Young Banker of the Year Award 2019 Launched with focus on green and sustainable finance
The 2019 edition of the most prestigious annual event for the UK’s leading young bankers has been launched today. The organisers, the Chartered Banker Institute, are inviting nominations from its 35,000 members, and more widely from individuals and UK banking institutions (including building societies, credit unions and fintechs).
Founded in 1987, the Chartered Banker Young Banker of the Year competition aims to showcase tomorrow’s leaders in banking. The challenge set for entrants is designed to test their capacity to generate new ideas, drive purposeful innovation and deliver positive outcomes for customers and communities. This year, entrants are asked to develop ideas with a focus on green and sustainable finance, reflecting the key role of financial services in facilitating the transition to a low carbon world.
Contestants are asked to develop a proposal in response to the following question: “What idea would you implement in your own organisation to improve outcomes for some or all of the following groups: customers, colleagues, counterparties, communities and the organisation you work for? Your idea should place customers and their needs at the heart of the business and reflect your vision for the future of banking based on sustainable and/or green finance principles.”
Following initial judging and live semi-finals in Birmingham and Edinburgh, the grand final will be held at London’s Mansion House in September. Four finalists will present their proposals to a judging panel composed of senior industry figures and the Young Banker of the Year 2019 will be presented with a trophy and a voucher for an overseas holiday for two.
Alistair Gilfillan from Lloyds Banking Group, Winner of 2018 Young Banker of the Year, commented:
“I’ve learnt so much from the whole Young Banker of the Year experience. When it comes to giving advice to other young bankers who may be thinking of entering the 2019 competition, there are two main things I’d share. Firstly, go for it. It’s stretching, challenging and interesting, no matter how far you go in the competition. Secondly, it’s a great calling card for meeting people you wouldn’t normally get a chance to talk to, so use it.”
Simon Thompson, chief executive of the Chartered Banker Institute, added:
“I’m very excited to be launching 2019’s Young Banker of the Year competition. The original, inventive and purposeful ideas from young bankers, who reflect the very best qualities of customer-focused, ethical professionalism provide a strong foundation for enhancing and sustaining professionalism in banking. The Young Banker of the Year competition celebrates the values that a successful, sustainable banking profession must be built on; values that are shared and inculcated by the Chartered Banker Institute.
