The winners of this year’s revamped Scottish Financial Services Awards 2019 were announced at a ceremony at the EICC in Edinburgh last night as: FNZ, the first Scotland-based fintech unicorn business; Mikaela Thompson, apprentice at Morgan Stanley and a joint entry from Skills Development Scotland and the City of Glasgow College.

The award categories are: Impact & Investment, Pioneer and Rising Star. The former assesses the entrants’ contribution to the industry, economy and wider society; Pioneer highlights innovative new ideas and/or technologies in action to deliver tangible benefits to customers, clients and society while Rising Star has been designed to showcase the accomplishments, enthusiasm and commitment of a person in the early stages of their career.

FNZ took home the Impact and Investment Award in recognition of their impressive business growth and contribution Scotland’s standing as a world-leading financial services centre as well as their commitment to making a positive social impact.

Skills Development Scotland and the City of Glasgow College won the Pioneer Award 2019.

Mikaela Thompson, Technology Apprentice, Morgan Stanley won Rising Star 2019.

Ms Thompson has been identified by her employer as an outstanding apprentice with a drive to improve team performance and customer satisfaction. Her contribution has resulted in positive stakeholder feedback and an increase in employee engagement within the team. She has also successfully leveraged her academic studies to effectively communicate technical information to broad audiences.

The Runner-up: Rising Star 2019 category was hotly contested, so much so that the judges also identified a Runner-Up. Sam Young, proposition manager at The Phoenix Group impressed the judges with her driven and collaborative leadership style.

She is focused on delivering quality customer insight, built on forensic levels of analysis and skilful stakeholder management.

Philip Grant, Scottish Financial Enterprise chairman, said: “Many congratulations to the winners of the Scottish Financial Services Awards 2019. Given the volume of high-quality entries received, reaching the shortlist was an accomplishment in itself. The raft of nominations demonstrated the vast achievements of a talented, diverse and inclusive workforce across our vibrant industry in Scotland.

Sue Dawe, EY partner and head of financial services in Scotland, said: “The impressive calibre of this year’s winners and their fellow finalists is yet another clear demonstration of the relentless commitment to excellence within Scotland’s financial services industry. By being collaborative, innovative and continuing to invest in talent we can help to ensure the long-term success of our industry.”