Terms & Conditions | Watchstone Capital Pty Limited

Watchstone Capital Pty Ltd

MASTER WEBSITE TERMS & CREDIT ASSISTANCE AGREEMENT

1. Introduction and Agreement

These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern your access to and use of the website located at watchstonecapital.com.au (“Website”) and the credit assistance services provided by Watchstone Capital Pty Ltd (ABN 34 629 445 718) (“Watchstone Capital Pty Ltd”, “we”, “us”, or “our”).

By accessing this Website, submitting an enquiry, or applying for a loan through our platform, you acknowledge that:

You have read and understood these Terms;
You agree to be legally bound by them; and
You consent to receiving electronic communications from us.

If you do not agree with these Terms, you must not use our Website or services.

2. Nature of Our Services

2.1 We Are Not the Lender

Watchstone Capital operates as a broker and aggregator of personal loan products.

We:

Introduce borrowers to third-party lenders;
Collect and transmit application information;
Assist with loan comparison and submission;
Facilitate communication between borrower and lender.

We do not:

Provide credit directly;
Guarantee loan approval;
Control lender underwriting criteria;
Control lender insurance requirements;
Determine final interest rates or loan conditions.

All loans are provided by independent third-party lenders.

The Loan Agreement is between you and the lender.

2.2 No Guarantee of Approval

Submitting an application does not guarantee:

Approval;
A specific interest rate;
A specific loan amount;
Specific repayment terms.

Approval decisions are made solely by the lender.

2.3 Risk-Based Pricing

Interest rates and fees are determined using risk-based pricing models. This means:

Your credit score;
Repayment history;
Income;
Employment status;
Existing liabilities;
Banking conduct;
Other risk indicators

may affect:

The interest rate offered;
The establishment fee;
Insurance requirements;
Approval conditions.

Different applicants may receive different pricing even for the same loan amount.

3. Loan Products

3.1 Loan Amounts

Through our lender panel, unsecured personal loans may range from: $5,000 to $80,000

The actual approved amount depends on lender assessment.

3.2 Loan Purpose

Loans may be used for lawful personal purposes, including but not limited to:

Debt consolidation
Medical expenses
Vehicle purchase
Home improvements
Personal expenditure

Loans must not be used for unlawful activities.

3.3 Unsecured Nature

Loans facilitated through our platform are unsecured unless otherwise specified by the lender.

No collateral is required unless explicitly stated by the lender.

4. Fees and Charges

4.1 Establishment Fee

An establishment fee may apply.

Minimum: $350
Maximum: Determined by lender and credit profile
May vary based on:
- Credit score
- Loan amount
- Risk category

This fee may:

Be deducted from loan proceeds; or
Be payable separately prior to settlement (depending on lender).

Full disclosure will be provided before acceptance.

4.2 Late Payment Fee

If a repayment is missed or dishonoured, a $15 late payment fee may apply.

Additional lender default interest may apply as per lender contract.

4.3 Early Repayment

There is no early repayment fee charged by Watchstone Capital Pty Ltd.

However, lender terms may apply.

4.4 Insurance (PPI)

Some lenders may require Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) in higher-risk cases.

Where applicable:

PPI may be required prior to loan disbursement;
The cost will be disclosed in writing;
The requirement is determined by the lender;
Watchstone Capital Pty Ltd does not guarantee insurance approval.

Insurance terms are governed by the insurer’s policy.

You must review the insurer’s Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).

5. Commission Disclosure

Watchstone Capital Pty Ltd may receive:

Upfront commission from lenders;
Ongoing trail commission;
Volume-based incentives;
Marketing fees.

Commission arrangements do not increase your loan repayment beyond what is disclosed in your lender contract.

Full commission disclosure will be provided prior to final submission where required.

6. Your Obligations

You agree to:

Provide accurate information;
Not submit fraudulent documents;
Update us if your circumstances change;
Review all lender documentation carefully;
Ensure you can meet repayments.

Providing false or misleading information may result in:

Application rejection;
Reporting to authorities;
Termination of services.

7. Broker Services and Authority

7.1 Appointment

By submitting an enquiry or loan application through the Website, you appoint Watchstone Capital Pty Ltd to:

Act as your authorised credit assistance provider and broker;
Collect and verify your financial and personal information;
Submit your application to one or more lenders on our panel;
Communicate lender decisions to you;
Assist with documentation and settlement coordination.

This appointment continues until:

Your application is withdrawn;
Your loan settles; or
You terminate the authority in writing.

7.2 Authority to Act

You authorise Watchstone Capital Pty Ltd to:

Make enquiries about your credit history;
Submit applications to multiple lenders if required;
Share your information with lenders, insurers, verification providers, and service partners;
Negotiate loan terms on your behalf;
Receive loan documentation;
Receive commissions and fees from lenders.

You acknowledge that submitting to multiple lenders may result in multiple credit enquiries being recorded.

8. Broker Fee

8.1 Broker Fee Disclosure

Watchstone Capital Pty Ltd charges a Broker Fee for providing credit assistance services.

The Broker Fee:

Is separate from lender establishment fees;
Is payable in consideration of the services provided;
Will be disclosed in writing prior to acceptance.

The amount of the Broker Fee may vary depending on:

Loan amount;
Credit profile;
Complexity of the application;
Lender selected;
Risk category.

8.2 Minimum Broker Fee

The minimum Broker Fee is $350.

The final Broker Fee will be disclosed before you proceed with acceptance.

8.3 When the Broker Fee Becomes Payable

Unless otherwise stated in writing:

The Broker Fee becomes payable when:

A lender issues formal loan approval; and
You accept the loan offer.

The Broker Fee may be:

Deducted from loan proceeds at settlement; or
Invoiced separately and payable prior to settlement.

The method will be disclosed in advance.

8.4 Non-Refundable Circumstances

The Broker Fee may be non-refundable where:

You accept a loan offer and later withdraw;
You provide false or misleading information;
You fail to complete required documentation;
You fail lender verification checks after approval;
The loan cannot settle due to your actions.

Refund eligibility will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

8.5 No Loan Settlement

If no lender approves your application, no Broker Fee will be payable unless otherwise agreed in writing for special assessment services.

9. Commission Disclosure

9.1 Lender Commission

Watchstone Capital Pty Ltd may receive commission from lenders including:

Upfront commission;
Trail commission;
Volume-based incentives;
Performance-based incentives;
Marketing support payments.

Commission amounts vary by lender.

9.2 Conflict Disclosure

You acknowledge that:

We may recommend lenders who pay us commission;
Commission structures may differ between lenders;
Our recommendation may be influenced by commercial arrangements.

However, we are committed to acting in your best interests and presenting suitable options based on your requirements.

10. Payment Protection Insurance (PPI)

10.1 Insurance Requirements

Some lenders may require Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) where:

Credit score falls below lender thresholds;
Employment is considered higher risk;
Loan amount exceeds internal policy limits;
Risk assessment criteria require additional protection.

10.2 Pre-Disbursement Insurance

In certain circumstances:

Insurance premiums may need to be paid prior to loan disbursement;
The requirement is determined solely by the lender or insurer;
Watchstone Capital Pty Ltd does not set insurance underwriting rules.

You will receive:

Insurance cost disclosure;
Policy documentation or Product Disclosure Statement;
Payment terms prior to proceeding.

10.3 Insurance Is Separate from Loan

Insurance is:

Not provided by Watchstone Capital Pty Ltd;
Subject to insurer terms and underwriting;
Governed by separate policy conditions.

You must review the insurer’s documents carefully.

11. Risk Acknowledgment

You acknowledge that:

Loan approval is not guaranteed;
Interest rates vary based on risk profile;
Higher risk applicants may receive higher rates;
Insurance may be required in some cases;
Fees vary between lenders;
Approval terms may change prior to settlement.

12. Electronic Communications and Consent

You consent to:

Electronic delivery of all documents;
Electronic acceptance of agreements;
Use of digital signatures;
Communication via email and SMS.

Electronic acceptance is legally binding.

13. Your Representations

You represent that:

All information provided is true and correct;
You are not bankrupt or insolvent unless disclosed;
You are not applying fraudulently;
You understand loan obligations;
You have capacity to enter legally binding agreements.

Providing false information may result in:

Immediate termination;
Forfeiture of fees;
Reporting to authorities.

14. Broker Fee Structure (Finalised)

14.1 Broker Fee Calculation

The Broker Fee:

Will not exceed 5% of the approved loan amount
Is subject to a minimum of $350
Will be disclosed in writing prior to acceptance

Example (illustrative only):

Loan Amount Maximum Broker Fee (5%)

$5,000 $250 (minimum $350 applies)

$10,000 $500

$50,000 $2,500

$80,000 $4,000

If 5% is less than $350, the minimum of $350 applies.

14.2 Timing of Payment

The Broker Fee becomes payable when:

A lender issues formal loan approval; and
You provide written or electronic acceptance of the loan offer.

The Broker Fee may be:

Deducted from loan proceeds at settlement; or
Invoiced and payable prior to disbursement.

The payment method will be clearly disclosed before you proceed.

14.3 No Approval – No Broker Fee

If your application is declined by all lenders, no Broker Fee is payable.

14.4 Withdrawal After Approval

If:

You accept a loan offer; and
The lender issues approval; and
You later withdraw without valid hardship or lender cancellation,

the Broker Fee may remain payable as compensation for services rendered.

15. Lender Fees and Charges

Watchstone Capital Pty Ltd does not control lender fees.

Lenders may charge:

Establishment fee
Monthly account fee
Default interest
Dishonour fees
Enforcement costs

All lender fees will be disclosed in the Loan Agreement between you and the lender.

16. Risk-Based Pricing Disclosure

Loan pricing is determined using proprietary risk assessment systems.

Factors may include:

Credit score
Comprehensive credit reporting data
Repayment history information
Employment stability
Income consistency
Existing liabilities
Debt-to-income ratio
Bank transaction behaviour
Residential stability
Internal scoring models

Applicants with:

Lower credit scores
Recent defaults
Irregular income
High debt levels

may receive:

Higher interest rates
Higher establishment fees
Insurance requirements
Reduced loan amounts
Additional verification requirements

Watchstone Capital Pty Ltd does not guarantee lowest rate offers.

17. Insurance Disclosure (Payment Protection Insurance)

17.1 Nature of Insurance

Some lenders may require Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) where internal underwriting policies deem it necessary.

Insurance may:

Protect lender repayment risk
Cover certain borrower risks (depending on policy)
Be required prior to settlement in higher-risk profiles

17.2 Pre-Funding Insurance Payments

Where required by the lender:

Insurance premiums may need to be paid before funds are released
The amount will be disclosed
Policy documentation will be provided

Watchstone Capital Pty Ltd does not:

Set insurance pricing
Underwrite insurance
Guarantee policy acceptance

Insurance is governed by insurer terms.

18. Privacy and Credit Reporting Consent

18.1 Collection of Personal Information

We collect personal information including:

Full name
Address history
Employment details
Income information
Banking information
Identification documents
Credit history

This information is used to:

Assess loan eligibility
Submit applications to lenders
Verify identity
Conduct credit checks
Comply with legal obligations

18.2 Credit Reporting

You consent to:

Watchstone Capital Pty Ltd obtaining credit reports
Sharing your information with credit reporting bodies
Lenders accessing your credit file
Recording of credit enquiries
Recording repayment history information

Multiple lenders may conduct credit enquiries.

18.3 Disclosure to Third Parties

We may disclose information to:

Lenders
Insurers
Identity verification providers
Credit reporting bodies
Aggregator partners
IT service providers
Compliance service providers
Debt collection agencies (if applicable)
Regulators

19. Anti-Money Laundering & Identity Verification

You agree to:

Provide identification documents upon request
Participate in electronic verification checks
Provide additional documents if required

We may:

Delay submission pending verification
Refuse service if identity cannot be verified
Report suspicious activity where required

20. Website Use Conditions

You must not:

Use the Website for unlawful purposes
Attempt to reverse engineer systems
Upload malicious code
Impersonate another person
Submit fraudulent documentation
Interfere with platform operation

We may suspend or terminate access at our discretion.

21. No Financial Advice Disclaimer

Watchstone Capital Pty Ltd:

Does not provide financial planning advice
Does not provide tax advice
Does not provide legal advice

You should seek independent advice before entering into a loan contract.

22. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law:

Watchstone Capital Pty Ltd is not liable for:

Lender decisions
Interest rate changes
Insurance underwriting outcomes
Loss of opportunity
Indirect or consequential loss
Business interruption
Data loss
Credit score impact

Our total liability (if any) is limited to:

The Broker Fee paid by you.

23. Indemnity

You indemnify Watchstone Capital Pty Ltd against claims arising from:

False information provided
Fraudulent conduct
Misuse of the Website
Breach of these Terms

24. Complaints and Dispute Resolution

If you have a complaint, contact:

support@yourloancentral.com.au

We will:

Acknowledge within reasonable time
Investigate fairly
Provide a written response

If unresolved, you may escalate to the appropriate external dispute resolution body applicable to your loan provider.

25. Variation of Terms

We may amend these Terms at any time.

Updated Terms will apply to future applications.

26. Assignment

We may assign our rights to:

Related entities
Successors
Business purchasers

You may not assign your rights without written consent.

27. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of Australia.

28. Our Commitment to Fairness

Watchstone Capital Pty Ltd is committed to:

Acting honestly, fairly and transparently;
Clearly explaining fees and risks;
Presenting suitable loan options based on your disclosed circumstances;
Avoiding misleading or deceptive conduct;
Providing plain-language disclosures wherever possible.

We will not:

Guarantee approval;
Pressure you to accept a loan;
Misrepresent lender requirements;
Hide fees or charges;
Require unnecessary insurance products.

You are encouraged to take time to review all documentation before accepting any loan offer.

29. Suitability and Responsible Presentation

29.1 Assessment of Requirements

Before submitting your application to lenders, we will request information about:

Your financial situation;
Your income and expenses;
Your debts and liabilities;
Your loan purpose;
Your preferences regarding repayments.

This information helps us identify lenders whose products may align with your needs.

29.2 No Guarantee of Suitability

While we aim to present suitable options:

Final suitability is determined by the lender;
You remain responsible for reviewing loan documentation;
You should not enter into a loan you cannot afford.

If you are unsure whether a loan is appropriate, you should seek independent financial advice.

30. Cooling-Off and Withdrawal Rights

30.1 Withdrawal Before Acceptance

You may withdraw your application at any time before formally accepting a lender’s loan offer without penalty.

30.2 Withdrawal After Acceptance but Before Settlement

If you:

Accept a loan offer; and
Decide not to proceed before funds are disbursed,

You must notify us immediately.

The Broker Fee may only be charged if:

We have completed substantial work;
Formal lender approval has been issued; and
The fee terms were disclosed prior to acceptance.

Each case will be assessed fairly and reasonably.

30.3 After Settlement

Once loan funds are disbursed:

The loan contract is between you and the lender;
Any cooling-off rights are governed by the lender’s contract and applicable law.

Watchstone Capital Pty Ltd cannot cancel a settled loan.

31. Transparent Fee Disclosure

Before you commit to any loan:

You will receive:

The Broker Fee amount (not exceeding 5%);
How it will be paid;
Whether it will be deducted from loan proceeds;
Any lender establishment fee;
Any ongoing lender fees;
Late payment fee disclosure ($15);
Any insurance requirement;
Estimated repayment amounts.

You should not proceed unless you fully understand:

Total cost of credit;
Total repayment amount;
Consequences of missed payments.

32. Hardship and Financial Difficulty

If you experience financial hardship:

Contact your lender immediately;
Inform us so we can assist with communication.

Common hardship situations include:

Job loss;
Reduced income;
Medical emergency;
Relationship breakdown;
Unexpected expenses.

Watchstone Capital Pty Ltd will:

Assist in communicating hardship requests;
Encourage fair lender assessment;
Provide reasonable support where possible.

We do not charge a fee for hardship assistance.

33. Arrears and Default Awareness

Failure to make repayments may result in:

$15 late payment fee;
Default interest (as per lender contract);
Credit file impact;
Collection activity;
Legal action by lender.

We strongly encourage you to contact the lender before missing a payment.

Early communication significantly increases the chance of flexible arrangements.

34. Insurance Transparency (Borrower-Focused)

Your name;
Application reference;
Description of issue;
Desired resolution.

We aim to:

Acknowledge receipt promptly;
Investigate fairly;
Provide a written response within a reasonable timeframe.

38.1 Escalation

If you remain dissatisfied:

You may escalate your complaint to the appropriate external dispute resolution scheme relevant to your loan provider.

Details will be provided upon request.

39. Limitation of Liability (Balanced Version)

Nothing in these Terms excludes rights that cannot be excluded by law.

Subject to that:

Watchstone Capital Pty Ltd’s liability is limited to the lesser of:

The Broker Fee paid by you; or
The cost of re-performing our credit assistance services.

We are not liable for:

Lender refusal;
Lender rate changes;
Credit score impact from enquiries;
Loss resulting from borrower-provided inaccurate information;
Indirect or consequential loss.

40. Fair Contract Interpretation

If any provision of these Terms is found to be:

Unfair;
Invalid;
Unenforceable;

The remainder of the Terms will continue to apply.

We intend these Terms to comply with Australian consumer protection laws.

41. Direct Debit Authority Framework

41.1 Authority to Arrange Direct Debit

Where your lender requires repayment by direct debit, you may be asked to complete a Direct Debit Request (DDR).

If Watchstone Capital Pty Ltd assists in arranging this process, you acknowledge:

The direct debit agreement is between you and the lender (or its payment processor);
Watchstone Capital Pty Ltd does not control the lender’s debit schedule;
You must ensure sufficient funds are available in your nominated account.

41.2 Dishonour Handling

If a repayment is dishonoured:

A $15 late payment fee may apply (as disclosed);
Additional lender dishonour fees may apply under your loan contract;
Your credit file may be impacted if arrears persist.

You should immediately contact the lender if you anticipate insufficient funds.

41.3 Changing Bank Details

You must notify the lender directly to change bank account details.

Watchstone Capital Pty Ltd may assist administratively but is not responsible for failed updates if incorrect information is supplied.

42. Settlement Process Transparency

42.1 Pre-Settlement Checklist

Before funds are disbursed, you should ensure:

You understand the interest rate;
You understand total repayments;
You understand all fees;
You understand consequences of missed payments;
You are comfortable with the repayment schedule.

You should not proceed if you feel pressured or uncertain.

42.2 Deduction of Fees at Settlement

If applicable:

Broker Fees (maximum 5%) may be deducted from loan proceeds; and/or
Lender establishment fees may be deducted by the lender.

You will be informed in advance if this occurs.

42.3 No Control Over Disbursement Timing

Watchstone Capital Pty Ltd does not control:

Banking system delays;
Lender processing delays;
Public holiday settlement interruptions.

We will communicate expected timeframes clearly.

43. Conflict of Interest Management

Because Watchstone Capital Pty Ltd receives commission from lenders and may charge a Broker Fee:

A potential conflict of interest may exist;
Different lenders may pay different commission amounts.

To manage this:

We assess lenders based on suitability for your circumstances;
We disclose fees before you commit;
We encourage comparison and independent review.

You are under no obligation to proceed with any loan presented.

44. Aggregator Panel Structure

Watchstone Capital Pty Ltd maintains a panel of independent lenders.

Panel membership may change over time.

We do not guarantee:

Access to every lender in the Australian market;
Access to the lowest interest rate available anywhere;
Approval with any particular lender.

We aim to match you with appropriate lenders based on disclosed information.

45. Record Keeping

We may retain records including:

Application information;
Identity documents;
Credit reports;
Communication logs;
Disclosure confirmations;
Fee acknowledgements.

Records may be retained for regulatory, compliance, or dispute resolution purposes.

46. Marketing Communications

With your consent, we may send:

Promotional offers;
Product updates;
Rate change information;
Educational material.

You may unsubscribe at any time.

Unsubscribing from marketing does not prevent transactional or legally required communications.

47. Electronic Signatures and Execution

You agree that:

Electronic signatures are valid and binding;
Clicking “Accept” constitutes agreement;
Documents delivered electronically satisfy written requirements.

You are responsible for reviewing documents carefully before accepting.

48. Force Majeure

Watchstone Capital Pty Ltd is not liable for delay or failure caused by events beyond reasonable control, including:

Natural disasters;
System outages;
Telecommunications failure;
Cyber incidents beyond reasonable safeguards;
Government restrictions.

We will resume services as soon as practicable.

49. Assignment

Watchstone Capital Pty Ltd may assign or transfer its rights or obligations:

To a related entity;
In connection with sale of business;
As part of corporate restructuring.

Such assignment will not reduce your consumer rights.

You may not assign your rights without written consent.

50. Entire Agreement

These Terms constitute the entire agreement between you and Watchstone Capital Pty Ltd regarding credit assistance services.

They do not replace or override the Loan Agreement between you and the lender.

51. Severability

If any provision is deemed invalid or unenforceable:

That provision will be severed;
Remaining provisions remain in force.

52. Waiver

Failure to enforce a provision does not constitute waiver of that provision.

53. Survival

Email;
SMS;
Telephone;
Website notification.

It is your responsibility to ensure your contact details are current.

55. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of Australia.

Any dispute will be handled in accordance with applicable Australian legal processes.

56. Definitions

For clarity:

Application means your request for credit assistance through our Website.

Broker Fee means the fee charged by Watchstone Capital Pty Ltd for providing credit assistance services, capped at 5% of the approved loan amount and subject to a minimum of $350.

Credit Assistance Services means collecting information, submitting applications, and facilitating communication with lenders.

Lender means an independent third-party credit provider.

Loan means the credit contract entered into between you and a Lender.

PPI means Payment Protection Insurance required by certain lenders in higher-risk cases.

Settlement means the disbursement of loan funds by the Lender.

Website means watchstonecapital.com.au.