Richard Huston is the MD of VAMOS. VAMOS focuses on applied AI, helping businesses integrate AI for efficiency and decision-making.

Richard Huston addresses AI hype vs. reality, emphasising that AI is a tool, not a replacement for human expertise. Key applications include automating customer communications and reducing administrative workload but while still ensuring human oversight, so reducing time rather than replacing the human element.

Concerns around AI hallucinations are discussed including retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), and AI’s job impact is framed as augmentation, not elimination. He also discusses AI’s environmental footprint, arguing its benefits outweigh costs.

The episode highlights AI’s increasing accessibility, with open-source models like DeepSeek lowering costs. Richard Huston encourages experimenting with AI tools like Claude and ChatGPT.

The Asset Finance Connect European Equipment Finance Podcast is tailored for industry practitioners, featuring thought leaders in European equipment finance. Hosted by Richard O’Donohue, head of content (manufacturer captives) at Asset Finance Connect and former head of partnerships at Dell Financial Services, Ireland.

Each episode of our podcast will feature insightful interviews with Europe’s top leaders in equipment finance. The discussions will centre on the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for European equipment captives, banks, and independent finance providers in 2025, offering valuable perspectives to navigate the evolving industry landscape.

In this episode host Richard talks with Mathilde Saint-Pol Cousteix who is the Managing Director of Econocom France (Technology Management and Financing). Richard and Mathilde discuss opportunities for increased partnerships between captives and financial institutions. The conversation also touched on innovation at Econocom in particular the sales agency model that they have introduced to the market.

The conversation explores the opportunities and challenges of expanding asset finance into these less familiar regions. Kumbula shares the story behind InnoVent’s founding in 2003, driven by a desire to bring transparency and customer value to operating leases. He discusses the company’s growth, including its innovative approach to asset lifecycle management and its remarketing business, Qrent, which has expanded to the UK under the brand "Second Life."

Kumbula also details InnoVent’s recent expansion into the Middle East, highlighting regulatory hurdles, cultural differences, and strong market demand for full-service operating lease solutions. With partnerships in place with HP, Lenovo, and Cisco, InnoVent is positioning itself as a trusted partner for companies looking to enter both African and GCC markets.

As it becomes more expensive to run a captive we discuss is it time to look again, and if captives still make sense. After all there is no single model or solution that applies to all companies.

Emily and John discuss the regulatory environment around e-invoicing and why despite the uncertainty in regulation business leaders must understand the potential benefits this can bring.

This special feature length episode was recorded live at the Asset Finance Connect Leaders’ Summit Europe. Richard speaks to a number of guest who attended and spoke at the event to get their views of topics discussed throughout the day such as AI.

In this episode, industry experts Ian Robertson and Richard dive deep into the evolving landscape of asset finance. They explore emerging technologies like agentic AI and intelligent document processing, highlighting their real-world applications and limitations. The conversation offers valuable insight into the continued importance of human relationships in an increasingly automated world, especially in complex, high-value transactions.

Key topics include:

The growing role of AI in asset finance—and how it complements, rather than replaces, human expertise.

Transparent discussions around vendor finance and OEM partnerships.

The rising interest from alternative asset managers in under-served niches, such as sale-and-leaseback models and green energy solutions like green methanol.

Encouraging signs from the next generation in the industry, particularly their innovative thinking around AI and sustainability.

A call for the industry to better articulate its value, especially in lifecycle asset management and resource efficiency.

Whether you're a long-time industry professional or curious about the future of finance, this episode offers both strategic insight and fresh perspectives.