The awards are the industry-wide celebration recognising the contribution that firms and individuals have made to the sector and to wider society.

This year’s judging panel met on 1 September, where they whittled down the almost 120 nominations to a final shortlist, with winners set to be announced at this year’s awards ceremony in Edinburgh on 23 October.

Sandy Begbie CBE, chief executive, Scottish Financial Enterprise, said: “The nomination process this year was our most competitive yet, with a very high standard of entries from across all parts of the industry.

“Congratulations to everyone who submitted nominations, and a special commendation to our finalists, whose outstanding work has been instrumental in driving our sector’s progress.”

Sue Dawe, EY Scotland managing partner for financial services, chair of Scottish Financial Enterprise, said: “This year’s high-quality nominations showcase the inspiring leadership, innovation, and talent our industry should be proud of. These attributes have not only built the sector’s reputation but are also the foundation of its future.

“Every nominee deserves recognition for their work in making Scotland’s financial services a place where people can build meaningful careers and create positive social impact. Best of luck to our finalists for what is set to be our best awards night yet.”

The finalists are as follows:

Rising Star Award

• Frances Wallace
• Laura Patterson
• Lauren Cassells
• Rachel Kennedy
• Rose Ulldemolins
   

Skills and Inclusion Award

• Aberdeen
• Barclays
• JP Morgan
• Lloyds Banking Group
• Stellar Omada 

Changing Customer Needs Award

• Aberdeen
• JP Morgan
• NatWest Group/Royal Bank of Scotland
• Standard Life
• Virgin Money

Net Zero Award

• Aegon
• Royal Bank of Scotland
• Scottish National Investment Bank

Business Growth Award

• BDO
• BlackRock
• BNP
• Morgan Stanley
• Scottish Building Society
• Scottish National Investment Bank
• Stellar Omada

Innovation Award

• Aegon
• Barclays
• BlackRock
• Scottish Widows
• Tesco Bank