ELFA’s inaugural Research Agenda reflects the strength of collaboration across the equipment finance industry.
The ELFA and Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation Research Committees formed one unified group of industry thought leaders. Through their collective knowledge and experience, the committee helped create a strategic framework designed to deliver actionable business intelligence for ELFA members and the broader equipment finance community.
These six new themes will serve as an organizational roadmap, directly supporting legislative and regulatory advocacy priorities, research benchmarking metrics, session content at events, and professional development in education.
A special thank you to David Normandin, CLFP, Chair of ELFA’s Research Committee and President and CEO of Wintrust Specialty Finance, for his leadership in guiding this newly combined committee and helping shape the direction of this important work.
We are also grateful to the members of the Research Committee for lending their expertise, perspective, and dedication to this process. Their leadership will help ensure ELFA’s research continues to address the key topics, challenges, and opportunities facing equipment finance companies today and in the years ahead.
Learn more about our Inaugural Research Agenda: https://t.co/QXoWE4z9qs
Today, ELFA is proud to launch our inaugural Research Agenda, establishing a permanent strategic framework designed to deliver actionable business intelligence for the equipment finance industry and our members.
The process began with a comprehensive member survey and was strengthened by input from members of the unified ELFA and Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation Research Committees. The agenda’s priorities were then vetted by industry executives to ensure they reflect the most pressing operational needs facing the equipment finance industry today.
These newly identified pillars will serve as an organizational roadmap, directly supporting legislative and regulatory advocacy priorities, benchmarking metrics in research, session content at events, and professional development in education.
➡️ Industry Modernization
➡️ Economic Navigation
➡️ Workforce Evolution
➡️ Capital Markets
➡️ Regulatory Environment
➡️ Fraud Defense
We appreciate our members’ service, dedication, and leadership in helping set the course for ELFA’s research agenda and shaping insights that will support the equipment finance industry moving forward.
Learn More: https://t.co/qITiI4PRpU
The future of work is moving fast, but technology is only half the equation.
The organizations that succeed tomorrow will be the ones that invest in their people as boldly as they invest in innovation.
Get ready for the 2026 Power of People Summit, a professional development experience designed specifically for equipment leasing and finance professionals who are ready to lead through change.
As AI and shifting workforce expectations redefine our industry, this summit is your blueprint for the power moves that build:
➡️ Stronger, adaptable teams
➡️ Healthier cultures
➡️ Workplaces where people and progress move forward together
📅 Mark your calendars: Registration opens July 1! https://t.co/JwzCHXJ8pa
The commercial equipment finance industry entered 2026 with cautious optimism.
Demand fundamentals remain strong, supported by continued capital expenditure, infrastructure investment and the ongoing buildout of AI-related capacity. But today’s growth story is also taking shape alongside a more complex and shifting risk environment - one that requires a sharper, more adaptive risk management framework.
Read the latest insights from Melissa Fisher, Chief Risk Officer of Mazo Capital Solutions, on what this means for the industry: https://t.co/q8TN1PQPbE
ELFA is proud to announce that Kelli Nienaber has been named Senior Vice President of Industry Advancement. She will also continue serving as Executive Director of the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation.
In this newly established role, Kelli will help lead a division that brings together ELFA’s research, education, and professional communities, as well as the Foundation’s workforce development initiatives.
This work reflects an important connection for the future of equipment finance: aligning the knowledge that informs our industry with the people who will lead it forward.
Please join us in congratulating Kelli on this exciting new chapter. https://t.co/80s20NAuih
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Equipment Finance Hall of Fame.
This honor recognizes dedicated members whose leadership, service and lasting contributions have helped shape the equipment finance profession and inspire others throughout their careers.
Do you know a leader whose impact deserves to be recognized?
Submit a nomination and help celebrate the individuals who have made a meaningful difference in our industry.
Nominations are open through July 13, 2026. https://t.co/669pq0m4DQ
AI is no longer a future concept for equipment finance. It is already changing how firms work, make decisions, and serve customers.
In the latest issue of Equipment Leasing & Finance magazine, we look at how five firms are using AI to rethink daily operations, improve efficiency and prepare their teams for what comes next.
The story features perspectives from industry leaders Cory Damm (Elevex Capital), Jeremy Gillam (Amur Equipment Finance), Lilian Starr (First Citizens Bank Equipment Finance), Moto Tohda (Tokyo Century USA), and Brian Holand (Fleet Advantage.
Read the full story: How 5 Firms Are Using AI to Rethink the Way They Work https://t.co/fILEezLJXL
President & CEO @leighlytle issued the following statement on Brian Johnson's nomination to serve as Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, ELFA and our government affairs team look forward to working with Brian on policies that provide clear, consistent rules for our industry.
https://t.co/DfqRfM0TYW
There’s still time to register!
Join us on Thursday, June 18, at 2:00 PM ET for Brain Health at Work: Building Focus, Resilience, and Long-Term Well-Being.
Dr. Dung Trinh of Healthy Brain Clinic will lead a practical conversation on how the body, mind, and sense of purpose work together to support focus, performance, resilience, and long-term well-being.
Sponsored by ELFA’s Women’s Subcommittee, this webinar will offer valuable insights for professionals looking to strengthen well-being at work and beyond.
Register today: https://t.co/ip63HQxiDa
Join us on Thursday, June 18, at 2:00 PM ET for the Brain Health at Work: Building Focus, Resilience, and Long-Term Well-Being webinar.
Dr. Dung Trinh of Healthy Brain Clinic will explore how brain health is shaped by the interconnected roles of the body, mind, and purpose.
This practical and inclusive conversation, sponsored by our Women’s Subcommittee, will offer insights into how physical habits, mental resilience and a sense of purpose can support focus, performance and long-term well-being at work and beyond.
Register today: https://t.co/xXmrzqC0Xr
Demand for equipment remains strong.
As economy-wide investment surged in Q1, continued demand for data centers and other information-processing equipment is helping offset the impact of slower household spending.
Get the latest insights on equipment demand, asset values, market conditions, and what to expect across the industry in our newly designed Q2 Economic Outlook.
Member exclusive: https://t.co/LjIHycBlXl
The latest CapEx Finance Index shows an industry navigating uncertainty with resilience.
"This past quarter, we’ve seen a clear shift: global economic changes and changing expectations mean businesses and municipalities are being incredibly deliberate with their capital,” said Dominic Janney, President of Canon Financial Services. “They're cautious, and rightly so. But postponing critical equipment upgrades poses a massive risk to staying competitive. As financing partners, we must step up. That means deepening our client relationships, staying agile on pricing, and building customized, flexible solutions. If we can remove capital as a barrier, we empower our clients to navigate these external pressures and confidently invest in their future."
As businesses and municipalities evaluate capital decisions more carefully, equipment finance continues to play a critical role in helping organizations move forward, invest with confidence, and stay competitive.
Read the latest CFI: https://t.co/ox4fgu1NB6
The latest CapEx Finance Index shows equipment finance activity remains on pace for its best year on record.
While new deal growth edged down again in April, total new business volume among surveyed ELFA member companies reached $10.6 billion on a seasonally adjusted basis.
Year-to-date NBV is up 15.0% compared to the same period in 2025, with year-over-year NBV increasing 9.6% on a non-seasonally adjusted basis.
The latest data also shows strengthening financial conditions, helping bolster balance-sheet resilience as the industry continues to navigate economic uncertainty, ongoing conflict in the Middle East, and shifting monetary policy dynamics.
Explore the latest CFI: https://t.co/ox4fgu1NB6
The May/June issue of Equipment Leasing & Finance magazine is here.
This issue dives into the state of credit and collections, offering timely perspectives on the pressures, priorities, and opportunities shaping today’s business environment.
Also featured: How five industry firms are using AI to rethink the way they work, from improving internal processes to driving smarter decision-making across their organizations.
Explore the latest issue: https://t.co/Sb04cQt6kC
We are proud to announce that Dominic A. Liberatore, Deputy General Counsel for DLL, was named the 2026 recipient of the David H. Fenig Distinguished Service in Advocacy Award during our annual policy summit.
Dominic has been a longtime advocate for the equipment finance industry and a dedicated supporter of ELFA’s federal and state advocacy agenda.
His leadership has helped advance important regulatory and legal issues impacting the industry, including work related to e-leasing, e-docs, and e-chattel paper.
In addition to his advocacy contributions, Dominic has served in several ELFA leadership roles, including past Chair of the ELFA Legal Committee. He currently serves as ELFA Legal Subcommittee Coordinator.
Please join us in congratulating Dominic on this well-deserved recognition. #ELFACapCon
🎬 That’s a wrap on the 2026 @ELFAOnline Capitol Connections! Our team had a great time connecting with industry peers, discussing key issues impacting equipment finance, and helping amplify the industry’s voice on Capitol Hill. 🇺🇸 ✨ #ELFACapCon
Equipment finance is on Capitol Hill.
Today, ELFA members are meeting with policymakers to share firsthand how our industry supports businesses, drives investment, and strengthens communities across the country.
These conversations are how we move the needle, build understanding, and make sure the voice of equipment finance is heard in Washington. #ELFACapCon
Today, ELFA members are on Capitol Hill to tell the story of our $1.3 trillion industry and the critical role equipment finance plays in supporting businesses, communities, and the broader economy.
We appreciate former Congressman John Delaney for joining us at this morning’s breakfast and helping set the stage for a strong day of advocacy.
As our members meet with policymakers, we are making sure the voice of equipment finance is heard where it matters most.
We are looking forward to a productive day on Capitol Hill. #ELFACapCon