The 2026 Scottish Financial Services Awards, sponsored by EY, come in SFE’s 40th year and recognise the contribution of firms and individuals to Scotland’s world class finance industry over the past 12 months.

This year, guests paid tribute to Dame Susan Rice by awarding her a lifetime achievement award for her services to financial and professional services in Scotland.

She made history by being the first woman to lead a European clearing bank as chief executive of Lloyds TSB Scotland, and has held a number of other senior roles across a 40-year career in the industry.

Among the winners across seven categories were Baillie Gifford for the UK’s first fully native tokenised fund and Aberdeen for its landmark transaction with Stagecoach’s pension scheme, demonstrating that Scotland remains at the forefront of innovation for financial services.

This year also saw the inaugural fintech award, highlighting Scotland’s leadership in this emerging field, with the accolade going to Addepar. 

Sue Dawe OBE, chair of Scottish Financial Enterprise and EY Scotland managing partner, said: “Few people have shaped Scotland’s financial services sector from so many perspectives: banker, board director, public servant, policy adviser and champion of higher standards. Dame Susan Rice has brought leadership, sound judgement and unwavering integrity to some of Scotland’s most important institutions.

“Long before purpose and sustainability became boardroom priorities, she understood that successful businesses must earn trust, support communities and contribute to long-term prosperity. 

“Susan’s career has not merely run alongside the advancement of the sector; she has helped shape it and continues to do so.”

First Minister John Swinney said: “These awards recognise the outstanding people and businesses whose talent, innovation and leadership help drive Scotland’s financial services sector forward.

“I congratulate all this year’s winners, finalists and nominees, and thank them for the contribution they make to Scotland’s economy and communities.

“As we celebrate 40 years of Scottish Financial Enterprise, we can be proud of Scotland’s financial services sector and the people whose expertise and ambition continue to drive its success.”

Sandy Begbie, chief executive at Scottish Financial Enterprise, said: “The exceptional quality of this year’s entries reflects the strength, innovation and impact of Scotland’s financial and professional services sector. I would like to thank everyone who took the time to submit a nomination and congratulate all our finalists on their achievements.

“Reaching the shortlist in such a competitive field is a significant accomplishment and a testament to the talent and expertise that make our sector such an important contributor to Scotland’s economy.”

The awards broke down into eight categories, with winners reflecting the sector’s ambition for sustainable, inclusive growth and having a positive impact on society. The full list of winners is:

Lifetime Achievement Award

Dame Susan Rice

Rising Star Award

Shannon Macnamara – Aberdeen

Changing Customer Needs Award

Nationwide

Net Zero Award

Zumo

Skills and Inclusion Award

Future Asset

Innovation Award

Shared between Aberdeen Group and Baillie Gifford

Business Growth Award

Royal Bank of Scotland – The Accelerator

FinTech Award

Addepar