Host Richard O’Donohue is joined by Alex Barnes, Director of Cloud Hosting at Alfa, to explore how asset finance firms can balance innovation, cost and resilience in the cloud era. From AWS outages to DORA regulations, this episode examines how to prepare for disruption while harnessing the flexibility and speed of cloud technologies.

In this epsiode Richard speaks with Kirstine Wilson about the often-overlooked importance of customer service in the asset finance sector. Kirstine explains that in a mature and commoditized industry facing pressures from digitalization and AI, strong customer service is a key differentiator that drives profitability and loyalty. She argues that while tools like Net Promoter Score are useful, firms must balance hard metrics such as speed and payout times with softer measures like ease, reliability, and relevance to customer needs. True service excellence, she emphasizes, stems from leadership commitment and a culture that values consistent delivery across every touchpoint. While AI can enhance efficiency, she cautions that human interaction remains essential.

In this episode of the AFC European Equipment Finance Podcast, sponsored by Alfa, Richard O’Donohue speaks with Björn van den Berg, Global Director at Sandvik Financial Services and Chair of the Captives Forum. They explore the transformation of modern mining through automation, electrification, and AI, the evolving role of captives in driving equipment sales, and the growing importance of strategic partnerships in a changing regulatory and economic landscape.

In this episode of the AFC European Equipment Finance Podcast, sponsored by Alfa, host Richard O’Donohue talks with Arnaldo Rodriguez, President of CSI Leasing Inc., and Simi Thapar, Chief Country Officer, India. They discuss CSI’s global expansion into 50+ markets, the huge potential of India’s leasing sector, the growing importance of sustainability and IT asset disposition (ITAD), and how CSI’s entrepreneurial culture is shaping the future of equipment finance.

In the final episode of Asset Finance Connect’s special summer podcast series, sponsored by Alfa, host Richard O’Donohue explores the critical role of sustainability in shaping the future of equipment finance. Featuring insights from Carmen Ene (BNP Paribas 3 Step IT), Yann Toutant (Black Winch), and Richard Huston (VAMOS), this mash-up edition dives into the circular economy, resource scarcity, and the environmental impact of AI - revealing how the leasing industry can help accelerate the transition to net zero.

In the second of Asset Finance Connect’s special summer episodes of the European Equipment Finance podcast series, sponsored by Alfa, host Richard O’Donohue spotlights the evolving role of captives in European equipment finance. With rising costs and funding pressures reshaping the market, industry leaders from zeb consulting, Econocom France, InnoVent, Invigors, and Cisco Systems Capital share their insights on cost efficiency, innovative funding models, and the importance of partnerships - and people - in building resilient captive strategies.

In this special summer edition of the Asset Finance Connect European Equipment Finance Podcast, sponsored by Alfa, Richard O’Donohue revisits standout conversations on how AI is reshaping the European asset finance industry in 2025 and beyond. From practical operational tools to entire AI-driven executive teams, and from cultural adoption challenges to the opportunities AI creates for women and empathetic leaders, this episode explores the real-world potential - and limits - of artificial intelligence in business. Featuring insights from Richard Huston (VAMOS), Allegra Patrizi (Claridora AI), Emily Hammond (Alfa), John Murray (Alfa), and Carmen Ene (BNP Paribas 3-Step IT).

In the latest episode of the Asset Finance Connect European Equipment Finance podcast, sponsored by Alfa, Richard O’Donohue sits down with Allegra Patrizi, founder of Claridora AI, to explore the emerging world of agentic AI and how it’s already transforming leadership, operations, and personal career reinvention. A newcomer to the Asset Finance Connect stage, Patrizi made waves at the recent AFC Europe Leaders’ Summit in Amsterdam, where conversations around AI, particularly agentic AI, dominated the agenda. Her rapid shift from seasoned executive to hands-on AI entrepreneur offered a unique and practical perspective that resonated strongly with attendees.

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.

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.

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.

This episode offers fresh insights into high-growth regions and the evolving role of partnerships in global asset finance.

In this episode Richard interviews Richard Huston, MD of VAMOS, on AI in asset finance.

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 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.