Murad Baig from FIS to join panel to discuss EU auto industrial plan

Murad Baig, global equipment and auto finance lead at FIS, will join a panel of experts at the Asset Finance Connect (AFC) European Leaders’ Summit to discuss the growing challenge for the auto finance industry as it faces tariffs, trade tensions and the challenge of increasing uptake of BEVs particularly among consumers but without the significant government incentives that drove the ICE to BEV transitions in most markets.

Joining Murad on the panel will be Lucyna Bogusz, Head of Sales, Marketing and Business Development – CA Auto Bank; William Townsend, head of international sales, Alphabet; Stijn Blanckaert, General Manager – Renta; and Steve Webber, director, Deloitte.

In February 2025, the EU published The Future of Auto, which laid out their plans to protect the EU auto industry amid global shifts. The study’s primary objectives included advancing green and digital transitions; enhancing EU auto competitiveness; strengthening the auto supply chain; and promoting sustainable employment. Its timing reflects growing concerns over the prospects for the industry caused by the transition to electric, the emergence of China as an electric superpower, and Donald Trump’s attacks on globalisation and his imposition of tariffs against economic friends and foes alike.

Auto manufacturers and their finance providers in the EU face a perfect storm of challenges as European auto manufacturers seek to stay competitive against Chinese OEMs who have outpaced the rest of the world in development of battery technology, in-car technology and electric car design. EU OEMS alongside others have found it increasingly challenging to sell their vehicles into the Chinese market and are now seeking to protect their position in home markets. The EU has been raising barriers to Chinese imports into the EU. The US too has imposed 25% tariffs on all EU cars adding to the sector’s woes. Moreover, increased pressure on spending has reduced the likelihood of government incentives which were needed to drive a transition to electric among consumers.

Murad Baig is a regular contributor at AFC conferences. He has been involved in major digitalisation projects in auto finance most notably in the development of the Mini Anywhere project in the US. He was formerly a director at Deloitte.

FIS are sponsors of the AFC European Leaders Summit which takes place in Amsterdam on May 15^th. FIS provide asset and auto finance technology solutions for some of the world’s leading banks and manufacturer captives.

If you haven’t yet booked your place at the AFC European Leaders’ Summit, then email louiseclavey@finance-connect.com. Places are free for senior finance professionals working in the EU. This event is nearing capacity so please do not delay if you would like to attend.