Capital Pioneer launches awards

The financial services industry is transforming at lightning speed. At the heart of that change are the pioneers.

On Monday, 6 October 2025 entries open for the inaugural Capital Pioneer Awards (“The Pioneers”), a new programme designed to spotlight the visionaries, disruptors, and innovators reshaping the future of global finance.

The journey will culminate in a black-tie gala dinner at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, London (The Underglobe) on 16 April 2026. This celebration is a fitting stage to honour those rewriting the rules of capital markets, banking, payments, insurance, and investment.

What are The Pioneers?
The Capital Pioneer Awards celebrate excellence across the evolving landscape of financial services, recognising individuals, teams, and organisations at the forefront of change.

From AI-driven investment strategies to blockchain-powered infrastructure, from tokenisation breakthroughs to next-generation payments innovation, The Pioneers shine a spotlight on those who are not just adapting to the future, but actively building it.

Whether you’re:

• A start-up creating smarter tools,
• A custodian safeguarding the digital economy,
• An asset manager rethinking portfolios for a new era, or
• A collaborative team driving systemic change,

…. this is your platform to be recognised.

Why enter?
Winning, or even being shortlisted, at The Pioneers offers more than a trophy.

Entrants gain:

• Industry recognition as leaders of transformation
• A chance to showcase creativity, resilience, and impact
• The opportunity to position themselves as thought leaders in a space where agility and vision are paramount

It’s about celebrating progress, credibility, and influence in one of the most dynamic industries in the world.

How will entries be judged?
The judging framework is designed to reward boldness, originality, and measurable impact. Judges will score entries across five key dimensions:

• Innovation & Originality (25%) – Does it push boundaries or reimagine existing systems?
• Impact & Outcomes (25%) – What tangible results or industry influence has it achieved?
• Execution & Delivery (20%) – Has it been implemented with resilience and scalability?
• Leadership & Vision (15%) – Does it inspire change and set direction for the industry?
• Contribution to the Ecosystem (15%) – Has it advanced the wider financial services landscape?

Each award category has tailored criteria to ensure every entrant is judged fairly and meaningfully.

Who should enter?
The Pioneers are open to individuals, teams, and organisations across the financial ecosystem. Categories span:

• Headline awards (e.g. Capital Pioneer of the Year, Pioneering Team of the Year, Young Pioneer Award)
• Sector-specific awards (FinTech, Asset Management, Payments, Insurance, Cybersecurity, and more)
• Collaboration awards (Partnership of the Year, cross-disciplinary innovation)

Whether you’re an early-stage disruptor or an established institution, if you’re driving meaningful change, this is your moment.

The grand finale
All roads lead to 16 April 2026, when winners will be revealed at a spectacular black-tie dinner beneath Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.

The Underglobe will host an evening of celebration, networking, and recognition, bringing together the brightest minds and boldest innovators in financial services.

How to enter
Full details, including categories, criteria, and submission guidelines, will be available on the official awards site. This is your chance to stand among the pioneers shaping the future of finance.

For full information about the categories or the presentation evening, go to our dedicated awards site here.