The Early Stage Startup Award celebrates the most promising and innovative startups that are redefining the financial and technology landscape. 

This award recognizes early-stage companies that are leveraging technology to disrupt traditional models, solve critical industry challenges, and create meaningful impact.

To be eligible for the Early Stage Startup Award, you must have been in operation for less than 3 years (incorporation dates after October 1, 2023 will be accepted) AND have raised less than $5M.

Startups with technology at prototype/pre-production stage are accepted, but pre-development ideas/concepts are not eligible.

Companies entering the Early Stage Startup Award are ineligible for the Growth Stage Startup Award.

The Growth Stage Startup Award celebrates startups that have moved beyond the Early Stage and are demonstrating significant impact, scalability, and maturity in their respective fields. 

This award recognizes startups that are driving substantial growth, disrupting traditional models, and solving critical industry challenges.

To be eligible for the Growth Stage Startup Award, you must have been in operation for less than 7 years (incorporation dates after October 1, 2019 will be accepted) AND have raised less than $15M.

Startups with technology at prototype/pre-production stage but pre-development ideas/concepts are not eligible.

Companies entering the Growth Stage Startup Award are ineligible for the Early-Stage Startup Award.

The Banking Award celebrates the most innovative and impactful products, services, and initiatives leveraging technology, creativity, and strategic vision to solve critical challenges, enhance customer experiences, and drive meaningful change in the banking and financial services sector. 

Entries must highlight a specific product, service or initiative, to ensure recognition is given to the individual innovations driving impact and excellence. Company overviews are not eligible for entry.

There are no specific eligibility dates for the product itself within this Award. However, products must demonstrate at least 12 months of measurable and sustained impact, with evidence of ongoing activity within the current eligibility period (January 1, 2025 - January 30, 2026).

The Payments Award celebrates the most innovative and impactful products, services, and initiatives that are leveraging technology, creativity, and strategic vision to enhance payment experiences, improve accessibility, and drive meaningful change in the global payments and commerce landscape.

Entries must highlight a specific product, service or initiative, to ensure recognition is given to the individual innovations driving impact and excellence. Company overviews are not eligible for entry.

There are no specific eligibility dates for the product itself within this Award. However, products must demonstrate at least 12 months of measurable and sustained impact, with evidence of ongoing activity within the current eligibility period (01 January 2025 - 30 January 2026).

The Partnerships & Strategic Alliance Award celebrates the power of collaboration in driving innovation, growth, and meaningful impact across the financial industry. 

This award recognizes outstanding strategic alliances that have successfully combined resources, expertise, and vision to achieve shared goals. These partnerships should demonstrate how joining forces can lead to trailblazing solutions, enhanced customer experiences, and societal benefits.

Entries should focus on specific products, services, or initiatives developed within a single partnership that showcases innovation, measurable outcomes, and mutual success for the partners.

There are no specific eligibility dates for the partnership itself within this Award. However, partnerships must demonstrate at least 12 months of measurable and sustained impact, with evidence of ongoing activity within the current eligibility period (January 1, 2025 - January 30, 2026).

The Diamond Award celebrates the most extraordinary and impactful ideas, innovations, or initiatives that transcend traditional boundaries in the financial industry. 

This prestigious award is open to startups, established banks, and everything in between, focusing solely on the brilliance of the idea and the magnitude of its impact. Entrants should showcase how their work has delivered transformative change, set new standards, or created significant value, regardless of category or classification. 

Please ensure your entry highlights the idea, uniqueness and far-reaching impact of your product, service, or initiative, rather than entire companies, to ensure recognition is given to the individual innovations driving impact and excellence.

Categories

Choosing Your Category

The Money Awards

Early Stage Startup

Growth Stage Startup

Banking

Payments

Partnerships & Strategic Alliance

Diamond