Insights

A recent Supreme Court of Queensland decision, Parker Wells Pty Ltd v Lenn Financial Services Pty Ltd [2026] QSC 207 (Hindman J, 8 September 2026), has some useful lessons for anyone in short-term or bridging lending — particularly on how default interest rates are assessed for penalty risk, and what is required to plead unconscionable conduct.

Three NSW Supreme Court decisions handed down in July 2026 have confirmed that courts will actively strike out default interest provisions in private lending documents where those provisions cannot be justified. Here is what happened — and what every private lender needs to do now.

A recent Victorian Supreme Court decision is a timely reminder for every private and non-bank lender: a registered mortgage is a starting point, not a guarantee of recovery. We unpack the title, priority and valuation risks behind Director of Consumer Affairs Victoria v F. Paparone Nominees Pty Ltd [2026] VSC 429.

With the expanded Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing regime commencing on 1 July 2026, Baystone Legal has completed its compliance program and is already helping clients enrol with AUSTRAC and meet their own obligations.

With new private lenders entering the market at pace, this article serves as a timely reminder of a critical but often overlooked issue. If you are lending money and taking real property security in anything other than a first-ranked position — beware.

Australia's Administrative Review Tribunal has ordered the removal of a Commonwealth Bank PPSR registration over a vehicle it had no legal right to claim — and called the bank's conduct unconscionable. The lessons for private lenders are clear.

The Federal Court's February 2026 decision in Australian Agrivision v Wolstenholme confirms that "absolute discretion" default clauses carry implied constraints of honesty and reasonableness — but lenders who document their concerns and act commercially have little to fear.

The Supreme Court of Queensland (Muir J) has delivered an important judgment for directors and insolvency practitioners on insolvent trading, the construction of the COVID 19 temporary safe harbour in s 588GAAA, and causation/set off arguments premised on alleged defects in supplier performance.

Common questions answered for Queensland property buyers about finance conditions, building and pest inspections, settlement processes, and what to expect during your property purchase.

Essential guidance for first-time childcare centre buyers on reviewing business sale agreements. Learn the key clauses, common pitfalls, and critical negotiation points that protect your investment.

Advised on structuring and documentation for a Brisbane apartment development, delivering a clear active/passive equity governance framework with staged shareholder loan funding and milestone-aligned project management remuneration.

Deep sector expertise isn't just academic – it's a commercial advantage. From navigating ACECQA regulations in childcare to structuring compliant non-bank lending facilities, specialist lawyers deliver faster transactions, better risk management, and strategic value that generalists simply cannot match.

Understanding the critical regulatory approvals required for childcare acquisitions. Provider approval and service approval are distinct but equally important regulatory requirements that every childcare operator must navigate when acquiring or establishing a new center.

A comprehensive legal checklist for medical practitioners considering their first GP clinic acquisition, covering due diligence, regulatory compliance, and transaction essentials.