Equipment leasing and asset finance has continued its sustained growth pace in many Latin American countries, while others such as Brazil kept declining, according to the Alta LAR 100 report.

The Alta LAR 100, produced by The Alta Group Latin American Region (Alta LAR) since 2004, identifies industry trends, estimates county-by-county portfolio values, and ranks the region’s top 100 leasing companies. Alta is the leading global consultancy focused on equipment leasing and asset finance.

The Alta LAR 100 report estimates that the region’s overall equipment leasing and finance portfolio value in 2013 decreased 1.03% primarily because of Brazil’s poor performance. Brazil, home to the largest Latin American economy, descended to the third place in portfolio size, below Colombia and Chile. For the second year in a row, taking Brazil out of the equation, overall portfolio values in the region would have increased 16.25%.

“Brazil is no longer a significant player in the equipment leasing and financing industry in Latin America. Its industry leaders refused to innovate and adjust themselves to the challenges of the times, in spite of the fact that they still have one of the most favorable tax environments for leasing,” wrote Rafael Castillo-Triana, CEO of Alta LAR. “Now, it is time to focus in the countries that are experiencing growth through innovation, financial penetration, and adjustment of value propositions to their customers. The key countries are Mexico, Chile and Colombia .” The report cites several specific developments that have contributed to the emergence of these equipment financing markets.

To view the full Alta LAR 100, click here.