Asset finance and specialist lending markets remain active, but the operating environment has become more demanding.

Higher funding costs, slower transaction volumes and increased competition for deals are placing greater pressure on lending platforms. Many firms are navigating these conditions with lean teams while still expected to deliver strong service, disciplined underwriting and consistent revenue performance.

Our latest report examines how leadership teams across asset finance and specialist lending are managing this phase of the credit cycle. It explores the operational pressures inside lending businesses, the role of treasury and pricing discipline, and the leadership challenges involved in running sales, underwriting and operational teams when markets are slower.

It also looks at how firms are thinking about talent, incentives and leadership capability as they position themselves for the eventual recovery in lending activity.