This background paper provides information about small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Australia, and describes some ways that SMEs interact with providers of financial products. This paper also highlights that there is no single definition of an SME in Australia, and that data about SMEs is limited.

The banking royal commission has exposed senior management, boards and regulators to unprecedented scrutiny — and the problems don’t end with the finance sector, writes Michael Gill.

The scope of this paper is limited to small business credit in the form of loans, both secured and unsecured. It does not consider other banking facilities, financial products or financial services. It is intended to provide an overview of the relevant issues, and does not purport to be comprehensive.

This report is comprehensive and contains a large number of findings and recommendations. Its overarching conclusion is that "CBA’s continued financial success dulled the senses of the institution," particularly in relation to the management of non-financial risks.

This paper responds to a request from the Royal Commission for background on the capital prudential framework applying to the banking industry, with particular regard to the current and proposed treatment of residential mortgage lending and lending for small and medium-sized enterprises.