Women in Finance Awards 2026
Celebrating the women shaping the future of finance
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Women in Finance Awards 2026.
From inspiring finalists and winners to our sponsors, speakers and guests, it was an unforgettable afternoon celebrating leadership, innovation and excellence across the finance sector.
Congratulations to all of our winners and finalists!
Main Sponsor
Title Sponsors
2026 Winners
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Best Female Financial Advisor
WINNERS
Commercial + lending finance advisor:
Emma Ross from Ross Commercial Finance
Whole of market – financial planning & investment:
Catriona Smith from Chase de Vere
Highly Commended
Laura Young Chartered Financial Planner FD Wealth
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Female CFO of the Year
WINNER
Angela Willows , Macphie UK
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Female Lawyer in Finance
WINNER
Paula Skinner, Harper Macleod
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Female-led Team of the Year
WINNER
Maylynda Pacitti,
Pacitti Accountancy & Business Advisory Ltd
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Female Rising Star of the Year
WINNERS
Under 5 years
Jessica Christie, Relationship Development Manager at Barclays
Rising Star – Changing Career / New Sector:
Alana Davidson, Chartered Financial Planner at Acumen Financial Planning
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Inspirational Woman of the Year in Finance
WINNER
Gillian Melrose, Melrose Commercial Finance Limited
Highly Commended
Gemma Monaghan, Partner R&D Tax Advisory Azets
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Outstanding Female Team Contributor
WINNER
Stephanie Graham, Rathbones
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Women of Influence
WINNER
Beth Macleod, PG Paper Company
Finalists
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Best Female Financial Advisor
Cara Gilbert, Bonum Wealth
Catriona Smith, Chase De Vere
Donna Kerr, DMK Finance
Emma Ross, Ross Commercial Finance
Jacqui Hillan, Roxburgh Financial
Jennifer Mckenna, AP Wealth
Laura Young, FD Wealth
Lesley Irvine, W1M
Marion Samson, Finesco Financial Services Ltd
Stephanie Moyes. TSF Finance
Jackie Coyne, Acumen Financial Planning
Jenna Nicol - Brewin Dolphin
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Female CFO of the Year
Angela Willows Macphie UK
Pamela Ogg, Mfmac
Alison Mitchell, CFO Centre
Louise Ballantyne, CFO Centre
Katie Murray, Natwest Group
Zoe Lee, Stellar Omada
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Female Lawyer in Finance
Paula Skinner, Harper Macleod
Beverely Wood, Mfmac
Fiona Buchanan, Shepherd+Wedderburn
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Female-led Team of the Year
Stephanie Graham, Rathbones
Gillian Melrose, Melrose Commercial Finance Limited
Lesley Wynne, Wynne Wynne
Heidi Simpson, Natwest
Maylynda Pacitti, Pacitti Accountancy & Business Advisory Ltd
Gwen Blair, Lamont Blair
Suzy Mckellar, Mckellar Accountancy
Lorraine Kellie, Davidson Asset Management
Lorraine Murray, HSBC
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Female Rising Star of the Year
Olivia Roscoe, Lendinvest
Jessica Christie, Barclays
Alice Bellini, RBS
Sophie Gowling, Natwest
Cerys Jones, Steedman & Company
Alana Davidson, Acumen Financial Planning
Gillian Coll, HSBC
Rachel Valentine, Scottish Widows
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Inspirational Woman of the Year in Finance
Gillian Melrose, Melrose Commercial Finance Limited
Emma Ross, Ross Commercial Finance
Heidi Simpson, Natwest
Gemma Monoghan, Azets
Jennifer Forbes, Barclays Business Bank
Suzy Mckellar, Mckellar Accountancy
Donna Kerr, DMK Finance
Kirstin Strachan, Steedman & Company
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Outstanding Female Team Contributor
Stephanie Graham, Rathbones
Lesley Wynne, Wynne Wynne
Laura Young, FD Wealth
Donna Kerr, DMK Finance
Karen Lambert, Royal London
Charlotte Leslie, Breadalbane Finance
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Women in Fintech
Shortlist:
Tynah Matembe, Moneymatix
Julia Salmond, CienDos
Nathalie Cutting, Barclays
Yvonne Dunn, Pinsent Masons
Eve Wallace, Morgan Stanley
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Women of Influence
Heidi Simpson, Natwest
Jennifer Forbes, Barclays
Samantha Gillespie, HSBC
Lesley Wynne, Wynne Wynne
Beth Macleod, Pg Paper
Ann Flanagan, HSBC
Lorraine Murray, HSBC
Interested in the 2027 Awards?
BWS Women in Finance Awards Disclaimer
The BWS Women in Finance Awards are organised by Business Women Scotland, SC373516 .
Confidentiality and Data Protection
All information submitted as part of the BWS Women in Finance Awards nomination process will be treated with the strictest confidence. Information provided will only be shared with the designated judging panel, appointed by Business Women Scotland (BWS), for the purposes of assessing nominations.
BWS is not involved in the judging process and does not influence the panel's decisions at any point.
Verification and Validation
All business information submitted as part of the BWS Women in Finance Awards nomination process will be verified for accuracy. This includes validating nominee details and business information with Companies House records to ensure eligibility and compliance. BWS reserves the right to perform these checks and may request additional information if necessary.
Judging Panel Confidentiality Agreement
Each judge on the panel will review and sign a confidentiality agreement, acknowledging that all information accessed for the awards process is strictly confidential and must not be disclosed to any third parties. Judges are required to adhere to this agreement throughout and after the judging process.
Data Handling and Disposal
Once the awards process has concluded, all business and personal information collected for the purposes of the awards will be securely destroyed, in accordance with data protection regulations.
By participating in the BWS Women in Finance Awards, nominees and nominators agree to the terms outlined above.
For any questions regarding these terms, please contact: lynne@bwsltd.co.uk
www.bwsltd.co.uk