Is this your year? Consider self-nomination

This year, for the first time ever, WIBF is welcoming self-nominations for our prestigious Awards for Achievement. It’s a move designed to broaden access and enable recognition to be more equitable – especially for members working in startups, SMEs, non-traditional corporate structures, or simply where HR-led nominations may not be possible.

Self-nomination was an important change for us given awards typically see much lower levels of women singling themselves out. But it extends beyond baulking at self-promotion and leads to women underselling their achievements. It’s due to a variety of reasons, including cultural biases, gender expectations and a view that putting ourselves forward means we’re bragging. But we believe self-advocacy is about informing others of your contributions and the processes behind them, which are often invisible, providing an example for others to follow. 

Another self-imposed hurdle is that everything needs to be ‘perfect’ for us to deem it worthy of a submission. Meanwhile, the awards team want people to realise that others typically learn more from details of the challenges overcome than they would from a flawlessly-finished project. more from details of the challenges overcome than they would from a flawlessly-finished project, particularly when rolling out an idea in a different sector.

Whether you’re seen as rising talent, a technical trailblazer, an inclusion advocate, or a mentor changing lives, there’s a category in our awards for you.

Who should consider nominating themselves?

While we include some specific examples below, there are individual awards at every stage of a career.

You’re early in your career, but already leading by example

If you’re in the first 10 years of your career but are already shaping the culture and success of your organisation and starting to build a network through your work, the Future Leader Award could be yours.

This award celebrates women who are not just performing exceptionally, but who are also actively driving progress in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Perhaps you’re a role model to peers, leading initiatives that promote belonging, or mentoring others while climbing the ladder yourself. You demonstrate ambition, impact, influence and showing that leadership isn’t about waiting your turn or a job title – it’s about stepping forward now.

You’re in tech, using it to make things better

The Tech Leader Award celebrates women making an outstanding contribution within digital or technology disciplines in financial services.

This isn’t just about technical skills and what pioneering programmes were project managed. it’s about leading the tech agenda through innovation, thought leadership, or expertise, while using technology to advance both business goals and inclusion. Have you led a digital transformation, championed diversity in a data team, or built something that reimagines access or equity in financial services? Have you advocated for more women in tech while delivering cutting-edge work?

If so, your combination of impact and inclusion is exactly what this award seeks to honour.

You’re not in the C-suite, but you’re making inclusive leadership the norm

If you’re a mid to senior leader and you have given women equal access to voice, visibility and opportunity – despite not being on the management committee – the Inclusive Leader Award could be for you.

This award recognises individuals who walk the talk of inclusion. You consistently promote and inspire women in the workplace, often by role-modelling inclusive behaviours, reshaping processes and creating opportunities for others to thrive. Your approach sets a new standard, ensuring inclusion is part of day-to-day life, not just a strategy in a slide deck.

You’re not waiting for change. You’re driving it and that deserves recognition.

You’ve mentored through WIBF and helped others thrive

If you’re part of the WIBF mentoring programme, this is your chance to be recognised for the time, care and insight you’ve shared with your mentees.

The Mentor of the Year Award is open to current or past mentors in the programme who have made a measurable difference in the lives and careers of the women they’ve supported. Whether you’re a seasoned mentor or newly involved, this award is about the impact you’ve had on others – from boosting confidence and clarity to helping mentees secure new roles, develop skills, or navigate challenges.

Submissions need to include endorsements from mentees. We also want you to highlight the progress that’s taken place as a result of your support. If you’ve given others the opportunity to progress their careers, this is your time to step into the spotlight.

You’re at the top of your game and using your position to lift others

If you’re in one of the most senior roles in financial services and you’ve consistently combined excellence with purpose-driven leadership, the Award for Achievement recognises just that.

This award is for individuals who are not only delivering at the highest level, but are having a measurable impact across your sector and the broader industry. Perhaps you sit on advisory boards, or use your platform to drive policy and DEI outcomes across financial services. Your career is marked by determination, dynamism and the kind of daring leadership that others aspire to.

You’re a role model beyond your company and possibly beyond the industry. You’ve almost certainly been recognised before but the Award for Achievement goes further.

Still thinking, “Is this for me?”

If you’ve:

• Delivered an impactful project or campaign
• Been a visible champion for others
• Changed mindsets
• Driven digital or cultural innovation
• Mentored someone into a new role or mindset
• Broken new ground in your organisation or industry

…then yes. This could absolutely be for you.

Self-nomination isn’t about ego, but about equity and courage. It’s about making sure the awards reflect the full spectrum of the diverse women in financial services – not just those with visibility, sponsorship, or institutional support.

To explore all the award categories in more detail, visit our awards page. You’ll find downloadable PDFs outlining the full criteria for each award, as well as direct links to the nomination forms. Whether you’re nominating yourself or supporting someone else’s nomination, everything you need to get started is there.

Self-nominate. Share your story. Let others see what’s possible.

This could be your year. You could be a winner.