GlobalData Automotive Finance Europe 2026 – Conference and Awards

Pioneering progress: Navigating the new era of automotive excellence

12 - 13

October

2026
  • Berlin, Germany
  • Invitation only
  • Why attend?
  • Agenda
  • Speakers
  • Plan Your Visit
  • 2025 Event Gallery
  • 2026 Event Sponsors
  • Media Centre
  • Awards
  • Why Partner?
  • Contact Us

Why attend?

What to expect

  • Watch cutting edge presentations and gather expert insight from 25+ industry speakers.
  • Discover the latest innovation and updates from a remarkable agenda.
  • Engage in panel discussions and ask your questions directly to leading experts.
  • Enjoy two days of invaluable networking opportunities.
  • Be part of timely and relevant conversations and hear about topics that are trending in the industry.
  • Celebrate the industry and connect with peers and colleagues at our prestigious awards night.

GlobalData Automotive Europe 2025 highlights

Agenda

  • 12 Oct 2026
  • 13 Oct 2026
Expand All

8 AM

Registration

8:45 AM

Chair’s Opening Remarks & Setting the Scene

Speakers

Paul Bennett
Managing Partner, Madox Square LLP

8:50 AM

Opening Address (Global Data): Navigating the new era of automotive finance

  • Where will profitability come from in the next 3–5 years?
  • How are electrification, regulation, and competition reshaping the market?
  • What strategic shifts should leaders prioritise now?

9 AM

Executive Keynote Address: AI transformation journey of BMW

Speakers

Stephan Cohen
COO & CIO, BMW Bank

9:10 AM

C-Suite Panel Discussion: Proving finance value to OEMs in a margin-constrained market

  • How can captives demonstrate measurable value beyond supporting vehicle sales?
  • Is the OEM–captive relationship evolving fast enough?
  • How do we move from transactional to lifecycle-based customer engagement?
  • What does a fully integrated financial services ecosystem look like?

Speakers

Stephan Cohen
COO & CIO, BMW Bank

9:30 AM

Presentation / Fireside Chat: What should Lenders and Captives prepare for by 2027?

Case Study - Driving business value by automating Processes with Accipiens

Volkswagen Financial Services China stands as a leading provider of financial services for the Volkswagen Group in China. As part of their growth strategy, VWFC implemented VTXRM’s software solution, Accipiens as their contract management system. This implementation aimed to enhance operational efficiency and streamline processes within VWFC, reflecting their commitment to continuous improvement and innovation landscape

Representative of VTXRM

9:50 AM

Simplifying the Automotive Landscape – Joint presentation Stellantis and Cox Automotive

  • Intelligent Software Remarketing Solution for Stellantis from Cox Automotive
  • How to connect human intelligence, digital innovation and physical services
  • Accelerated electrification, evolving retail models and software- led manufacturing
  • Connecting OEM’s, retailers and fleets to adapt to a data-driven landscape

Representative of Cox Automotive

Representative of Stellantis

10:10 AM

Q&A session – Ask Me Anything: Regulation, conduct and compliance across Europe — what matters now?

  • CCD2 implementation: how will CCD2 reshape automotive finance across Europe?
  • What does commission transparency mean for dealer and lender economics?
  • Is regulation more of a constraint or an opportunity?
  • How can firms stay compliant while remaining competitive?
  • AMLD6, eIDAS 2.0, FiDA, Consumer Duty / local equivalents
  •  When regulation is a burden and when it enables innovation

10:40 AM

Morning Refreshments & Networking

11:10 AM

De-Risking in Uncertain Markets — Smarter strategies for sustainable growth

  • How can organisations manage risk intelligently in shifting macroeconomic conditions without becoming overly defensive?
  • What are the key differences in risk approaches between private and commercial customers?
  • How should risk appetite be aligned with pricing strategy to remain competitive yet resilient?
  • Where are the opportunities to outperform by managing risk more effectively rather than simply avoiding it?

Representative of KPMG

11:30 AM

96% BEV mix – all eyes on Norway Backgrounds, challenges and how Toyota FS responded

  • State of Norway's long term “transportation plan”
  • Disruption by definition
  • Changing consumer behaviours
  • Impacts to an established captive business model
  • How Toyota FS transposed their Leasing DNA into the new BEV age

Speakers

Martin Muessener
CEO, Toyota Financial Services Denmark

11:50 AM

Driving Transformation with Agentic AI Workflows

  • Full Lifecycle Management utilising orchestrated automatic workflows
  • Automating KYC for identity collection, fraud detection and document validation

Representative of  Druid

12:10 PM

Interactive Case Studies

Presentation 1: Practical AI

Presentation 2: From data foundations to business value: preparing auto finance for AI and new revenue streams

  • How would you apply AI to solve a real business problem today?
  • What different outputs emerge from the same inputs?
  • What are the barriers to implementation in your organisation?
  • What would it take to move from idea to execution?

Speakers

Sam Heymans
CEO and co-founder, LIZY

12:50 PM

Lunch & Networking

1:40 PM

The CarMax Case Study – Fireside Chat

Alfa systems was selected by CarMax as a strategic partner, the implementation included:

  • Secure and cloud-native with AWS, business intelligence solution providing real time data and insights
  • Custom reports and pluggable data APIs
  • Alfa iQ - artificial intelligence

Representative of Alfa Systems

2 PM

Data-driven profitability — using market data, consumer insight and remarketing intelligence

  • How can data be turned into a true commercial advantage?
  • What insights are marketplaces and aggregators uniquely positioned to provide?
  • How can data improve pricing, remarketing, and customer targeting?
  • What does “data sharing” mean in practice for dealers and lenders?

2:20 PM

The Erosion of Brand Loyalty – Why is it happening?

  • 45% of European consumers see brand reputation as the most important factor in their decision on which new car to buy.
  • Over a quarter (28%) are more likely to buy an Electric Vehicle (EV) from a new or unfamiliar brand compared to a petrol or
  • diesel vehicle from a new or unfamiliar brand.
  • This erosion of brand loyalty is caused by substantially lower consumer awareness
  • for EV models compared to Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) models.

 Representative of  Adevinta

2:40 PM

Clarity, Impact and Momentum – Case Study – Daimler Truck Financial Services and QMission

Joint Presentation with Daimler Truck Financial Services on Enterprise IT Transformation

  • Full Functional Roll out of new processes and systems
  • Migrating existing contract portfolio

Representative of QMission

3 PM

Panel Discussion: EV finance, residual values and second-life leasing

  • How can captives manage EV residual value uncertainty?
  • What role does battery health play in financing decisions?
  • Can second-life leasing unlock new value?
  • How should pricing and risk models evolve for EV portfolios?

3:40 PM

Afternoon Refreshments & Networking

3:40 PM

Afternoon Refreshments & Networking

4:10 PM

The Ideal Programme — Case Study – Sopra Steria’s work with BMW Financial Services (BMW FS) is centred on the Ideal Programme, a major technological overhaul designed to modernize its European application landscape

The Ideal Programme Launched to integrate core modules across BMW FS's operations, the programme focuses on three key areas:

  • Commercial Finance: Managing dealer-side lending and floorplan finance.
  • Dealer Front-End: Providing the interface used by retailers to manage customer applications.
  • Contract Management: Handling the full lifecycle of retail leases and loans

Representative of  Sopra Steria

4:30 PM

AI Case Studies

Part 1: Rapid case studies showcasing solutions where business process automation meets auto finance (e.g., dealer AI assistant, fraud detection, process mining, used EV remarketing, digital point-of-sale journey, etc.). Each case study covers:

  • The real problem the solution solves today
  • What measurable impact has it delivered?
  • Why should the industry care about this now?

Representative of  Basikon

5:10 PM

Day One Round -Up and Final Panel

7 PM

Networking Drinks Reception & Awards

8:30 AM

Registration

9 AM

Chairman’s Welcome to Day Two

9:10 AM

Opening Keynote

9:40 AM

Changing Customer Behaviour: Winning When Information is no Longer the Advantage

  • How is AI driven research reshaping the way customers make decisions - and what does this mean for the traditional buying journey?
  • With knowledge now commoditised, where can OEMs, captives and dealers create real differentiation?
  • How can customer experience be re-designed to drive loyalty and deeper engagement in a low-attention, high speed environment?
  • What are leading European dealerships doing in practice to adapt, and what lessons can be scaled across the industry?

Representative of Autobiz

10 AM

Panel Discussion: New products and business models — subscription, usage-based finance and flexible mobility

  • Why have subscription models struggled to scale?
  • What do customers actually want: ownership, leasing, or flexibility?
  • How can OEMs integrate financing, leasing, and subscription seamlessly?
  • What will the winning mobility model look like?

Speakers

Martin Muessener
CEO, Toyota Financial Services Denmark

Panel Discussion: Distribution, customer journeys and point-of-sale innovation

  • How can finance be embedded seamlessly into the customer journey?
  • What tools help dealers sell finance more effectively?
  • Where can AI genuinely support sales teams?
  • How do we balance digital convenience with human interaction?

11 AM

Morning Refreshments & Networking

11:30 AM

Panel Discussion: From AI Hype to Business impact

  • Where is AI delivering real ROI today in automotive finance?
  • Which use cases actually move revenue, not just reduce cost?
  • How can organisations avoid repetitive, low-value AI initiatives?
  • What differentiates leaders from followers in AI adoption?

12 PM

Presentation reserved for Sponsor

12:20 PM

Closing Executive Panel: What should the industry do now?

  • What are the top 3 priorities for the industry right now?
  • Where should firms invest—and where should they stop investing?
  • What will differentiate winners over the next 12–24 months?
  • What does success look like in a more volatile, competitive market?

1:05 PM

Chairman’s Closing Remarks, Lunch & Networking

2:30 PM

Close of 2026 Conference

 

 

Speakers

Select a speaker to learn more

Back
Stephan Cohen
COO & CIO, BMW Bank

As a Member of the Board of Management and Chief Operating Officer (COO), Stephan Cohnen drives the strategic convergence of operations, processes, and technology at BMW Bank GmbH. With a balance sheet of approximately €28 billion (12/2024) and more than 1,150 employees, BMW Bank is the automotive finance captive of the BMW Group in Germany, Italy, Spain, and Portugal, servicing over one million customers.Stephan brings more than 20 years of international experience within the BMW Group, having held senior leadership roles across headquarters, regional and market levels, including COO of BMW Financial Services in Belgium and positions within Group Audit in the UK. Earlier in his career, he worked in IT consulting in Luxembourg and Germany. His current focus is on scalable digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and operational excellence in automotive finance.

Session Details:

Executive Keynote Address: AI transformation journey of BMW

2026-10-12, 9:00 AM

Session Details:

C-Suite Panel Discussion: Proving finance value to OEMs in a margin-constrained market

2026-10-12, 9:10 AM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
Martin Muessener
CEO, Toyota Financial Services Denmark
  • Age 56
  • Married, two adult sons
  • German
  • Apprenticeship Dresdner Bank
  • Master in Business Administration Passau University
  • Various leadership positions in Ford Financial Germany 1995 until 2009 – Sales, Marketing, Finance, Operations, IT
  • Sales Director in Toyota Deutschland
  • Various executive positions in Toyota Financial Services Europe – VP Sales  Marketing, VP Operations
  • Today: CEO Toyota Financial Services Norway
  • Norway as a BEV market bringing new challenges to the role of an OEM and also of a Captive
  • Track record: building close ties between OEM´s Sales Companies and Finance Companies via integrated strategies alongside vehicle lifetime and customer lifetime; value chain optimisation

Session Details:

96% BEV mix – all eyes on Norway Backgrounds, challenges and how Toyota FS responded

2026-10-12, 11:30 AM

Session Details:

Panel Discussion: New products and business models — subscription, usage-based finance and flexible mobility

2026-10-13, 10:00 AM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
Sam Heymans
CEO and co-founder, LIZY

Sam Heymans is the CEO and co-founder of LIZY, a digital used-car leasing company. LIZY offers their SME customers an easy and convenient way to order a leasing car fully online. By working with recent used-cars they can offer faster delivery and more affordable leasing prices.

They’re active in both Belgium and France and have the ambition to become a European leader in digital car leasing. The company has grown its revenue 12x over the last 2 years. LIZY is also one of the highest rated leasing companies in Europe with a 4.7/5 customer Trustpilot rating.

Sam has previous professional experience at McKinsey & Company and completed an MSc in Management at HEC Paris.

Session Details:

Interactive Case Studies

2026-10-12, 12:10 PM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
Paul Bennett
Managing Partner, Madox Square LLP

Session Details:

Chair’s Opening Remarks & Setting the Scene

2026-10-12, 8:45 AM

View In Agenda
Next speaker

Plan Your Visit

Venue

Grand Hyatt Berlin Marlene-Dietrich-Platz 2, 10785 Berlin, Germany

Accomodation

To book a bedroom click the link above and use the group code G-AREN for a discount. Alternatively, please call the venues reservation department on +49 (0)613 1796 4940 and make a booking in the name of SA – Arena International – Motor Finance 2026. The discount code expires on 18th August 2026.

2026 Event Sponsors

Select a sponsor to learn more

Gold partners

Silver partners

Bronze partners

VIP Table Hosts

Awards

GlobalData Automotive Europe Awards

The GlobalData Automotive Europe Awards 2026 entries open soon!

In recognition of outstanding achievements and dedication to advancing the automotive profession, the awards ceremony promises an evening of prestige and inspiration. It’s not just an event, it’s a celebration of the success that drives our industry forward.

Take a look at the winners via our new dedicated awards platform. Visit our Awards page to see photo highlights.

Why Partner?

BRANDING

Build brand awareness among the prospective customer base.

Get your brand front of mind.

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

Promote your unique solutions and demonstrate your capabilities.

Directly address your audience.

LEAD GENERATION

Meet C-level executives you would not otherwise have met.

Create viable new business opportunities with decision makers.

Gain ROI.

 


YOUR AUDIENCE

We have access to an audience of senior buyers from Europe’s Motor Finance industry. 

By partnering with us, you can expect fruitful opportunities to network and connect face-t0-face with key decision-makers within the industry. Extended networking breaks, a dedicated exhibition area within the venue and a black-tie awards dinner in the evening all provide the perfect opportunity for meaningful conversations and invaluable networking to take place.

 


Discover more

Hear what past attendees thought of the Motor Finance event.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contact us today for more information on the sponsorship packages and services we offer.
 

Media Centre

Just Auto

Motor Finance

Leasing Life

Enquiry

Contact Us

SPONSORSHIP ENQUIRIES

Ray Giddings

Director of Events

+44 (0)20 7936 6512

SPEAKER ENQUIRIES

Emily Martyr

Head of Event Content

+44 20 3743 8470

MARKETING ENQUIRIES

Kellee Halliburton

Marketing Manager

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

To enquire about sponsorship opportunities, please contact:

 

Ray Giddings

Director of Events


+44 (0)20 7936 6512

SPEAKER ENQUIRIES

For further information or to get involved you can contact the producer on:

 

Emily Martyr

Head of Event Content


+44 20 3743 8470