A year of action and real progress: Leasing Foundation in 2025

As the Leasing Foundation looks back on 2025, it is clear that this has been a year defined not by ambition alone, but by action.

Under the chairship of Ylva Oertengren, the Foundation has continued to grow as a place where the asset finance community comes together to support each other, challenge the status quo and deliver meaningful change.

Reflecting on the year, Ylva highlights that the real success of 2025 lies in people. Across every stream of activity – from NextGen and Innovation to Sustainability, EDI and Giving – volunteers, sponsors and participants have shown a genuine willingness to give their time, share their stories and help others succeed. That collective spirit has been felt in packed rooms, honest conversations and a growing sense of belonging across the sector.

A key milestone this year was the strengthening of the Foundation’s leadership, with the appointment of seven new board directors:

Aysha Ellis-Aziz (events)
Craig Leyland – Lombard (Sustainability)
Ed Peck – Finance Connect
James Lovett – Funding Circle (Giving)
James Rudolf – Acquis (Sustainability)
John Phillipou – Paragon Bank
Neil Temple – Lombard (Innovation)

Their breadth of experience across sustainability, innovation, events and giving has broadened the Foundation’s reach and reinforced its ability to turn ideas into impact.

Alongside this, collaboration has remained central to everything the Foundation does. Partnerships with AFPA, Finance Connect and the FLA have enabled fundraising, networking and storytelling on a larger scale, while also celebrating new talent through initiatives such as the 30 under 30 index.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion stood out as one of the most active and visible streams in 2025. The Foundation’s first collective presence at London Pride was a landmark moment for the asset finance industry – bold, joyful and long overdue.

It symbolised a wider year of activity focused on creating safe spaces for conversation, from National Access Day to South Asian Heritage Month and Defining Moments sessions on gender and men’s mental health. With a refreshed strategy built around the message “You Belong Here”, the EDI group ends the year with momentum and a clear vision for 2026.

The NextGeneration Network also went from strength to strength. Networking events attracted growing numbers of young professionals, while the Industry Insights programme expanded with the launch of a new cohort and the first alumni breakfast.

Platforms such as the NextGen Soapbox at the AFC Conference ensured that younger voices were heard at senior industry forums, reinforcing the Foundation’s commitment to developing future leaders.

Sustainability activity in 2025 focused on practical insight, particularly around the transition of Great Britain’s power market and the role of asset finance in supporting decentralised energy generation. These discussions underlined the opportunities for lenders and lessors to play a critical role in the energy transition, setting the stage for an expanded sustainability programme next year.

Innovation, meanwhile, demonstrated that progress is as much about people and culture as it is about technology. Jointly delivered sessions with EDI and NextGen explored how diverse thinking fuels better ideas and how early-career professionals can build confidence and resilience. These events reinforced a core message from the year: innovation thrives when individuals feel supported and included.

Giving remained a powerful thread running through everything the Foundation did. The industry’s support for Coach Core resulted in more than £40,000 raised in 2025 and a £100,000 Big Give campaign, helping the charity extend its life-changing work with young people.

Flagship events such as the senior leaders drinks and the Summer Party not only raised vital funds but also reminded the industry of what can be achieved when community comes first.

Looking ahead, Ylva Oertengren is clear that the Foundation’s direction remains the same: build on strong relationships, deepen collaboration and keep turning good intentions into real outcomes. With refreshed strategies, new sponsors and an engaged volunteer base, the Leasing Foundation enters 2026 ready to do even more – continuing to bring people together and shaping a more inclusive, innovative and responsible asset finance sector.