After a Hot Streak, Equipment Finance Cools in Q1—but Signals Are Mixed

The $1 trillion equipment finance industry entered 2025 with strong momentum, but rising charge-offs, macro uncertainty, and tariff-driven caution cooled M&A and origination activity in Q1.

Despite an 8.9% drop in new business volume and declining confidence among executives, key fundamentals remain resilient:

• Credit approvals improved to 75.8%
• Strategic buyers remain active, with three notable M&A deals closing this quarter

In our latest Equipment Finance report, Colonnade Advisors breaks down what’s shaping the market and what to watch next.

If you’re thinking about your next strategic move—buy, sell, or grow—let’s talk.