International Advisor Awards - International Advisor Awards

International Adviser Best Practice Awards 2026

Categories and criteria

Best Practice lies at the very heart of any top-class adviser businesses and it is very much part of International Adviser's DNA having hosted the industry's biggest Advisory Best Practice Awards across this last decade.

This year we are delighted to bring back these awards on what is IA's 20th anniversary since launch and we hope that the industry will once again embrace these awards once again.

We have 10 different awards across 7 separate regions, with an overall global winner in each category.

By entering these awards you will ensure there is a global showcase for your achievements in embedding Best Practice in every aspect of your business, from front-line advice to back-office support.

We have kept the criteria simple to enable you to tell your stories your way.
We are not expecting you to have the perfect answers to every point in the criteria.
We want great stories. Where appropriate, include links to background information and the judges will do the rest.
Case studies, client and staff testimonials, highlighting any of the key elements of the criteria always engage the judges.

The more factual the information and statistics you provide, the better your chances of making the shortlist: hard evidence counts. You can send us a link to background information and the judges will do the rest.

Best Adviser Firm established under three years

This award is for firms that have been operating as a trading entity for three years or less, as at 1 January 2025.

Open to any firm that can demonstrate success in making a noteworthy contribution to the advisory sector and is now looking to take the next step. Entrants could include (examples only):

An adviser that has identified a significant market failing and/or gap and filled it
An adviser that has focused on using the latest technologies
A firm that has embedded best practice

Enter

Best Support Team

Top class businesses must run efficiently and cost-effectively. Internal systems, processes, IT, CRM, paraplanning, finance, training and HR must all be aligned with the firm’s objectives. The teams that run these functions are essential to the success of the best firms. This award is for the backoffice team(s) in your business and the key elements of winning entries could include

Clear example(s) of how a support team(s) has made a difference to the overall operational efficiency of the business
Showing how cost-effective internal efficiency supports the business
Examples of improvements and enhancements that enabled the firm to respond effectively to events, market issues and volatility

Enter

Excellence in Investment Planning

The best adviser firms have adopted new approaches in investment planning and will have responded robustly to the challenges caused by recent turmoil in the markets. Whether it is in-house or outsourced solutions they need to be backed by co-ordinated investment strategies and consistent financial planning processes. Entries can highlight the following:

The use of appropriate tools to assess attitude to risk, especially extreme volatility
A thorough approach to due diligence and de-risking portfolios
Evidence of achievement of consistently above average client satisfaction ratings

Enter

Excellence in Digital Innovation

Digital innovation is a core business necessity. Many adviser firms are leading the way with ground-breaking innovations and partnerships. This award is for them.

Entries should highlight:

Innovation promoting ease of use, perhaps through enhanced online services, or app-based solutions
Enhanced customer service and quality of information delivered digitally
Increased customer engagement and positive feedback using digital solutions

Enter

Excellence in Professional Development

Top quality professional staff are a key element in any successful adviser firm. Regulators demand the achievement of certain qualifications but the most successful firms go beyond that and create a professional development strategy for all staff at every level of the business. Entries can highlight the following:

Alignment of professional development with the firm’s strategic objectives
Investment in staff training and development
Evidence of the proportion of staff achieving relevant professional qualifications

Enter

Best ESG Initiative

Environmental, social and governance (ESG) has become a key focus for clients and advisers. It continues to grow rapidly in importance and there are many great internal and external initiatives, often setting the pace for providers to follow. We want to showcase them with this award. These could be:

Dynamic and imaginative responses to client preferences for ESG-focused advice
Investment programmes delivering genuine ESG-focused results
An internal initiative to embed an ESG culture and/or programme of action within your own business

Enter

Excellence in Business Strategy

Advisers are meeting the challenges of rising client expectations, tough markets and enhanced regulation. This award is for firms that have excelled in building a sustainable business underpinned by clear strategic vision. Entries can highlight the following:

How the firm has created a comprehensive three to five year strategy
Resilience in the face of the pandemic
Evidence of consistent profitable growth

Enter

Excellence in Client Service

Clients expect advisers to offer advice and solutions perfectly matched to their needs and provide top class service. The ability to deliver great service has been tested as never before This will be demonstrated in entries through:

Great communication, clearly focused on client concerns and needs
Successful segmentation of the firm’s customer base with the appropriate support and advice given to clients
Consistent levels of client retention

Enter

Best Adviser Firm – by region

To enter this category, firms must submit an entry in at least one other category.

The leading adviser firms have a comprehensive, business-wide strategy for profitable growth and development. They will have a consistent track-record and can demonstrate sustained success across the business. Entries must demonstrate and show evidence of

Successful development and delivery of a business strategy
Profitable growth over time
A genuinely customer centric approach to advice, service and overall best practice
Excellence in compliance and risk management

Enter

Rising Star

The Rising Star award is designed to recognise new talent from ages up to 40 years-old. This award is, while may be primarily focused on financial advisers and wealth managers is not wholly confined to any particular job category so can range from sales, compliance, administration, marketing etc etc

Those applying should state the regions/countries that they work in.

Enter