Training gaps are pushing people to leave, says industry talent report

The NextGen Talent Report 2026, published in June by Finance Connect with The Leasing Foundation and the NextGen Council of Receivables Finance Connect, asked people working in asset, equipment, auto and receivables finance about their careers and the training they get.

What it found

• Training leans towards compliance. 81% had received mandatory compliance and regulatory training in the past two years, but only 34% had access to mentoring and 13% had completed an industry qualification.
• People want something different. 96% said job-specific skills training helps careers progress, and 85% named mentoring as one of the most important ways to develop.
• It affects who stays. 47% had left a role, or seriously considered it, because of limited development opportunities, and 45% would consider moving to a competitor with a stronger training programme. Among people with three to ten years' experience, it was 60%.
• Few see a clear path. Only 45% agreed that their employer has a structured career progression framework.
• But people like the industry. 82% would recommend a career in specialist lending to a friend.

Finance Connect's coverage doesn't say how many people took part.

What the people behind it said

Alexandra McWilliams, Head of Brand & Communications at Simply Asset Finance and a director of The Leasing Foundation, said the findings were a clear signal for change, and that the industry isn't investing in training in the right areas. Ted Winterton, Managing Director of Cynergy Business Finance and chair of the NextGen Council, argued for a joined-up, industry-wide approach, and the report's publishers are calling for a cross-industry working group to take it forward.

What it means

If you're hiring, development is part of the offer. Mentoring, job-specific training and a visible route to the next role are worth spelling out in the job description and at interview. Our guide on how to brief a recruiter covers what to share.

If you're looking, ask about these things before you accept: who you'd learn from, what training is on offer beyond compliance, and what the next step up looks like. See how to prepare for an asset finance interview.

Sources

• Finance Connect, Training mismatch driving retention risk in specialist lending, 16 June 2026
• Finance Connect, Building a career in asset or receivables finance, 4 June 2026