China investors eye local non-bank lenders

Chinese property developers have turned to Australian non-bank lenders for funds in the face of restrictions at home.

Non-bank finance group Chifley Securities says it has seen a spike in demand from Chinese investors and developers, with close to 27 per cent of its loan book now devoted to Chinese borrowers, worth more than $500 million.

"Coupled with the depreciation of the Australian dollar and the historic low interest rates, non-banks are expected to post a bumper year in lending," director Joe Morello said on Thursday.