At a prestigious awards ceremony at London’s Oxo Tower, Jemima Jacobs CA – audit supervisor at Bank of America – was named the overall winner of CA Rising Stars 2026 from a highly competitive shortlist of 35 outstanding Chartered Accountants aged 35 and under.

Ms Jacobs has built a standout career combining financial expertise with a deep understanding of technology risk and cybersecurity. She also serves as audit committee chair and trustee of the Meningitis Research Foundation, inspired by her own recovery from the illness. She will now represent ICAS at the One Young World Summit in Cape Town this November, joining young leaders from more than 190 countries at a forum focused on the world’s most pressing issues.

David Cruickshank CA, ICAS President and CA Rising Stars judge, said: “Congratulations to Jemima on being crowned CA Rising Star for 2026. Her exceptional contribution both within her organisation and the charity sector embodies the purpose-driven leadership that this competition was designed to celebrate.

 “The judges were impressed by her ability to apply her CA skills in a highly complex area of practice, whilst also using her professional expertise as a force for good, making her a worthy ambassador for a new generation of socially conscious Chartered Accountants.”

Ms Jacobs said: “I’m incredibly honoured and humbled to receive this award, particularly given the calibre of this year’s nominees.

“One of the things I value most about being a CA is that it has equipped me to make a meaningful impact in very different environments, from my career in technology audit and cyber risk within the financial services industry, to helping shape the strategic direction of the Meningitis Research Foundation as a trustee.

“Having experienced life-threatening meningitis as a university student, the Foundation’s mission is deeply personal to me. I’m grateful that this recognition also shines a light on the charity’s vital work and the support it provides to people and families affected by meningitis.”

Alongside the overall winner, four category winners were named for exemplifying the ICAS values and making a meaningful difference in their respective fields.

• Changemaker: Koyejo Abraham CA (finance, insights & strategy at Microsoft Gaming), for driving inclusion and representation across the finance profession through EDI initiatives and engagement.
• Ethical Leader: Gemma Collings CA (finance director at Webmart), for embedding ethics, sustainability and ESG principles at the centre of business strategy.
• Innovator in Technology: Gaige Kinsella CA (AI & intelligent automation strategist at EY), for advancing the responsible use of AI and developing innovative solutions to transform audit processes.
• Community and Social Value (new category for 2026): Cameron Dunlop CA (finance business partner at London Stansted Airport), for delivering meaningful social impact spanning pastoral care, mentoring and community volunteering.

From the remaining group of 31 Rising Star runners-up, the judges also presented a special Highly Commended award to Stephen Mahon CA (accounting manager at Zoom) in recognition of his unique blend of technical excellence, strong ethics and a passion for AI-led progress.

Mr Cruickshank added: “This year’s Rising Stars showcase the remarkable breadth and versatility of opportunities the ICAS qualification can unlock.

“The talented young professionals recognised through this competition are a powerful reminder that Chartered Accountants are not only embracing change across business and wider society, but leading it from the front.”

The full list of CA Rising Stars 2026 are profiled in the latest edition of ICAS’ CA magazine.