The 2026 AI &
Transformation Benchmark:
What Lenders, Lessors & Vendors Are Really Doing
How Asset, Auto and Equipment Finance organisations are approaching AI adoption, data readiness, capability gaps and workforce change — based on responses from senior leaders across the sector.
What You'll Learn
AI Readiness
Reality
There's a significant gap between where lenders say they are on AI and where they actually are. The data tells a different story.
Data Quality
Truths
Data readiness is the issue most organisations know about but few discuss openly. The findings confirm why it matters more than the technology itself.
Capability
Gaps
The roles this market needs most for AI delivery are also the hardest to find. The skills shortage is more specific than most firms have planned for.
Transformation
Trends
Investment is rising, but it's concentrating in particular areas. Understanding where budget is actually going in 2026 changes how you read the market.
Leadership
Sentiment
Senior leaders across Asset, Auto and Equipment Finance shared what they're genuinely concerned about. It's not what most people would expect.
Why This Benchmark Matters Right Now
The sector is moving. But not always in the direction people assume.
This report gives a clear, data-led picture of how AI adoption is taking shape across Asset, Auto and Equipment Finance, including what leaders are prioritising, where progress is stalling, and what the talent and capability implications are for 2026.
Who Contributed to the Survey
Responses came from senior leaders across lenders, lessors, captives, software vendors, and system integrators including:
- CEOs, CTOs, CIOs, COOs
- Heads of Automation & Change
- Heads of Data & Analytics
- Delivery and Transformation Leads
A Glimpse Into the Findings
Report running pilots or proof of concepts.
See the strongest business impact in document processing and data extraction.
Expect to redeploy / reskill existing staff in the next 2 years.