RDC.AI partners with BNZ to speed up SME lending

By Vriti Gothi

RDC.AI, formerly known as Rich Data Co, has partnered with Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) to support faster, more flexible credit access for SMEs across the country.

The collaboration has resulted in the launch of the Merchant Flexi Loan, an unsecured, cashflow-based lending solution that uses AI to provide tailored loan offers and near-instant approvals. Small businesses can be approved in as little as three minutes, with funds typically available within two working days, significantly faster than traditional lending processes.

SMEs make up around 97% of all businesses in New Zealand, but many still face challenges accessing timely credit to manage cash flow or fund growth. BNZ’s Merchant Flexi Loan addresses this gap by using RDC.AI’s explainable AI decisioning platform, which analyses card terminal transaction data and historic cashflow trends instead of relying solely on financial statements.

Eligible businesses receive dynamic credit offers with flexible repayment options. Merchants can choose to repay between 10% and 30% of their daily settled terminal sales, allowing repayments to align with daily trading conditions. The loan is offered on a simple, one-off fee basis, with no ongoing interest charges, giving businesses greater cost transparency and control.

Early users of the Merchant Flexi Loan have already applied funds to expand operations and invest in equipment, with many highlighting the speed and ease of the application process as a welcome alternative to more conventional lending options.

Ada Guan, CEO and Co-Founder of RDC.AI, said, “We are proud to partner with BNZ to deliver this AI-powered merchant lending solution. Our mission is to ensure that explainable AI empowers banks to give businesses the transparency, speed and financial flexibility they need to thrive. Limited resources or outdated credit processes should never hold back a business from growing or staying resilient when it matters most.”

Karna Luke, Executive, Customer Products & Services at BNZ, said, “Small businesses are the backbone of New Zealand’s economy, and timely access to credit is vital for their success. The Merchant Flexi Loan demonstrates our commitment to delivering digital-first, customer-centric lending solutions that move at the speed of business. By giving our merchant customers faster, flexible access to funds, we’re helping them seize opportunities and navigate challenges with confidence.”

The Merchant Flexi Loan is now available to eligible BNZ merchant customers nationwide. The initiative reflects both organisations’ commitment to digital transformation in business banking and to expanding practical credit solutions that help small businesses adapt and grow.