A record number of nominations were received, almost double that of last year, for the refreshed Scottish Financial Services Awards programme. In 2019 the number of categories has increased from two to three with a view to celebrate a wider scope of achievements within Scotland’s financial services industry.

The finalists in the Impact and Investment category, which assesses entrants’ contribution to the industry, economy and wider society, are fintech company FNZ, SME funder LendingCrowd and the Bank of Scotland Foundation.

In the Pioneer category, which highlights innovative new ideas and/or technologies in action to deliver tangible benefits to customers, clients and society, the finalists are FNZ, Morgan Stanley and a collaborative project between Skills Development Scotland and City of Glasgow College.

Meanwhile, in the Rising Star category, which has been designed to showcase the accomplishments, enthusiasm and commitment of a person in the early stages of their career, the finalists are Gillian Chivinge, equity research analyst at Aberdeen Standard Investments; Mikaela Thompson, technology apprentice at Morgan Stanley; Meenal Upadhyay, software developer in market risk at Morgan Stanley; and Sam Young, proposition manager at Phoenix Group.

Graeme Jones, chief executive of Scottish Financial Enterprise, said: “Without a doubt, 2019 marks the strongest year of entries for our industry’s prestigious Scottish Financial Services Awards to date. Our list of finalists signals the top ten people, projects and firms working in financial services who are driving growth within our industry while also making significant contributions to wider society.

“Vitally important to our industry’s long-term success is the continued support of the next generation of leaders. As such I am delighted to welcome the third year of our Rising Star category where we honour the efforts of a person in the early stages of their career who has been identified as an ambassador for their firm and the wider industry.

“With the support of our sponsors EY we have also expanded the programme to include the new Pioneer Award to highlight the fantastic efforts to guarantee our position as a world-leading financial centre through innovation.

“I congratulate all nominees for their hard work and wish the finalists the very best of luck for October 24.”

The independent judging panel, consisting of SFE Board members and industry leaders from firms that are partner-level members of SFE, carefully deliberated over the nominations to create a shortlist of ten finalists across the three categories. This includes three finalists from Morgan Stanley and two from FNZ.

The winners will be announced at the Scottish Financial Enterprise Annual Dinner at the EICC in Edinburgh on Thursday 24 October. Run by Scottish Financial Enterprise and sponsored by EY, the awards celebrate success and recognise excellence in financial services.

Sue Dawe, head of financial services at EY in Scotland, said: “The Scottish Financial Services Awards offer a moment to showcase the extensive, positive contribution our industry makes to the economy and local society. We are honoured to continue this prestigious partnership with SFE as sponsors.

“The 2019 line-up demonstrates that the talent, innovation and aptitude within financial services remains as strong as ever. As sponsors of the Awards, we at EY are delighted to see such a strong list of contenders.

“The new Pioneer category is a fantastic addition to the ceremony and very apt to represent the truly innovative ideas, technologies and collaborative approaches in action within our industry. We are keen to celebrate and support the spirit of innovation – an inherently Scottish attribute – that will ensure Scotland retains its rightful place as a leading global centre for financial services.”