Latest News

Credit: HJBC / Shutterstock

France-based Groupe BPCE has launched BPCE Equipment Solutions, a new venture specialising in industrial equipment lease financing in Europe. 

This launch follows the bank’s acquisition of Société Générale Equipment Finance (SGEF) and aligns with its Vision 2030 strategy for international expansion. With a portfolio of €15bn ($15.81bn) in outstanding financings, BPCE Equipment Solutions operates in 24 countries. 

Supported by 1,600 employees, the new entity will work closely with equipment suppliers and manufacturers to develop tailored financing solutions that drive growth and innovation. 

BPCE Equipment Solutions will offer integrated and customisable leasing and financing solutions backed by sectoral expertise in transport, industry, technology, medical equipment, and energy transition. 

BPCE CEO Nicolas Namias said: “Within a year of announcing the project, we are very pleased to create BPCE Equipment Solutions and to receive 1,600 new staff into BPCE. I welcome them to our group." 

In addition, BPCE plans to integrate BPCE Equipment Solutions’ operations with its leasing subsidiary BPCE Lease to enhance the group‘s expertise. 

PEAC Solutions has announced two senior appointments as it continues to expand its team. Paul Byrne has joined as Relationship Director, while Dean Farooq has been appointed as a credit analyst. 

Byrne brings over 17 years of experience in sales and relationship management, having previously held roles at Lombard and, most recently, HSBC. In his new role, he will be responsible for developing client relationships and supporting businesses across Yorkshire and North East England with PEAC’s financial solutions. 

Dean Farooq joins PEAC Solutions with more than a decade of experience in credit and financial services, having held roles at Hampshire Trust Bank, Aldermore, and Close Brothers. His expertise in asset finance will further strengthen PEAC’s credit team. Justin Jacobs, Credit Director at PEAC Solutions, commented: “We’re thrilled to welcome Dean to our team and know his expertise and insights will make him a valuable addition.” 

PEAC Solutions is a multinational asset finance platform operating across the United Kingdom, Europe, and the United States. 

The National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (NACFB) has reviewed 131 broker agreements from lenders over the past year, leading to amendments in 94% of contracts to create fairer terms for brokers. 

The initiative, launched in 2023 with a dedicated contract review role, has tackled systemic imbalances that placed disproportionate risks on brokers. 

The review process identified widespread issues, including unclear dispute resolution mechanisms and overly punitive liability clauses. Working with 98 existing Patron lenders and 33 new entrants, the NACFB has successfully rewritten or clarified terms in nearly all agreements reviewed. 

The NACFB has prioritised practical improvements, including standardising notice clauses and refining monitoring requirements to reduce procedural friction. Some lenders have even adopted the trade body’s template to pre-empt contractual inequities. With a Supreme Court ruling on broker commission disclosure and informed consent expected later this year, further amendments to introducer agreements are likely. The NACFB has committed to reviewing any changes to ensure continued fairness and transparency for brokers. 

Only 24% of UK SMEs are using asset finance to fund equipment purchases, despite broad awareness of the product, according to new research from Time Finance. 

The findings, based on a survey of 500 SME decision-makers, suggest a gap between knowledge and adoption of alternative finance solutions. 

The study, conducted with Censuswide, found that while 79% of SMEs are familiar with asset finance, three-quarters are not making use of it. Additionally, 21% of respondents said they were unaware of asset finance or its benefits. 

Steve Nichols, Managing Director of Asset Finance at Time Finance, said the results highlight “a gap between people’s awareness and their use of this product, particularly for financing new equipment.” He noted that many SMEs, facing increased tax burdens from the latest UK Budget, may lack the cash reserves to fund growth through traditional means, making asset finance a “crucial” alternative. 

The survey results come as data from the FLA shows overall asset finance new business grew by 3% in 2024, reaching a record £39.7 billion. 

BNP Paribas has inaugurated an IT refurbishment and remarketing centre in the Yvelines, France, to address electronic waste in Europe. The facility is managed by BNP Paribas 3 Step IT, a joint venture established in 2019 between BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions—the professional equipment financing arm of BNP Paribas—and 3stepIT, a Finnish company specialising in circular technology services. 

BNP Paribas 3 Step IT CEO Carmen Ene said: “The investment in this centre underscores BNP Paribas’ commitment to advancing the circular economy in Europe, aligning with the European Union’s ambitious goals to promote circularity and sustainable resource use. 

“This also marks a significant milestone for BNP Paribas 3 Step IT, reinforcing our mission to help clients maximise the value of their technology while reducing electronic waste.” 

BNP Paribas 3 Step IT plans to gradually increase the processing capacity of the centre, potentially reaching up to 400,000 reprocessed IT equipment annually. 

The centre will also offer a ‘buyback’ service, known as IT Asset Disposition.