The UK Asset Finance Connect Autumn Conference 2025

Welcome to the AFC UK Autumn 2025 Conference!

Celebrating the 20th Asset Finance Connect UK Conference

The day before the Chancellor delivers the Autumn Statement, join leaders across asset, equipment, auto and receivables finance for a one-day, no-nonsense briefing on what’s changing — in government, regulation, technology and SME lending — and how to respond.

You’ll leave with clear actions for 2025–26, new connections, and practical ideas to cut cost-to-serve and grow originations.

Headline theme: The Autumn Statement — what to expect & what it means for lenders:

• Pre-budget outlook: A live interview with Debapratim “Debo” De, Director of Economic Research, Deloitte, on likely measures and their impact on UK lending and investment.
• Community impact panel: What the Autumn Statement could mean for asset & equipment finance, auto finance, and receivables finance.
• Association perspectives: As a new CEO takes the helm at the FLA, we explore how trade bodies can influence policy, engage regulators and communicate in a social-media-first era.

Law, regulation & the commission wars: your complete redress roadmap Three-stage, end-to-end coverage of the FCA’s forthcoming redress scheme — before, during and after consultation — delivered in association with Shoosmiths:

• What we know now about the redress scheme
• How to be ready for go-live in early 2026
• The outlook for auto & asset finance beyond redress

Lending to SMEs: policy shifts & unintended consequences:

• Supply-side changes: Private vs bank credit and the expanding role of the British Business Bank
• Independent & challenger dynamics: How public policy and margin pressure are reshaping large banks’ appetite — and where nimble lenders can win
• Broker channel futures: The long-term impact of the commission wars on unregulated, broker-introduced business — risk, reward and the next decade’s model

Technology that moves the needle: originations & AI Originations first: How leading lenders are redesigning broker and proposal journeys to drive approvals, speed and accuracy. Real-world case studies include:

• Haydock Finance — QA initiative tracking Proposal Accuracy, Approval/Decline/Take-up and Payout Accuracy to streamline end-to-end flow
• Paragon Bank — expanding SME lending support for faster broker responsiveness
• United Trust Bank (2025) — broker-first, API-enabled automation of routine tasks to free time for complex deals
• Cambridge & Counties Bank — record lending via targeted automation and specialist hiring, deepening existing broker engagement
• Propel Finance — sustained growth (2021–2024) blending digital platforms with high-touch service AI that pays for itself:
• Dragons’ Den: “oven-ready” innovations focused on cost-to-serve reduction and measurable wins
• Tooling, workflows and governance that scale beyond pilots

Viewpoints: what the industry really thinks:

• Soapbox: Rapid-fire, strongly argued perspectives from operators and investors
• Starting from a blank sheet: Designing the AI-driven asset finance lender of tomorrow
• Next Gen (TBA): The Leasing Foundation’s rising leaders on culture, talent and tech
• AFC Oxford Debate: “This House believes the future of SME lending will be direct and not via intermediaries.” Expect sharp arguments, poll-tested, with audience cross-examination.

Join over 450 industry leaders and practitioners at one of London’s premier venues for networking and discussions on the latest opportunities and challenges in the asset finance sector.

The Conference will feature dedicated workshops, roundtables and streams of content for asset finance brokers, lenders, technology specialists, and the next generation of industry professionals.

For more information or to register your place, visit the AFC UK Autumn 2025 Conference website.

Pre-Conference Drinks for Corporate Members & Sponsors: Kick Off the Networking Early!

Join us for a relaxed evening of networking before the AFC Autumn Conference officially begins! Asset Finance Connect’s pre-conference meet up, sponsored by Odessa, will be hosted at The Grind, BrewDog Waterloo which is walking distance from the Conference venue. Our team will be there from 18:00 to share a beer, a pizza or even a chicken wing and catch up pre-conference. This networking event is exclusively for our corporate members and sponsors.

When: 24th November; from 18:00

Where: The Grind, BrewDog Waterloo – Unit G, Waterloo Station. 01The Sidings, Waterloo Road, London SE1 7BH

Why Attend?

Connect: Meet industry leaders, speakers, and fellow attendees in a casual atmosphere.

Unwind: Enjoy a beer to relax before the conference.

Engage: Share ideas and build connections that could lead to new collaborations.

Don’t miss this chance to start your conference experience on the right foot! We look forward to seeing you there!