Digitalisation

Using new technology and Open Banking to increase lending and reduce the risk of defaults

Asset finance companies can transform the way they approach risk by embracing digitalisation and the power of open banking to turn data into effective insights. Fred Kelly, chief executive officer of Credit Kudos has built its credit reference agency platform around the in-depth customer knowledge that open banking can generate, enhanced by the ‘secret sauce’ of its own analytics engine. He told an International Asset Finance Network conference that data was changing the way businesses measure affordability and risk.

Using new technology and Open Banking to increase lending and reduce the risk of defaults

Nov 23, 2020

Asset finance companies can transform the way they approach risk by embracing digitalisation and the power of open banking to turn data into effective insights. Fred Kelly, chief executive officer of Credit Kudos has built its credit reference agency platform around the in-depth customer knowledge that open banking can generate, enhanced by the ‘secret sauce’ of its own analytics engine. He told an International Asset Finance Network conference that data was changing the way businesses measure affordability and risk.

White Clarke Group unveil raft of new updates to finance application portal

UK-based finance software provider, White Clarke Group, have revealed the latest version of its CALMS Customer Direct module which aims to better support finance companies in the process of digitalising their online finance services. Designed to simplify and automate the complete end-to-end finance application journey, White Clarke Group explained that the core concept of the module is to enable customers to select finance options online, at their own pace and from the comfort of their own home.

White Clarke Group unveil raft of new updates to finance application portal

Nov 09, 2020

UK-based finance software provider, White Clarke Group, have revealed the latest version of its CALMS Customer Direct module which aims to better support finance companies in the process of digitalising their online finance services. Designed to simplify and automate the complete end-to-end finance application journey, White Clarke Group explained that the core concept of the module is to enable customers to select finance options online, at their own pace and from the comfort of their own home.

White Clarke Group launches Swiss leasing market report

Global finance technology company White Clarke Group has released a new country survey for the Swiss leasing market. Produced in association with the World Leasing Yearbook, the annual survey provides an assessment of the national leasing markets of Switzerland, focusing on the period up to mid-2019. Comprised of in-depth research conducted on behalf of Schweizerischer Leasingverband SLV/Association Suisse des Sociétés de Leasing ASSL, the survey offers a wealth of Switzerland’s leasing industry insights.

White Clarke Group launches Swiss leasing market report

Nov 02, 2020

Global finance technology company White Clarke Group has released a new country survey for the Swiss leasing market. Produced in association with the World Leasing Yearbook, the annual survey provides an assessment of the national leasing markets of Switzerland, focusing on the period up to mid-2019. Comprised of in-depth research conducted on behalf of Schweizerischer Leasingverband SLV/Association Suisse des Sociétés de Leasing ASSL, the survey offers a wealth of Switzerland’s leasing industry insights.

 

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Technology and talent: the keys to the future of asset finance

Technology and talented employees will be essential elements in driving future asset finance growth within a more complex business environment, according to a panel of industry chief executives and leaders. Although digitalisation has the potential to transform business processes and speed up customer service, they agreed that asset finance “will always be a people business”. Mark Picken, CEO at Shire Leasing, said: “Technology is a huge enabler. It is expensive, but it is essential. I believe that this will always be a people business and people will buy from people; they just need the process when they are not interacting with a person to be much slicker and technology-led.”

Technology and talent: the keys to the future of asset finance

Oct 12, 2020

Technology and talented employees will be essential elements in driving future asset finance growth within a more complex business environment, according to a panel of industry chief executives and leaders. Although digitalisation has the potential to transform business processes and speed up customer service, they agreed that asset finance “will always be a people business”. Mark Picken, CEO at Shire Leasing, said: “Technology is a huge enabler. It is expensive, but it is essential. I believe that this will always be a people business and people will buy from people; they just need the process when they are not interacting with a person to be much slicker and technology-led.”

Why India offers a ‘blue ocean’ market for asset finance

India presents a multi-billion-dollar growth opportunity for asset finance companies as a ‘blue ocean’ market. This was the view of Simi Thapar, former head of equipment finance and leasing solutions at Tata Capital, who called for a formal association for the Indian asset financing industry to enable global participation in its growing markets. Speaking before she moved to a new role outside the business, Thapar explained: “The potential is huge. It’s a blue ocean for anyone to set up in the country.”

Why India offers a ‘blue ocean’ market for asset finance

Sep 28, 2020

India presents a multi-billion-dollar growth opportunity for asset finance companies as a ‘blue ocean’ market. This was the view of Simi Thapar, former head of equipment finance and leasing solutions at Tata Capital, who called for a formal association for the Indian asset financing industry to enable global participation in its growing markets. Speaking before she moved to a new role outside the business, Thapar explained: “The potential is huge. It’s a blue ocean for anyone to set up in the country.”

Industry leaders reveal strategic plan for asset finance

More than 100 asset finance leaders have revealed their vision for the future of asset finance in a post-Covid world. In the special report, business leaders, including senior executives from some of Europe’s largest asset finance companies, assess industry changes caused by the pandemic and how they will reshape the long-term asset finance landscape. Since the Coronavirus crisis first appeared on the world stage, it has driven change at an unprecedented pace, as communities and companies have been forced to adapt.

Industry leaders reveal strategic plan for asset finance

Sep 03, 2020

More than 100 asset finance leaders have revealed their vision for the future of asset finance in a post-Covid world. In the special report, business leaders, including senior executives from some of Europe’s largest asset finance companies, assess industry changes caused by the pandemic and how they will reshape the long-term asset finance landscape. Since the Coronavirus crisis first appeared on the world stage, it has driven change at an unprecedented pace, as communities and companies have been forced to adapt.

Seven steps to servitisation in auto lending

The move towards servitisation will require companies to explore new business models, which has significant implications for auto finance leaders. Research carried out by global automotive, consumer and equipment finance software company White Clarke Group found that concerns around servitisation and the circular economy were a key area of focus during its discussions with industry leaders. The majority expected rapid growth in subscription services within the next five years, but they questioned the future growth of the pay-per use market, with key concerns including complex payment structures for customers.

Seven steps to servitisation in auto lending

Aug 19, 2020

The move towards servitisation will require companies to explore new business models, which has significant implications for auto finance leaders. Research carried out by global automotive, consumer and equipment finance software company White Clarke Group found that concerns around servitisation and the circular economy were a key area of focus during its discussions with industry leaders. The majority expected rapid growth in subscription services within the next five years, but they questioned the future growth of the pay-per use market, with key concerns including complex payment structures for customers.

World Finance introduces White Clarke Group’s loan origination software to drive growth

World Finance has implemented White Clarke Group’s CALMS loan origination software to drive growth and enhance efficiency. The partnership follows an industry-wide search for the best system by World Finance. CALMS will automate loan origination and improve transaction speed to enhance customer service and business processing. US-based World Finance initially selected White Clarke Group to complete trials of CALMS at three branches, with the system proving its value in 90 days, leading to its implementation across the business.

World Finance introduces White Clarke Group’s loan origination software to drive growth

Aug 13, 2020

World Finance has implemented White Clarke Group’s CALMS loan origination software to drive growth and enhance efficiency. The partnership follows an industry-wide search for the best system by World Finance. CALMS will automate loan origination and improve transaction speed to enhance customer service and business processing. US-based World Finance initially selected White Clarke Group to complete trials of CALMS at three branches, with the system proving its value in 90 days, leading to its implementation across the business.

White Clarke Group introduces subscription service capabilities in partnership with Wagonex

Finance technology provider White Clarke Group has partnered with automotive subscription services company Wagonex to extend a pay-to-use car provision strategy to its customer base. Wagonex offers a wide range of vehicles to customers through a number of manufacturer partners, which are all offered for an all-inclusive monthly fee. The new integration with White Clarke Group allows the global software company to bring subscription-based capabilities to its clients throughout Europe.

White Clarke Group introduces subscription service capabilities in partnership with Wagonex

Aug 03, 2020

Finance technology provider White Clarke Group has partnered with automotive subscription services company Wagonex to extend a pay-to-use car provision strategy to its customer base. Wagonex offers a wide range of vehicles to customers through a number of manufacturer partners, which are all offered for an all-inclusive monthly fee. The new integration with White Clarke Group allows the global software company to bring subscription-based capabilities to its clients throughout Europe.

Renault’s partnership with Google Cloud aims to accelerate digitalisation in auto market

Renault and Google Cloud have announced a new partnership to fast-track the digitization of the automaker’s industrial system, and perfect it’s data management platform. With some experience developing its own digital platform, Renault focused on using the platform to connect and aggregate industrial data from 22 sites worldwide representing 76% of its vehicle production. The integration of Google Cloud’s solutions and experience in smart analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) is hoped to boost Renault’s supply chain and manufacturing efficiency and production quality, while reducing the environmental impact.

Renault’s partnership with Google Cloud aims to accelerate digitalisation in auto market

Jul 17, 2020

Renault and Google Cloud have announced a new partnership to fast-track the digitization of the automaker’s industrial system, and perfect it’s data management platform. With some experience developing its own digital platform, Renault focused on using the platform to connect and aggregate industrial data from 22 sites worldwide representing 76% of its vehicle production. The integration of Google Cloud’s solutions and experience in smart analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) is hoped to boost Renault’s supply chain and manufacturing efficiency and production quality, while reducing the environmental impact.

Coronavirus: a crisis for asset finance operations or a catalyst for technological change?

Business leaders have largely embraced the rapid introduction of home working and digital processes as an inevitable necessity. Though the global lockdown has rapidly accelerated trends in digitalisation, seeing many asset finance businesses moving their operations entirely online in a contracted timescale, the direction of these developments is not a new concept for the industry. As a result, the past three months of Zoom, Teams, and Slack meetings, shopping exclusively online, and a new appreciation for IT infrastructure staff, have defined a new – though not unexpected –future for how businesses will operate, long after office doors reopen.

Coronavirus: a crisis for asset finance operations or a catalyst for technological change?

Jul 16, 2020

Business leaders have largely embraced the rapid introduction of home working and digital processes as an inevitable necessity. Though the global lockdown has rapidly accelerated trends in digitalisation, seeing many asset finance businesses moving their operations entirely online in a contracted timescale, the direction of these developments is not a new concept for the industry. As a result, the past three months of Zoom, Teams, and Slack meetings, shopping exclusively online, and a new appreciation for IT infrastructure staff, have defined a new – though not unexpected –future for how businesses will operate, long after office doors reopen.

How augmented intelligence can unlock growth in auto finance

User experience will prove critical to extracting the most valuable insights from data as companies generate ever-greater quantities of complex information about their businesses and their customers. Although robotic process automation, analytics, and artificial intelligence can generate a wealth of valuable business data, it will never become actionable insight unless it is transformed into a usable format that executives can understand. If data is not easy to digest and interpret, then it will not provide the benefits that companies need, according to Alex Plenty, vice-president, data and analytics, Genpact. He warned: “I hear a lot of times of people building ‘data lakes’ but the data is not getting out to the business fast enough.”

How augmented intelligence can unlock growth in auto finance

Jun 22, 2020

User experience will prove critical to extracting the most valuable insights from data as companies generate ever-greater quantities of complex information about their businesses and their customers. Although robotic process automation, analytics, and artificial intelligence can generate a wealth of valuable business data, it will never become actionable insight unless it is transformed into a usable format that executives can understand. If data is not easy to digest and interpret, then it will not provide the benefits that companies need, according to Alex Plenty, vice-president, data and analytics, Genpact. He warned: “I hear a lot of times of people building ‘data lakes’ but the data is not getting out to the business fast enough.”

White Clarke Group reveals changing shape of USA leasing market

Leading finance technology company White Clarke Group has launched a new USA leasing market report that profiles a robust industry well-placed to manage the economic challenges ahead. The annual survey, produced in association with the World Leasing Yearbook, assesses the performance of the national leasing market in the USA up to mid-2019. It uses in-depth research conducted on behalf of the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation by Keybridge Research and offers a wealth of economic and industry insights, including the size of the equipment finance market before the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic.

White Clarke Group reveals changing shape of USA leasing market

Jun 10, 2020

Leading finance technology company White Clarke Group has launched a new USA leasing market report that profiles a robust industry well-placed to manage the economic challenges ahead. The annual survey, produced in association with the World Leasing Yearbook, assesses the performance of the national leasing market in the USA up to mid-2019. It uses in-depth research conducted on behalf of the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation by Keybridge Research and offers a wealth of economic and industry insights, including the size of the equipment finance market before the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Creating Mobility-as-a-Service Models

Leasing companies are focusing on their core strengths as they adapt to meet the new mobility needs of consumers. In carving a new role in the Mobility as a Service landscape, leasing companies can excel as specialist providers of vehicles to other mobility services, including global technology platforms such as Uber, in addition to their traditional role of providing vehicles direct to end-user customers. This plays to the strengths of leasing companies as vehicle management experts, particularly when it comes to serving the complex needs of large fleets.

Creating Mobility-as-a-Service Models

Jun 01, 2020

Leasing companies are focusing on their core strengths as they adapt to meet the new mobility needs of consumers. In carving a new role in the Mobility as a Service landscape, leasing companies can excel as specialist providers of vehicles to other mobility services, including global technology platforms such as Uber, in addition to their traditional role of providing vehicles direct to end-user customers. This plays to the strengths of leasing companies as vehicle management experts, particularly when it comes to serving the complex needs of large fleets.

Invisible assets - managing the rise of servitization in asset finance

The asset finance industry is changing as customers look to fund ‘invisible assets’ that fall outside traditional product boundaries. Historically, the industry used the mantra ‘you can only finance it if it has wheels on the corner’ to identify assets that could be financed, but this is no longer the case. Growing interest in servitization means companies are looking to fund access to products and services rather than owning assets themselves.

Invisible assets - managing the rise of servitization in asset finance

Apr 28, 2020

The asset finance industry is changing as customers look to fund ‘invisible assets’ that fall outside traditional product boundaries. Historically, the industry used the mantra ‘you can only finance it if it has wheels on the corner’ to identify assets that could be financed, but this is no longer the case. Growing interest in servitization means companies are looking to fund access to products and services rather than owning assets themselves.

Why digital retailing is reaching a tipping point

The online sale and purchase of used cars and vans has begun to reach a tipping point in the second half of 2019, where the vast majority of retailers are using digital avenues to retail used vehicles, according to epyx. Executives as the e-commerce solutions provider believe that the end-to-end digital processes have encompassed the world of stock acquisition and retail, and that as digital process become more comprehensive and reliable, more used car retailers are spending less time away from their desks.

Why digital retailing is reaching a tipping point

Sep 09, 2019

The online sale and purchase of used cars and vans has begun to reach a tipping point in the second half of 2019, where the vast majority of retailers are using digital avenues to retail used vehicles, according to epyx. Executives as the e-commerce solutions provider believe that the end-to-end digital processes have encompassed the world of stock acquisition and retail, and that as digital process become more comprehensive and reliable, more used car retailers are spending less time away from their desks.

Little progress on blockchain development for equipment finance, says Alta Group

The equipment finance industry is being left behind by other sectors on blockchain development, according to the latest Monitor report from The Alta Group. A blockchain is a data structure that makes it possible to create a digital ledger of data and share it among a network of independent parties. A suite of distributed ledger technologies that can be programmed to record and track anything of value. Valerie L. Gerard, senior managing director and leader of the Strategy & Competitive Alignment Practice for The Alta Group’s consulting services, said that while other sectors are diving or wading in to blockchain development, equipment finance companies aren’t there yet.

Little progress on blockchain development for equipment finance, says Alta Group

Aug 22, 2019

The equipment finance industry is being left behind by other sectors on blockchain development, according to the latest Monitor report from The Alta Group. A blockchain is a data structure that makes it possible to create a digital ledger of data and share it among a network of independent parties. A suite of distributed ledger technologies that can be programmed to record and track anything of value. Valerie L. Gerard, senior managing director and leader of the Strategy & Competitive Alignment Practice for The Alta Group’s consulting services, said that while other sectors are diving or wading in to blockchain development, equipment finance companies aren’t there yet.

Delivering the roadmap from product sales to servitization

Funders need to change and adapt to take maximum advantage of the financing opportunities related to servitization. The transition from financing products to delivering outcomes is lengthy and challenging but with a clear focus new services can thrive, according to Nick Feasey, former director of funding and strategy at Lenovo Financial Services. Speaking at the International Asset Finance Network conference, before he left the role, he said: “There’s a huge opportunity and a lot of those cash customers are now asking about this type of model, which I think is great for the asset finance industry.”

Delivering the roadmap from product sales to servitization

Aug 21, 2019

Funders need to change and adapt to take maximum advantage of the financing opportunities related to servitization. The transition from financing products to delivering outcomes is lengthy and challenging but with a clear focus new services can thrive, according to Nick Feasey, former director of funding and strategy at Lenovo Financial Services. Speaking at the International Asset Finance Network conference, before he left the role, he said: “There’s a huge opportunity and a lot of those cash customers are now asking about this type of model, which I think is great for the asset finance industry.”

Creating the Amazon of asset finance to overcome servitization barriers

Asset finance companies will need new skills and updated business models to meet the changing asset finance needs of their customers. Customer expectations are being influenced by the ‘Amazon effect’ as they want business solutions to be just as flexible as the services they use in private. Servitization is a major industry trend, through which business customers pay for outcomes instead of traditional assets. The medical industry is already seeing this impact, with some health authorities shifting their strategies from spending millions of pounds purchasing specialist equipment to paying per usage for the scans instead.

Creating the Amazon of asset finance to overcome servitization barriers

Aug 07, 2019

Asset finance companies will need new skills and updated business models to meet the changing asset finance needs of their customers. Customer expectations are being influenced by the ‘Amazon effect’ as they want business solutions to be just as flexible as the services they use in private. Servitization is a major industry trend, through which business customers pay for outcomes instead of traditional assets. The medical industry is already seeing this impact, with some health authorities shifting their strategies from spending millions of pounds purchasing specialist equipment to paying per usage for the scans instead.

Adapting asset finance to support servitization as lines blur between products and services

Manufacturers and their finance partners can exploit an important opportunity for growth by embracing the potential benefits of servitization. Servitization is the innovation of a manufacturer’s capabilities to compete through services rather than simply products alone, which enhances customer insights and generates long-term loyalty. The potential benefits to manufacturers and their asset finance partners were analysed during the International Asset Finance Network conference by Tim Baines, professor of operations strategy and executive director, The Advanced Services Group, at Aston Business School.

Adapting asset finance to support servitization as lines blur between products and services

Jul 25, 2019

Manufacturers and their finance partners can exploit an important opportunity for growth by embracing the potential benefits of servitization. Servitization is the innovation of a manufacturer’s capabilities to compete through services rather than simply products alone, which enhances customer insights and generates long-term loyalty. The potential benefits to manufacturers and their asset finance partners were analysed during the International Asset Finance Network conference by Tim Baines, professor of operations strategy and executive director, The Advanced Services Group, at Aston Business School.

Development of new fleet services 'hampered by poor access to connected car data'

Vehicle manufacturers are hampering the development of new services for connected cars by restricting access to data, an industry supplier claims. Technology provider epyx warns that connected car data is being processed and shared by manufacturers using outdated methods, which blocks access to live streams that could power new services. As a growing number of connected cars are launched by manufacturers, the row is likely to intensify. For most modern connected cars, the vehicle can establish direct links to the manufacturer, so the car can share a wealth of data if the owner approves. This can range from mileage information to data from any of the hundreds of processors now fitted to vehicles, which can then be used to provide added-value services such as predictive maintenance or even driving advice to improve fuel economy. While manufacturers are already making this data available to suppliers, such as leasing companies, epyx argues the delivery method is too cumbersome and limits its value.

Development of new fleet services 'hampered by poor access to connected car data'

Jul 23, 2019

Vehicle manufacturers are hampering the development of new services for connected cars by restricting access to data, an industry supplier claims. Technology provider epyx warns that connected car data is being processed and shared by manufacturers using outdated methods, which blocks access to live streams that could power new services. As a growing number of connected cars are launched by manufacturers, the row is likely to intensify. For most modern connected cars, the vehicle can establish direct links to the manufacturer, so the car can share a wealth of data if the owner approves. This can range from mileage information to data from any of the hundreds of processors now fitted to vehicles, which can then be used to provide added-value services such as predictive maintenance or even driving advice to improve fuel economy. While manufacturers are already making this data available to suppliers, such as leasing companies, epyx argues the delivery method is too cumbersome and limits its value.