Can I refinance existing equipment or only finance new purchases?

You can definitely refinance equipment you already own, which can release capital back into your business for other purposes like working capital, business expansion, or additional equipment purchases. Refinancing makes sense when you've paid down existing finance and built equity in your equipment, or when you own equipment outright and want to access that value without selling the assets. The amount you can borrow depends on the current market value of the equipment and its condition. Refinancing can also consolidate multiple existing finance agreements into one facility, potentially making your repayments more manageable. We'll assess your equipment, review your current financial position, and determine how much equity you can access while ensuring the repayments remain sustainable for your business.

What does a finance broker actually do for my business?

A finance broker acts as an intermediary between your business and potential lenders. We assess your equipment financing needs, understand your business situation, and match you with suitable lending options from our panel of lenders. Rather than you approaching multiple banks and finance companies yourself, we handle the research, paperwork, and negotiations on your behalf. This saves you considerable time and gives you access to a broader range of funding solutions than you might find on your own. We work to secure finance approvals that align with your cash flow requirements and business goals, whether you're purchasing excavators, trucks, manufacturing equipment, or other high-value assets essential to your operations.

How is using a broker different from going directly to my bank?

When you approach your bank directly, you only see what that one institution offers. A finance broker gives you access to multiple lenders, including banks, specialist equipment financiers, and alternative lenders. Each lender has different criteria, appetites for various industries, and loan structures. We know which lenders are actively supporting businesses like yours and which are likely to approve your application. We also handle the application process across multiple lenders simultaneously if needed, increasing your chances of approval. Additionally, brokers often secure more suitable terms because we understand how to present your application professionally and know what each lender requires upfront, reducing delays and back-and-forth communication.

What industries do BIG Finance specialise in?

We focus on Australian businesses that depend on high-value equipment to operate and grow. Our core expertise includes construction, earthmoving, civil contracting, transport, logistics, engineering, and manufacturing sectors. These industries share common characteristics - they're capital intensive, rely on reliable machinery, and need ongoing access to finance to scale operations and take on larger contracts. Our understanding of these sectors means we know the equipment you use, the challenges you face, and the type of finance structures that work in practice. This industry knowledge helps us communicate effectively with lenders and present your application in the most favourable light.

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