Celebrating Excellence in New Zealand’s Financial Sector
The INFINZ Awards are the premier recognition of innovation, leadership, and excellence across New Zealand’s financial and capital markets ecosystem. Hosted annually by the Institute of Finance Professionals New Zealand Inc. (INFINZ), these prestigious awards honour outstanding achievements by individuals and organisations who are shaping the future of finance in Aotearoa New Zealand.
With over 750 industry leaders gathering at the Gala Dinner, the INFINZ Awards are a highlight of the financial calendar—showcasing best practice, celebrating success, and fostering a vibrant, connected professional community. From corporate finance and investment banking to sustainability and market research, the awards span a wide range of categories that reflect the dynamic nature of the sector.
Join us in recognising the people and teams driving progress and excellence in New Zealand’s financial landscape.
GALA DINNER & TICKETS
The 2026 INFINZ Awards Gala Dinner will be held on Thursday 14th May at Shed 10, Queens Wharf, Quay Street, Auckland.
Shed 10 has limited space available for the 2026 Awards, therefore Dinner tickets are limited.
Until 14 February 2026 only INFINZ sponsors, INFINZ members and INFINZ Awards submitters will be able to make table or seat bookings. To enquire about your eligibility, please contact Iona Gibbs by email admin@infinz.com.
TIMELINE

THE BENEFITS OF ENTERING
PRESTIGE & RECOGNITION
- Industry Recognition: gain prestigious acknowledgement for excellence and innovation in finance
- Credibility and Trust: Being a finalist or winner signals high standards and achievement, building trust with clients, stakeholders and peers
WINNERS RECOGNISED MEDIA & VISIBILITY
- NZ Herald Supplement: 4-page feature profiling the winners
- INFINZ Coverage: Extensive exposure across INFINZ newsletters, emailers, website, and social channels
- LinkedIn Amplification: Shared by INFINZ and industry partners for broader reach
FINALISTS RECOGNISED MEDIA & VISIBILITY
- NZ Herald Announcement: Finalists featured in a dedicated advertisement
- Gala Dinner Profile: Finalists highlighted in the official programme and AV presentation
- Digital Exposure: Finalists announcements shared via LinkedIn and INFINZ Email Campaigns.
TALENT & CULTURE
- Attract and Retain Talent: Recognition boosts internal morale and showcases a culture of excellence, helping attract top talent.
CATEGORIES
HUNTER CAMPBELL
EMERGING LEADER OF THE YEAR
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This Award, determined by an expert judging panel, acknowledges an INFINZ member under 40 years of age with at least five years' work experience. This award recognises individuals who exemplify outstanding leadership through their values and actions, demonstrating a clear vision and integrity in their role. Nominations for this award close 9 December. Submissions are then due by 11 February. |
Sponsored By:
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FOUNDATION NORTH
TE TOHU KAHUKURA MĀORI LEADERSHIP IN FINANCE
KPMG
CORPORATE ESG AWARD
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The Corporate ESG Award is determined by an expert judging panel. This award seeks to recognise and acknowledge an organisation from within the INFINZ ecosystem which has proactively cultivated a focus on encouraging and nurturing diversity, mental health and working conditions of staff and suppliers and sustainability within their own organisations and amongst the wider ecosystem. |
Sponsored by:
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RESEARCH REPORT OF THE YEAR
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This Award, determined by an expert judging panel, seeks to recognise and acknowledge excellence in analytical research that adds insight into New Zealand’s financial and capital markets. This award will be announced and presented at a separate lunch in the weeks after the Gala Dinner, in partnership with the CFA Society. |
PUBLIC TRUST
DIVERSIFIED GROWTH FUND MANAGER OF THE YEAR
PwC NEW ZEALAND
NZ EQUITY MARKET TRANSACTION OF THE YEAR
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This is awarded to both the client and adviser for the best equity market transaction of the year as nominated by the industry and determined by an expert judging panel. The judging criteria includes the extent to which the transaction meets the needs of both the client and investors and the extent to which it develops the capital markets. |
Sponsored by:
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MINTERELLISONRUDDWATTS
M&A TRANSACTION OF THE YEAR
BDO
MID-MARKET M&A TRANSACTION OF THE YEAR
FITCH RATINGS
INNOVATION IN FINANCIAL SERVICES
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This Award is determined by an expert judging panel. It seeks to recognise and acknowledge an organisation from within the INFINZ ecosystem which has introduced new or enhanced services that have created value for customers and the wider economy such as a positive customer, market, economic and/or societal outcomes. |
Sponsored by:
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COMPUTERSHARE
NZ DEBT MARKET ISSUE OF THE YEAR
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This award goes to the bank/adviser and issuer of the best New Zealand debt issue of the year as nominated by the industry and is determined by an expert judging panel. The judging criteria includes the extent to which the issue meets the needs of both the issuer and investors and the extent to which it develops the capital markets. |
Sponsored by:
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CHAPMAN TRIPP
DEBT DEAL OF THE YEAR
TAX MANAGEMENT NEW ZEALAND
MID-MARKET DEBT TRANSACTION OF THE YEAR
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This award has been established to recognise all debt transactions (between $10m and $100m) other than bond issues. An expert judging panel determines this award using criteria which includes the degree to which the client’s objectives were met, the complexity of the deal, innovation and the importance of the transaction to the wider economy and its impact on society more broadly. |
Sponsored by:
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NZX
EMERGING LEADER BEST INVESTOR RELATIONS*
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This award is determined by voting amongst the equity analysts within the full-service sharebroking firms and those larger NZ based fund managers who are active investors in New Zealand equities. The winning entity must be within the S&P/NZX50 as at 31 December 2025 and headquartered in New Zealand. This is a new award in 2026. |
Sponsored by:
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MUFG PENSION & MARKET SERVICES
LARGE-CAP BEST INVESTOR RELATIONS
JOHNSON PARTNERS
LEADERSHIP AWARD
FELLOWSHIPS
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INFINZ Fellowships nominations are now open INFINZ Fellowships are also awarded at the INFINZ Awards Dinner. They recognise those INFINZ members who have made a significant and valuable contribution to the industry.
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