Quick answer
Every borrower, director, property owner and guarantor must sign before a business loan can settle, and on a fast loan the documents can arrive within hours of the enquiry. If any one of them is travelling, out of reception, needs time for advice or can't use electronic signing, the whole file waits. Telling every signatory on day one that documents are coming is the simplest way to protect a 24-hour window.
Key points
- The slowest signatory sets the pace for the whole file.
- Electronic signing helps, but some documents or parties may still need witnessing.
- Guarantors may be asked to obtain independent advice first.
- A message to every signatory on enquiry day prevents most delays.
- Who signs
- Borrowers, directors, owners, guarantors
- Often
- Electronic signing
- Sometimes
- Witnessing or original signatures
- Biggest risk
- One unavailable person
If you had to pick a single thing that turns same-day funding into next-day funding, it would be a signature. Not the owner’s — owners are usually waiting by the phone. It’s the co-director at a conference, the business partner on a site with no reception, the parent who agreed to help but wants to read everything twice, or the spouse who’s on a plane. On a fast loan, the slowest signatory sets the pace for everyone.
Who actually has to sign?
More people than most owners expect. Depending on the structure and security, signatories can include:
- Borrowers — the company, sole trader or partners taking the loan.
- Directors — signing for a company borrower, and often personally as guarantors.
- Property owners — every registered owner of any property offered as security.
- Guarantors — anyone guaranteeing the loan, including spouses and family members.
- Trustees — where a trust borrows or owns the security.
The property ownership page covers how title owners come into it, and the approval and documents stage explains what’s being signed.
Why does signing slip more than anything else?
Because every other stage can be worked by professionals during business hours, while signing depends on individuals fitting it into their day. The documents also tend to arrive at an awkward moment — after the valuation is back, often in the early afternoon, just when people are busiest. If one signatory can’t act within an hour or two, the file can miss the day’s settlement window. See how settlement timing works.
What gets in the way, and how do you plan around it?
| Obstacle | Plan |
|---|---|
| Signatory travelling interstate or overseas | Confirm their time zone, device and internet access; ask whether remote electronic signing works for every document |
| On a site or shift without reception | Agree a time they’ll be reachable and tell the specialist |
| Guarantor wants advice | Line up an adviser who can see them the same day |
| Witnessing required for a document | Identify a suitable witness near each signatory in advance |
| Not comfortable with electronic signing | Walk them through it before the documents arrive |
| Someone wants to sign on another’s behalf | Raise it on the first call — formal authority must be acceptable to the lender |
The key is to do this planning on the day of the enquiry, not when the documents land.
Does electronic signing solve the problem?
It helps enormously. Electronic signing lets a director at an airport or a guarantor at home sign within minutes, and most platforms stop you finishing until every required field is complete, which removes the missed-page problem. On the property side, electronic conveyancing — overseen nationally by ARNECC and the state registrars — means security documents are lodged electronically as well.
It isn’t universal, though. Some lenders need particular documents witnessed or signed in original form, and some signatories simply aren’t comfortable with it. Ask on the first call which documents can be signed electronically, and make sure everyone involved has an email address and phone they can access that day.
What about signatories in other time zones?
Time zones cut both ways. A director in Perth who is two hours behind Sydney — three during eastern daylight saving — has less of the eastern afternoon left when documents arrive. A guarantor in London may be asleep for most of the Australian business day. If anyone on the file is in another time zone, say where on the first call so the documents can be timed for them. The Western Australia page covers the interstate version of this problem in detail.
A day-one message that saves a day
Send something like this to every signatory the moment you’ve enquired — adapted to your situation:
“I’ve applied for a short-term business loan secured on [property]. Documents may arrive by email today or tomorrow, and I’ll need you to read and sign them within an hour or two if possible. Can you let me know when you’ll be reachable, and whether you’re happy to sign electronically?”
It takes a minute and it removes the most common single delay on a fast loan. When everyone’s lined up, start your 60-second enquiry and the clock can run without gaps.
Illustrative example: three signatures, three places
Illustrative scenario only. A family-owned hardware business borrows about $300k against a commercial property owned by the company. Two directors and a guarantor must sign. Director one is in the shop. Director two is on a supplier trip in Brisbane. The guarantor, their father, is retired and has asked to have his solicitor explain the guarantee.
Because the owner messaged everyone at 8:30am, director two blocks out 2pm, and the solicitor books a 3pm appointment. Documents arrive at 1:15pm, all three sign by 3:40pm, and the loan settles first thing the next morning — well within the 24–48 hour window for that amount. Without the morning messages, the solicitor’s first free appointment would have been two days later.
Get everyone ready, then get started
Signing is the stage you can prepare for before the documents even exist. Enquiring takes about 60 seconds, there’s no credit check when you first enquire, and your details go to one team — they aren’t handed around a lineup of lenders. A real person tells you exactly who’ll need to sign and when. Please name every director, owner and guarantor accurately on the form so the documents are drafted for the right people from the start.
Frequently asked questions
Can a director sign loan documents from overseas?
Often, yes, particularly where electronic signing is accepted. Time zones, internet access and any witnessing requirements need planning. Tell the specialist on the first call so documents can be prepared for remote signing.
Can one director sign for the whole company?
It depends on the company's structure and the lender's requirements. A sole-director company can often sign through that director. Where there are several directors, the lender will tell you who needs to sign.
Why would a guarantor need legal advice?
A guarantee makes the guarantor personally responsible if the borrower doesn't pay. Some lenders require guarantors to get independent advice, particularly family members, before they sign.
Can someone sign on my behalf while I'm away?
Only with a valid formal authority that the lender accepts, and many lenders prefer the person to sign themselves. Raise it early; arranging acceptable authority is rarely quick.
What happens if a page is missed when signing?
The documents go back for correction, which can cost hours. Electronic signing reduces this risk because it usually won't let you finish until every field is complete.