How banks win in asset finance

Asset finance represents a vital yet often underappreciated cornerstone of modern banking. While it may account for a smaller share of balance sheets compared to retail or corporate lending, its strategic importance is difficult to overstate. Banks around the world have built deep expertise in equipment financing, auto leasing, and specialized asset-backed lending – and they continue to hold a dominant position in this market.

That dominance is well documented. Globally, banks account for approximately 65% of financial leasing revenue^[1] – a position underpinned by their capital strength, established infrastructure, and long-standing credibility with corporate customers. In the United States alone, roughly three quarters of equipment financing volume flows through the end-user’s primary bank.^[2] In Europe, banks hold 79% of asset finance receivables, with the banking sector’s market share growing a further 2% in 2024.^[3] These numbers reflect a consistent pattern: banks are not just participants in asset finance – they are its backbone.

This eBook explores how banks can build on this position of strength through well-planned adaptation, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence. It also highlights how modern technology can support continued leadership while preserving the fundamental principles that define institutional banking culture: reliability, trust, and long-term client relationships.