Stability on Hold: Equipment Finance Experts React to Market Shifts

The equipment finance industry is facing a perfect storm of policy shifts, rising consumer financial strain, and regulatory uncertainty. At the 2025 Royal Media Equipment Finance Connect event, professionals from across the sector gathered to assess the rapidly changing landscape.

Shareholder Andrew Voorhees attended the event and reports that 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year—one defined by mixed signals on tariffs, increased risk of delinquencies, and a shifting regulatory environment under the current administration. For industry leaders, the message was clear: stay alert, stay informed, and be ready to pivot.
 

The current equipment finance landscape is marked by significant uncertainty, largely due to shifting tariff policies under the new administration. Unpredictable policy shifts and mixed signals have made strategic planning difficult for manufacturers and buyers alike. Rising import costs are driving many businesses to delay purchases, repair existing equipment, or seek used alternatives. As policy changes continue, many stakeholders are adopting a cautious "wait and see" stance for the remainder of 2025.
 

Financial strain among U.S. consumers is escalating. First-quarter data shows a spike in credit card and student loan delinquencies. The expiration of COVID-era relief measures, combined with high consumer debt loads and the resumption of student loan obligations, could lead to a surge in defaults. This trend underscores the need for experienced legal and collection professionals—such as those at Weltman—to manage the anticipated influx of delinquent claims.
 

Under the current administration, a deregulatory approach is shaping the financial regulatory landscape. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has seen a significant reduction in authority and resources since January. Of note for equipment finance professionals is the uncertain status of Section 1071, which mandates small business lending data collection. The CFPB has paused enforcement of 1071, and potential legislative or executive actions could lead to further delays, scaling back, or repeal—particularly if conflicts arise with broader efforts to curtail DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) mandates. Stakeholders are advised to monitor developments closely and remain flexible in their compliance planning.

Our team is constantly monitoring theses changes in the industry. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about Weltman’s commercial collections solutions, please connect with Andy at any time.

This blog is not a solicitation for business, and it is not intended to constitute legal advice on specific matters, create an attorney-client relationship or be legally binding in any way.