Building a career in asset or receivables finance

Finance Connect, the Receivables Finance Connect NextGen Council and the Leasing Foundation have published the NextGen Talent Report 2026: Building a career in asset or receivables finance, providing one of the most detailed insights yet into how the next generation of professionals view training, career development and long-term opportunities across the specialist lending industry.

Based on research conducted across the asset finance, equipment finance, auto finance and receivables finance sectors, the report reveals a workforce that is highly positive about the industry itself but increasingly concerned about the lack of structured development pathways available to support long-term careers.

The report found that 82% of respondents would recommend a career in specialist lending to a friend, highlighting strong levels of engagement and belief in the industry. However, almost half (47%) said they had either left a role or seriously considered doing so because of limited development opportunities, while 45% said they would consider moving to a competitor offering a stronger training programme.

The findings suggest that while many organisations continue to provide compliance-focused learning and informal on-the-job training, professionals are looking for more structured career support, mentoring, industry-recognised qualifications and opportunities to build networks across the wider market.

The report also highlights concerns that current training provision is failing to keep pace with rapid technological change across specialist lending, particularly around AI, automation and digital workflows.

Key findings from the report include:

• 60% of mid-career professionals have left a role or seriously considered doing so because of limited development opportunities
• 85% value mentoring as an important way of building their career
• 74% believe cross-organisational learning is more valuable than employer-only training
• 65% would use a shared digital learning platform with an active peer community
• Only 45% agree their employer has a structured career progression framework

The report argues that the specialist lending industry now needs to prioritise four key building blocks:

• An industry-wide mentoring scheme
• Greater awareness and accessibility of recognised qualifications
• Clearer links between training and career progression
• Stronger cross-industry learning communities

“The collaborative, industry-wide approach this research calls for is not merely attractive — given the financial realities of today’s market, it is the only approach that makes sense. The opportunity is there. The appetite is there. We just need to build it.”

“AI deployment is underway across the industry. When a machine handles origination so efficiently, the human role shifts — with a focus towards judgement where it is needed most, building relationships, and tasks with complexity. The industry needs to equip its people for new ways of working.”

The report also calls for the creation of a cross-industry working group to help shape the future of training, mentoring and career progression across specialist lending.

Those interested in becoming part of the working group are encouraged to contact Finance Connect CEO Edward Peck on edwardpeck@finance-connect.com.