CSI Leasing talks global growth and India’s leasing potential on latest AFC podcast

The latest episode of the AFC European Equipment Finance Podcast, sponsored by Alfa, features a fascinating discussion with Arnaldo Rodriguez, President of CSI Leasing Inc., and Simi Thapar, Chief Country Officer for India, as they share insights on global trends in equipment financing and the vast potential of the Indian market.

Hosted by Richard O’Donohue, the episode explores how CSI Leasing is helping reshape the industry by combining global reach with local expertise.

Listen to the full episode now on the AFC website.

CSI Leasing, now in its 53rd year, operates in more than 50 markets across North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia. In the podcast Arnaldo explains how the company’s partnership with Tokyo Century has enabled rapid expansion in Asia, including into Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. This global presence allows CSI to offer multinational clients a one-stop financing solution, while also adapting to the unique requirements of local markets.

A key focus of the conversation is India, where CSI entered the market in 2020. Despite the challenges of launching during the pandemic, Simi Thapar explains that this timing worked to their advantage: the company was able to build operations and establish relationships so that by the time markets reopened in 2023, CSI was ready to deliver.

 With equipment leasing representing less than 1% of IT equipment sales in India, there is enormous potential for growth. However, as Simi highlights, success requires overcoming the traditional ownership mindset by educating businesses on the benefits of need-based equipment usage and comprehensive lifecycle management solutions.

Sustainability also plays a central role in CSI’s strategy. Through its subsidiary, EPC Global Solutions, CSI manages secure and environmentally responsible IT asset disposition (ITAD), helping companies address growing concerns around data security and ESG compliance. In India, where IT remarketing has historically been dominated by the informal sector, CSI is contributing to a more organised and responsible industry model.

The episode also delves into CSI’s company culture, which Arnaldo credits as a key reason for its success and long-tenured leadership team. Both he and Simi highlight the company’s entrepreneurial spirit, collaborative approach, and commitment to social impact, from supporting cancer patients to empowering rural women through financial independence initiatives.

This podcast offers a rare mix of strategic insights and practical perspectives, shining a light on the forces shaping the future of equipment finance, from emerging markets to sustainability and cultural change.

Listen now at https://finance-connect.com/european-equipment-finance-podcast/ and also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and Amazon.