Final call for entries for Excellence in Compliance Award 2026

The deadline to enter the Excellence in Compliance Award 2026, sponsored by Shoosmiths, has been extended to Friday 8^th May – offering a final opportunity to be recognised at this year’s Finance Connect Summer Awards 2026, taking place on 7 July at City Central at the HAC in London.

The award recognises individuals and teams who demonstrate outstanding leadership in compliance, governance and regulation, while also supporting sustainable business growth and delivering strong customer outcomes.

Recognising leadership in a changing regulatory landscape

As regulatory expectations continue to evolve, the role of compliance has become increasingly central to the success of financial services organisations. This award highlights those who not only meet regulatory requirements but go further – embedding a culture of compliance that drives trust, resilience and long-term value.

Judges will be looking for organisations that:

Demonstrate best-in-class compliance and governance standards
Support sustainable growth alongside positive customer outcomes
Embed a strong compliance culture across the business

Building on a high benchmark

Last year’s winner, Sarah Cunningham, Head of Compliance at the NACFB, set a high benchmark for the award.

Her leadership during a period of intense regulatory change – particularly following the landmark Court of Appeal ruling on commission disclosure – proved instrumental in guiding the broker community through uncertainty.

Within weeks of joining the NACFB in 2024, Cunningham led a comprehensive overhaul of the organisation’s compliance framework, delivered clear and practical guidance across the sector, and worked collaboratively with the Finance & Leasing Association to establish new standards.

Her work provided clarity and stability at a critical moment, reinforcing the importance of strong compliance leadership in times of disruption.

Final opportunity to enter

With the regulatory landscape continuing to shift, the 2026 award aims to spotlight those who are proactively shaping best practice and strengthening trust across the industry.

The extended deadline represents the final opportunity to submit nominations across all categories.

Submit your nomination: https://afcawardsuk.com/2026/en/page/categories

Book your place at the awards: https://afcawardsuk.com/2026/en/page/tickets

The winners will be announced at the ceremony and gala dinner on 7^th July bringing together leading figures from across the industry, celebrating excellence, innovation and leadership in financial services.