Flexible, sustainable, and AI-enhanced: the future of leasing in 2025

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The Leasing Life Conference in Milan on 14 November will explore pivotal trends set to shape equipment leasing in 2025, providing industry leaders with a platform to discuss insights and strategies for the future.

AI, Machine Learning (ML), and IoT are now central to creating real-time, customised leasing solutions. From predictive maintenance to automated credit scoring, these technologies enable providers to offer personalised services and adapt pricing dynamically. AI-based tools, like Odessa's generative AI models for dynamic pricing, help in fraud detection and risk assessment, while the role of human oversight remains critical for managing AI's explainability and compliance with regulatory standards.

Sustainability has emerged as a major focus, with growing investment in eco-friendly equipment and renewable energy technologies. Businesses are increasingly turning to green financing, spurred by EU regulatory changes such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). Ivan Bagaliyski from Solifi will address compliance challenges and growth opportunities tied to CSRD, while Adrian Leach from DLL will discuss how asset finance companies can capitalise on sustainable leasing.

The subscription-based Equipment-as-a-Service model is gaining traction, offering companies flexibility and reduced upfront costs. This model aligns with the broader shift toward adaptable financing structures, like deferred and seasonal payments, to meet changing business needs. This approach is particularly advantageous for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), for which access to capital is often challenging. Pascal Layan of BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions and Carmen Ene of BNP Paribas 3 Step IT will explore how pay-per-use and other innovative models are supporting SMEs and the energy transition.

Digital platforms and blockchain are accelerating secure transactions and contract management, making leasing processes more efficient and transparent. Platforms that incorporate blockchain technology allow for seamless, secure interactions, which is essential as leasing becomes more digitised. AI-enabled "Know Your Asset" (KYA) tools, as presented by FinWave, are helping lessors monitor and manage assets throughout their lifecycle, with features for assessing environmental impact, financial risk, and asset security.

The conference’s programme will kick off with “Defining Trends of 2024, Moulding 2025,” offering a review of European market trends. Florence Roussel-Pollet from Societe Generale Equipment Finance will provide insights into market drivers, strategic developments, and opportunities for growth, setting the stage for discussions on navigating the shifting landscape.

A session on AI and Economic Resilience led by a senior representative from Odessa will cover the role of AI in economic resilience, dynamic pricing, and fraud detection.

Another anticipated session will be Opportunities and Trends in Sustainability. Here, panelists will examine the impact of the CSRD and explore sustainable leasing innovations. Ivan Bagaliyski’s session will consider how companies can leverage ESG strategies to enhance growth while maintaining compliance. Adrian Leach will discuss accelerating the energy transition by providing sustainable financing options.

A series of roundtable sessions in the final programme segment will focus on specific industry challenges, providing a platform for interactive knowledge-sharing. Topics include AI applications beyond traditional uses, the impact of the European political landscape on sustainability, and strategies for attracting a new generation of talent to the leasing industry.

The conference will conclude with a forward-looking panel discussion featuring Pascal Layan, Carmen Ene, Stefano Galleni, and Estelle Merle of Topi, focusing on the future of equipment leasing amid rapid technological and regulatory changes.

As the equipment leasing industry embraces digital transformation and sustainable practices, Leasing Life’s 21st conference will serve as a key venue for dialogue and strategy. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how trends in AI, sustainability, and flexible financing can position them to meet the evolving needs of businesses across Europe. Through insights from industry leaders and engagement with innovative solutions, attendees will be well-equipped to adapt and thrive in the dynamic landscape of 2025.