Finance Connect Podcast: Invigors reflect on the future of European leasing

Europe’s leasing industry continues to face significant economic, geopolitical and regulatory challenges. But despite the uncertainty, are there reasons for optimism about the sector’s future?

The recent Leaseurope and Eurofinas Annual Conventions, held in Sofia, Bulgaria, on 15–16 October, brought together industry leaders to explore the challenges and opportunities shaping European leasing and consumer finance.

They discuss the key themes from this year’s Leaseurope and Eurofinas Annual Conventions and what they mean for the industry.

The conversation begins with the wider geopolitical and economic challenges facing Europe, following a thought-provoking opening address from Asle Toje, Deputy Leader of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, which raised questions about Europe’s competitiveness and position in a changing global economy.

However, as Robertson and Johnson-Ferguson explain, the discussions throughout the conventions also highlighted significant opportunities for leasing companies, particularly as businesses respond to changing trade patterns, energy demands and the need for investment in new equipment and infrastructure.

Regulation was another important theme, with the potential for changes to the capital treatment of leasing offering opportunities for growth. The discussion explores the industry’s efforts to demonstrate the strength of leasing as a financing product and the importance of providing robust data to support regulatory reform.

The episode also looks at the Leaseurope Future Group, an initiative supported by Invigors that brings together emerging industry talent to develop innovative ideas for the future of leasing.

This year, for the first time, the initiative included participants from Eurofinas, with four projects presented at the conventions. Robertson and Johnson-Ferguson discuss how the next generation of industry professionals is using AI, data and new approaches to financing to address practical challenges facing lenders, lessors and their customers.

Despite the uncertain outlook, both guests returned from Sofia with a positive view of the industry’s future, highlighting its resilience, willingness to adapt and growing focus on innovation.

The conversation offers an insight into the issues shaping European leasing, the opportunities emerging from a changing economic environment and the ideas that could help drive the industry forward.

Listen to the full conversation on the Finance Connect European Equipment Finance Podcast, sponsored by Alfa, as well as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and Amazon Music.