The inaugural Capital Pioneer Awards took place on Friday 24 April 2026, bringing together the very best in digital assets and innovative finance for one unforgettable evening.
From pioneering institutions to emerging disruptors, the night celebrated the individuals, teams, and organisations shaping the future of capital markets.
The calibre in the room was exceptional, a true reflection of the innovation and momentum across the industry.
A huge thank you to our sponsors for their support, and to everyone who joined us to make the evening such a success.
Explore the winners and highly commended:
Banking + Payments
- Payments Innovation of the Year (Sponsored by Designate) BCB Group – Winner
- Crypto Banking Innovation of the Year AMINA Bank – Winner Apex Group – Highly Commended
- Digital Custodian of the Year Komainu – Winner State Street – Highly Commended
- Post-Trade Pioneer of the Year Apex Group – Winner
- Stablecoin Innovation of the Year (Sponsored by AMINA Bank) Circle – Winner J.P. Morgan – Highly Commended
Investment
- Asset Manager of the Year (Sponsored by Nethermind) CoinShares – Winner Janus Henderson – Highly Commended
- Asset Owner of the Year (Sponsored by KULA) Norges Bank – Winner
- Investment Bank of the Year (Sponsored by Nethermind) Deutsche Bank – Winner
- Investment Consultancy of the Year (Sponsored by Kula) Cartwright
FinTech
- Start-up of the Year (Sponsored by Edwin Coe LLP) Ctrl Alt – Winner RuleSpark – Highly Commended
- Scale-up of the Year (Sponsored by ChainBrain) BCB Group – Winner
- Fintech of the Year (Sponsored by Anglia Ruskin University) Native – Winner
Insurance + Risk
- Insurance Innovation of the Year MembersCap – Winner Native – Highly Commended
- Insurance Team of the Year (Sponsored by No Fluff Communications) Howden – Winner
Platinum Categories
- Pioneering Team of the Year (Sponsored by Rhotic Media) Clear Junction – Winner
- Young Pioneer of the Year (Sponsored by Liminal) Reuben Blamey (Agant) – Winner
- Partnership of the Year MembersCap & Hannover RE – Winner BCB Group & Circle – Highly Commended
- Editor’s Choice Award (Sponsored by Rhotic Media) Schroders
- Capital Pioneer of the Year (Sponsored by RTGS.global) Julian Sawyer (Zodia Custody) – Winner
What’s next for the Capital Pioneer community?
If you’re keen to stay involved, join us at our flagship event:
Capital Pioneer Digital Assets Summit
21 September 2026
Hilton London Bankside, London
The Summit will bring together senior decision-makers from across banking, investment, fintech, insurance, and payments to explore how innovation and technology are reshaping capital markets.
Expect high-level insights, meaningful networking, and practical discussions on blockchain, tokenisation, and the future of digitalised finance.
Explore the agenda and secure your place: Summit – Capital Pioneer
