Excellence in tech: celebrating innovation that transforms finance

At the upcoming Finance Connect Summer Awards 2026, the Excellence in Technology Award, sponsored by VIP Apps Consulting, shines a spotlight on organisations across asset, auto, equipment and receivables finance that are not just adopting technology, but using it meaningfully to reshape how the industry operates and serves its customers.

In an increasingly digital-first financial landscape, the award recognises companies that go beyond incremental improvements. It celebrates those that leverage technology to deliver measurable impact—streamlining operations, enhancing decision-making, and creating seamless, customer-centric experiences.

The judging criteria for the 2026 award focuses on three core pillars:

• Improving efficiency, access, or decision-making through technology
• Enhancing customer and/or broker experience in tangible ways
• Demonstrating innovation with real-world impact, not just theoretical potential

This is not about technology for technology’s sake. It’s about solutions that work; tools and platforms that remove friction, empower teams, and deliver better outcomes for customers and partners alike.

Place your nomination today for the Excellence in Technology Award 2026 at https://afcawardsuk.com/2026/en/page/categories

2025 winner: Simply Asset Finance

Last year’s winner, Simply Asset Finance, set a high standard for what excellence in technology looks like in practice. At the Finance Connect Summer Awards 2025, Simply’s Technology Team was recognised for its outstanding use of technology to transform the asset finance experience, driving smarter operations, deeper customer engagement, and seamless scalability.

At the heart of this success is Simply Connect, an end-to-end digital platform that enables customers and brokers to manage the entire finance journey – from application through to final payment – with speed and simplicity. With features such as automated onboarding, KYC and credit checks, AI-powered customer service tools, real-time data insights, and integrated workflows, the platform has redefined how asset finance is delivered.

Reflecting on the win, Ylva Oertengren, Chief Operating Officer at Simply Asset Finance, said: “Since the beginning of Simply, our Tech team set out to build a platform to transform the borrowing experience in the asset finance sector and have been continuously committed to engaging in innovative collaboration with partners across the industry.

Simply’s achievement highlights the essence of the award: innovation that delivers tangible results. From faster decision-making and reduced administrative burden to improved customer engagement and scalable growth, their technology-first approach has set a benchmark for the industry.

Join us at the Finance Connect Summer Awards 2026

The Finance Connect Summer Awards 2026 will take place on 7th July 2026 at City Central at the HAC in London, bringing together leaders and innovators from across the asset, auto, equipment and receivables finance communities.

Tables are now available: secure your place at this flagship industry event via:
https://afcawardsuk.com/2026/en/page/tickets

For full details on award categories, criteria, and to submit your nominations, visit:
https://afcawardsuk.com/2026/en/page/categories

Entries close on 1st May, so organisations looking to showcase their technological innovation and impact are encouraged to submit their nominations soon.

The Excellence in Technology Award 2026, sponsored by VIP Apps Consulting, will once again celebrate those organisations leading the charge, proving that when technology is applied with purpose, it can transform the future of finance.