The research reveals that the industry managed to maintain overall growth despite facing turbulent times, although at much lower levels than previous years, as expansion for some providers was offset by reduced receivables for others.

Overall, total business equipment and vehicle lease receivables calculated by the research were €310 billion during 2022, a rise of around 1.7%.

However, this growth is not divided equally between AFE50 members. Of the 50 companies listed, 34 recorded portfolio growth, while 16 saw declines in their book, including several seeing double-digit percentage falls.

The top 50 companies listed in the AFE50 represent an estimated 80% of the wider industry, suggesting total business equipment and vehicle lease receivables of around £390 billion.

The AFE50 is based on audited and publicly available annual accounts to ensure it is accurate and compliant with competition law and regulations; for most firms, the report includes data for year-ends 31 December 2022, with the latest being 31 March 2023.

This means the report provides valuable insights into industry performance during 2022 and key trends that are shaping and changing the European asset finance industry as it faces persistent and relentless challenges, posed by a high-interest-rate environment, supply chain bottlenecks, the Russia-Ukraine conflict and soaring energy prices.

Andrew Denton, CEO of AFE50 sponsor Alfa, said: “All the AFE50 companies in this report, including many powered by the Alfa Systems platform, deserve recognition for their determination and resilience in evolving and adapting their businesses and supporting their customers in an uncertain economic environment.”

This year’s AFE50 Report also includes a special feature shining a spotlight on women in leasing, while Leaseurope’s Tham Giang looks at the role of leasing in Europe’s carbon neutrality targets.

To review the exclusive insights in this year’s edition, download your copy today using the link below.