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.

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: Making zero-touch funding a reality

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

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

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

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

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.

Hosted by Richard O’Donohue, Head of Content (Manufacturer Captives) at Asset Finance Connect and former Head of Partnerships at Dell Financial Services, Ireland, the podcast promises to be a valuable resource for navigating the evolving industry landscape in 2025.

Each episode will feature insightful interviews with leading figures in European equipment finance, providing a deep dive into the opportunities and challenges facing manufacturer captives, banks, and independent finance providers.

Discussions will encompass key industry trends shaping European equipment finance, practical insights from Europe’s leading finance practitioners, and the impact of technology and regulatory changes in 2025.

In the first episode, host Richard talks with Mathilde Saint-Pol Cousteix, 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 touches on innovation at Econocom, in particular the sales agency model that they have introduced to the market. 

As AFC builds up to the AFC European Leaders’ Summit on May 15, Richard O’Donohue will focus on a key topic in each episode – sustainability, technology, regulation, profitability and innovation – setting the stage for deeper discussions at the Summit. The podcasts will act as a precursor to the discussions at the Leaders’ Summit. Plus, stay tuned for an exciting live podcast recording at the Summit itself!

Be the first to hear about new episodes by subscribing now. Don’t miss out on the latest insights from Europe’s top finance leaders!

Asset Finance Connect launches Alfa-sponsored podcast

Alfa has been named by the Monitor as a Best Company in the Innovation category.

A 2025 Monitor Best Company in Innovation

For the second year in a row, Alfa has been named by the Monitor as a Best Company in the Innovation category.

The special issue celebrates the US equipment finance industry's Best Companies that have led through best practices, fostering a culture of innovation to enhance efficiency and the customer experience.

Winners are named in the categories of innovation, culture, leadership, DEI and community outreach. Best Companies also recognizes companies that have reached significant milestones, such as Alfa, who celebrates 35 years in business this year.

"Alfa is revolutionizing the equipment finance industry with cutting-edge technology and a relentless commitment to innovation. From the launch of Alfa Systems 6 to the game-changing AskThea chatbot, discover how Alfa is empowering teams, enhancing efficiency and shaping the future of asset finance."

This is the second annual Best Companies Issue released by the Monitor, with Alfa also recognized in 2024 for its innovation process. Prior to its Best Companies process, the magazine recognized the Most Innovative Companies, in which Alfa was named in 2021, 2022 and 2023.

Since its launch in 1974, the Monitor has become the leading independent trade publication in the US equipment finance and leasing industry. Each issue includes timely articles authored by industry specialists and regular features.

Read the entire article ALFA: Innovating Ideas Through Ingenuity or enjoy the digital flipbook version (page 39).

Alfa named a 2025 Monitor Best Company in Innovation

At the Asset Finance Connect European Unconference, sponsored by Alfa, Richard Knubben, Director General of Leaseurope, shared insights into the political and economic environment shaping Europe’s future.

Richard Knubben of Leaseurope's perspective on the political and economic environment shaping Europe’s future at the Asset Finance Connect Unconference

AFC European Equipment and Auto Finance Unconference

Speaking with David Betteley, AFC head of content, Knubben explored the aftermath of 2024’s seismic changes and the opportunities ahead for leasing companies (leasecos) and technology providers.

Political shifts and economic implications

Knubben described 2024 as a “shockwave” year for Europe, paralleling the political upheaval in the United States. The June European Parliament elections significantly altered the political landscape, with green and socialist parties suffering major losses. Votes shifted to more extreme ends of the political spectrum, leaving the European People’s Party (EPP) as the dominant stabiliser.

This new political reality poses challenges for the European Commission as it develops its 2025 agenda. Ursula von der Leyen’s leadership will likely face pressure to recalibrate the Green Deal amidst growing scepticism and calls for reduced regulation.

“There is a clear disconnect between the European Commission’s vision and the shifting priorities of the Parliament and Council,” Knubben noted. Leaseurope is closely monitoring these changes to anticipate their impact on regulatory frameworks.

Sustainability and ESG reporting: a key battleground

Competitiveness concerns, particularly with the United States, have driven the European Commission to propose a comprehensive package to simplify sustainability regulations. This initiative aims to address overlaps in the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CS3D), and EU Taxonomy.

However, the path forward remains uncertain. The European Parliament has called for significant simplification, aligning ESG reporting requirements with the more relaxed standards in the US. Knubben sees this as a pivotal opportunity for leasecos and tech companies.

“ESG reporting, particularly Scope 3 emissions, is a complex challenge but also an opportunity,” Knubben emphasised. Leasing companies, as asset specialists, are uniquely positioned to provide critical data and bespoke reporting services. Businesses already seek support from leasecos, giving those with robust data and analytics capabilities a competitive edge.

“ESG reporting, particularly Scope 3 emissions, is a complex challenge but also an opportunity.”

Social leasing emerged as a contentious topic in 2024. France’s experiment with subsidized leasing of electric vehicles (EVs) for low-income families, while well-intentioned, proved financially unsustainable.

Knubben suggested a more viable path might be enhancing the second-hand EV market to make these vehicles accessible and attractive. Germany’s political discourse includes proposals for social leasing, with funding potentially coming from the European Social Climate Fund. However, questions about sustainability and risk remain unanswered.

Extending social leasing to other green assets, such as heat pumps and solar panels, introduces additional complexities. Unlike EVs, these assets are immovable, making recovery in cases of default more challenging. Legislative innovations and government guarantees would be essential but could prove costly and difficult to implement.

Shifting business models in asset finance

The leasing industry is grappling with evolving business models, driven by consumer demand for flexibility. Knubben highlighted a growing trend toward shorter-term contracts, particularly among younger generations. However, this flexibility comes at a cost.

For EVs, however, unstable residual values (RVs) are prompting leasecos to encourage longer-term contracts in the business-to-business (B2B) segment. In the business-to-consumer (B2C) space, subscription models and pay-per-use arrangements are gaining traction, although they bring higher costs.

“The market is heading in both directions—longer contracts for some assets, shorter for others,” Knubben observed. The challenge lies in balancing flexibility with financial stability, particularly in an era of rapid technological change.

The big question is: has the political instability in 2024 set the scene for regulatory pragmatism to break out in 2025?

“Whoever has the data and analysis will have the competitive edge.” 

Looking ahead: opportunities and challenges in 2025

As Europe navigates this period of transformation, the European equipment finance industry and Leaseurope is focused on three key areas:

ESG reporting simplification: Despite anticipated simplifications, the industry will need to adapt to new requirements and timelines. Tech companies and leasecos have an opportunity to lead by providing essential data and expertise.

Subsidized leasing: Potential extension of social leasing programmes and the enhancement of government-funded subsidies or favourable policies for green assets, such as EVs and electrically powered machinery.

Innovative business models: The demand for flexible leasing solutions and second-cycle leasing presents opportunities for innovation, particularly in the consumer market.

While uncertainties persist, Knubben struck an optimistic tone. “Whoever has the data and analysis will have the competitive edge,” he concluded. The leasing industry stands at the nexus of change, poised to turn challenges into opportunities in the years ahead.

This article was published by Asset Finance Connect in January 2025. Reproduced by permission of the publisher.

You can read more about the European Unconference themes and discussions in the below follow-up Asset Finance Connect articles:

Opportunities and challenges in 2025 for equipment finance

Managing the margin challenge in a changing market

Tech trends shaping the future of asset finance

Why lenders are adopting an eco-system approach to green risk

AFC Unconference - Leaseurope's perspective on Europe’s economic and political future

A deep dive into Alfa's technology with CTO Andrew Flegg and CEO Andrew Denton.

A deep dive into Alfa's technology with Alfa's CTO and CEO.

Our CTO and CEO on Technology: Chapter Guide and Transcript

Paragon Bank has announced the selection of Alfa to replace its legacy systems and streamline the end-to-end lending process.

Paragon Bank has announced the selection of Alfa to power a new Commercial Lending Transformation Program, replacing its legacy systems and streamlining the end-to-end lending process.

The strategic initiative will modernize Paragon’s SME lending operations, diversify its product portfolio, and enhance the experience for customers and brokers. By choosing Alfa’s accelerated Alfa Start delivery methodology, Paragon will implement the Alfa Systems platform in just 24 weeks. The project will enable the bank to:

Adapt quickly to evolving market demands and deliver a superior customer, vendor, and broker experience;

Streamline operations, reduce costs, and increase productivity through automation and process optimization; and

Expand into new SME lending sectors, offering a wider range of innovative financial products.

"We’re looking forward to taking on this next step of digital transformation in partnership with Alfa to take Paragon SME Lending to the next level of customer experience. This new system will enable us to enhance our offering, improve our efficiency, and provide a seamless journey for our customers. We’re excited to be working with Andrew and the team at Alfa as we start the new year."

"We’re delighted to partner with Paragon on this exciting and ambitious initiative to enhance its lending operations. Paragon is one of the most dynamic and forward-thinking banks in the UK, with a reputation for running a top-quality operation. With Alfa Systems they'll benefit from a SaaS solution that provides outstanding efficiency and functional depth, and with Alfa Start they’ll have the advantage of a rapid and cost-effective implementation. We look forward to supporting Paragon as it finds further success in the coming years."

In addition to its traditional asset finance business, Paragon will also consolidate its aviation finance and professions lending businesses onto the Alfa Systems platform after reaching live production in mid-2025.

Paragon Bank selects Alfa to accelerate SME lending transformation

Alfa Systems 6, the latest iteration of Alfa’s auto and equipment finance software platform, delivers a generation of important changes in performance and function. Compose, a no-code tool for screen design, and AskThea, an AI chatbot, are at its heart.

Leasing Life article on Alfa Systems 6 improvements in performance and function with Compose, a no-code tool for screen design and AskThea, an AI chatbot

New frontiers in asset finance with AskThea and Compose

According to recent GlobalData analysis, the total market for AI was worth $103 billion in 2023. Estimates suggest that, by 2030, it will top $1 trillion – a huge compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 39%. Recent progress in machine learning, rooted in the increased sophistication of computer algorithms and the ability of hefty new data centres to support their deployment, means AI is becoming a commercial mainstay capable of solving real-life problems. The most innovative firms are seizing the opportunity, taking innovation in-house and offering immediate answers to customer queries that might once have seemed intractable.

Asset financers, as with businesses in many industries, face a future where operational transformation will soon become an imperative. At the same time, new regulatory standards, like the EU’s Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA), require platforms to meet stringent requirements for privacy, security, and robustness. Decision makers must navigate a landscape where personalization, efficiency and compliance are more critical than ever. Alfa Systems 6, the latest iteration of Alfa’s auto and equipment finance software platform, is setting the standard. It offers a foundation for tailored, user-driven processes that meet and exceed the needs of its users.

Central to this revolution is Compose, a no-code tool that puts customers in the driving seat in determining how their interfaces look and behave via revolutionary personalization tools. Equally groundbreaking is AskThea, a generative AI chatbot that integrates Alfa Systems documentation with clients’ own resources, creating an intuitive, company-specific digital assistant. From onboarding to operational adjustments, it provides instant, precise guidance, delivering transformative value across all levels of an organisation.

Together, Compose and AskThea exemplify how in-house innovation is taking the corporate world by storm – driving asset finance forward with tools that combine operational agility, robust compliance and cutting-edge technology. Understanding how and why these new, innovative platforms differ from their predecessors is critical for asset financers hoping to make the most of them and stay abreast of a changing industry.

What are the key themes of change in the asset financing space? Personalization is a critical and overarching one. Decisionmakers now operate in a world where clients expect tailored, responsive interfaces. They want streamlined operations and precise control over data and workflows. Digital transformation is a many-headed beast – and Alfa Systems’ Compose tool is a key example of how personalization can be weaved in, offering a drag-and-drop, no-code environment that allows clients to configure their user interfaces to meet specific operational needs. Compose’s adaptability gives clients the freedom to build interfaces that evolve alongside their business requirements.

Compose, fully optimized UX, with superpersonalized screen design.

It is all part of the same story: platforms like Alfa Systems 6 are setting a foundation for intelligent, automated, business-specific processes. By allowing firms to design rule-based workflows that rapidly expedite routine decisions, Alfa mitigates the need for manual intervention, thus boosting operational efficiency. This automation also extends to managing complex tasks such as pricing, underwriting, and document processing, freeing up valuable resources for more strategic work.

Yet the digital revolution also brings heightened concerns over data governance and ethics. With regulations in these areas tightening, asset financers face the dual challenge of harnessing transformative tech like AI while ensuring compliance with standards for data quality and security. Alfa Systems 6 addresses these concerns by embedding ethical AI use, with each automated decision readily auditable. This balance of innovation and regulatory alignment allows clients to adopt advanced tools without the associated risks.

By fostering an environment based on best-in-class tools, alongside the ability to integrate custom-built components, Alfa helps financers excel across every area of their operations. The figurehead of these tools is AskThea, a conversational, generative AI chatbot. Built on advanced AI models and trained on Alfa Systems’ extensive documentation libraries, AskThea provides users across all levels – administrators, developers, and customer support alike – with instant access to detailed information and system functionality guidance. It lays the groundwork for a fully immersive, AI-driven support experience – meeting and exceeding the evolving needs of every individual asset financing firm in an age of digitalization and personalization.

Chatbot technology is not new. What makes AskThea so innovative? Turning to its origins helps to answer this question. It began as an internal pitch on Alfa’s Innovation Forum in May 2023, with the vision of a conversational tool offering immediate, in-depth responses to questions about Alfa Systems’ functionality and configuration – greatly simplifying the task of locating complex information. Through initiatives such as Hackathons and Innovation Days, where dedicated time is allocated to projects with revolutionary potential rather than immediate commercial application, it rapidly developed in sophistication over the course of a year – and now goes far beyond an Alfa Systems support device.

AskThea’s real potential lies in its ability to integrate clients’ own documentation libraries and resources alongside Alfa’s, making it an all-encompassing toolbox for an entire company’s systems structure. The chatbot leverages OpenSearch to index content and offers advanced prompt engineering, ensuring relevant, precise responses based on real documentation. This means critical guidance can be retrieved in seconds on everything from onboarding new employees to adapting the platform for evolving business requirements. As Alfa clients incorporate their own procedural documents, training resources and business guidelines, AskThea can develop to serve as a digital brain that understands everything they could need for their specific operational demands.

AskThea is one of the most recent releases as part of the Alfa Systems 6 “pillar” approach, but is already set to be adopted by a major US auto lender in the coming months. As adoption widens, it will create a new standard for AI-driven support in asset finance – setting the stage for an industry defined by sophisticated, adaptable, and accessible technology.

There are many uncertainties surrounding the AI revolution. But Alfa Systems 6 is keeping its users ahead of the curve with its industry-leading generative capabilities. Not only that; it gives asset financers all the tools they need to address wider challenges facing the industry – from sustainability reporting to green financing to regulatory compliance. Follow the link below and learn how you could benefit today.

This article was published by Leasing Life in January 2025. Reproduced by permission of the publisher.

Leasing Life: New frontiers in asset finance as AskThea and Compose hit the market

2024 was a tough year for the equipment finance industry, with a challenging rate environment and broader economic uncertainty affecting demand. This article explores the outlook for the year ahead, and the role technology can play to help drive resilience and growth.

A gentle reduction of rates through the second half of 2024 was welcomed by the industry, increasing demand from historic lows and boosting overall confidence. Although further rate cuts are possible in 2025, a cautious approach is anticipated—despite potential pressure from the incoming administration for more aggressive reductions.

While further rate cuts, cooling inflation, and the new administration could stimulate demand, the recent economic turbulence has highlighted the need for increased investment in risk and fraud management. Well publicized advancements in AI and other data-based tools can be employed to support increased demand, while adhering to established risk policies. 

Much of 2024 was spent assessing the impact of regulatory change, such as the CFPB’s Section 1071 rule. While some believe the new administration may change course, providers must remain prepared to implement and comply with this regulation.

From a technology perspective, the collection of key data—and the standardization of reporting over it—offers benefits beyond regulatory compliance. Companies capable of real-time reporting on a wealth of portfolio data stand to gain significantly, by feeding that data into increasingly sophisticated risk models, and identifying emerging trends early to support changes in strategic direction. 

Similarly, given expectations of lighter regulation from the incoming administration, the development of AI tools is poised to accelerate. However, this shouldn’t diminish the importance of the key guardrails lenders should look to implement alongside AI; explainability, traceability and control not only provide operational benefits but also establish a core foundation for future, unforeseen regulatory changes.

Climate financing incorporates a range of financial instruments and mechanisms aimed at supporting climate action. This includes public and private finance, green bonds, carbon markets, and impact investing. 

Recent years have seen a welcome environment for climate financing, driven by growing awareness, policy support and investor demand, but uncertainty looms as the incoming administration is expected to reduce support for climate projects. That could mean lower funding for research and development and infrastructure projects, increased risk for private investors, and hindered long-term planning for businesses.

Despite this, climate financing may be buoyed by wider global and corporate sentiment, driven by end customers. Flexibility is the most important aspect of this shifting landscape, particularly the ability to accurately reflect government programs that affect the underlying financials of a deal.

The trajectory of software and other services to complement hard assets is expected to persist into 2025, driven by developments in remote telemetry technology and an economic incentive to increase recurring revenue amongst existing customers.

Customer adoption and retention are driven both by the value of the asset and the onboarding and billing experience. Being able to offer customers a simple onboarding experience through customer portals is an important key to adoption, with back-end processes streamlined through APIs to ensure scalability without increased costs. 

Similarly, a seamless billing process should be in place, allowing customers with assets on finance to see and pay their subscription fees alongside their core financing amounts due. For customers without assets on finance, the ability to bill and account seamlessly for subscription services opens up a wider market.

Investment in technology is often linked with high, inflexible costs which can stifle innovation. This caution may be especially heightened during periods of economic uncertainty, such as those experienced in 2024.

Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platforms have become increasingly prevalent as a lever for organizations to invest in new technologies, without having to take on the risks and costs associated with managing new applications, and allowing their operational expenditure to scale in line with growth.

SaaS’s momentum is expected to continue in 2025, providing more flexibility and simplification for technology projects, and lowering the barriers to entry.

Recent years have witnessed the emergence of flexible product offerings, such as Pay-per-Use. Although the cooling inflation and improving rate environment may temper demand for innovative products, the overall requirement for more flexibility around financial commitments remains, especially after periods of economic uncertainty.

Additionally, an omnipresent requirement is expected to continue into 2025: the need for compelling and streamlined digital experiences. Within the equipment finance industry, this can enable operational scalability, especially for small- to medium-ticket lenders, allowing their customers to self-serve and reduce operational costs. Similarly, enabling efficient and clear digital experiences for vendors can benefit both parties by maximizing originations, allowing both parties to reap the rewards.

Alfa Systems 6, the latest flagship version of Alfa Systems, introduces a host of features and innovations designed to bring heightened productivity to equipment finance providers, opening up new revenue streams and elevating the customer experience. 

Alfa Systems 6 is built on six pillars, introduced via a series of software releases rolled out over the past year: 

Efficiency presents Compose: superpersonalized screen design.

Total Capability introduces Total Originations, an advanced originations product.

Sustainability offers powerful new capabilities for providers to support sustainability products and changing business models.

Scalability presents leading-edge functionality designed for providers looking to scale their business with flexibility and speed.

Intelligent Automation creates efficiency gains through automated decision-making, including Alfa’s gen-AI chatbot built in-house, AskThea.

Collaborative Ecosystem allows customers to source and integrate with new technologies painlessly, creating their own customized, end-to-end solutions.

The six pillars of Alfa Systems 6 are driven by common requirements of influential operators in the US equipment finance space. By combining Alfa’s deep understanding of market requirements with our highly configurable, single-product strategy, our customers are perfectly placed to navigate challenges and opportunities effectively, and drive sustainable growth.

Already being implemented with customers, Alfa Systems 6 is now available to finance companies globally, offering a comprehensive solution to meet the evolving needs of the asset and automotive finance industries.

Alfa Systems 6, Fully Realized: A breakthrough iteration of our SaaS platform.

Equipment Finance in 2025: 6 Themes, and Technology's Role

We are delighted to announce a key milestone in Alfa's journey – we have officially grown to 500 colleagues around the world! 

Alfa has announced a key milestone in its journey having officially grown to 500 colleagues around the world

Alfa has officially grown to 500 colleagues around the world

This achievement is a testament to the hard work, dedication and passion each one of our global team brings. From the start, Alfa has been committed to building something special together, and now at 500 strong, there is more energy than ever to continue driving success, innovation and collaboration all around the world.

This has been a great opportunity to reflect on the history of Alfa and to highlight some key moments from over the years.

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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