Leasing experts review the industry's prospects for the future

Leading asset finance industry figures provide their view on the future developments that lie ahead for the sector. Miles Rogerson reports. Customer engagement will be a vital factor that drives success in the asset finance industry this year. Johnny Clayton, chief executive officer at Oodle Car Finance (pictured above), explained: “I think we’re going to continue to see customers driving the needs and demands for change and we’re going to see successes from businesses that engage with shoppers in a way that is inspiring and relevant to them individually, whilst putting forward the best products to induce a sale.

Leasing experts review the industry's prospects for the future

Feb 27, 2020

Leading asset finance industry figures provide their view on the future developments that lie ahead for the sector. Miles Rogerson reports. Customer engagement will be a vital factor that drives success in the asset finance industry this year. Johnny Clayton, chief executive officer at Oodle Car Finance (pictured above), explained: “I think we’re going to continue to see customers driving the needs and demands for change and we’re going to see successes from businesses that engage with shoppers in a way that is inspiring and relevant to them individually, whilst putting forward the best products to induce a sale.

Bynx launches enhanced e-signature technology to improve security and compliance

Vehicle leasing, fleet and mobility management technology provider Bynx has enhanced its digital signature capabilities. Digital signatures, provided by Adobe Sign, offer several advantages over other types of signature. Benefits include enhanced security, global acceptance, legal compliance, improved efficiency and better customer service.

Bynx launches enhanced e-signature technology to improve security and compliance

Feb 26, 2020

Vehicle leasing, fleet and mobility management technology provider Bynx has enhanced its digital signature capabilities. Digital signatures, provided by Adobe Sign, offer several advantages over other types of signature. Benefits include enhanced security, global acceptance, legal compliance, improved efficiency and better customer service.

Alphabet reveals strong need for leasing in Europe

Despite the growing popularity of short-term rentals, fleet mobility company Alphabet recently released a report showing that 54% of consumers fear the hidden costs in leasing arrangements, and that younger target groups are expressing a desire for shorter contract periods.

Alphabet reveals strong need for leasing in Europe

Feb 26, 2020

Despite the growing popularity of short-term rentals, fleet mobility company Alphabet recently released a report showing that 54% of consumers fear the hidden costs in leasing arrangements, and that younger target groups are expressing a desire for shorter contract periods.

 

Using AI to innovate and drive loyalty through remarkable customer experiences

Artificial intelligence can play a key role in improving levels of customer service and satisfaction in auto finance to increase loyalty and revenue, according to a leading industry expert. Bob Beatty, executive vice-president, customer experience, at GM Financial has revealed how AI can revolutionise how thousands of customer interactions are handled, giving team members more time to manage more complex customer enquiries. “The mandate I was given was to innovate to drive loyalty through remarkable customer experiences from the dealer front and the customer front,” Beatty said. “I looked at what our customers were telling us and instead of taking it as exactly what they were saying, when I looked at it from a different perspective, they were saying, ‘make this easy, give me my time back.’ Time has become our customers’ greatest asset now.”

Using AI to innovate and drive loyalty through remarkable customer experiences

Feb 25, 2020

Artificial intelligence can play a key role in improving levels of customer service and satisfaction in auto finance to increase loyalty and revenue, according to a leading industry expert. Bob Beatty, executive vice-president, customer experience, at GM Financial has revealed how AI can revolutionise how thousands of customer interactions are handled, giving team members more time to manage more complex customer enquiries. “The mandate I was given was to innovate to drive loyalty through remarkable customer experiences from the dealer front and the customer front,” Beatty said. “I looked at what our customers were telling us and instead of taking it as exactly what they were saying, when I looked at it from a different perspective, they were saying, ‘make this easy, give me my time back.’ Time has become our customers’ greatest asset now.”

 
 
 

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Asset Finance Europe 50 reveals key drivers of growth in €300bn industry

The third edition of the annual Asset Finance Europe 50 (AFE50) ranking survey has revealed strong growth for leading companies in the region. The unique European annual ranking survey, sponsored by Alfa, shows total business equipment and vehicle lease receivables in 2018 were €299 billion, up 5.4% compared to 2017. The previous year showed an increase of around 2.8%. Companies profiled in the top 50 account for around 85% of the wider industry, suggesting total business equipment and vehicle lease receivables of around £351 billion. The survey is based on the latest published financial accounts of listed companies, usually with December 2018 year-ends.

Asset Finance Europe 50 reveals key drivers of growth in €300bn industry

Dec 18, 2019

The third edition of the annual Asset Finance Europe 50 (AFE50) ranking survey has revealed strong growth for leading companies in the region. The unique European annual ranking survey, sponsored by Alfa, shows total business equipment and vehicle lease receivables in 2018 were €299 billion, up 5.4% compared to 2017. The previous year showed an increase of around 2.8%. Companies profiled in the top 50 account for around 85% of the wider industry, suggesting total business equipment and vehicle lease receivables of around £351 billion. The survey is based on the latest published financial accounts of listed companies, usually with December 2018 year-ends.

 
 

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Working together for regulatory reform to drive success and enable a sustainable future for the UK

The annual Finance and Leasing Association Dinner in London was attended by around 1,500 guests this week, including industry leaders and Members of Parliament. In his opening address, chairman Richard Jones highlighted the value of the industry and its future importance in delivering environmental progress.

Working together for regulatory reform to drive success and enable a sustainable future for the UK

Feb 26, 2020

The annual Finance and Leasing Association Dinner in London was attended by around 1,500 guests this week, including industry leaders and Members of Parliament. In his opening address, chairman Richard Jones highlighted the value of the industry and its future importance in delivering environmental progress.

Metro Bank targets SME growth with launch of direct debits for business customers

Metro Bank is introducing direct debit origination for business customers in a partnership with Bottomline Technologies. The new direct debit service for SMEs will be launched in the coming months, allowing business customers to create, automatically collect and manage payments via direct debit. Around 76% of regular payments are made by direct debit and more than 15% of small and 30% of medium-sized businesses accept direct debit as a payment method.

Metro Bank targets SME growth with launch of direct debits for business customers

Feb 21, 2020

Metro Bank is introducing direct debit origination for business customers in a partnership with Bottomline Technologies. The new direct debit service for SMEs will be launched in the coming months, allowing business customers to create, automatically collect and manage payments via direct debit. Around 76% of regular payments are made by direct debit and more than 15% of small and 30% of medium-sized businesses accept direct debit as a payment method.

Ultimate Finance launches multi-asset finance offer

Specialist asset-based lender Ultimate Finance has introduced a new Structured Finance offer to release working capital for UK businesses. Introducers can offer clients multi-asset funding solutions of between £350,000 and £5 million against several assets simultaneously, such as unpaid invoices, plant and machinery, and property. Ultimate Finance aims to reduce the complexity of multi-asset finance by offering a single point of contact supported by a dedicated deal team.

Ultimate Finance launches multi-asset finance offer

Feb 21, 2020

Specialist asset-based lender Ultimate Finance has introduced a new Structured Finance offer to release working capital for UK businesses. Introducers can offer clients multi-asset funding solutions of between £350,000 and £5 million against several assets simultaneously, such as unpaid invoices, plant and machinery, and property. Ultimate Finance aims to reduce the complexity of multi-asset finance by offering a single point of contact supported by a dedicated deal team.

 

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Renault Trucks signs historic agreement to provide 20 electric trucks to Carlsberg Group in Europe

Renault Trucks has taking a major step towards electrifying urban transport with a deal to provide 20 26-tonne electric trucks to global brewing giant Carlsberg. The D Wide Z.E. models will be operated by the Feldschlösschen brewery, the group's Swiss subsidiary. The trucks will make daily delivery rounds of between 100-200km to supply Feldschlösschen Swiss clients from the brewer's 15 logistical sites in Switzerland. Each truck has a 200kWh battery and real-world operating range of around 200km.

Renault Trucks signs historic agreement to provide 20 electric trucks to Carlsberg Group in Europe

Feb 21, 2020

Renault Trucks has taking a major step towards electrifying urban transport with a deal to provide 20 26-tonne electric trucks to global brewing giant Carlsberg. The D Wide Z.E. models will be operated by the Feldschlösschen brewery, the group's Swiss subsidiary. The trucks will make daily delivery rounds of between 100-200km to supply Feldschlösschen Swiss clients from the brewer's 15 logistical sites in Switzerland. Each truck has a 200kWh battery and real-world operating range of around 200km.

Senior management changes at Paragon Group as Sean Shine becomes chief executive officer

Paragon Group, the customer communications, identification and graphics services supplier, has appointed Sean Shine as its new chief executive officer. Shine succeeds Patrick Crean, Paragon’s principal shareholder, who becomes executive chairman. John Rogers, currently head of corporate development, has been promoted to executive director.

Senior management changes at Paragon Group as Sean Shine becomes chief executive officer

Feb 21, 2020

Paragon Group, the customer communications, identification and graphics services supplier, has appointed Sean Shine as its new chief executive officer. Shine succeeds Patrick Crean, Paragon’s principal shareholder, who becomes executive chairman. John Rogers, currently head of corporate development, has been promoted to executive director.

James McGowan joins Porterbrook as director of public affairs

AF50 UK company Porterbrook has appointed James McGowan as director of public affairs. He brings more than 20 years’ experience in politics and communications, most recently as transport policy advisor to the shadow transport secretary Andy McDonald. Prior to that, McGowan (pictured) was head of policy and communications at rail union ASLEF.

James McGowan joins Porterbrook as director of public affairs

Feb 21, 2020

AF50 UK company Porterbrook has appointed James McGowan as director of public affairs. He brings more than 20 years’ experience in politics and communications, most recently as transport policy advisor to the shadow transport secretary Andy McDonald. Prior to that, McGowan (pictured) was head of policy and communications at rail union ASLEF.

 

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HTB chooses Ping Identity to improve security and customer experience

Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB) is partnering with Ping Identity to provide secure digital access to its products and services. The software will be rolled out across services throughout 2020. The Ping Intelligent Identity platform is used by major banks, building societies and financial service providers.

HTB chooses Ping Identity to improve security and customer experience

Feb 21, 2020

Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB) is partnering with Ping Identity to provide secure digital access to its products and services. The software will be rolled out across services throughout 2020. The Ping Intelligent Identity platform is used by major banks, building societies and financial service providers.

Bank of America expands Institute for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Cornell University

Bank of America is expanding the Bank of America Institute for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Cornell University. The online business certificate program helps women entrepreneurs to obtain new skills to build successful businesses, while creating a valuable network. Since its inception in 2018, the program has supported 10,000 students, including those who will complete the course in 2021. In response to this demand, Bank of America has increased its commitment to support a total of 20,000 places.

Bank of America expands Institute for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Cornell University

Feb 20, 2020

Bank of America is expanding the Bank of America Institute for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Cornell University. The online business certificate program helps women entrepreneurs to obtain new skills to build successful businesses, while creating a valuable network. Since its inception in 2018, the program has supported 10,000 students, including those who will complete the course in 2021. In response to this demand, Bank of America has increased its commitment to support a total of 20,000 places.

Ralph Hamers to leave ING to become CEO of UBS

Ralph Hamers, chief executive officer of ING, will leave his role in September to lead UBS. He will take over as group chief executive officer and member of the group executive board at UBS in November. Over the past six years as CEO, Hamers has led an ongoing digital transformation at ING and pioneered its sustainability strategy.

Ralph Hamers to leave ING to become CEO of UBS

Feb 20, 2020

Ralph Hamers, chief executive officer of ING, will leave his role in September to lead UBS. He will take over as group chief executive officer and member of the group executive board at UBS in November. Over the past six years as CEO, Hamers has led an ongoing digital transformation at ING and pioneered its sustainability strategy.

Electric vehicles could reshape UK fleet market and create new remarketing challenges

Hundreds of thousands of employees who have opted to take cash instead of a company car could switch back to employer-provided schemes as they choose electric vehicles. The move could reverse years of reductions in the number of company car drivers in the UK after the mass adoption of cash for car schemes in the face of rising benefit-in-kind taxes and limited choice lists. New government tax breaks are a key factor in the change of attitude; from April, zero-emission company cars will incur 0% company car tax, rising to 1% in 2021/22 and 2% in 2022/23. The potential savings for drivers are significant, particularly perk car users who are most likely to have taken the cash option. Compared to a premium diesel SUV, the electric alternative could slash a driver’s company car tax bill by more than £15,000 over a three-year period.

Electric vehicles could reshape UK fleet market and create new remarketing challenges

Feb 20, 2020

Hundreds of thousands of employees who have opted to take cash instead of a company car could switch back to employer-provided schemes as they choose electric vehicles. The move could reverse years of reductions in the number of company car drivers in the UK after the mass adoption of cash for car schemes in the face of rising benefit-in-kind taxes and limited choice lists. New government tax breaks are a key factor in the change of attitude; from April, zero-emission company cars will incur 0% company car tax, rising to 1% in 2021/22 and 2% in 2022/23. The potential savings for drivers are significant, particularly perk car users who are most likely to have taken the cash option. Compared to a premium diesel SUV, the electric alternative could slash a driver’s company car tax bill by more than £15,000 over a three-year period.

CIT upgrades B2B point-of-sale lending platform

The small business solutions arm of CIT Group has launched a new version of its point-of-sale lending platform. The platform is available online and on mobile devices to simplify financing for small business purchases of $2,500 or more. Business customers can shop for products, be approved for credit, select terms and receive electronic documents to secure their purchase electronically. The platform also provides real-time monthly payment quotes and automatically sends electronic documents to customers for review and e-signature.

CIT upgrades B2B point-of-sale lending platform

Feb 20, 2020

The small business solutions arm of CIT Group has launched a new version of its point-of-sale lending platform. The platform is available online and on mobile devices to simplify financing for small business purchases of $2,500 or more. Business customers can shop for products, be approved for credit, select terms and receive electronic documents to secure their purchase electronically. The platform also provides real-time monthly payment quotes and automatically sends electronic documents to customers for review and e-signature.

Nordea appoints Nina Arkilahti as head of business banking

Nina Arkilahti has been appointed by Nordea as head of business banking and a member of the group leadership team. Arkilahti (pictured) moves from Handelsbanken Finland where she has served as country head since 2010. Prior to that she held several senior management roles at Handelsbanken, including general manager at Handelsbanken Germany.

Nordea appoints Nina Arkilahti as head of business banking

Feb 20, 2020

Nina Arkilahti has been appointed by Nordea as head of business banking and a member of the group leadership team. Arkilahti (pictured) moves from Handelsbanken Finland where she has served as country head since 2010. Prior to that she held several senior management roles at Handelsbanken, including general manager at Handelsbanken Germany.

 

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Call for motor finance companies to develop new products to help used car buyers and dealers

Motor finance companies are being urged to develop a wider range of products to suit the complex n...

Call for motor finance companies to develop new products to help used car buyers and dealers

Feb 19, 2020

New iVendi technology generates 32% increase in leads and enquiries during trials

A new product from UK online motor retail technology provider iVendi has generated a 32% increase ...

New iVendi technology generates 32% increase in leads and enquiries during trials

Feb 19, 2020

 

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