Polish Leasing Industry Eyes Record Growth, Eyes Energy Transition

The Polish leasing sector is poised for continued growth, with projections indicating a return to record levels by 2026. In the past year, the industry financed assets valued at nearly 120 billion PLN. While vehicles, including light, delivery, and heavy-duty trucks, constituted the largest share, leasing also significantly supported investments in machinery, equipment, and production lines for businesses.

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In the past year, leasing financed various assets, of course, primarily vehicles, but also machinery, equipment, production lines, and a lot of other equipment related to the investment needs of entrepreneurs.

Monika Constant, president of the Polish Leasing Association, anticipates that by 2026, the industry will approach a new milestone of approximately 130 billion PLN. This growth is expected to be around 8-9%, fueled by a positive economic outlook, sustained high consumption, and the influx of EU funds from the National Recovery Plan (KPO) that businesses are utilizing for investment. Despite geopolitical challenges, Polish entrepreneurs and consumers are reportedly adapting calmly, fostering a stable environment for financing needs.

While leasing is commonly associated with vehicles, which still represent over 50% of leased items, its scope is expanding. The sector is increasingly financing machinery and equipment, often serving as a starting point for businesses new to asset financing. More significantly, the leasing industry is actively engaging with the energy transition. This includes financing not only photovoltaic farms but also substantial energy storage solutions, such as large-scale battery systems crucial for renewable energy grids. These investments can run into tens of millions of zlotys, requiring specialized knowledge and preparation from leasing advisors.

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We predict that the year 2026 will allow us to approach the magic limit, to another record of around 130 billion PLN. This will also be a result oscillating around 8, perhaps 9 percent growth.

Constant highlighted that over 80% of surveyed clients consider leasing a significant, even essential, method for financing their operations. The association is preparing its advisors through training and workshops to equip them with the expertise needed to guide clients through complex financing of assets like energy storage systems, underscoring the added value of informed leasing consultancy.

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Over 80% of clients surveyed by us state that leasing is a significant way of financing their business activities, that without it they could not run it.