
Nils Brandt
In light of rapid technological change and increasing regulation, factoring and leasing companies face enormous challenges. Strict regulatory requirements from German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) and Germany’s central bank (Bundesbank) demand robust risk management systems and effective internal control systems, while ensuring compliance and data quality remains an ongoing task. Companies must prepare efficiently for annual and special audits, create transparency in processes, and fulfil documentation requirements on an ongoing basis. At the same time, the topic of sustainability is shaping strategic decisions: the energy, heat, and mobility transition requires large investment volumes, the financing of which raises new risk and valuation issues. Only through targeted process automation, modern IT and data architectures, and the ongoing further development of governance and audit processes, can factoring and leasing companies reduce risks, meet regulatory requirements, and respond flexibly to market changes during periods of economic uncertainty.

The transition from paper-based processes to end-to-end digital workflows requires modern IT architectures, costs time and resources, and carries the risk of media discontinuities. Factoring and leasing companies face high IT security and data protection requirements - sensitive creditworthiness and contract data must be protected in accordance with the GDPR, while cyber risks and compliance tasks increase operational workload and costs. Customers today expect end-to-end digital services such as online applications, digital signatures, and customer portals for viewing financing solutions, contracts, or payment plans.
At the same time, FinTechs and new digital providers such as online leasing platforms and comparison portals are entering the market with more efficient processes and a better user experience, which can result in margin pressure and market share losses. Technologies such as telematics and IoT are opening up opportunities for usage-based leasing models (pay-per-use) and connected devices, e.g., in leased vehicles or machines for monitoring and billing. The use of AI for contract and credit checks or risk assessments can significantly increase efficiency and decision quality. However, these new opportunities raise technical integration issues, data protection concerns, and regulatory uncertainties.

Our experts in the supporting of leasing and factoring companies and of contract portfolios to be transferred have many years’ experience in auditing and advising financial services providers. As members of professional working groups and as advisers to industry associations, they also play an active role in interpreting and shaping new regulations. We support you with our interdisciplinary teams to develop practical, flexible solutions that combine regulatory certainty with efficiency. As one of the world's leading audit and advisory firms, we are sure to have the answers to your questions.




