Adapting vehicle lifecycle and multichannel remarketing strategies | Audience: European auto lenders

The unpredictable vehicle financing market, where residual value risk is key, means OEMs and financing companies are re-evaluating their multichannel and multicycle vehicle financing.

Adapting vehicle lifecycle and multichannel remarketing strategies

The vehicle financing market has been unpredictable ever since the days of Covid. A long period of unstable residual values (RVs) has ensued, with OEMs and financing companies trying to find reliability in a rapidly shifting environment. Meanwhile, the impact of geopolitics on the global market is turning out to be greater than feared. Furthermore, heavy regulations around sustainability are coming into force, putting greater demands on OEMs to reduce their carbon footprints. This is happening most notably in the EU with its corporate sustainability reporting and Fit for 55, but also globally, with Canada and Singapore among other countries introducing zero-emission targets.

Those who emerge strongest are the ones who are quick to adapt, and have built flexibility into their end-of-term vehicle remarketing approach.

These last five years have shown how quickly the market can change, and uncertain times don't look to be going away any time soon. When faced with uncertainty, diversification is often seen as the best strategy, and for OEMs and financing companies, where residual value risk is key, this means re-evaluating their multichannel and multicycle vehicle financing.

The sudden short supply of vehicles during Covid led to used prices increasing dramatically, including a 30-40% jump in 2021 alone. At the same time, some car manufacturers dropped their prices at short notice. The lives of OEMS and finance companies, who base pricing on the ability to predict RVs accurately, were made very complicated as a result.

One thing about EVs is guaranteed: their residual values are unpredictable.

To muddle things further, the return of supplies to pre-Covid levels meant that used vehicle RVs quickly reverted to typical amounts in just a couple of years, and by 2024 had more or less normalised. These shifts have altered the market dynamics from a 'push' model, where dealers focus on upselling to a 'pull' model, and back again. For some lessors, this has meant rapid strategic shifts towards direct sales through online portals, and back to dealerships.

In the EU, ESG regulations such as Fit for 55 require manufacturers to produce 100% zero-emission vehicles by 2035. While some regions have taken well to the EV transition (such as in Norway, where over 90% of new vehicles are zero-emission), much of Europe has lagged behind, with little government incentive to make the switch. However, it's clear that the transition to EVs is a reality, and one thing about EVs is guaranteed: their residual values are unpredictable.

It's time to look beyond the linear view of leasing.

This situation is not expected to settle down. In order to offload enough EVs, OEMs are turning to fleets, and in a few years, the used EV market will be flooded with second-hand EVs from fleets, also in countries where consumer demand for EVs hasn't increased. The inevitable impact is that the volume of EVs hitting the market will reduce the market value of RVs further.

Prudent lessors will consider this and start preparing now, by building flexibility into their remarketing strategy.

So how do you mitigate RV risk, in a time of great geopolitical and economic uncertainty?

Typically, a lease is three years long; the vehicle is manufactured and purchased at the start of the contract, and it is immediately sold and disposed of at the end. This ‘once-and-done’ approach to financing places the risk entirely on the asset’s RV. What if, instead, you had a range of options for each vehicle as it is returned, and were able to transition it into a different area where it could continue to generate revenue, while waiting for the resale value to match the book value? This is where multichannel and multicycle approaches come in.

The strategy must be to diversify your remarketing process.

Multicycle, or extended vehicle life, is the ability to reuse an asset or vehicle in further financing contracts after the end of the initial lease. Some OEMs trialled Vehicle-as-a-Service (sometimes called vehicle subscription) as a response to this, and as a way to meet customer demand for flexible, short-term contracts and fast, easy upgrades. However, most of these trials didn't succeed: the fast depreciation rates for vehicles, alongside customers' expectations around their vehicles and how they use them in their personal lives, proved challenging to combine with profitability. And while profitability is always the goal, risk mitigation must not be overlooked, and short-cycle options for vehicles should be considered part of the bigger picture. Mobility companies have shown that there is demand for flexible mobility products, typically in urban environments where a car isn't an everyday necessity.

Multichannel flexibility is key to finding consistent revenue in uncertain times.

But multicycle is only one aspect of remarketing, and Vehicle-as-a-Service is only one way to give a vehicle multiple lives. Multichannel is the ability to transition a given vehicle into more than one future revenue stream. For example, a vehicle might be moved into a fleet at the end of a lease. Alternatively, perhaps a vehicle starts as a short-term rental, commanding a high margin in its early life when depreciation is steep, and is subsequently moved into a lease contract. The key to a strong multichannel approach is having many channels with strong supporting infrastructure, and therefore plenty of flexibility, for offloading vehicles into their second and third lives. 

The benefits of multichannel and multicycle strategies

A well realised multicycle and multichannel approach to vehicle financing has several positive outcomes.

Multicycle and multichannel isn't just the answer to mitigating RV risk; it's also a powerful way to increase revenue.

In the equipment finance sector, the circular economy, multicycle, and multichannel approaches are the norm rather than the exception. There are clear reasons for this: primarily, the rapid depreciation of vehicles, and consumer expectations regarding the quality and condition of personal assets. Equipment finance companies have long used rental > lease > resale strategies, and it's time for vehicle financing companies to follow suit. While these ideas aren't new, it's the right moment to revisit them and exploit modern technology for better outcomes.

To implement multicycle and multichannel strategies successfully, it is essential to consider the overall approach to remarketing strategies and how value is generated throughout the asset lifecycle.

Traditional vehicle management models need to be reimagined. Establishing a suitable cross-organisational structure is essential to breaking down silos between departments. A holistic view considers financing as more than just a single-use perspective of a lease, with remarketing at the end.

A coordinated and cohesive approach is essential, and to achieve this, you need a robust technology stack capable of managing flexible contract structures and multicycle financing. Additionally, it should enable you to pilot new products that can adapt to evolving remarketing requirements. 

More second life opportunities can be opened up by fostering partnerships, and breaking down silos between departments. Capturing the profitability of each second-life option is essential for informed decision-making.

Having well structured and readily available information enables AI and machine learning to assist in making informed decisions for each vehicle. For instance, should it be leased, or repurposed for ridesharing? Should it be sold at a local auction, or exported to another country? 

One effective way to expand your channels is by forming partnerships with other mobility companies. For instance, establishing a strong alliance with a rental company or ridesharing fleet can create new opportunities to offload larger volumes of assets as they return from leasing. The main concern lies in ensuring that the resale values meet expectations; so implementing a software system - one which manages asset usage and maintenance, incentivises responsible usage, and customises end-of-term options based on the user type - is critical to addressing this challenge.

Three ways to turn a prediction problem into an optimisation solution

In a volatile market with erratic demand and supply, regulatory pressures, and global geopolitical events, consumer habits can shift in just weeks. As a result, traditional RV forecasting has become increasingly unreliable. OEMs and financial institutions should consider diversifying their lease products, exploring ways to continue generating revenue from each asset. This approach can help reduce capital expenditure and diversify revenue streams.

A multichannel remarketing approach helps businesses regain control of RVs and improve profitability. While the financial benefits are clear, it also coincides with a growing regulatory emphasis on sustainability reporting and the transition towards electrification, creating a synergetic environment with the shift in consumer demand towards greener and more flexible solutions. 

The market is currently facing significant pressure, pushing all stakeholders in the same direction; and making the multicycle, multichannel approach to financing essential. ESG is a top priority in many countries, particularly in the EU, where strict EV regulations are compelling OEMs to meet their CO2 targets. Additionally, uncertainty in the market, combined with sudden and rapid shifts due to unforeseen geopolitical events, has intensified profit pressures.

Moving to a multichannel, multicycle approach isn't just mitigating risk; it's enhancing your returns by making better use of the assets in your portfolio and capturing value that would otherwise be left for your competitors.

Those who will best survive uncertain periods are the ones who are flexible and quick to adapt. Failing to optimise asset usage, or effectively timing their sale, can lead to unnecessary losses. Having sufficient information at the ready, and the right options optimise market timing, can mitigate this.

Now is the time for financial institutions and OEMs to ask themselves, will they continue thinking of assets as single-use commodities, or will they unlock the flexibility and value of the asset lifecycle with a multicycle-multichannel strategy?

The opportunity to be ahead of the curve is right now, and the pressure to act only increases.

Alfa’s experience delivering efficient operations to complex top-tier lenders means we’re well placed to guide you in achieving your goals around originations, servicing, collections, and beyond. We’re ready and waiting when the time is right.

Make an Enquiry | Request a Demo | Learn more about Alfa Systems

VIEWPOINT: Mitigating RV risk and boosting profitability

Alfa has won the Social Award at the 2025 AFC Summer Awards, underscoring its unwavering commitment to inclusion, accessibility and community impact.

Alfa proud to accept Social Award from AFC

Alfa proudly accepted the Social Award at the 2025 AFC Summer Awards, underscoring its unwavering commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and community impact.

The Awards, a highlight in the asset finance calendar, brought together over 550 industry professionals to celebrate innovation, leadership, and community contributions. Alfa's recognition in the Social Award category reflects its outstanding efforts in fostering a vibrant and diverse workplace culture and making a tangible positive difference in the wider community.

"We are incredibly honoured to receive the Social Award at the AFC Summer Awards 2025. This award is a testament to the dedication of our entire team in embedding social responsibility into every aspect of our operations. We believe in creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive, and we are committed to initiatives that support both our employees and the communities we serve."

Also recognised in 2023, Alfa's initiatives highlighted by the award include:

The Rise & Thrive program: A dedicated initiative supporting women and nonbinary colleagues in their professional development.

Partnerships with grassroots organizations: Collaborations with groups like NIYO and codebar, focusing on increasing diversity and access to technology education.

Broad community engagement: A wide range of activities demonstrating Alfa's commitment to social impact beyond its core business.

This recognition reinforces Alfa Systems' position not only as a technological innovator but also as a socially conscious leader in the global asset finance industry.

Alfa proud to accept Social Award from Asset Finance Connect

CEO, BNP Paribas 3 Step IT: The circular economy, not just recycling but giving a second life to assets

Carmen Ene joins host Richard O’Donohue to explore how circular economy principles are reshaping IT asset management.

The circular economy, not just recycling but giving a second life to assets

In this episode of the AFC European Equipment Finance Podcast, Carmen Ene, CEO of BNP Paribas 3stepIT, joins host Richard O’Donohue to explore how circular economy principles are reshaping IT asset management. From reducing emissions to driving cost-efficiency, Carmen shares practical insights on sustainable finance, regulatory trends, and the importance of diversity and leadership in tech.

Carmen explains how BNP Paribas 3stepIT is pioneering a circular approach to IT asset management, acquiring, managing, and refurbishing devices to extend their lifecycle. She emphasizes that achieving net zero is impossible without embracing circularity, as most emissions come from manufacturing.

The conversation highlights how refurbishing IT equipment significantly reduces environmental impact. Carmen cites research showing that their model cuts laptop emissions by 17% and reduces ecological footprint by 24%, making a strong case for sustainable IT practices.

Carmen discusses how countries like France are leading with regulations that promote refurbished tech in public procurement. She notes that similar policies are spreading across Europe, creating momentum for circular economy solutions in both public and private sectors.

Beyond environmental impact, Carmen stresses the financial and operational advantages of circular IT including lower costs, improved security, and better asset tracking. She positions sustainability as a smart business strategy, not just a moral imperative.

Carmen shares her personal journey as a female leader in tech and finance, reflecting on the importance of mentorship, male allies, and inclusive leadership. She also discusses the role of women in AI, where human-centric skills like empathy and communication are increasingly vital.

AFC Podcast: Carmen Ene

The case for a unified, agile SaaS platform in commercial lending | Audience: European commercial lenders

A configurable, intelligently automated, connected technology platform can offer truly enhanced efficiency and customer experience.

Technology platforms are not always magic. However, truly enhanced efficiency and customer experience - brought by a configurable, intelligently automated, connected platform - can make it seem that way.

Commercial lending teams today face mounting pressure from rising customer expectations, tighter regulatory demands, and shrinking margins. Banks need to calculate and distribute risk efficiently from a consolidated portfolio. Yet many institutions still rely on fragmented, legacy systems - often inherited through acquisitions - that are product-specific and lack the integration capabilities needed to provide a real-time, portfolio-wide view.

The simplified data architecture of a single platform reduces operational complexity and delivers a 360-degree view of customer exposure.

Transitioning to a unified, configurable SaaS platform offers a compelling solution. The simplified data architecture of a single platform reduces operational complexity and delivers a 360-degree view of customer exposure - critical for managing risk and ensuring accuracy, as well as facilitating next-generation AI tools.

Automation and integration: The new standard

Automation is no longer optional in modern loan operations. It’s essential for reducing manual effort, ensuring consistency, and accelerating turnaround times. Platforms should be built with automation at their core - supporting configurable, rules-based workflows, real-time reconciliation, and seamless integration with third-party systems, including incorporating AI agents via robust APIs and flexible webhooks.

Platforms should be built with automation at their core - supporting configurable, rules-based workflows, real-time reconciliation, and seamless integration with third-party systems.

Intelligent automation not only minimises errors, but also frees up teams to focus on strategic, high-value activities.

Real-time insights for real-time decisions

In a fast-moving market, daily reporting cycles are no longer sufficient. Delays in assessing risk exposure, liquidity or operational performance can lead to missed opportunities; or worse - missed red flags.

A real-time architecture enables up-to-the-minute insights, empowering lenders to make dynamic decisions and proactively manage risk. Whether adjusting credit limits, responding to market shifts, or identifying cross-sell opportunities, timely data is a game-changer.

A real-time architecture enables up-to-the-minute insights, empowering lenders to make dynamic decisions and proactively manage risk.

Automated workflows for speedy settlements and restructuring (such as document generation, notifications and approvals) depend on real-time inputs. The increased requirement for distributed risk mandates fast and accurate transfer of information between parties, so they can confidentially assess current risk positions and make robust decisions. Institutions relying on batch reports risk falling back on manual workarounds, increasing the likelihood of errors and undermining automation gains.

Regulatory compliance is non-negotiable, but it doesn’t have to be complex. A single, integrated SaaS platform simplifies the enforcement of internal controls, maintains comprehensive audit trails, and adapts to evolving regulations across multiple product types.

Compliance should be built in, not bolted on.

Configurability is key. Compliance should be built in, not bolted on. This allows system administrators to review and update rules and workflows centrally, tracking the audit of the real-time system-based decision-making at every step. This ensures best practices are maintained and reduces the risk of costly fines as regulations evolve.

Futureproofing through frictionless upgrades

Financial services are evolving rapidly, and lenders need platforms that evolve with them. A SaaS-based solution ensures seamless upgrades, giving institutions access to the latest features and innovations - without the disruption or cost of traditional development cycles, or the complexity of deployment and maintenance for on-prem software.

Having all your data on a single platform in real time, and a robust workflow and rules engine at your disposal, positions everyone - your internal teams, your customers and your intermediaries - well for success. This unified approach provides a competitive edge, and represents a solid framework for integrating emerging technologies like AI agents and low-code solutions.

In a competitive, dynamic market, the winners will be those who can adapt quickly, operate efficiently, and scale effectively. A unified, integrated platform doesn’t just help you keep pace - it positions you to lead.

Alfa’s experience delivering efficient operations to complex top-tier lenders means we’re well placed to guide you in achieving your goals around originations, servicing, risk management and beyond. We’re ready and waiting when the time is right.

VIEWPOINT: Doing more with less

Invigors: Why Asset Finance is more human and more innovative than ever

Industry experts Ian Robertson and Richard dive deep into the evolving landscape of asset finance.

In this episode, industry experts Ian Robertson and Richard dive deep into the evolving landscape of asset finance. They explore emerging technologies like agentic AI and intelligent document processing, highlighting their real-world applications and limitations. The conversation offers valuable insight into the continued importance of human relationships in an increasingly automated world, especially in complex, high-value transactions.

The growing role of AI in asset finance—and how it complements, rather than replaces, human expertise.

Transparent discussions around vendor finance and OEM partnerships.

The rising interest from alternative asset managers in under-served niches, such as sale-and-leaseback models and green energy solutions like green methanol.

Encouraging signs from the next generation in the industry, particularly their innovative thinking around AI and sustainability.

A call for the industry to better articulate its value, especially in lifecycle asset management and resource efficiency.

Whether you're a long-time industry professional or curious about the future of finance, this episode offers both strategic insight and fresh perspectives.

AFC Podcast: Ian Robertson

Richard speaks to a number of guests who attended and spoke at the event, to get their views of topics discussed throughout the day such as AI.

AFC Podcast: Leaders’ Summit Europe LIVE

This special feature-length episode was recorded live at the Asset Finance Connect Leaders’ Summit Europe. Richard speaks to a number of guests who attended and spoke at the event, to get their views of topics discussed throughout the day such as AI.

Alfa has announced a new preconfigured SaaS offering for European asset finance companies.

Alfa Start for European Asset Finance allows auto and equipment finance operators to conduct a quick and cost-effective implementation of Alfa Systems.

Alfa Start for European Asset Finance allows auto and equipment finance operators to conduct a quick and cost-effective implementation of Alfa Systems, Alfa’s flagship platform for originations, contract servicing, collections management and more. It draws on predefined best-practice configuration and processes, perfected over Alfa’s considerable experience supporting top brands around the continent.

Since launching in 2020, Alfa Start’s rapid implementation methodology has found success in the UK with progressive finance providers and challenger banks such as United Trust Bank, Arkle Finance, Bibby Financial Services and most recently Paragon Bank. Alfa Start has also provided critical value as a project accelerator to a string of notable auto and equipment lenders in the US.

With the new solution, Alfa brings its industry expertise and experience in fast implementations to operations throughout Europe.

"Alfa Start is for banks, captives and independents who want to be lean and invest pragmatically in a system that comes preloaded with a distilled best-practice setup, rather than recreating their existing processes and configuration from scratch. But there’s still plenty of room to weave in your own DNA, and hold on to that differentiating factor.

"As we’ve done successfully in the UK and US, this new flavour of Alfa Start brings the power of Alfa Systems to a wider range of providers, offering an essential project accelerator that reduces cost and helps you gain a competitive edge."

"A lot of providers have a need to modernize their tech stack, and look at improving their businesses, and Alfa Systems is the industry gold standard. With Alfa Start we've been able to implement Alfa Systems rapidly and cost-effectively. Thanks to the automation now available, our teams spend more time delivering value for our clients and business partners."

Alfa Start for European Asset Finance provides local languages and currencies, accounting standards and built-in bank reports; as well as integrations for e-signature, single sign-on, SEPA payments and more; and eliminates infrastructure overheads through proactively managed, single-tenant SaaS.

Alfa launches new project accelerator for European asset finance

Cracking the code of smarter funding automation | Audience: US auto lenders

Building true automation into the auto lending takes a smart ecosystem of solutions using the latest innovations.

Cracking the code of smarter funding automation

Building true automation into the auto lending contract funding process is a balancing act. You need to onboard contracts cheaply and quickly, nurture dealer relationships, and accommodate changing customer needs, all while staying fully compliant as fraudsters grow more sophisticated.

Like many complex tech challenges, solving this one takes a smart ecosystem of solutions using the latest innovations. Those who invest in these technologies give themselves a vital edge that can see funding times shrink from days to just minutes. And a smooth, fast experience builds lasting loyalty with both dealers and customers.

Combining native functionality with ecosystem orchestration to achieve enhanced automation and efficiency, Alfa Systems 6 delivers next-level performance.

At Alfa, investment is innovation-driven, in areas such as intelligent document processing and other AI, business rules, internal and external workflow, and instantly composable workflow screens. In this way we make zero-touch funding the rule, rather than the exception.


The funding process can be slow, prone to errors, and resource-intensive. Zero-touch funding is essential for achieving speed, accuracy, and scalability in auto finance operations.

1. Layering IDP over e-contracting and e-signature

Well established in our industry, electronic contracting and signatures remove some of the complexities of paper contracting, providing considerable funding automation benefits. And if issues pop up, the feedback loop is quicker.

The next step is to layer IDP (intelligent document processing), for handling ancillary documents, onto this process. Thanks to AI, you can now extract data automatically from after-market forms, stipulations, and other supporting materials. Combining this with a powerful business rules engine can significantly reduce manual processing.

2. Versatile validation, and crystal-clear dealer resolution

This sort of multifaceted contract validation requires a wide range of sophisticated business rules to accommodate specific tolerances and granular edge cases. That validation needs to be run, authored, and audited consistently – and there’s a need for a regular ‘human in the loop’ to make sure the data shown is the same as what is in the document. Crucially, validation needs to be easy to configure and update, so you can adapt to evolving market dynamics.

When there are failures, being able to select which are communicated systematically to the dealer, and which are communicated actively, enables a quick and productive feedback loop.

3. Real-time dealer payments, and a quick transition to servicing

Following verification of contracts, your dealers want to know instantly when funding is in place.

They want to be paid, and have those contracts transfer automatically into servicing, without suffering the clunk of complex, error-prone file-based procedures.

Taking the pain out of manual touchpoints

Manual touchpoints are inevitable, and are usually needed for risk and compliance reasons, or to give your dealer networks the flexibility they deserve. But there are ways to minimize the pain.

1. Effective orchestration of people and procedures

In just the same way that you need flexibility over how issues are returned to dealers systematically, taking control over how manual resolutions are tackled is critical.

Intelligent routing sits at the heart of this. Consider a contract that has thrown up multiple issues and now requires input from both credit and funding. To avoid losing vital time reworking that contract, it could be smarter to route to credit first.

2. The right information, at the right time

Another important opportunity is ensuring pertinent information is displayed for the audience.

Users require issues to be presented clearly and consistently. They want to be able to work quickly without missing key information. So when they need to resolve an issue, they don’t want to go hunting for the data they need. That data can be different things, depending on the issue type, the user group or the product type.

Where information is needed from the customer, lenders can typically request this through the dealer. But there are efficiencies to be gained by going directly to the end customer.

Being able to orchestrate such engagement without adding significant manual time to the process is another opportunity on the path towards meaningful funding automation.

LLMs (large language models) provide a low-cost, user-accessible way of collecting key information and stipulations, and can be combined with advanced neural networks capable of uncovering customer patterns that flag risk.

4. The role of data in making manual touchpoints automated

Whatever technologies you choose to deploy, taking a data-driven approach to efficiency and automation gains is key to performing accurate cost-benefit analysis.

Detailed, real-time insights help you direct change management and unlock the next focus for investment, based on evidence.

VIEWPOINT: Making zero-touch funding a reality

Alfa: e-invoicing, a regulation too far or a pathway to efficiency?

Emily and John discuss the regulatory environment around e-invoicing and why despite the uncertainty in regulation business leaders must understand the potential benefits this can bring.

AFC Podcast: Emily Hammond & John Murray

Investors in People is delighted to award Alfa, the makers of Alfa Systems - the first-choice platform for asset finance companies worldwide - We invest in people, gold accreditation.

Alfa retains the 'We invest in people' gold accreditation

Gold accreditation means that you’ve got the policies in place but more than that, it means everyone, from CEO to apprentice, takes ownership for making them come to life.

Alfa has over 500 employees globally and the organization places great importance on their unique culture, which they describe as diverse, innovative, and inclusive.

"We’d like to congratulate Alfa on its Gold accreditation. 'We invest in people' is a fantastic effort for any organization, and places Alfa in fine company with a host of organizations that understand the value of people."

"We’re delighted to see we’ve retained our gold status and have also seen a marked improvement in our scores across the board. Investors in People have cemented our confidence in our fantastic culture and in the inclusive workplace we try so hard to foster."

We believe that the success of your organization begins and ends with people. If we make work better for everyone, we make work better for every organization. And if we do that… we make society stronger, healthier and happier.

Join our community of 15,000 organizations across 75 countries and make work better.

Most of us will spend around 80,000 hours at work in our lifetimes.

For something that takes up that much of our time, we think people deserve to get more out of it than just a regular pay check. 

That's why we've already helped more than 11 million people across 75 countries to make work better.

And you know what, we’re just getting started…

We’re a community interest company, which means we put our purpose before our profits. That means everything we do and every direction we take is done to make work better.

Organizations that meet the 'We invest in people' framework are proud to display their accreditation to the world.

Because they understand that it’s people that make work better.

Press Release: Alfa retains the 'We invest in people' gold accreditation

ZEB: The future of Captives, do they still make sense?

As it becomes more expensive to run a captive we discuss is it time to look again, and if captives still make sense.

As it becomes more expensive to run a captive we discuss is it time to look again, and if captives still make sense. After all there is no single model or solution that applies to all companies.

AFC Podcast: Klaus Strenge & Kerttu Alpass

InnoVent: Breaking new ground and expanding asset finance into Africa and the Middle East

The conversation explores the opportunities and challenges of expanding asset finance into these less familiar regions.

The conversation explores the opportunities and challenges of expanding asset finance into these less familiar regions. Kumbula shares the story behind InnoVent’s founding in 2003, driven by a desire to bring transparency and customer value to operating leases. He discusses the company’s growth, including its innovative approach to asset lifecycle management and its remarketing business, Qrent, which has expanded to the UK under the brand "Second Life."

Kumbula also details InnoVent’s recent expansion into the Middle East, highlighting regulatory hurdles, cultural differences, and strong market demand for full-service operating lease solutions. With partnerships in place with HP, Lenovo, and Cisco, InnoVent is positioning itself as a trusted partner for companies looking to enter both African and GCC markets.

AFC Podcast: Bengayi Kumbula

The gender pay gap is the measure of the difference in average pay between all men and women across an organisation, regardless of their role, level, length of service or location and any other differentiating factors. The gender pay gap is reported as a mean average and median average (midpoint) figure. The gender pay gap is different to the concept of equal pay which requires that women and men are paid the same for doing the same job and it is unlawful to pay people unequally on the basis of whether they are a man or a woman.

The analysis is based on data as at 5th April of each year and this report reflects the UK data collected and analysed as of 5 April 2024.

Gender Pay Gap Report 2024

We’re delighted to share our dedicated and comprehensive Sustainability Progress Report for 2024. This publication highlights the variety of initiatives driving impact across People, Planet and Product at Alfa.

"The report is testament to our unwavering commitment to doing what’s right. From fostering an equitable workplace to reducing carbon emissions and driving sustainable innovation, it showcases the depth and breadth of our global efforts. We don’t just talk about our values at Alfa —we live them. Sustainability isn’t just a goal; it’s who we are."

2024_SustainabilityReport_1650x1080px FINAL 14 Apr 25.pdf

Alfa’s 2024 Sustainability Progress Report

The MD of Vamos tackles AI: is there hype or is there fatigue?

Richard Huston addresses AI hype vs. reality, emphasising that AI is a tool, not a replacement for human expertise.

Richard Huston is the MD of VAMOS. VAMOS focuses on applied AI, helping businesses integrate AI for efficiency and decision-making.

Richard Huston addresses AI hype vs. reality, emphasising that AI is a tool, not a replacement for human expertise. Key applications include automating customer communications and reducing administrative workload but while still ensuring human oversight, so reducing time rather than replacing the human element.

Concerns around AI hallucinations are discussed including retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), and AI’s job impact is framed as augmentation, not elimination. He also discusses AI’s environmental footprint, arguing its benefits outweigh costs.

The episode highlights AI’s increasing accessibility, with open-source models like DeepSeek lowering costs. Richard Huston encourages experimenting with AI tools like Claude and ChatGPT.

AFC Podcast: Richard Huston

Econocom’s value proposition for captives, full lifecycle capabilities plus entrepreneurial independence

Richard talks with Mathilde Saint-Pol Cousteix who is the Managing Director of Econocom France

In this episode host Richard talks with Mathilde Saint-Pol Cousteix who is the Managing Director of Econocom France (Technology Management and Financing). Richard and Mathilde discuss opportunities for increased partnerships between captives and financial institutions. The conversation also touched on innovation at Econocom in particular the sales agency model that they have introduced to the market.

AFC Podcast: Mathilde Saint-Pol Cousteix

Alfa has reported its audited results for the 12 months ended 31 December 2024.

Record-Breaking 2024 Results for Alfa

Alfa last week reported its audited results for the 12 months ended 31 December 2024. The year marked significant achievements across financial performance, strategic growth and innovation.

Underscoring strong market endorsement and expanding its customer base, Alfa secured eight new customer wins and retains a robust late-stage pipeline. There were a total of 26 go-lives or upgrades during the year.

Accelerating Alfa’s transition to a SaaS subscription model, customers who run Alfa Systems on Alfa Cloud’s secure, flexible and highly available single-tenant environments now total 21.

In the area of product innovation, the successful launch of Alfa Systems 6 highlighted ongoing investment in cutting-edge technology and product enhancement. Meanwhile, Alfa demonstrated its commitment to sustainable business practices by joining the United Nations Global Compact.

“2024 was a breakthrough year for Alfa marked by the successful launch of Alfa Systems 6 and a record number of wins across our major markets. To meet the strong demand for our products, we have continued to recruit high-quality people, ending the year with more than 500 people working for Alfa.

“We continue to invest in Alfa Systems 6 to expand our functional and technical lead over our competition, while continuing to deliver reliably for our customers.

“The year’s operational execution and strong sales and financial performance, along with our very healthy pipeline, has reinforced the strength of our strategy and we remain confident in the outlook for the business.”

Further information, including financials, is available from alfasystems.com/en-eu/investors.

Alfa Announces Record-Breaking 2024 Results

Asset Finance Connect (AFC) has announced a new industry podcast for a European equipment finance audience. 

Alfa sponsors new AFC podcast

This new podcast, sponsored by Alfa, will serve as a dedicated platform for industry professionals to engage with thought leaders in the European equipment finance sector. Listen now at Asset Finance Connect, or find it on all the normal podcast platforms.

Alfa Start

Alfa and the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Alfa Systems 6

Gold-Accredited Alfa Makes Top 20 in Investors in People

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