Nominations now open for the Finance Connect Summer Awards 2026

The wait is over — nominations are now officially open for the Finance Connect Summer Awards 2026.

Taking place on Tuesday 7 July 2026 from 6:00pm at City Central at the Honourable Artillery Company in London, this annual celebration brings the finance community together to recognise the organisations, teams and individuals who are raising standards across the industry.

And this year, the awards are bigger than ever.

A broader celebration of the industry

For 2026, the programme has expanded to 22 award categories across five distinct groups, including eight brand-new awards designed to spotlight areas of the finance community that have never previously had their moment on stage.

The five award groups are: Community, Company, Team, Personal Achievement, Planet.

“The Summer Awards have always been about celebrating the people and businesses raising standards across our industry. This year, we’ve taken that a step further.

“By introducing new categories – particularly across receivables finance, innovation, customer experience and SME growth – we’re recognising areas that are shaping the future of finance but haven’t always had their moment in the spotlight.

“We want every part of the community to see themselves represented here. If you’re driving progress, building culture, leading with integrity or delivering outstanding service, there is now a category for you.”

This year’s award categories

Community – recognising excellence across providers, brokers and lenders:

• Asset Finance Provider of the Year – sponsored by LTi Technology Solutions
• Auto Finance Provider of the Year
• Equipment Finance Provider of the Year
• Factoring Finance Provider of the Year ★ NEW
• Invoice Finance Provider of the Year ★ NEW
• Asset Based Lending Provider of the Year ★ NEW
• Large Asset Broker of the Year – sponsored by Allica Bank
• Specialist Asset Broker of the Year
• Receivables Finance Broker of the Year ★ NEW
• New Entrant Broker of the Year ★ NEW
• Lender of the Year – sponsored by NETSOL Technologies

Company – celebrating workplace culture, innovation and growth:

• Best Place to Work
• Excellence in Technology – sponsored by VIP Apps Consulting
• AI & Data Innovation in Finance ★ NEW
• SME Growth Partner of the Year ★ NEW

Team – highlighting operational excellence:

• Excellence in Compliance
• Customer Experience & Service Excellence ★ NEW

Personal Achievement – recognising standout leadership and individual contribution:

• CEO of the Year
• Lifetime Achievement
• Rising Star
• Outstanding Achievement

Planet – rewarding responsible business:

• ESG Award

How to enter

Entering the awards is straightforward. Each category includes clear questions and transparent judging criteria to help you submit your best possible entry.

View all categories and submit your nomination: https://afcawardsuk.com/

Whether you’re submitting your own organisation, nominating a colleague, or preparing for a well-earned evening of celebration, this is your opportunity to be recognised among the best in finance.

Entries close on Friday 1 May 2026.

Join us at the Summer Awards 2026

Book your table now: https://afcawardsuk.com/

We look forward to receiving your nominations and celebrating with you this summer! See you at the Finance Connect Summer Awards 2026!