Global commercial equipment finance expert Bob Rinaldi has launched a series of video interviews – called Leasing Legends – engaging with some of the key influencers in the finance industry. In the fourth and final in a series of discussions with Arnaldo Rodriguez, president of CSI Leasing, he discusses CSI’s global footprint and its unique position in the market.
CSI Leasing has developed one of the largest geographic footprints of any independent lessor, covering 36 markets around the world.
In addition to its extensive Latin American coverage, the business covers the US, Canada and key European markets, including the five biggest economies of France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK.
Its coverage also extends to eastern Europe, covering Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, while in Asia it is present in China, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, via parent company Tokyo Century, the Philippines and Taiwan.
Arnaldo Rodriguez, president of CSI Leasing, revealed how the complexity of its initial growth in Latin America had a significant impact on the shape of its workforce.
He said: “We have 250 employees of which 11 are lawyers, so that kind of gives you an indication of how complicated the legal environment can be.
“The Latin America market has changed a lot, so it’s a lot more competitive today than it was when we started, when we had early mover advantage. When I look at some of the companies that started after us, I see that some have payback periods of five or six years and you can see how long they have been losing money. There is a word of caution for anyone who would want to get into that market now.”
You can see part 4 of the interview below, or view other Leasing Legends videos by visiting the interview hub.
* Bob Rinaldi provides advisory services to independent lessors, financial institutions, industry service providers, manufacturers, and international firms entering the US equipment finance marketplace. Major services include new business development and confidential advisory services to principals and CEOs.
