Money20/20 launches global fintech awards programme

Money20/20 has introduced The Money Awards, a new programme aimed at recognising excellence in the fintech industry.

The global awards will celebrate companies and leaders who are instrumental in shaping the future of financial technology. The Money Awards will cover five distinct categories: Startup, Banking, Payments, Partnerships & Strategic Alliance, and the Diamond Award.

Scarlett Sieber, Chief Strategy and Growth Officer of Money20/20, expressed her perspective on the initiative. "The Money Awards are more than an awards program—they are a platform to showcase those leading the fintech revolution and will become the ultimate benchmark for innovation and impact in financial services," she stated. "Winning a Money award is a powerful catalyst for growth, investment, and global validation."

Each award category will be led by a distinguished Jury President. Among the prominent figures involved are Joanne Hannaford of Deutsche Bank, Lynn Martin of the NYSE Group, Anthony Thomas of Delivery Hero, Howard R. Fields of Mastercard, and Chetan Puttagunta of Benchmark.

Lynn Martin, President of the New York Stock Exchange and Jury President for the Diamond Award, shared her enthusiasm about her role. "I'm thrilled to serve as a Jury President for the inaugural Money20/20 Awards, recognising the companies shaping the future of financial services," she said. "As the listing venue where big ideas come to life, the NYSE looks forward to celebrating the next generation of visionaries redefining the industry and setting the pace for global innovation."

The awards will involve a globally diverse panel of industry leaders serving as jurors, who will assess entries through a transparent and impartial judging process. This will include both online reviews and in-person discussions, culminating in the announcement of winners at Money20/20 USA in October 2025.

"As a Jury President for the Money Awards, I'm honoured to recognise the most prestigious global achievements in fintech," said Joanne Hannaford, CIO & CPO Corporate Bank, Deutsche Bank. "A global fintech award not only celebrates outstanding accomplishments in our industry but also raises the bar for excellence, fosters innovation, and inspires the next generation of fintech leaders. I look forward to celebrating the groundbreaking companies and leaders redefining the future of financial technology."

Howard R. Fields, Jury President for the Payments Award, expressed his excitement, saying, "I am honoured and thrilled to be selected as a Jury President for the prestigious Money20/20 Payments Award. This award represents the pinnacle of innovation in the payments industry, recognising groundbreaking ideas that shape the future of financial technology. I look forward to engaging with the brightest minds in the field and celebrating the transformative advancements that will define the next era of payments."

The awards will feature the presentation of a bespoke trophy to each winner, alongside continued visibility through Money20/20's platforms, such as speaking opportunities, media exposure, and networking deals at events across the globe.

Chetan Puttagunta commented on his involvement, stating, "I'm thrilled to serve as Jury President for this year's Money20/20 Awards for Startups. Money20/20 has long been an important global platform for recognising fintech innovation and propelling the industry forward. As an investor focused on early-stage startups, I'm particularly excited about the Startup Award—not only to elevate individual companies and entrepreneurs but also to create further collaboration in the ecosystem to drive the next generation of financial technology."

Anthony Thomas also shared his excitement. "I'm excited to be a part of the Money20/20 Awards as Partnerships & Strategic Alliance Jury President. The fintech landscape thrives on collaboration, and I look forward to recognising the companies and leaders who are forging impactful partnerships and shaping the future of financial services," he said.

Entries for jury applications are currently open, with the aim of recognising transformative achievements within the fintech space on an international scale.