Investec marks 20 years of Asset Finance with AI-focused broker event

Investec Asset Finance has celebrated its 20th anniversary by bringing together more than 80 broker principals and directors from across the UK to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies are set to reshape the future of the asset finance market.

Left to right: Stuart Hughes, Head of Asset Finance Sales; James Collins, Head of Finance & Credit, Asset Finance Group; Martin Harris, Head of IAF Operations and Corporate Finance; Steve Budd, Head of Operations, Asset Finance Group; and Andy Hart, Head of Corporate Bank, Investec Bank plc

The anniversary event combined a celebration of Investec’s long-standing commitment to the broker community with an educational session examining the opportunities and challenges AI will create for brokers, lenders and their clients.

Since launching its asset finance proposition in 2006, Investec has expanded its broker network from 50 to 260 firms, reflecting two decades of partnership with the UK intermediary market.

Technology and innovation expert David Rowan, founding Editor-in-Chief of WIRED UK, delivered the keynote session, outlining how AI is likely to influence business investment and, in turn, the types of assets requiring finance.

Rather than viewing AI purely as a technology trend, Rowan described it as the next layer of business infrastructure, comparable to the transformative impact of electricity and the internet. He argued that the technology will reshape client demand, create new asset classes and require new approaches to funding and risk assessment.

The session highlighted three key themes for brokers.

The first was the emergence of new asset classes, with growing demand expected for technologies including autonomous vehicles, robotics, AI-powered healthcare diagnostics, intelligent manufacturing systems, renewable energy infrastructure, smart logistics networks and AI-enabled agricultural equipment.

Secondly, brokers were encouraged to view their role as becoming increasingly strategic, helping clients assess which technologies will deliver genuine commercial value while structuring finance solutions for assets that may not fit traditional ownership models.

Finally, delegates heard that while AI is likely to automate routine processes, it will increase rather than diminish the importance of trusted advisers who can provide commercial judgement, context and guidance as businesses adopt new technologies.

Wes Harfield, Head of AFG Sales at Investec Asset Finance, said: “Marking 20 years of Investec Asset Finance was first and foremost a chance to bring people together. It was fantastic to see so many of Investec’s broker partners in the room and to have a proper discussion about what could shape client demand in the years ahead.

“Those relationships matter. Investec Asset Finance has grown its broker network from 50 brokers in 2006 to 260 today, and that growth has been built on working closely with brokers who know their clients and understand what businesses need to invest, adapt and grow.

“What came through clearly from David Rowan’s session is that AI isn’t only a technology story, it’s an asset finance story. It’s creating new categories of assets, changing how businesses think about value and increasing the need for brokers who can help clients explain new investments clearly.

“For brokers, this brings both opportunity and challenge. Clients will need support to understand which technologies can create value, and lenders will need to assess unfamiliar assets, revenue models and use cases. Investec will continue working closely with brokers to share insight, support strong client conversations and help businesses fund the assets they need as the market evolves.”

Laura Laird, Head of Risk at Shire, who attended the event, said: “The event made the AI discussion relevant to brokers and their clients. The session wasn’t about every broker becoming a technology expert, but about understanding where client investment needs may be heading and how brokers can support those conversations.

“Investec created a valuable forum for senior brokers to discuss future opportunities and challenges, backed by practical market insight and a long-term partnership approach.”

Investec Asset Finance works with specialist commercial finance brokers to provide funding of up to £10 million for UK mid-market businesses, corporates and professional practices. Its offering includes VAT deferrals on hire purchase agreements for hard assets, stage payments, seasonal payment structures and foreign exchange support.

The 20th anniversary event reflected Investec’s continued investment in the broker market and its belief that intermediaries will play an increasingly important role as businesses adopt AI-driven technologies and new forms of capital investment.