2026 Categories
The categories have been carefully redefined to reflect the changing priorities and successes of the lending market, recognising innovation, impact and excellence across the industry.
Getting started
Login or register for free to view the category criteria. From there you can enter as many categories you wish and can edit and return to your entries as many times as you like before the final deadline.
Entry deadline
An early entry fee of £188+VAT will be applied until the early deadline of 17 July 2026. A standard entry fee of £298+VAT will be applied until the final deadline of 14 August 2026.
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Need help?
Whether that be support with writing your entries or suggestions on which categories are best fit for you, we’re here to help. Contact our Awards team.
Categories
Asset & Invoice Finance Provider of the Year
Organisations that should enter:
Organisations that should enter:
Providers of asset finance, leasing, or invoice finance solutions for UK businesses.
Best Payments Innovation in Lending
Organisations that should enter:
Lenders, fintechs, payment providers or platforms delivering innovative payment capabilities that enhance lending products or borrower experiences. This may include card-linked credit, real-time repayment solutions, checkout finance integrations, or new payment-enabled credit models.
Best Use of AI in Lending
Organisations that should enter:
Lenders or technology providers using artificial intelligence to enhance the lending experience.
BNPL Provider of the Year
Organisations that should enter:
Providers of Buy Now Pay Later or retail point-of-sale finance solutions serving UK consumers.
Building Society Mortgage Lender of the Year
Consumer Credit Card Provider of the Year
Customer Experience Excellence
Organisations that should enter:
Any lender providing outstanding customer experience in lending products.
Digital Lending Innovation of the Year
Organisations that should enter:
Lenders or fintech companies that have launched a new digital product, platform or lending experience.
Embedded Finance & Lending Partnership of the Year
Organisations that should enter:
Lenders delivering embedded lending solutions through partnerships with platforms, software providers or marketplaces.
Financial Inclusion Initiative of the Year
Organisations that should enter:
Lenders, fintechs or organisations expanding access to credit for underserved communities or individuals.
Legal & Advisory Partner of the Year
Organisations that should enter:
Legal firms, consultancies or advisory providers supporting lenders in the UK.
Lending Leader of the Year
Organisations that should enter:
A senior leader within a lending organisation who has delivered exceptional impact over the past 12 months.
Mainstream Mortgage Lender of the Year
Organisations that should enter:
Established mortgage lenders offering products designed for the mass market.
Open Banking Innovation in Lending
Organisations that should enter:
Lenders leveraging open banking to improve lending decisions, customer journeys or product offerings.
Retail Lender of the Year
Organisations that should enter:
Banks, specialist consumer lenders, fintech lenders, credit card providers and digital lenders offering personal lending products in the UK.
Rising Star in Lending
Organisations that should enter:
Professionals with fewer than five years’ experience in the lending industry.
SME Lender of the Year
Who should enter?
Banks, fintech lenders, challenger lenders and specialist lenders providing finance to UK SMEs.
Specialist Commercial Lender of the Year
Organisations that should enter:
Lenders specialising in a particular sector, customer segment or lending niche within commercial finance.
Specialist Mortgage Lender of the Year
Organisations that should enter:
Lenders specialising in mortgages for underserved or niche borrower segments.
Start-up of the Year
Organisations that should enter:
This category is open to newly established lenders and service providers that have launched within the past three years and are demonstrating strong early momentum in the credit and lending ecosystem.
Technology Partner of the Year
Organisations that should enter:
Technology providers delivering solutions that support lending organisations across the credit lifecycle.
More information
Confidentiality
All materials will remain confidential to the judges. Winning case studies may be used in post-event materials to promote best practice but permission will be sought from entrants before publishing.
Terms & Conditions
By entering the awards, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions.
"What truly sets the event apart is its impartiality, thorough the judging process, and broad representation of industry sectors."
Andrew Woodhouse
Head of Risk, Novuna Business Finance
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