After a lean 2010, the debtor finance market has regained its momentum this year and has recorded growth well in excess of the broad commercial lending market.According to figures released by the Institute of Factors and Discounters yesterday, total debtor financing turnover in the September quarter was A$15.6 billion - an increase of four per cent over the September quarter last year.Australian Prudential Regulation Authority figures show that bank lending to business grew just 1.2 per cent over the same period. The debtor finance sector, made up of factoring and invoice discounting, grew from an A$15 billion-a-year market a decade ago to reach total turnover of $61 billion in the last financial year.The sector fell into a hole last year when ANZ withdrew from the market. ANZ entered into a partnership with Allianz Finance to offer an ongoing debtor finance service, but much of its existing business was moved into other credit portfolios.The sector suffered another setback when Commonwealth Bank left the market early this year.IFD chairman Hooman Zahrai said the sector would have recorded growth closer to six per cent this year if these banks had still been active.The biggest user of debtor financing is the wholesale trade sector, followed by manufacturing, labour hire, transport and storage.Zahrai said: "Given the ongoing volatility and uncertainty in the economy, it is even more important for businesses to ensure that they have sound credit lines in place. A receivables finance facility improves cash flow."