Asset financing has been around as long as businesses have needed to free up their cashflow, and like any industry, it ebbs and flows with the times. 2025 is undoubtedly an interesting year for the economy, with the rise of AI and an increasing sustainability consciousness changing the way a lot of people do business.

These trends, and more, have had an impact on the way business owners access capital for continuing work, quick adaptation, and bridging unexpected gaps. As such, staying on top of what’s going on is important, both for professionals in the lending industry and for the businesses who trust their services.

That’s why, today, we’re unpacking the top five asset financing trends shaping lending in 2025.

1. Focus on SME-Specific Lending

In Aotearoa, small-to-medium businesses make up just over 90% of all registered businesses. They continue to be the backbone of the Kiwi economy, and in response, lenders are getting with the programme. A recent addition to the list of asset financing trends has shown that lenders and brokers in the asset finance space (just like us) are responding with tailored loan structures specifically designed for smaller businesses.

Features like flexible terms, lower upfront requirements, and quicker approval times are all making it easier for SMBs to get a leg-up in an increasingly competitive economy. In particular, 2025 has seen a rise in industry-specific SME packages. From fleet financing for tradies to tech equipment loans for digital businesses, finance options are increasingly speaking directly to the needs of different industries.

2. AI and Data-Driven Lending Decisions

Companies across the board have watched as AI has reshaped their industries, and asset finance is no exception. One of the most present asset financing trends for 2025 is how AI is helping brokers and lenders assess risk more accurately, approve loans faster, and create custom offerings for businesses based on real-time data after years of collecting it.

Sure, this is an advantage for lenders like us, who get to analyse real-time cashflow patterns to better the way we do business. But what about the businesses we lend to?

The most significant benefit is undoubtedly faster and fairer access to capital. For companies just starting with a limited credit history but strong operational performance, data-driven lending models can open doors that were previously closed.

3. Used Assets Taking Charge

Gone are the days when only brand-new equipment or vehicles were considered worthy of finance. Whether it’s a rising sustainability consciousness or fluctuations in the economy, one thing is clear: financing for high-quality used assets is booming in 2025.

Sectors like construction, logistics, and manufacturing are particularly embracing this trend. Purchasing second-hand gear that is just as reliable as brand-new purchases not only dramatically reduces capital expenditure for SMBS, but it can also make it easier for lenders to approve plant and equipment finance policies.

Not to mention, this is a great way to go green. Reusing well-maintained assets instead of buying new aligns with broader corporate sustainability goals, an increasingly important consideration for businesses of all sizes across Aotearoa.

4. Operating Leases Are Thriving

Traditional loans have had their day in the sun. In 2025, one of the core asset financing trends is the resurgence of operating leases. These allow businesses to regularly upgrade assets, such as machinery, vehicles, or technology equipment, while keeping their balance sheets leaner.

This has been a mainstay in rapidly evolving industries for years, and with the world of business moving at a rapid pace now, this form of asset financing is a smarter choice for businesses across the board.

5. End-of-Term Options Getting Smarter

Finally, let’s cap off our list of asset financing trends with an apt choice: end-of-term options, specifically, how they’re changing. Historically, end-of-term options for asset finance policies have been relatively straightforward: pay off the loan, refinance, or return the asset. However, by 2025, a growing wave of more intelligent and flexible end-of-term pathways is emerging.

Depending on the agreement reached betweenthe  lender and the business, there might be avenues to:

•         Roll existing financed assets into a new agreement seamlessly
•         Easily upgrade to newer or more eco-efficient models
•         Bundle maintenance plans and warranty extensions into new terms
•         Trade in multiple older assets for more favourable new financing deals

This trend reflects a much broader shift, one that treats finance as a service instead of locking businesses into rigid, long-term debt cycles. It’s a win-win: lenders gain loyal, long-term clients, and businesses gain flexibility to grow smarter and faster. What’s not to love?

Take advantage of these asset financing trends with Aotearoa’s most trusted team of brokers.

At GVK Finance, we make it our business to get your business moving. In other words, the better we are at our jobs, the better you can be at yours. That’s why our team of experienced asset finance brokers continually taps into new industry trends.

If you’re ready to free up business capital with the most trusted name in Kiwi asset finance, get in touch for an initial consultation today.