Finalists announced for the FS Awards 2025, in association with KPMG

Pictured (L-R): Sarah Freeman, Managing Editor, Business & Finance, and Ian Nelson, Head of Financial Services, KPMG Ireland

A host of big names have been announced for the ceremony, which recognises the achievements of Ireland’s financial services sector.

The FS Awards, in association with KPMG, is set to return on Thursday, 23rd October 2025, at The Mansion House, Dublin. This year’s ceremony will once again celebrate the innovators in financial services, recognising their contributions to the ever-evolving sector.

Hosted by Business & Finance, the event connects industry leaders across financial services in Ireland and around the world. Through peer-to-peer events and digital content, it offers insights and showcases the latest trends that are shaping the future of finance.

This year’s awards will feature a wide range of categories, including the Fintech Innovation Award, Compliance & Reg Tech Award, Innovative Banking Product Award, and the highly anticipated Payments Innovation Award, among others. Reflecting the changing face of finance, the 2025 ceremony also introduces a brand-new category: the AI & Data Analytics Excellence Award.

The FS Awards will also honour Philip Lane with the Pádraig Ó hUiginn Outstanding Contribution to Financial Services Award. This prestigious accolade recognises individuals who have made a significant and sustained impact on the financial sector. The award will be presented by Minister Paschal Donohoe. Past honourees include the late John Bruton, Former Taoiseach; Catherine Day, Former Secretary General of the European Commission; and Michael Noonan, Former Minister for Finance.

Philip Lane has been a Member of the Executive Board of the European Central Bank (ECB) since 2019. He is responsible for the Directorate General for Economics and the Directorate General for Monetary Policy. He is also Whately Professor of Political Economy and Director of the Institute for International Integration Studies at Trinity College Dublin.

Before joining the ECB, Lane was the Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland from 2015 to 2019. Additionally, he chaired both the Advisory Scientific Committee (ASC) in 2015, and the Advisory Technical Committee (ATC) of the European Systemic Risk Board from 2017 to 2019.

Ian Nelson, Head of Financial Services, KPMG Ireland, added: “KPMG is proud to once again support the annual FS Awards, and we’re counting down to the much-anticipated ceremony on October 23rd. This year’s remarkable breadth of submissions across 17 diverse categories, showcases the depth of talent and innovation driving Ireland’s financial services sector. It’s a powerful reflection of Ireland’s growing influence and appeal as a leading European base for global financial operations. We look forward to celebrating the outstanding achievements that continue to shape and elevate the industry at this inspiring event.”

The Awards Luncheon Ceremony will commence midday in the Round Room at The Mansion House, where finalists will gather alongside esteemed professionals and industry leaders to announce this year’s winners.

Clare Kilmartin, COO of the FS Awards, said: “Each year, the FS Awards provides an invaluable opportunity to recognise and celebrate the remarkable achievements within Ireland’s financial services sector. The calibre and creativity of this year’s finalists reflect the dynamism of an industry that is not only driving growth at home but also making a lasting impact globally. We are especially proud to introduce the AI & Data Analytics Excellence Award this year, which highlights the critical role of technology in shaping the future of financial services.”

Finalists

Read more: 

Philip Lane to be honoured at Business & Finance Financial Services Awards 2025, in association with KPMG

Take a look back: John Bruton honoured with Pádraig Ó hUiginn Financial Services Award

Winners announced at FS Awards 2024, in association with KPMG