Nominees must operate in at least two of Europe’s five major economies and generate at least €500m in new business annually. The award will go to a European lessor who demonstrates leadership in the industry through market initiatives, innovative products, or value-added services. The judges will also consider the lessor’s brand presence across multiple jurisdictions, vendor satisfaction, and achievement of significant deal volumes.

This award honours European and UK asset finance lenders who have shown a strong commitment to supporting the SME market. Judges will look for clear evidence of engagement with SME clients, endorsements from satisfied customers, and the lender's growth trajectory in the SME sector.

This award celebrates a lessor who excels in managing distribution channels by effectively integrating channel partners, such as resellers and dealers, into their 'Go2Market' model. The judges will evaluate evidence of business growth within the distribution channel, the implementation of robust online capabilities, and the provision of value-added services that enhance the partnership.

This category recognises a lessor who has partnered with a manufacturer to deliver bespoke asset finance at the point of sale. The judges will consider evidence of strong and effective partnerships, OEM satisfaction, vendor endorsements, and a clear commitment to the specific business sector.

This award recognises firms that provide exceptional service to the leasing and asset finance industry, challenging industry norms while demonstrating deep sector expertise. Eligible companies include management consultants, legal firms, and marketing agencies. Judges will assess the breadth of services offered, successful project examples, and the firm’s reputation in the market. Talent acquisition and development will also be considered.

This award recognises a pioneering policy, product including AI, or B2B/B2C platform that transforms how lessors engage with customers, including subscription or Pay-as-you-go models. Judges will assess the innovation's impact on customer experience, cost efficiency, transaction speed, and communication effectiveness.

Nominees must have implemented a comprehensive circular economy solution, encompassing the entire value chain from collection to remarketing of used equipment. Judges will consider the effectiveness of the applicant's asset management systems, refurbishment processes, and remarketing capabilities.

This award recognises lessors who have supported the energy transition through financing innovative assets and solutions, such as renewables, EV chargers, and e-mobility. Judges will look for evidence of programme success and uptake, as well as creative approaches to emerging markets.

This award acknowledges a lessor or finance provider who has completed an innovative transaction which has broadened the scope of what the industry offered. It might be the way the deal is financed, the services offered or the way the asset is managed through the lifecycle.

This award acknowledges an OEM who has shown real integration between OEM Sales & distribution and its financing offers either through a captive or a Vendor programme, driving lease penetration through products and services which have finance embedded in their structure. Judges will consider the innovative scope of products, evidence of increased proximity with dealers and distributors driven by the embedded financing and an impact of increased new business.

This award acknowledges an investor who has made a significant contribution to the diversity of the industry by injecting new capital either in the form of debt or equity into the Leasing Industry, thereby enabling growth or reach of new or existing actors.

This category honors the most outstanding IT project delivered during the award period, recognizing excellence in execution, innovation, stakeholder collaboration, and measurable business outcomes.