Weekly Credit Crunch 2nd Feb 2026

 🧠 Lender Policy & Partner Updates – Broker Cheat Sheet

Your quick-hit wrap of the latest lender changes, product enhancements, and upcoming education to keep you one step ahead 👇

👶 Liberty – Expanded Support for Parental Leave Income

Liberty has enhanced servicing flexibility for residential borrowers on parental leave 👏

You can now use:

• ✅ 100% of employer or government parental leave income

• ✅ Return-to-work income where the applicant is returning within 12 months, provided they hold sufficient savings to cover any servicing shortfall

🏦 Bankwest & Commonwealth Bank of Australia – New LMI Provider (Arch)

From Sunday, 1 February 2026, Bankwest will transition from QBE → Arch as its LMI provider.

What’s changing:

• 🆕 New applications from 1 Feb 2026 → insured by Arch

• 📂 Pipeline applications lodged before 1 Feb 2026 → remain with QBE

  • Unless more than 6 months has passed since the original LMI quote (then reworked with Arch)

• ➕ Top-ups on existing QBE-insured loans

  • Existing loan stays with QBE

  • New lending component insured by Arch

Why this matters:
Expected improvement in LMI processing and turnaround times.

🏠 Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Rental Appraisal Requirements (from 6 Feb)

Rental appraisals must now reference at least three comparable rental properties (leased or listed).

Minimum requirements:

• 🏡 Comparable properties in the same or neighbouring suburbs

• 📍 Each comparable must show address + rental amount

• 📄 Appraisal on company letterhead with ABN/ACN or real estate licence

• 👤 From an independent source

  • Can be rental department of same agency

  • Cannot be the selling agent or related party

Broker tips:

• ✔ Leave a note confirming appraisal meets minimum requirements

• ✔ If appraisal is higher than comparables, include mitigating reasons (new build, superior features, etc.)

• ❌ If comparables don’t support rent and no mitigating reasons exist → appraisal cannot be used

🏦 AMP Bank – SMSF Property Loan Relaunch Webinar

AMP Bank is relaunching SMSF lending and hosting a broker webinar 👇

Details

• 📅 Tuesday, 3 March 2026

• ⏰ 1:00pm – 2:00pm (AEDT)

• 🎓 1 CPD point (MFAA & FBAA)

What you’ll get:

• Product deep dive

• What this means for brokers & clients

• Economic outlook with Dr Shane Oliver (Chief Economist)

• Register Here

🏢 Bluestone – Commercial Lending Snapshot

Key highlights:

• Up to 80% LVR

• Prime & Near Prime – Full Doc & Alt Doc

• Alt Doc:

  • 24 months ABN (Prime)

  • 12 months ABN (Near Prime)

  • Use 6 months BAS, 6 months business bank statements, or accountant’s letter

• Up to 30-year loan term (max 5 years IO)

• $100k – $3m loan size

• Purchase or refinance

• Offset sub-account available

• 🚫 No clawback

Accepted securities include:
Medical / Dental, Retail, Strata Office, Showrooms, Legal/Accounting, Storage, Mixed Resi/Commercial, Warehouses, Education.

🎓 Bank of Melbourne – In-Person Broker Masterclass Roadshow

Kick off the year with hands-on learning, practical insights, and CPD points.

 You’re invited: Bank of Melbourne In-Person Broker Master Class

Kick off the new year with fresh insights, new connections, and a closer look at everything Bank of Melbourne has to offer.

Whether you’ve just joined the team or have been with us for years, this roadshow is designed to energise, inform, and inspire.  Join us for a dynamic session filled with:

• Hands‑on learning experiences
• Expert insights and practical tips
• Opportunities to connect, ask questions, and grow your knowledge
• Spots are limited, so be quick — secure your free ticket today! CPD Points available for each session.