Citywealth Magic Circle Awards marks 21st year with £10,000 raised for Magic Breakfast

Date: 20 May 2026

Karen Jones

Citywealth’s Magic Circle Awards returned to London this year for its 21st edition, bringing together leading advisers, lawyers, bankers and fiduciaries from across the private wealth sector. The Citywealth awards ceremony at The Nobu Hotel Portman Square brought together leading figures from the private wealth sector for an evening of recognition, networking and fundraising, raising £10,000 for Magic Breakfast. While the awards celebrate technical excellence, judges this year repeatedly returned to a different theme: authenticity. Across categories, successful submissions were those that demonstrated genuine client impact, practical judgement and consistent delivery rather than polished marketing claims.

Judges highlighted the importance of responsiveness, professionalism and the ability to simplify complexity in high-stakes situations. In many categories, distinctions between nominees came down to small but meaningful differences in evidence, client outcomes and peer recognition, reflecting the increasingly competitive nature of the field.

The ceremony, held at The Nobu Hotel Portman Square, saw guests gather for an evening of awards, networking and fundraising.

The event raised £10,000 for Magic Breakfast, with Citywealth thanking guests for their generosity and support.

The awards are judged by an international panel drawn from across the industry, with a focus on recognising individuals and firms delivering genuine client impact rather than marketing-led submissions. Judges this year repeatedly emphasised the importance of authenticity, consistency and real-world results in a competitive field.

Across categories, one recurring theme was the quality and closeness of submissions, with judges noting that distinctions were often made on relatively small but meaningful differences.

Judges highlighted individuals known for their professionalism and responsiveness, pointing to the importance of reliable client service alongside technical strength. Judges described nominees as “very responsive” and “very professional”, reflecting the practical qualities valued by clients.

Discussions also centred on those able to combine technical excellence with judgement and client understanding. Judges praised lawyers who could “boil complexity down to something very straightforward and very practical”, with a strong ability to operate within family dynamics and high-stakes situations.

Submissions that included internal testimonials and detailed evidence were viewed particularly positively. Judges noted that when colleagues or supervisors contributed comments, it provided a clearer picture of how individuals perform in practice and helped certain entries stand out.

There was also a clear preference for nominees with a visible track record of delivery. Judges highlighted the importance of submissions demonstrating real experience, sustained client relationships and measurable outcomes rather than relying on general claims.

Judges were looking for lawyers who go beyond seniority, asking: “what makes them Lawyer of the Year… how can they resolve something particularly tricky?”  

Karen Jones, Editor and CEO said on the night. “Ladies and Gentlemen. Of the supposed 85 to 120 trillion dollars heading to the next generation across the US, UK, China, Brazil and beyond, only one thing stands between the beneficiaries and the tax collector. You. The job is never easy. Clients up sticks, throw multiple jurisdictions into the mix, change their minds halfway through, and somehow expect miracles by Friday. But problems need solving — and fees can be earned. The tax collector, however, is hungrier than ever. Stress-testing laws even when there’s no reason to, with investigations on the rise. Undoubtedly a challenge for all of us. Yet for one night, let’s put those worries aside and celebrate. Because tomorrow will bring whatever tomorrow brings — and whatever the tax man decides to say. As Mark Twain once observed: The only difference between a tax man and a taxidermist is that the taxidermist leaves the skin. So here’s to all of you — the ones who make sure our clients still have plenty of skin.

Editor’s Choice Award

Yorke Eaton, Addleshaw Goddard – Winner

Recognised for his leadership in building Addleshaw Goddard’s private client practice into a significant, partner-led team, supported by sustained investment, expansion of senior talent and the development of new specialist offerings.

Lifetime Achievement

Helen Ratcliffe, Broadfield – Winner

Awarded for a distinguished career in private wealth, combining senior leadership with a lasting influence on the profession. As former senior partner and head of private wealth, Helen Ratcliffe has advised international families across complex cross-border structures for decades, while also playing a central role in shaping the practice itself — mentoring generations of lawyers, developing the team and leaving a legacy that continues to influence colleagues and clients alike.

Career Achievement

Mark Dawes, Wilder Coe – Winner

Awarded for a long-standing career in private client taxation, spanning more than three decades advising individuals and businesses and for building a substantial client base through a consistent, pragmatic approach.

Future Icon Award

Jonathan Moon, Rathbones – Winner

Recognised for bringing sustainability and long term thinking into private client investment strategies.

Luminary of the Year Award

Amy Blackwell, Amy Blackwell – Winner

Deeply respected across philanthropy for long standing work helping families think differently about wealth and impact.

Accountant of the Year

Judges noted the importance of professionalism and responsiveness as distinguishing factors in the accountancy categories.

Pete Fairchild, Crowe UK – Winner

Very responsive, very professional and exactly what clients want from a trusted adviser.

Simon Bayliss, BDO UK – Runner-Up

Technical precision combined with strong strategic judgement.

Accountancy Firm of the Year

EY Private Client Services – Winner

Judges highlighted the firm’s focus on innovation, mentoring and long term value creation.

Dixon Wilson – Runner-Up

Judges noted the strength of a long‑established private client practice, with a depth of experience and continuity that continues to set it apart

For our legal categories, technical expertise alone was not enough, with practicality, judgement and client understanding emerging as key distinguishing factors in the legal categories.

Law Firm of the Year – London

Mishcon de Reya – Winner

Judges recognised the firm’s ability to build strong, loyal teams and handle the most demanding work.

Taylor Wessing – Runner-Up

Judges noted that the success of the private wealth offering was driven by leading names including Nick Warr, Andrew Hine and Damian Bloom, and their involvement in high-profile industry madates.

Law Firm of the Year – Boutique

Laura Devine Immigration – Winner

Recognised for specialist expertise at a time when immigration advice has become increasingly central for international families.

Seddons GSC – Runner-Up

Judges recognised the firm as a compelling combination of traditional private client strength and international reach. Saleem Sheikh was noted for his inspirational leadership.

Law Firm of the Year – UK wide

Brodies – Winner

Judges recognised the firm’s long-standing private client and tax practice, particularly in relation to landed estates, with Alan Barr and Mark Stewart among the most highly regarded practitioners in the field

Irwin Mitchell – Runner-Up

Judges recognised the firm’s strong private client practice, particularly advising entrepreneurs and business owners, reflecting its long-established position in the UK market

Law Firm of the Year – Switzerland

Winner: Bär & Karrer

One of Switzerland’s most established private client firms, recognised for its depth, consistency and long standing reputation.

Lenz & Staehelin – Runner-Up

Judges noted Lenz & Staehelin’s track record, with multiple Citywealth awards reflecting its established position in the Swiss market

Law Firm of the Year – USA

Winner: Katten

“Genuine individual and firm achievements”

Sullivan & Cromwell – Runner-Up

Judges noted Sullivan & Cromwell’s position advising families behind major international businesses, reflecting its standing in private client.

International Law Firm of the Year

Baker McKenzie – Winner

Judges noted Baker McKenzie’s role on major international transactions and disputes, with a highly regarded and responsive team

Addleshaw Goddard – Runner-Up

Judges noted the firm’s growing presence at the top end of the private client market.

Lawyer of the Year

Rosalyn Breedy, Breedy Henderson – Winner

Highly regarded for combining technical excellence with exceptional emotional intelligence.

Suzanne Johnston, Stephenson Harwood (Singapore) – Runner-Up

Vibrant, commercially sharp and a brilliant ambassador for Singapore private wealth.

Art Advisory Law Firm of the Year

Payne Hicks Beach – Winner

Noted the firm’s Art & Cultural Property practice led by Till Vere‑Hodge including looted‑art restitution claims.

Wedlake Bell – Runner-Up

Judges noted Rudy Capildeo advising on major transactions and Tim Maxwell handling complex restitution, provenance and fraud disputes, placing the firm among the leading players in the art market.

Family/Matrimonial Law Firm of the Year – Specialist

Penningtons Manches Cooper – Winner

Judges noted a strong specialist family team, continuing to grow and strengthen with partner promotions.

Stewarts – Runner-Up

A market leading family team built on deep expertise and high profile mandates

Family Lawyer of the Year

Winner: Renato Labi, Hughes Fowler Carruthers

Judges praised a highly practical approach focused on real world outcomes for families.

Lucy Loizou, International Family Law Group – Runner-Up

Judges noted Lucy Loizou’s role in building a specialist international family firm through sustained effort and clear direction.

Immigration Practice of the Year

Bates Wells – Winner

Recognised for combining specialist immigration expertise with wider values-centred work.

Fragomen – Runner-Up

Judges highlighted the firm’s international reputation advising multinational businesses, governments and globally mobile private clients.

Reputation Management Law Firm of the Year

Carter-Ruck – Winner

Recognised as one of the leading names in reputation management, handling complex and high profile matters.

Vardags – Runner-Up

Judges noted the firm’s strong profile in high stakes disputes and reputation sensitive cases.

Property Law Firm of the Year

Kingsley Napley – Winner

Recognised for combining strong technical property expertise with trusted client relationships.

Edwin Coe – Runner-Up

Judges highlighted the firm’s established private client property practice and consistent delivery.

Judges highlighted the importance of specialist expertise and practical advice in increasingly complex family and tax disputes.

Chambers of the Year

New Square Chambers – Winner

Recognised for depth of expertise across private client, trusts and contentious matters.

18 St John Street – Runner-Up

Judges highlighted the chambers’ strong reputation for specialist advocacy and technical excellence.

Family Barrister of the Year

Anita Mehta, 4PB – Winner

Recognised for combining technical strength with a highly practical approach to family matters.

Jason Green, Harcourt Chambers – Runner-Up

Judges noted his strong advocacy and growing reputation in complex family disputes.

Tax Barrister of the Year

Ben Elliott, Pump Court Tax – Winner

Recognised for outstanding technical expertise in complex tax matters.

Harriet Brown, Old Square Tax Chambers – Runner-Up

Judges highlighted her strong technical ability and clear commercial judgement.

Judges highlighted the growing importance of clear, long term advice as clients navigate increasingly complex financial, tax and succession planning decisions.

Tax Advisory Firm of the Year

Blick Rothenberg – Winner

Recognised for delivering pragmatic tax advice across increasingly complex international structures.

Buzzacott – Runner-Up

Judges noted the firm’s strong reputation for trusted private client and entrepreneurial advice.

Financial Planning Firm of the Year

Stonehage Fleming Wealth Planning – Winner

Recognised as a major player with a strong focus on private client planning and investment management.

David James Wealth – Runner-Up

Judges highlighted the firm’s personal approach and strong client relationships.

Tanager Wealth Management – Runner-Up

Recognised for thoughtful wealth planning and a growing presence in the private client market.

Judges noted growing interest in sustainability, philanthropy and purpose led investing, with clients increasingly looking to align long term wealth planning with wider social impact.

Charity Investment Management Company of the Year

W1M Investment Management – Winner

Recognised for combining investment expertise with a strong understanding of charity sector needs.

RBC Brewin Dolphin – Runner-Up

Judges highlighted the firm’s established reputation advising charities and not for profit organisations.

Impact/Sustainability Investment Management Company of the Year

Rathbones – Winner

Recognised for bringing sustainability and long term thinking into private client investment strategies.

LGT Wealth Management – Runner-Up

Judges highlighted the firm’s continued focus on sustainability and responsible investment.

Impact/Sustainability Adviser of the Year

Oliver Bates, Sarasin & Partners – Winner

Recognised for helping clients integrate sustainability into long term investment decisions.

Jennifer Ayer, AlTi – Runner-Up

Judges noted her thoughtful approach to impact and sustainability advice.

Philanthropy Advisor of the Year

Joe Crome, Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) – Winner

Judges praised innovative work helping clients structure complex charitable giving.

Rennie Hoare, C. Hoare & Co. – Runner-Up

Recognised for combining a traditional private banking bakground with thoughtful and substantial philanthropy advice.

Across the banking and investment categories, judges focused on consistency, client trust and the ability to deliver long term advice in increasingly international and complex markets.

Investment Management Company of the Year

W1M Wealth & Investment Management – Winner

Recognised for combining investment expertise with strong private client service.

JM Finn – Runner-Up

Judges noted a sound UK-focused private client investment manager with a strong long-term reputation.

Investment Management Company of the Year – USA

Evercore Wealth Management – Winner

Recognised for advising sophisticated international private clients across complex wealth structures.

State Street – Runner-Up

Judges highlighted the firm’s scale, institutional expertise and international capabilities.

Investment Manager of the Year

Alex Balfour, Evelyn Partners – Winner

Recognised for combining strong investment expertise with trusted client relationships.

Nick Grant, Canaccord Wealth – Runner-Up

Judges noted his steady approach and strong understanding of client needs.

Private Client Asset Manager of the Year

Cazenove Capital – Winner

Recognised for delivering high quality discretionary investment management for private clients.

Rathbones – Runner-Up

Judges highlighted the firm’s long standing reputation for trusted wealth management.

Private Bank of the Year

Weatherbys Private Bank – Winner

Recognised for rapid growth and successful diversification beyond its traditional roots.

Barclays Private Bank – Runner-Up

Judges highlighted the bank’s ability to support specialist teams and international private clients.

Private Bank of the Year – USA

J.P. Morgan Private Banking – Winner

Recognised for its global private banking capabilities and international client reach.

Safra National Bank – Runner-Up

Judges noted the bank’s strong heritage in international private banking.

Private Banker of the Year

Yovan Dabee, Barclays Private Bank – Winner

Recognised for building a strong international presence in LatAm and client focused private banking relationships.

Nicholas Brandram, HSBC Private Banking – Runner-Up

Judges highlighted his strong private client experience, dedication to clients and international outlook.

Judges noted growing demand for highly tailored support services as ultra high net worth families look for more integrated oversight of complex personal and financial affairs.

UHNW Private Client Services of the Year

Plumb Bill Pay – Winner

Recognised for delivering highly personalised cashflow support services to ultra high net worth families.

Daysium – Runner-Up

Judges highlighted the firm’s innovative approach to private client support services.

Judges highlighted the growing role of digital asset infrastructure and institutional custody services within private wealth.

Global Custody Provider

Zodia Custody – Winner

Recognised for perseverance and innovation in digital asset custody during previous challenging market periods.

Goldman Sachs – Runner-Up

Judges highlighted the firm’s global institutional strength and custody capabilities.

Judges highlighted the growing complexity of international family office structures, with clients increasingly seeking tailored advice across investment, governance and succession planning.

Family Office Services of the Year

Stonehage Fleming – Winner

Recognised as a major player in family office services with strong international capabilities.

JTC Private Office – Runner-Up

Judges highlighted continued growth, client service and evolving private office strength and capabilities.

Private Investment Office of the Year

Delfin Private Office – Winner

Recognised for delivering highly tailored investment office services to international families.

Capital Generation Partners – Runner-Up

Judges highlighted the firm’s long standing reputation advising large-scale sophisticated family office clients.

Judges highlighted the importance of stability, international expertise and long standing client relationships across the trust and fiduciary categories.

Trust Company of the Year

RBC Wealth Management – Winner

Recognised for its scale, international reach and breadth of trust services.

JTC Group – Runner-Up

Judges highlighted the group’s continued growth and international developments

Trustee of the Year

Philip Carlton, HIGHVERN – Winner

Recognised for technical expertise combined with trusted client relationships.

Dominique Burnett, Fairway Group – Runner-Up

A real powerhouse who has worked incredibly hard to build Fairway’s international presence.

Across the individual awards, judges focused on leadership, client dedication and the ability to build lasting influence within the profession.

Woman of the Year

Sarah Farrow, EY Private Client Services – Winner

Recognised for combining technical excellence with mentoring and leadership.

Emma Sterland, Evelyn Partners – Runner-Up

Judges highlighted her strong reputation and continued contribution to private client advisory work.

Tomorrow Club Award

Ulyana Yahnyuk, Barclays Private Bank – Winner

Recognised for strong mentoring, personable approach and rapid progression within private banking.

Charlotte McIntyre, W1M Wealth & Investment Management – Runner-Up

Judges highlighted a strong overall submission and growing client expertise.

Wealth Professional Award

Madni Chaudhary, Michelmores – Winner

Recognised for handling complex immigration and citizenship matters for international clients.

Natalia Alvarez, Ascentium – Runner-Up

Judges highlighted strong testimonials and a growing reputation in fiduciary services.

Outstanding Individual of the Year

Ashley Crossley, Baker McKenzie – Winner

Recognised for leadership on major international private client transactions with his team and continued growth of the practice.

Andrea Montague, Brooks Macdonald – Runner-Up

Judges highlighted her long standing contribution to private wealth and client advisory services.

Congratulations to the 2026 shortlist, the winners and runners up. It was a wonderful night on the back of the Citywealth Forum.

The 21st Citywealth Magic Circle Awards brought together many of the leading names in private wealth, law, banking and fiduciary services. Throughout the judging process, there was repeated emphasis on practical advice, specific details about work, names and credited testimonials and the ability to build long standing relationships with clients and families. Judges also noted the importance of personality, collaboration, mentoring, leadership and clear thinking, particularly in more complex cross-border work.

The evening reflected a sector continuing to evolve, with growing discussion around sustainability, philanthropy, international mobility, technology and succession planning alongside more traditional private client work.

Citywealth confirmed that entries are now open for the

IFC Awards

The deadline for submissions to the 2027 Citywealth International Financial Centre (IFC) Awards is July 3, 2026

And the

Powerwomen Awards, continuing its focus on recognising individuals and firms across the international private wealth sector.

The deadline to submit nominations for the Citywealth Powerwomen Awards (International and USA) is September 25

Citywealth Forum USA

Citywealth also has a call for speakers for the Citywealth Forum USA, taking place in New York on 10 March 2027.

Proposed sessions include discussions on sports ownership and private wealth, donor advised funds and philanthropy structures, endowments and art as wealth strategy, and the changing role of international collectors around Art Basel Miami and Paris.

The Wealth Playbook: Golf vs. American Football – Ownership Models, Revenues, Celebrity Capital & Investor Strategies

Panel Overview

In private wealth management, sports assets have evolved from pure trophy holdings into structured, financeable components of diversified portfolios. This panel contrasts two of the most capital-intensive sports ecosystems: the ultra-stable, high-cash-flow NFL (with average team values now at ~$7.1 billion and the Dallas Cowboys at $13 billion) and the more individual-driven, disruption-prone world of professional golf (PGA Tour Enterprises valued at ~$12.9 billion post-Strategic Sports Group investment, alongside the high-stakes LIV Golf experiment that injected over $5 billion in sovereign capital before facing 2026 funding uncertainty). Panellists will examine how UHNW clients and family offices are gaining exposure via minority stakes, balance-sheet financing, and institutional capital — while weighing revenue metrics, star power, risk profiles, and long-term appreciation potential.

Philanthropy That Lasts: Trusts, Foundations & DAF Strategies

Panel Overview

Philanthropy has become one of the most important elements of ultra-high-net-worth planning, with U.S. donor-advised funds (DAFs) now holding over $326 billion in assets. Families are increasingly turning to trusts, private foundations, and DAFs to achieve tax-efficient giving while creating meaningful, multi-generational impact. This panel examines how trustees and advisors help clients build philanthropic structures that endure. Speakers will compare DAFs (for simplicity and immediate tax benefits) with private foundations (for greater control and family involvement), explore how to preserve donor intent across generations, manage next-gen engagement, and align investments with charitable goals. A timely real-world example is the ongoing Peterson v. WaterStone lawsuit (filed January 2026), in which the successor advisor to a $21 million DAF claims the sponsoring organization restricted access, blocked grant recommendations, and failed to communicate.

Boston Legacy Capital: Sports Ownership, Endowments in the Crosshairs, Foundations & Art as Wealth Strategies

Panel Overview

Boston stands as one of America’s most established private wealth hubs, where sophisticated family offices blend sports investments, world-class endowments, strategic philanthropy, and cultural assets like art into multi-generational strategies. This panel explores how ultra-high-net-worth clients and advisors are adapting to today’s realities: the landmark Boston Celtics sale (51% acquired in 2025 at a $6.1 billion valuation, with full control by 2028 potentially pushing the blended value toward $7.3 billion), ongoing pressures on Harvard’s $53–57 billion endowment (including federal funding freezes exceeding $2 billion, threats to tax-exempt status, and higher endowment taxes), evolving foundation and donor-advised fund approaches, and the role of art as both a passion investment and portfolio diversifier.

Miami vs Paris: Art Basel Showdowns & Private Wealth Strategies for Latin American Collectors

Miami and Paris have emerged as two key poles in the global art calendar. Art Basel Miami Beach draws over 80,000 visitors each December and serves as the premier gathering point for collectors across the Americas, with particularly strong participation from Latin America (Brazilian, Mexican, and other regional buyers frequently cited in gallery reports). Art Basel Paris, held in October at the Grand Palais, attracted over 73,000 visitors in 2025 and has gained momentum through strong institutional support and selective, high-quality sales. This panel compares the two epicentres: Miami’s vibrant, discovery-driven atmosphere and Latin American collector base versus Paris’s cultural depth and appeal for European (especially French and 20th-century) works. Speakers will examine what sophisticated UHNW clients, particularly from Latin America, are buying in each market, why the fairs matter differently, and the practical private wealth implications. Topics include acquisition strategies, cross-border structuring, valuation and insurance challenges, estate and legacy planning, and how art fits into broader family office and philanthropic decisions.

Applications to speak can be submitted via the Citywealth editorial call link:
https://citywealth.typeform.com/editorialcall?typeform-source=www.citywealthmag.com

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