​The Asset Finance Talent Market in 2026: What Hiring Leaders Need to Know

As we move further into 2026, the asset finance and leasing sector continues to evolve at pace. Regulatory change, technology-led transformation, shifting customer expectations, and demographic change within leadership teams are all reshaping what “good” looks like in senior and specialist hires.

At New Leaf Search, we work exclusively within asset finance, leasing, and related financial services. From this vantage point, several clear themes are emerging that hiring leaders should be actively planning for.

 1. Demand Is Outpacing Supply – Particularly at Senior Level

Across the UK and EMEA markets, we continue to see a structural shortage of high-calibre candidates with deep sector knowledge. This is most acute in roles such as:

• Senior sales and commercial leadership

• Credit and risk professionals with real-world portfolio experience

• Vendor, technology, and specialist asset finance leaders

• Transformation-focused executives who can bridge legacy and digital models

The challenge is not a lack of applicants, but a lack of relevant applicants. Businesses that rely solely on inbound CVs or generic job boards are increasingly missing the strongest passive candidates.

 2. Technical Capability Alone Is No Longer Enough

Hiring criteria have shifted materially over the past three to five years. While technical competence remains a baseline requirement, clients are now placing far greater weight on:

• Strategic thinking and commercial judgement

• Stakeholder management across vendors, banks, investors, and regulators

• Change leadership, particularly in technology and process modernisation

• Cultural alignment with increasingly agile, matrixed organisations

In short, the most successful hires are those who combine sector expertise with adaptability and leadership maturity.

 3. AI and Data Are Reshaping Roles, Not Replacing Them

AI and automation are now firmly embedded across credit decisioning, customer onboarding, portfolio management, and reporting. This is changing the shape of roles rather than eliminating them.

We are seeing increased demand for professionals who can:

• Interpret and challenge automated outputs

• Translate data into commercial decisions

• Work effectively alongside product, IT, and data teams

For employers, this means job specifications need to be sharper and more realistic. For candidates, continuous upskilling has become essential.

 4. Speed, Process, and Candidate Experience Matter More Than Ever

In a candidate-short market, process discipline is critical. Lengthy interview timelines, unclear decision-making, or poorly briefed stakeholders remain some of the most common reasons clients lose preferred candidates.

High-performing organisations typically share three traits:

• Clear role definition and success criteria

• Decisive, well-structured interview processes

• Transparent and respectful candidate communication

Executive search, when done properly, brings rigour and pace without compromising quality.

 5. Why Sector Specialism in Recruitment Matters

Asset finance is a nuanced, relationship-driven industry. Understanding differences between bank-owned lessors, independents, captives, and specialist funders is not optional; it is fundamental to effective search.

At New Leaf Search, our focus is narrow by design. That specialism allows us to:

• Accurately map competitor and adjacent-market talent

• Assess credibility beyond a CV

• Advise clients on market availability, remuneration, and realistic expectations

• Act as a trusted intermediary for both clients and candidates

 Looking Ahead

The talent market in asset finance will remain competitive throughout 2026 and beyond. Organisations that invest time upfront in defining what they truly need and partner with specialists who understand their market will consistently outperform those that do not.

If you would like a confidential discussion about current hiring conditions, talent availability, or succession planning within asset finance and leasing, we would be pleased to help.

​

New Leaf Search

Experts in asset finance & leasing recruitment.