Leasing Foundation seeks NextGen speakers for Finance Connect Conference

The Leasing Foundation’s Next Generation Network is inviting early-career professionals from across specialist finance to take to the main stage at the Finance Connect UK Autumn Conference 2026, taking place at Kings Place, London, on 24 November.

The NextGen Voices initiative is looking for five emerging industry professionals to share their ideas, experiences and perspectives with an audience of up to 700 lenders and brokers.

Each selected speaker will have seven minutes on stage to address an issue they believe deserves greater attention within specialist finance, followed by an opportunity to take questions alongside the other speakers.

While this year’s conference theme is ‘Where is the Growth?’, applicants are encouraged to explore any subject they feel strongly about. Topics could include attracting and developing talent, improving customer experiences, the industry’s approach to technology or other challenges and opportunities facing the sector.

The initiative aims to give the next generation of specialist finance professionals a platform to share fresh perspectives and contribute to conversations about the industry’s future.

No previous public speaking experience is required, with all successful applicants receiving free training to help them prepare and deliver their presentations.

How to apply

Applicants are asked to submit a proposal of no more than one side of A4 outlining:

• What they would like to speak about.
• The key point they want to make.
• Why they believe the subject matters.

The Leasing Foundation is looking for original ideas and a clear point of view rather than polished proposals.

Applications should be emailed to hello@leasingfoundation.org by Monday 26 October 2026.

Successful applicants will be selected by a panel, with all applicants notified of the outcome by Tuesday 27 October. Those selected must be available to attend the training session on 10 November ahead of the conference.

The Leasing Foundation is also encouraging industry leaders and employers to nominate potential speakers from within their teams and networks by encouraging them to apply.

The initiative offers an opportunity for professionals at the beginning of their careers to have their voices heard by some of the most experienced people in specialist finance.

The Finance Connect UK Autumn Conference 2026 takes place on Tuesday 24 November at Kings Place, London, bringing together the Asset Finance, Auto Finance, Equipment Finance, Receivables Finance and Commercial Finance communities for a day of insight, discussion and industry collaboration.

To apply for NextGen Voices, email hello@leasingfoundation.org by 26 October 2026.

For further information about the conference, visit https://afcconferenceuk.com/financeconnectautumnconference2026/