The Money Awards by Money20/20 Unveil Global Jury Presidents
- Written by Media Outreach
World Class Leaders Set to Champion Innovation Across Fintech's Most Prestigious Awards
BANGKOK, THAILAND - Media OutReach Newswire - 5 March 2026 - Money20/20, the world's leading fintech show and the place where money does business, today announces the return of The Money Awards for its second year, following strong industry engagement and the momentum of its inaugural program. The Money Awards honor and celebrate the companies, innovations, and partnerships shaping the future of finance, recognizing outstanding achievements across the global financial technology sector.
The awards, which debuted in 2025, have quickly become one of the industry's most‑watched benchmarks for innovation and meaningful impact. Building on that momentum, the 2026 program expands its global reach and deepens its commitment to spotlighting organizations that are transforming industries and driving the next wave of financial innovation. Judging is conducted through a rigorous, merit‑based process led by a diverse panel of leaders from fintech, banking, payments, venture capital, and technology. The global award ceremony will take place at Money20/20 USA in Las Vegas on Sunday, October 18. "The Money Awards were built with one clear goal: to set a global standard for what excellence in fintech actually looks like," said Grania Chesterton, VP of Awards at Money20/20. "What makes them different is who decides. Our Jury Presidents and Global Jury are the operators, founders and innovators building this industry in real time. To be recognised by them isn't just a win, it signals to the market, your peers and the world that your work truly matters." This year's program centers on five main award categories that reflect the priorities shaping the future of financial services. At the top is The Diamond Award category, the program's highest honor, celebrating the most transformative achievement in global fintech. The Startup category follows with two tracks: Early Stage and Growth Stage, recognizing founders at pivotal moments in their journey. The Banking, Payments, and Partnerships & Strategic Alliance categories round out the program, spotlighting excellence across the core pillars driving the industry forward. Each category is led by a distinguished Jury President representing global expertise across financial services and technology. An independent Global Jury will join them and evaluate submissions through a transparent, multi‑stage process, including online assessments and in‑person deliberations at Money20/20 USA in October 2026.This year's Jury Presidents include: Diamond Award Category: Leading the program's most prestigious category, Mary Ellen Iskenderian, President & CEO, Women's World Banking, brings decades of global influence in financial inclusion to her role as Jury President for the Diamond Award category. "The Money Awards 2026 come at a time of rapid industry transformation, where innovation must be both bold and inclusive. The Diamond category sets the highest standard, recognizing work that not just advances financial services but also revolutionizes what is possible. I am honored to lead this year's Jury and to celebrate organizations that are elevating global standards for outstanding achievement and meaningful progress." said Mary Ellen Iskenderian, President & CEO, Women's World Banking.Startup (Early Stage & Growth Stage): Overseeing the Startup category, Osama Bedier, Investment Partner, NYCA Partners, draws on his deep experience as a founder, operator, and investor to champion the next generation of fintech innovators. "Every decade or so, a technology shift reshapes how money moves — from the web, to mobile and now to AI. The most important breakthroughs rarely start inside large institutions; they begin with founders willing to rethink first principles. The Money Awards 2026 shine a spotlight on those founders and teams pushing our industry into its next era. Leading the Early & Growth Stage jury gives me the chance to champion the bold ideas, the hard‑won progress, and the extraordinary execution that will determine the future of money. It's a privilege to recognize the people who are not just imagining what comes next, but actively creating it" saidOsama Bedier, Investment Partner, NYCA Partners.Banking: Shruti Patel, EVP, Business Banking; Chief Product Officer, U.S. Bank, leads the Banking category and draws on her experience building products and leading U.S. Bank's business banking solutions portfolio. "Banking is evolving rapidly, and it is essential to develop solutions that build trust, boost resilience, and deliver real value to customers. I am honored to chair the Banking jury for 2026 and look forward to recognizing innovators who demonstrate what purposeful and ambitious modern banking can achieve. The Money20/20 Money Awards celebrate the visionaries...Read more: The Money Awards by Money20/20 Unveil Global Jury Presidents