Finance Connect Summer Awards 2026 winners revealed

Nearly 700 professionals from across the asset, auto, equipment and receivables finance sectors came together last night for the Finance Connect Summer Awards 2026, headline sponsored by NETSOL Technologies, celebrating another landmark year for the specialist finance industry.

Held at City Central within the historic grounds of the Honourable Artillery Company in London, this year’s awards marked the largest event in its history, with attendance rising by almost 20% on last year and more than 200 award entries received across 22 categories – both new records for the event.

The evening also reflected the continued evolution of Finance Connect, with the introduction of seven new award categories, including dedicated awards for the receivables finance sector following the launch of Receivables Finance Connect earlier this year.

Eva Lindsay, COO of Finance Connect, said:

“The record attendance and record number of entries this year demonstrate the strength, resilience and ambition of the specialist finance industry. It was fantastic to see so many people come together to celebrate excellence, make new connections and recognise the individuals and organisations driving our industry forward. Congratulations to all of our winners and finalists.”

Under this year’s theme, The Spark, guests celebrated the people, organisations and ideas that continue to shape the future of specialist finance. From the opening Sparkling Wine and Pimm’s reception through to the afterparty, the event combined recognition, networking and entertainment, with a summer funfair, close-up magic, live music and fundraising activities creating a unique atmosphere throughout the evening.

Opening the event, Finance Connect founder and CEO Edward Peck welcomed guests by reflecting on another year of growth for both the awards and the wider industry, recognising the resilience, innovation and collaboration that continue to define specialist finance.

“This year’s theme, The Spark, was all about the conversations and connections that create new opportunities,” Edward Peck added.

“Looking around the room last night, it was wonderful to see so many people celebrating success, building relationships and recognising the outstanding achievements across our industry. Congratulations to everyone who took part.”

Celebrating market leaders

The evening began with the presentation of the AFUK50 Awards, sponsored by LTi Technology Solutions, recognising the UK’s leading asset finance providers as ranked in the newly released Asset Finance UK 50 (AFUK50) Report 2026, available to download at https://finance-connect.com/af50uk-2026/.

Lombard, HSBC, Close Brothers, BNP Paribas and Novuna Business Finance retained their positions as the UK’s five largest asset finance providers by outstandings

Oxbury Bank, Allica Bank, Propel Finance, Alphabet and Time Finance were recognised in the AFUK50 for their outstanding growth and market performance.

The AF Broker 40 Awards, sponsored by Propel Finance, followed, recognising the UK’s leading broker businesses.

Anglo Scottish Asset Finance, Rural Finance and Portman Group were recognised as the industry’s top three brokers in the AF Broker 40.

Further awards celebrated AFS Compliance as the largest AR principal and Vaughans and Anglo Scottish Asset Finance as the fastest-growing broker businesses. The AF Broker 40 Report 2026 is available to download now at https://finance-connect.com/afbroker40-2026/.

Community Awards

The Community Awards once again recognised excellence across the finance industry.

Novuna Business Finance was named Asset Finance Provider of the Year, sponsored by LTi Technology Solutions, while CA Auto Bank received the Auto Finance Provider of the Year award.

CHG-MERIDIAN was recognised as Equipment Finance Provider of the Year, sponsored by FIS, while Charles & Dean Finance collected the Large Asset Broker of the Year award, sponsored by Allica Bank. Specialist Asset Broker of the Year, sponsored by Shire Leasing, went to Finance Kitchen Asset Management Limited.

Novuna Business Finance also received one of the evening’s highest honours, being named Finance Connect Lender of the Year 2026, sponsored by NETSOL Technologies.

Receivables finance recognised for the first time

One of the most significant developments in this year’s programme was the introduction of four dedicated receivables finance awards, reflecting the launch and rapid growth of the Receivables Finance Connect community.

Time Finance won the inaugural Factoring Finance Provider of the Year, while DF Capital received the Asset Based Lending Finance Provider of the Year award.

Lloyds Banking Group was recognised as Invoice Finance Provider of the Year, sponsored by Credebt.

Open InVoice Finance was named Receivables Finance Broker of the Year. The new categories recognise the growing importance of receivables finance, working capital funding and asset-based lending in supporting UK businesses and economic growth.

Innovation, technology and customer excellence

Innovation remained a central theme throughout the awards.

Simply Asset Finance enjoyed a successful evening, winning both the AI & Data Innovation in Finance Award, sponsored by Resilient Management Solutions, and SME Growth Partner of the Year.

Allica Bank collected the Excellence in Technology Award, sponsored by VIP Apps Consulting, while Metro Bank Asset Finance was recognised as the Best Auto or Equipment Finance Organisation to Work For, sponsored by Acquis.

Further honours recognised organisations leading the way in sustainability, customer experience and compliance, with Lombard North Central receiving the Environment, Social and Governance Award, Arkle Finance Ltd winning Customer Experience & Service Excellence, and AFS Compliance Ltd and Propel Finance jointly receiving the Excellence in Compliance Award, sponsored by Shoosmiths.

Celebrating outstanding individuals

The evening concluded by recognising the individuals whose leadership and contribution continue to shape the specialist finance industry.

Jennifer Clay, Head of Marketing at Shire Leasing, received the Outstanding Achievement Award, while the Rising Star Award was presented to Jack Camilatto, Senior Manager, Broker Sales at Arkle Finance, recognising one of the industry’s most promising emerging leaders.

Josh Levy, CEO of Ultimate Finance, was named CEO of the Year 2026, sponsored by NETSOL Technologies, in recognition of his leadership and business success.

Two special industry honours were presented during the evening. The Guild of Business Finance Professionals Fair and Reasonable Shield was awarded to Arkle Finance, and the AFPA Trust Fellowship Award was presented to Johnnie Halliday, of IAA-Advisory, in recognition of his exceptional dedication to fundraising, charitable initiatives and his longstanding commitment to supporting the asset finance community.

Alex Hughes, Country Manager UK & Ireland at CA Auto Bank, and Andrew Denton, CEO of Alfa, jointly received the Outstanding Contribution to the Asset Finance Industry Award, recognising their long-standing commitment and service to the sector.

The evening concluded with the presentation of the Finance Connect Lifetime Achievement Award to Bernie Skivington, Managing Director, Relationship Management at the British Business Bank.

Bernie, who leads the origination and relationship management team within the Banking arm of the Bank, was recognised for his exceptional contribution to specialist finance over many decades.

More than an awards evening

Beyond the awards themselves, guests embraced this year’s ‘Bright & Bold’ dress theme and enjoyed a summer funfair, with the Carousel, Big Wheel and Dodgems, sponsored by NETSOL Technologies. The traditional funfair side stalls, including the NETSOL-sponsored Try Your Strength game, proved particularly popular especially with the chance to win some fantastic prizes.

Close-up magician Saavan Thethy, sponsored by FIS, entertained guests throughout the reception and dinner, while the evening also raised funds for the Coach Core Foundation through donations and a silent auction.

The Finance Connect Summer Awards 2026 was supported by Headline Sponsor NETSOL Technologies, together with Award Category Sponsors: Acquis, Allica Bank, Credebt, FIS, LTi Technology Solutions, Propel Finance, Resilient Management Solutions, Shire Leasing, Shoosmiths, VIP Apps Consulting, and Event Sponsors: Alfa, CGI, Compass Business Finance, Lendscape, MIL Collections, Odessa, and Solifi.

Finance Connect Summer Awards 2026 winners

AFUK50 2026 Awards (sponsored by LTi Technology Solutions)

Finance Connect Top 5 Lenders by Outstandings
Lombard, HSBC, Close Brothers, BNP Paribas and Novuna Business Finance

Strongest Growth in One Year (%)
Winner: Oxbury Bank

Strongest Growth Over Three Years (%)
Winner: Allica Bank

Strongest Growth Over Five Years (%)
Winner: Propel Finance

Strongest Growth in One Year (£)
Winner: Alphabet

Highest New Entry to AFUK50
Winner: Time Finance

AF Broker 40 Awards 2026 (sponsored by Propel)

Finance Connect Top 3 Brokers
Anglo Scottish Asset Finance, Rural Finance and Portman Group

Strongest Growth (%)
Winner: Vaughans

Strongest Growth (£)
Winner: Anglo Scottish Asset Finance

Largest AR Principal
Winner: AFS Compliance Ltd

Asset Finance Provider of the Year 2026 (sponsored by LTi Technology Solutions)
Winner: Novuna Business Finance
Highly Commended: Investec Asset Finance

Auto Finance Provider of the Year 2026
Winner: CA Auto Bank

Equipment Finance Provider of the Year 2026 (sponsored by FIS)
Winner: CHG-MERIDIAN
Highly Commended: PEAC Solutions

Large Asset Broker of the Year 2026 (sponsored by Allica Bank)
Winner: Charles & Dean Finance

Specialist Asset Broker of the Year 2026 (sponsored by Shire Leasing)
Winner: Finance Kitchen Asset Management Limited

Factoring Finance Provider of the Year 2026
Winner: Time Finance

Asset Based Lending Finance Provider of the Year 2026
Winner: DF Capital

Invoice Finance Provider of the Year 2026 (sponsored by Credebt)
Winner: Lloyds Banking Group
Highly Commended: Aldermore Bank

Receivables Finance Broker of the Year 2026
Winner: Open InVoice Finance

The Guild of Business Finance Professionals Award – the Fair and Reasonable Shield
Winner: Arkle Finance

Lender of the Year 2026 (sponsored by NETSOL Technologies)
Winner: Novuna Business Finance

Best Auto or Equipment Finance Organisation to Work For 2026 (sponsored by Acquis)
Winner: Metro Bank Asset Finance
Highly Commended: Tower Leasing Ltd

AI & Data Innovation in Finance Award 2026 (sponsored by Resilient Management Solutions)
Winner: Simply Asset Finance
Highly Commended: Paragon

Excellence in Technology Award 2026 (sponsored by VIP Apps Consulting)
Winner: Allica Bank
Highly Commended: Daimler Truck Financial Services Australia and Propel Finance

SME Growth Partner of the Year 2026
Winner: Simply Asset Finance
Highly Commended: United Trust Bank

Environment, Social and Governance Award 2026
Winner: Lombard North Central
Highly Commended: Novuna Business Finance

Customer Experience & Service Excellence Award 2026
Winner: Arkle Finance Ltd
Highly Commended: Moorgate Finance

Excellence in Compliance Award 2026 (sponsored by Shoosmiths)
Winner: AFS Compliance Ltd and Propel Finance

Outstanding Achievement Award 2026
Winner: Jennifer Clay, Head of Marketing, Shire Leasing PLC

Rising Star Award 2026
Winner: Jack Camilatto, Senior Manager, Broker Sales, Arkle Finance Ltd

CEO of the Year 2026 (sponsored by NETSOL Technologies)
Winner: Josh Levy, CEO, Ultimate Finance

AFPA Trust Fellowship Award
Winner: Johnnie Halliday, IAA-Advisory

Outstanding Contribution to the Asset Finance Industry 2026
Winners: Alex Hughes, CA Auto Bank, and Andrew Denton, Alfa

Lifetime Achievement Award 2026
Winner: Bernie Skivington, British Business Bank