Citywealth Future Leaders Awards 2026 shortlist announced
Save the date: winners revealed on Tuesday, 10 November 2026 at Central London (TBC).
The Citywealth Future Leaders Awards were created to recognise the emerging talent shaping the future of the international private wealth profession. The 2026 shortlist demonstrates that the next generation is already making a significant impact across private banking, law, accountancy, trust and fiduciary services, family office advisory, investment management and digital assets.
This year’s entries reveal a cohort of professionals who are not simply progressing through their careers but actively driving growth, innovation and change within their firms. From advising international families and entrepreneurs to developing new client service models and mentoring future talent, the shortlisted candidates reflect the breadth and strength of expertise emerging across the sector.
What judges looked for this year
Across all categories, technical excellence remained important, but judges consistently rewarded candidates who could demonstrate measurable impact.
The strongest submissions combined professional expertise with evidence of leadership, client outcomes, business development, innovation and progression. Detailed examples, commercial awareness and a clear contribution to firm growth frequently distinguished the highest-scoring entries.
In private wealth law, candidates advising on succession, governance and international structures stood out. In investment management and private banking, judges recognised individuals introducing new approaches to client engagement and portfolio oversight. Within trust and fiduciary services, technical capability combined with professional development and increasing responsibility proved particularly compelling.
Digital assets continued to emerge as a significant area of innovation, with candidates demonstrating how regulation, compliance and technology are becoming increasingly integrated into the wider wealth management ecosystem.
Strong endorsement from senior leaders
One of the most encouraging themes running throughout this year’s submissions was the support many candidates received from senior figures within their organisations.
Rather than simply describing technical competence, references frequently focused on leadership potential, strategic influence and the ability to shape the future direction of their firms.
Matthew Briggs of Boyes Turner was praised by Managing Partner Barry Stanton for bringing “a dynamic, can-do attitude and a clear vision” to the development of the firm’s private wealth offering and strategic initiatives.
Bharat Basra of Hassium Asset Management was described by CEO Yogesh Dewan as “a cornerstone of our organisation”, recognising not only his investment expertise but also his role in mentoring colleagues and helping build a culture of excellence and accountability.
Jessica Kwok of Zhong Lun Law Firm received strong recognition from Clifford Ng, Co-Managing Partner and Head of Private Client, who highlighted her development over a decade at the firm, her technical expertise and her ability to earn the trust of clients and professional advisers alike.
At Fairway Group, Managing Director Mark Andrews praised Julia Dziegiel’s professionalism, judgement and technical development, describing her continued progression as a real asset to the business.
Emily Collins of Cadro was recognised by co-founder Jordan Buck for her profound impact on the business, while Olivia Lewis of Barclays Private Bank was praised by sector head Nandu Patel for consistently exceeding expectations through both her client work and wider contribution to the team.
These endorsements highlight a common theme: many of the professionals featured on this year’s shortlist are already acting as mentors, innovators and trusted advisers within their businesses.
Developing future leaders beyond the awards
The Future Leaders Awards form part of a much wider Citywealth commitment to supporting rising professionals across the international private wealth sector.
Through the Tomorrow Club and the WP Club, Citywealth provides opportunities for organised speed networking, knowledge sharing and mentoring throughout the year. These initiatives bring together professionals from legal, tax, trust, family office, investment management and private banking backgrounds, creating valuable connections between emerging talent and established industry leaders. There are four events a year for two hours each event. Attendees
The WP Club continues to champion the progression of NextGen within private wealth and professional services, while the Tomorrow Club provides a platform for younger professionals to exchange ideas, expand networks and build long-term careers within the sector.
Alongside the awards, Citywealth also hosts the NextGen Editorial Board Digital Event, bringing together shortlisted candidates, previous winners and senior industry figures to discuss leadership, innovation and career development.
Giving a voice to the next generation
The Citywealth NextGen Editorial Board has become an important platform for rising professionals to contribute to debate on the issues affecting wealthy families and their advisers.
The board’s recent report explored themes including international mobility, governance and geopolitical risk, demonstrating the breadth of thinking emerging from the next generation of industry professionals.
The initiative reflects Citywealth’s belief that future leaders should not simply be recognised but should also be given a lobbying voice.
The power of mentorship
A recurring theme throughout both the awards and Citywealth’s wider Future Leaders programme has been the importance of mentorship.
Recent Citywealth mentoring features have explored career progression, leadership and professional development from the perspective of some of the industry’s most experienced figures.
WP Club mentor Penny Lovell, Head of Private Bank and Chief Executive of the Hottinger Group, has shared insights on leadership and professional growth, while other contributors have reflected on finding purpose in professional life, building lasting relationships and navigating successful careers in wealth management.
Many of this year’s strongest submissions highlighted the support candidates had received from senior colleagues and mentors. Their success provides a reminder that future leaders are rarely developed in isolation. The most successful professionals combine technical expertise with curiosity, resilience, professional networks and a willingness to learn from those around them.
Following in distinguished footsteps
The 2026 shortlist follows another exceptionally strong year for the awards.
Among the 2025 winners were Jessica Flowerdew of Brodies, who received the Editor’s Choice Award, and Jutta Gangsted of Lenz & Staehelin, who was named Outstanding Individual of the Year. Winners also came from leading firms including Stevens & Bolton, Broadfield, Ogier, Zhong Lun Law Firm, Mishcon de Reya, JM Finn, Rathbones, Stonehage Fleming and Evelyn Partners.
The international nature of the winners reflects the increasingly global nature of private wealth itself. Many previous winners have gone on to become partners, directors, business leaders and recognised specialists within their fields, reinforcing the reputation of the Future Leaders Awards as a benchmark for emerging talent.
Key takeaways
• Judges rewarded evidence of impact, innovation and leadership, rather than job title alone.
• Senior leaders across the industry highlighted the strategic influence and future potential of many shortlisted candidates.
• Mentoring, networking and professional development continue to play a crucial role in helping future leaders progress.
• Citywealth’s Tomorrow Club, WP Club, Future Leaders Digital Event and NextGen Editorial Board all contribute to supporting emerging talent across the profession.
• The quality of this year’s shortlist demonstrates that the pipeline of talent across private wealth remains exceptionally strong.
Conclusion
The Citywealth Future Leaders Awards continue to spotlight the advisers, lawyers, bankers, trustees, accountants and investment professionals who are helping shape the future of the industry.
Whether through innovation, client service, business growth, leadership or mentoring, the individuals recognised this year are already making a significant contribution to their firms and to the wider private wealth community.
The winners of the Citywealth Future Leaders Awards 2026 will be announced on Tuesday 10 November 2026 at Central London (TBC), where the industry will come together to celebrate the achievements of the next generation of private wealth leaders.
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