The annual ranking of Europe’s leading asset finance providers reveals today the leasing companies that delivered industry growth during a year in which the asset finance industry continued to navigate the challenges and knock-on effects of the Covid pandemic.
The Asset Finance Europe 50 is the unique European annual ranking survey of business equipment and fleet lessors that provides an objective overview of all parts of the European leasing market.
The research reveals that the industry managed to maintain overall growth despite the impact of the pandemic, 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 lease receivables calculated by the research were €322 billion during 2021, a rise of 1.3%, slightly less than the growth recorded the previous year.
However, this growth is not divided equally between AFE50 members. Of the 50 companies listed, 32 recorded portfolio growth, one recorded no movement in their portfolio, while 17 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 £402 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 2021, with the latest being 31 July 2022.
This means the report provides valuable insights into industry performance as European economies began to return to some sort of normality following the lockdowns and disruption of the Covid crisis.
Andrew Denton, CEO of AFE50 sponsor Alfa, said: “The unprecedented challenges faced by asset finance companies in 2021 were met with resilience and determination from the industry. All companies featured in this year’s report, many of whom have the Alfa Systems platform at the centre of their strategy, should be congratulated for their work in the face of economic adversity whilst making vast contributions to achieving a more sustainable economy.”
To review the exclusive insights in this year’s edition, download your copy today using the link below.
