Run with the support of principal partner Mortgage Choice, the national awards program – which is in its seventh year – recognises the women leading the charge and influencing the financial services sector.

The awards are the benchmark for excellence around Australia and acknowledge the outstanding contributions made by women in accounting, banking, insurance, financial advice, funds management, mortgage and finance broking, and superannuation.

They also champion entrepreneurs, chief executives, regional professionals, mentors, thought leaders, marketing professionals, innovators, and emerging leaders.

Additionally, employers (including small-to-medium enterprises) are recognised for their successes, including the best training and development programs, and women’s community programs.

One of the categories on offer this year is the Banking and Finance Lawyer of the Year award, which recognises a lawyer who has dominated the banking and finance practice area, advising on high-stakes legal matters concerning the industry.

This individual award is open to any lawyer advising on banking and finance matters, and the assessment period is from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2022. Click here for more details about the category.

Submit your entry or nominate a worthy colleague by Thursday, 17 August 2023.

This award is based on the analysis of detailed submissions, which will be judged by a panel of highly regarded members of the finance industry, and provide peer-reviewed recognition of the capabilities and achievements of female banking and finance lawyers. Click here to review the judging process.

The submission will ask entrants to provide responses of no more than 300 words to three questions, which include:

• Outline your achievements within your practice area over the past 12 months, including the opportunities you took and the challenges you had to overcome in the process.
• How have you demonstrated innovation, initiative and/or leadership within your organisation?
• Please outline any additional achievements over the past 12 months with regard to the membership of any legal or external associations or groups.

In addition, Momentum Media highly recommends entrants provide supporting material to enhance their submission.

Entrants are urged to provide up to four supporting documents, including references, testimonials, statistics, media coverage and financial or business metrics and/or statements and third-party independent data reports to support your nomination.

They are also encouraged to submit two optional short videos – up to 30 seconds long each – answering the questions below:

• What has been the best moment of your career?
• What is next in your career?

Commenting on the partnership with the awards, chief executive of financial services and Mortgage Choice (part of REA Group) Anthony Waldron said: “This is Mortgage Choice’s second year as the principal partner of the Women in Finance Awards. Through our Aspire program, we are working to address the gender imbalance in the mortgage broking industry, and this sponsorship is a core part of that mission. Part of developing a more diverse industry that better reflects the communities we live and work in is recognising the achievements of the exceptional women working in financial services.

“Taking time to celebrate and showcase women who are raising the bar plays a critical role in helping attract the next generation of female talent in the finance industry. The Women in Finance Awards is always a great night, and an opportunity to be inspired by the diverse talent in the finance industry, celebrate our peers and make new connections.”

Noting the launch of the Women in Finance Awards 2023, Momentum Media’s managing editor of mortgages, Annie Kane, commented: “We’re thrilled to open nominations for the Women in Finance Awards, which showcase the exceptional contributions made by women in various roles within the finance sector.

“The finance industry has traditionally been male-dominated, but these awards provide an opportunity for women to be recognised for their exceptional skills, expertise, and accomplishments in the finance industry.

“By nominating themselves, or others, women have the chance to showcase their achievements and gain well-deserved visibility within their field. This recognition can open doors to new career opportunities, promotions, and increased professional credibility – and helps create much-needed role models for aspiring professionals in the industry.

“The awards are open to women across all levels of experience, from emerging talent to seasoned professionals, so make sure you submit soon to seize the opportunity to gain recognition, inspire others, build valuable connections, and drive positive change within the finance sector.”

To submit in this award, register your account through our secure awards platform, and fill in the details of your submissions.

When you’re happy with your submission, press save and lodge it.

Click here for tips on how to write an effective submission and how to submit your entry.

Submit your entry or nominate a worthy colleague by Thursday, 17 August 2023.

Finalists will be announced on Friday, 22 September 2023.

The black-tie gala dinner ceremony will be held on Friday, 10 November 2023, at The Star in Sydney. Click here to buy tickets.

For more information about the Women in Finance Awards program, click here.