Industry training failing to keep pace with AI and digital transformation

As artificial intelligence, automation and open banking reshape specialist lending, new research suggests industry training is struggling to keep up.

The NextGen Talent Report 2026 has identified technology skills as one of the biggest gaps in current training provision, with respondents reporting that development programmes often focus on traditional processes while overlooking the digital tools increasingly driving lending decisions.

Download the full report here: https://finance-connect.com/building-a-career-in-asset-or-receivables-finance/

Participants described an industry undergoing rapid technological change but offering little structured support to help professionals understand AI-driven decisioning, automated workflows and data-led credit assessment.

The findings echo concerns raised by Alexandra McWilliams, Head of Brand & Communications at Simply Asset Finance and a director of The Leasing Foundation.

“As AI starts to transform the industry this matters a lot,” she wrote in the report’s foreword.

McWilliams highlighted Simply Asset Finance’s use of AI agents, explaining how automation is changing the skills required across lending organisations.

“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 routine tasks that once served as the training ground for early careers are being automated.”

The report found that while respondents increasingly recognise the importance of digital skills, training provision has yet to reflect this shift.

One participant described current learning content as “dated”, noting that there is “very little structured training on how to interpret open banking data, use automated decisioning tools, or navigate the fintech integrations that are now standard in many lending businesses”.

The research argues that future talent development programmes must incorporate technology, data and AI-focused learning if the industry is to equip professionals for the changing nature of specialist lending roles.

According to the report, technology training should become a core component of future development programmes rather than a specialist add-on.

The report concludes that technology, data and AI skills must become an integral feature of future talent development programmes if specialist lending professionals are to thrive in an increasingly automated industry.

The findings form part of the NextGen Talent Report 2026, published by Finance Connect in association with The Leasing Foundation and the NextGen Council of Receivables Finance Connect, and sponsored by Allica Bank, Arkle Finance Ltd, BPCE Equipment Solutions, Finance Education Centre, Haydock Finance Ltd, Novuna Business Finance, and Simply Asset Finance.