Finance Connect Podcast Sponsored by Alfa

Yann Toutant, CEO and Co-Founder of Black Winch, joins the Asset Finance Connect European Equipment Finance podcast to discuss the real state of as-a-service in today’s equipment finance landscape. From defining the four levels of servitization to exploring real-world pay-per-use models, Yann shares why this business model is evolving, not disappearing.

Yann also unpacks Black Winch’s new partnership with BearingPoint and offers a compelling vision for the future of finance, circularity, and raw material reuse.

In this episode of the AFC European Equipment Finance Podcast, Carmen Ene, CEO of BNP Paribas 3stepIT, joins host Richard O’Donohue to explore how circular economy principles are reshaping IT asset management. From reducing emissions to driving cost-efficiency, Carmen shares practical insights on sustainable finance, regulatory trends, and the importance of diversity and leadership in tech.

Carmen explains how BNP Paribas 3stepIT is pioneering a circular approach to IT asset management, acquiring, managing, and refurbishing devices to extend their lifecycle. She emphasizes that achieving net zero is impossible without embracing circularity, as most emissions come from manufacturing.

The conversation highlights how refurbishing IT equipment significantly reduces environmental impact. Carmen cites research showing that their model cuts laptop emissions by 17% and reduces ecological footprint by 24%, making a strong case for sustainable IT practices.

Carmen discusses how countries like France are leading with regulations that promote refurbished tech in public procurement. She notes that similar policies are spreading across Europe, creating momentum for circular economy solutions in both public and private sectors.

Beyond environmental impact, Carmen stresses the financial and operational advantages of circular IT including lower costs, improved security, and better asset tracking. She positions sustainability as a smart business strategy, not just a moral imperative.

Carmen shares her personal journey as a female leader in tech and finance, reflecting on the importance of mentorship, male allies, and inclusive leadership. She also discusses the role of women in AI, where human-centric skills like empathy and communication are increasingly vital.

In this episode, industry experts Ian Robertson and Richard dive deep into the evolving landscape of asset finance. They explore emerging technologies like agentic AI and intelligent document processing, highlighting their real-world applications and limitations. The conversation offers valuable insight into the continued importance of human relationships in an increasingly automated world, especially in complex, high-value transactions.

Key topics include:

The growing role of AI in asset finance—and how it complements, rather than replaces, human expertise.

Transparent discussions around vendor finance and OEM partnerships.

The rising interest from alternative asset managers in under-served niches, such as sale-and-leaseback models and green energy solutions like green methanol.

Encouraging signs from the next generation in the industry, particularly their innovative thinking around AI and sustainability.

A call for the industry to better articulate its value, especially in lifecycle asset management and resource efficiency.

Whether you're a long-time industry professional or curious about the future of finance, this episode offers both strategic insight and fresh perspectives.

This special feature length episode was recorded live at the Asset Finance Connect Leaders’ Summit Europe. Richard speaks to a number of guest who attended and spoke at the event to get their views of topics discussed throughout the day such as AI.

Emily and John discuss the regulatory environment around e-invoicing and why despite the uncertainty in regulation business leaders must understand the potential benefits this can bring.

As it becomes more expensive to run a captive we discuss is it time to look again, and if captives still make sense. After all there is no single model or solution that applies to all companies.

The conversation explores the opportunities and challenges of expanding asset finance into these less familiar regions. Kumbula shares the story behind InnoVent’s founding in 2003, driven by a desire to bring transparency and customer value to operating leases. He discusses the company’s growth, including its innovative approach to asset lifecycle management and its remarketing business, Qrent, which has expanded to the UK under the brand "Second Life."

Kumbula also details InnoVent’s recent expansion into the Middle East, highlighting regulatory hurdles, cultural differences, and strong market demand for full-service operating lease solutions. With partnerships in place with HP, Lenovo, and Cisco, InnoVent is positioning itself as a trusted partner for companies looking to enter both African and GCC markets.

Richard Huston is the MD of VAMOS. VAMOS focuses on applied AI, helping businesses integrate AI for efficiency and decision-making.

Richard Huston addresses AI hype vs. reality, emphasising that AI is a tool, not a replacement for human expertise. Key applications include automating customer communications and reducing administrative workload but while still ensuring human oversight, so reducing time rather than replacing the human element.

Concerns around AI hallucinations are discussed including retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), and AI’s job impact is framed as augmentation, not elimination. He also discusses AI’s environmental footprint, arguing its benefits outweigh costs.

The episode highlights AI’s increasing accessibility, with open-source models like DeepSeek lowering costs. Richard Huston encourages experimenting with AI tools like Claude and ChatGPT.

In this episode host Richard talks with Mathilde Saint-Pol Cousteix who is the Managing Director of Econocom France (Technology Management and Financing). Richard and Mathilde discuss opportunities for increased partnerships between captives and financial institutions. The conversation also touched on innovation at Econocom in particular the sales agency model that they have introduced to the market.

The Asset Finance Connect European Equipment Finance Podcast is tailored for industry practitioners, featuring thought leaders in European equipment finance. Hosted by Richard O’Donohue, head of content (manufacturer captives) at Asset Finance Connect and former head of partnerships at Dell Financial Services, Ireland.

Each episode of our podcast will feature insightful interviews with Europe’s top leaders in equipment finance. The discussions will centre on the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for European equipment captives, banks, and independent finance providers in 2025, offering valuable perspectives to navigate the evolving industry landscape.