A record number of delegates attended the annual International Asset Finance Network conference in London to gain insights into the disruptive impact of digitalisation and servitisation.

The packed event attracted more than 430 senior industry figures to network and discuss the most pressing strategic issues affecting their businesses.

The packed agenda included the presentation of the findings of a major new study conducted by Professor Tim Baines of Aston Business School into the changing roles of fleet, auto retail and equipment finance providers as digitalisation and servitisation begins to transform the auto and equipment finance industry.

In addition to the launch of the report, supported by headline sponsor White Clarke Group, the event included insight on the power of IT economics from HPE Financial Services and a presentation from DLL on how the bank-owned lessor is working with manufacturers to enable them to change from supplying products to providing services.

The day included three packed streams covering specific finance sectors in detail, focused on auto finance, equipment finance and fleet finance, where issues covered included the future of the company car, the future of the traditional auto finance model and the role of collaboration in solving SME finance challenges.

Sessions also included guidance on how executives can create an innovation culture and the opportunities and challenges for tech providers in asset finance.

During the networking sessions, hundreds of delegates mingled with the event sponsors and visited Fintech Alley, a new innovation at the event designed to showcase new ideas and fresh thinking in the asset finance market.

The record-breaking conference, held at 155 Bishopsgate in London, was followed by the annual International Asset Finance Network Awards.

More than 20 companies supported the event, including headline sponsor White Clarke Group.