Citywealth Powerwomen Awards 2026 – International: the winners, speeches and standout leaders
The Citywealth Powerwomen Awards International 2026 gathered leaders from across the global wealth management industry in London to celebrate women and allies driving excellence across private banking, legal advisory, investment management and professional services.
Hosted by broadcaster Rebecca Jones, the awards recognised outstanding achievements in leadership, mentorship and innovation while highlighting the importance of supporting the next generation of women in wealth management. Thank you to all who attended.
Celebrating leadership across global wealth management
The Citywealth Powerwomen Awards International 2026 brought together leaders from across the global wealth management community in London to celebrate achievement, leadership and the continued progress of women within the industry.
Held at The Landmark London, close to International Women’s Day, the awards welcomed private bankers, lawyers, trustees, accountants, tax advisers, investment professionals and family office specialists from across Europe.
Founded by Karen Jones, CEO and editor of Citywealth, the Powerwomen Awards which celebrated 15 years this year, recognise individuals and organisations shaping the future of wealth management while championing mentorship, leadership and opportunity across the profession. In 2025 Citywealth also celebrated its 20 year anniversary.
The evening was hosted by broadcaster Rebecca Jones, whose career in journalism spans nearly three decades.
Opening remarks from Karen Jones
Karen Jones opened the ceremony by reflecting on the timing of the awards and the strength of the women and leaders gathered in the room. She said.
Good evening everyone.
Welcome to the Citywealth Powerwomen Awards.
We are very sensibly holding this close to International Women’s Day, a time of year when companies everywhere rediscover their commitment to women for a full twenty four hours.
Luckily, this room does not need reminding.
The women here do not need a themed breakfast or a panel entitled “Finding Your Voice”. You clearly found it some time ago.
What I particularly admire about this group is not just success. It is stamina.
You have built businesses, advised families, managed risk, navigated regulation and still somehow been described as “very good at multitasking”.
You are not multitasking. You are running things.
International Women’s Day talks a lot about action. In our world, action usually looks rather calm. Measured judgement under pressure. Saying no when it matters. Backing your team. Building institutions that last.
It may not trend online but it works.
So tonight is simple. We recognise excellence, we applaud it and tomorrow morning most of you will quietly go back to being entirely formidable.
Congratulations to all our nominees and winners.
Karen also reflected on the wider mission behind the programme. For more than two decades Citywealth has championed diversity of all kinds in wealth management and built international connections across the industry.
Through initiatives with the Citywealth NEXTGEN clubs, including the Tomorrow Club and Wealth Professionals network, the organisation has also focused on the importance of paternity leave and shared parental responsibility, encouraging men in the industry to support family responsibilities and women’s career progression. If we don’t have equality for men in parental care, we force women to be primary carers.
DONATE TO SAVE OXFORD STREET FROM SADIQ KHAN CLOSURE FUND
Master of Ceremonies – Rebecca Jones: supporting the next generation
Host Rebecca Jones spoke about the importance of leadership, mentorship and visibility in creating lasting change within the wealth sector.
“Change happens in two ways. Structurally, through policy, accountability and visibility. And culturally, through example.”
She emphasised the responsibility industry leaders share in supporting younger professionals entering the field.
“It is our responsibility as women to support other women. Mentorship. Sponsorship. Advocacy in rooms where someone is not present. A private recommendation. A public endorsement. It’s about opening doors, not guarding them.”
Looking ahead, she encouraged those in the room to continue setting strong examples.
“So, let’s all commit to the next generation, to being great examples to young women and supporting them in navigating what can still be challenging environments.”
“These awards matter because they recognise women and their allies operating at the highest standards while navigating global politics, regulatory change and evolving technology. Ultimately these awards are about excellence and delivering for clients.”
Rebecca Jones is a highly experienced broadcast journalist and accomplished host and moderator. Rebecca went freelance in 2023 after nearly 30 years at the BBC where she held a number of national and international roles. She was a Chief News Presenter on BBC1, BBC2, BBC World and the BBC News Channel. She anchored coverage of some of the biggest national and international news stories of recent years including the Queen’s death, live from Buckingham Palace, general elections, the war in Ukraine and the London Bridge terror attack.
Editor’s Choice and special honours
Editor’s Choice Award
Charlotte Hill – Penningtons Manches Cooper
Charlotte Hill is recognised as one of the leading advisers in international private client law. Her work focuses on complex cross-border family matters and governance structures for global families.
Career Achievement Award
Annamaria Koerling – Delfin Private Office
Annamaria Koerling has built a distinguished career advising ultra high net worth families and shaping the development of the modern family office sector.
Outstanding Individual of the Year
Nicola Simmons – Mishcon de Reya
Nicola Simmons continues to distinguish herself as a leading private client lawyer, advising global families on complex governance, succession and legal planning issues.
Patron of Progress
Penny Lovell – Hottinger Group
Penny Lovell has long championed diversity and leadership across the wealth management sector while building a successful international advisory practice.
Patron of Progress Award
The Patron of Progress Award recognises contributions to gender equality by an advocate whether male or female.
Timed to coincide with International Women’s Day, the award highlights support for women’s advancement through advocacy, resources and leadership. It acknowledges efforts promoting a fairer society and emphasises the important role allies play in driving meaningful change.
Global Standard Bearer for Women in Wealth
Gillian Browning – GFSC
Gillian Browning’s leadership within financial regulation has helped shape the modern wealth management landscape while encouraging greater representation of women across the industry.
In recognising a Global Standard Bearer, Citywealth acknowledges those whose careers embody both achievement and responsibility: building institutions, supporting colleagues and helping define what leadership in wealth management should look like for the next generation. The Global Standard Bearer for Women in Wealth award recognises an individual whose leadership has helped set a benchmark for excellence, integrity and progress
Category winners
Champion of the Year
Gold – Anna Murdock, JM Finn
Anna Murdock is recognised for her leadership in investment management, delivering strong client outcomes while supporting greater diversity within the profession.
Silver – Dawn Quek, Baker McKenzie
Dawn Quek is recognised for her expertise advising international clients on complex legal and regulatory issues affecting cross-border wealth structures.
Bronze – Sean Taylor, Arbuthnot Latham
Sean Taylor continues to play an important role in strengthening client relationships and strategic advisory services within private banking. He is also a long term, much recognised champion for diversity.
Career Initiative
Gold – Julie Hutchison, LGT Wealth Management
Through her work advising trustees, foundations and charitable organisations on governance and investment matters, she has helped strengthen understanding of how charitable capital can be managed responsibly and effectively.
Silver – Geraldine Noel, Acumum
Her work reflects the increasingly global nature of private wealth and the need for advisers who can navigate multiple jurisdictions and regulatory environments.
Bronze – Medhah Dwarka, Standard Bank
Medhah Dwarka has championed professional development and supporting international clients with trust structures and wealth planning, helping families manage assets across jurisdictions.
Mentor of the Year
Gold – Eva Sheppard, Stonehage Fleming
Eva Sheppard has dedicated significant time mentoring younger professionals and helping develop future leaders within the wealth management industry.
Silver – Neha Bissonauth Ballah, Standard Bank
Neha Bissonauth Ballah actively supports colleagues and emerging professionals, encouraging leadership development and career progression.
Bronze – Alina Lobacheva, Barclays
Alina Lobacheva has provided guidance and mentorship to colleagues across her organisation, contributing to professional development and knowledge sharing.
Inspirational Woman of the Year
Gold – Zoe Bloom, AFP Bloom
Zoe Bloom has built a highly respected advisory practice guiding clients through complex financial decisions and demonstrating entrepreneurial leadership.
Silver – Andrea Montague, Brooks Macdonald
Andrea Montague has demonstrated consistent leadership and dedication to delivering exceptional service to clients.
Bronze – Chloe Leung, Zhong Lun Law Firm
Chloe Leung continues to build an outstanding reputation advising international families on private client and wealth structuring matters.
Entrepreneurial Woman of the Year
Gold – Barbara Corbett, Corbett LeQuesne
Barbara Corbett has built a world class family law business for international clients.
Silver – Melanie Goodman, Trevisan
Melanie Goodman is the go-to for Linkedin promotional strategies.
Bronze – Nicki Staff, NAS Tax Solutions
Nicki Staff has built a specialist advisory practice focused on tax planning and strategic client advice.
Woman of the Year – Rising Star
Gold – Sarah Green, Michelmores
Sarah Green has quickly established herself as a rising talent within private client law advising families on family law and financial arrangements.
Silver – Annie Bouch, Mishcon de Reya
Annie Bouch continues to build a strong reputation advising private clients on complex tax matters.
Bronze – Fei Ren, HSBC
Fei Ren has demonstrated strong leadership potential within international banking and client advisory services.
Woman of the Year – Professional Services
Gold – Suzanne Briggs, Blick Rothenberg
Suzanne Briggs is widely respected for advising international clients on complex tax planning and cross-border wealth structures particularly divorce tax implications.
Silver – Harriet Campbell, Womble Bond Dickinson
Harriet Campbell continues to build a strong reputation advising private clients particularly with elderly and vulnerable clients
Bronze – Hema Anand, Broadfield Law
Hema Anand is highly experieced in advising international families prime London real estate, offering guidance that gets the deal done.
Woman of the Year – FinTech and Crypto
Gold – Kathryn Dodds, gunnercooke
Kathryn Dodds has developed significant expertise advising clients navigating the evolving digital asset and fintech landscape.
Silver – Pavan Kaur, gunnercooke
Pavan Kaur continues to contribute with immense skill to the development of legal frameworks around financial innovation and digital assets.
Bronze – Joanna Bailey, Giambrone & Partners
Joanna Bailey advises clients with great insight within emerging financial technology sectors.
Woman of the Year – Government, Regulatory and Not for Profit
Gold – Kay McCarthy, The International Stock Exchange
Kay McCarthy has played an important role strengthening governance and regulatory standards across international financial markets.
Silver – Amy Bryant, Jersey Finance
Amy Bryant promotes Jersey’s financial services sector internationally and has encouraged strong collaboration across the industry.
Bronze – Louise Richardson, Government of Jersey
Louise Richardson has contributed to policy development supporting financial services and governance as well as Jersey’s reputation as a leading international finance centre.
Woman of the Year – Business Growth
Gold – Dominique Burnett, Fairway Group
Dominique Burnett has driven significant growth while strengthening client services and expanding the firm’s international reach with their Singapore office.
Silver – Naomi Rive, HIGHVERN
Naomi Rive has played a key role in developing Highvern into a trusted, go-to business in the global private wealth industry.
Bronze – Estella Newbold Brown, Lester Aldridge
Estella Newbold Brown has built strong client relationships while supporting business development within the firm with her excellent pet nups initiative.
Woman of the Year – Leadership
Gold – Nicola Roberts, Harneys
Nicola Roberts is recognised for her strong and thoughtful leadership within Harneys and advising international clients on complex legal and governance matters.
Silver – Beatrice Puoti, Stephenson Harwood
Beatrice Puoti continues to demonstrate strong leadership across legal advisory and client strategy. Her flair and joie d vivre combined with expertise in Italian legal and tax issues are second to none.
Bronze – Marina Zevedeou, Aspen Trust Group
Marina Zevedeou has built a strong leadership profile within trust and fiduciary services in Cyprus and new markets that include India and the movie industry.
Woman of the Year – Private Banking and Investment Management
Gold – Chloe Stages, Union Bancaire Privée
Chloe Stages is recognised for delivering exceptional client service and building strong investment relationships with international families. She is world class in next-generation legacy planning
Silver – Rebecca Lain, LGT Wealth Management
Rebecca Lain is recognised for her work with US-connected clients
Bronze – Hannah Berridge, Hampden Bank
Hannah Berridge has demonstrated exceptional private banking services, and managing professional partnerships/intermediary networks
Organisations driving change
Best Employer – Career Progression
Gold – KPMG
KPMG has implemented initiatives designed to strengthen leadership opportunities and career development for women. Including initiatives to support women in advancing to senior roles.
Silver – Bär & Karrer
The firm promotes an inclusive culture that actively encourages professional growth and advancement for all team members, with a strong emphasis on structured career paths
Bronze – W1M
W1M is recognised for impactful initiatives for employees for professional development and leadership opportunities.
Organisation of the Year – Creating Change for Women
Gold – Irwin Mitchell
Irwin Mitchell demonstrates a clear commitment to gender equality and leadership development across the firm. include structured diversity and inclusion plans and a successful woman’s network.
Silver – Michelmores
Michelmores continues to invest in programmes supporting mentorship and professional advancement, particularly for women and underrepresented groups.
Bronze – Camilla Baldwin Solicitors
They commit to equal opportunities for all, zero tolerance for harassment or discrimination, and fostering an inclusive environment.
Organisation of the Year – Female Leadership
Gold – Laura Devine Immigration
The firm has built a strong culture of female leadership and professional development under Laura Divine’s leadership.
Silver – Prism the Gift Fund
Prism supports women in leadership roles through its female-founded and female-led structure. The organization has achieved significant scale: Over its 20-year history (marked in recent anniversaries), it has secured over $1 billion in donations and distributed more than $600 million to charitable causes worldwide.
Bronze – Altum Group
Altum promotes opportunities for women across the organisation. Zena Couppey has led transformative growth scaling from 35 to 200+ employees with sustainable, female-driven progress.
Congratulations to all our winners and shortlist for 2026.
Looking ahead: Powerwomen USA and the Citywealth Forum
The Citywealth Powerwomen programme continues with the Powerwomen Awards USA ceremony in New York on 18 March. Hosted by Jan Hopkins, Former CNN financial news anchor.
Alongside the awards, Citywealth will host the Citywealth Forum USA, bringing together leading advisers, lawyers and wealth professionals to discuss the evolving landscape of global private wealth.
Citywealth Forum USA – full agenda
13:00 – 13:30
Registration and arrival
13:30 – 14:15
Trusts and Investment Strategies
Speakers
Julie L. Neitzel – WE Family Offices
Nikita Gibson – Geneva International Insurance
Paulina Mejia – Fiduciary Trust International
Robert Macro – Druces
Topics include trust governance, due diligence and investment resilience in volatile markets.
14:15 – 15:00
Latin America’s evolving wealth landscape
Moderator
Marina Cristiani – JTC USA Private Client Services
Speakers
Francesca Boschini – Deutsche Bank Wealth Management
Nina Heindel Baumbach – RSM US
Topics include succession planning, cross-border tax frameworks and regional wealth trends.
15:00 – 15:30
Coffee break
15:30 – 16:15
Managing and transitioning major art collections
Moderator
Francesca Boschini – Deutsche Bank Wealth Management
Speakers
Courtney Christensen – Winston Art Group
Danielle Amato Milligan – AmatoMilligan & Associates
Sherri Cohen – Sotheby’s Fiduciary Client Group
16:15 – 17:00
Women’s sport and the future of investment
Speakers
Arya Rahimian – Kroll
Emily Dreas – Bank of America Private Bank
Jess Alden – Slateford
Lisa Barksdale – Bank of America Private Bank
17:00 – 17:30
Champagne reception
17:30 – 18:30
Citywealth Powerwomen Awards USA ceremony
Hosted by Jan Hopkins, President of The Jan Hopkins Group and former CNN financial news anchor.
18:30 – 19:30
Networking reception
Strengthening global connections
Together, the Citywealth Powerwomen Awards and Citywealth Forum continue to strengthen connections across the international wealth community while celebrating the professionals shaping the future of the industry.
Subscribe to the Citywealth Weekly Newsletter to learn more about Private Wealth Management.
Read More:
Citywealth Powerwomen Awards – International – Shortlist | Citywealth | 2026 shortlist best offshore
Open for submissions: Citywealth IFC Awards 2027
Unveiling the Pinnacle of Global Private Wealth Excellence.
Citywealth Powerwomen USA Nominees for 2026 – final week for voting!
The online vote is open to peers and clients. Only one vote per category is permitted, and you can’t vote for your organisation or your colleagues (all internal ballots will be removed). Voting closes 6th February 2026.