By Business & Finance 
The FS Awards took place yesterday, 27th October, in the Round Room of The Mansion House, Dublin.
Irish start-up Strikepay, whose technology has enabled cashless tipping, donations, and in-person payments, has been announced among the winners at the inaugural Financial Services (FS) Awards in Dublin’s Mansion House. The Dublin-based fintech firm picked up the FS Challenger Award for its disruptive innovation, using IFS solutions to derive a competitive advantage. The accolade was one of 12 presented at today’s gala luncheon, which was attended by over 300 guests.
The FS Awards were established to celebrate excellence and innovation in financial services, whilst recognising the brightest minds in the sector and showcasing its reinvention. The competition attracted more than 80 submissions from 60 companies, with Innovative Banking, Customer Service, and Diversity, Equality and Inclusion among the most popular categories.
The FS Awards celebrated 35 years of the IFSC and 12 diverse categories recognised innovation in the Financial Services sector.
Outstanding Contribution to Financial Services Award, sponsored by KPMG
Michael Noonan was named the recipient of the Pádraig Ó hUiginn Outstanding Contribution to Financial Services Award, sponsored by KPMG.
The Fine Gael politician became Minister for Finance in 2011 and was re-appointed on 6 May 2014 before finally stepping down in 2017. Credited as one of Europe’s most experienced finance ministers, he oversaw Ireland’s financial crisis and subsequent recovery. It was he who implemented the post-crisis austerity measures as stipulated by the EU and the International Monetary Fund.
Séamus Hand, Managing Partner of KPMG, welcomed former Finance Minister Noonan to the stage.
Former Finance Minister Michael Noonan picked up a special accolade at the inaugural FS Awards this afternoon, receiving the Pádraig Ó hUiginn Outstanding Contribution to Financial Services Award. Ian Nelson, Head of Financial Services and Head of Regulatory for KPMG Ireland is pictured presenting the award to Michael Noonan with Ian Hyland President of Business and Finance Media Group (right). Picture Andres Poveda
“I am honoured and humbled by receiving this award here today,” Noonan noted.
He continued: “Pádraig Ó hUigín was a great civil servant and a great Irish man […] I think our civil service has been patriotic, excellent and competent and I’d like to acknowledge and appreciate very much their service to the country. Those that are supporting the civil or public service have had difficult times.”
Grand Prix Award, sponsored by KPMG
The final award of the day was the Grand Prix Award, sponsored by KPMG. This award went to the company, project or initiative that received the highest average mark from the FS Awards judging panel. Ian Nelson, Head of Financial Services at KPMG, announced that Liberty Insurance was the winner of this special commendation.
Photographed at the Business & Finance FS Awards 2022: Leona Dooley collecting the FS Grand Prix Award on behalf of Liberty Insurance presented by Ian Nelson from KPMG. Picture Andres Poveda
The Sustainable Finance Award
The Sustainable Finance Award in association with Maples Group went to Aviva. Peter Stapleton, Managing Partner of Maples Group, announced the winner.
Photographed at the Business & Finance FS Awards 2022: Virginia Lawlor collecting the Sustainable Finance Award on behalf of Aviva presented by Peter Stapleton from Maples Group. Picture Andres Poveda
The FS Awards judging panel noted that Aviva have embedded sustainability in the core of their company by diversifying and moving away from fossil fuels. They continuously introduce sustainable initiatives while also engaging and educating their employees, suppliers, partners and passengers to be part of the solution.
The Diversity, Equality & Inclusion award
The Diversity, Equality & Inclusion award in association with Coopman Search and Selection, which recognises a company’s contribution and impact in promoting and improving diversity, equality & inclusion within the Financial Services Sector, went to Liberty Insurance. Andrew Murphy, Co-Founder and Director of Coopman Search and Selection, announced the winner.
Judges noted that Liberty Insurance is leading the way with diversity, equality and inclusion in the workplace with their dedicated council which is employee-led and works across four key focus areas: LGBTQ+, Gender, Cultural Dexterity, and Disability. Not only do they work within their own corporate structure, they engage their initiatives through outreach and charitable events across Ireland.
Winners
A full list of winners can be found on the FS Awards website.
Ian Nelson, head of financial services at KPMG, said the company was “delighted” to support the inaugural FS Awards.
“The level of entries across all categories was absolutely outstanding and demonstrates why Ireland is recognised as one of the leading financial services centres in Europe and a location of choice for many international finance firms,” he said.
