Applications open for Financial Reporter 30 Under 30, spotlighting rising stars across mortgages and financial services

Financial Reporter is proud to announce that applications are now open for its brand-new 30 Under 30 campaign designed to celebrate and support the next generation of talent across the mortgages and financial services industry.

The campaign is open to individuals from every corner of the industry - from advisers and brokers to lenders, underwriters, BDMs, marketers, and innovators helping to shape the future. If you’re under 30 and making an impact, we want to hear from you.

The initiative is supported by Working in Mortgages, the Association of Mortgage Intermediaries (AMI), and the Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association (IMLA) - further strengthening its industry-wide backing and reach.

Applications will be reviewed by an expert selection panel, who will be grading submissions against four key criteria; impact, innovation, leadership, and future potential.

What being part of Financial Reporter 30 Under 30 means

Those selected for FR30U30 will gain recognition as some of the brightest rising stars in the industry, with their achievements profiled in Financial Reporter and across the wider campaign. They’ll join a dedicated network of peers and future leaders, building valuable connections across the sector, and will receive exclusive invitations to 30 Under 30 Live - our in-person celebration and development event in February 2026.

Most importantly, they’ll have the chance to influence and inspire others by showcasing their stories as powerful examples of leadership, innovation, and future potential in action.

To find out more, visit www.financialreporter.co.uk/30U30.

Speaking about the launch, Andy Shields, director of Barcadia Media, said: “Financial Reporter 30 Under 30 is all about recognising and celebrating the fresh energy that’s driving our industry forward. We’ve noticed over the years that our Rising Star categories in our other awards programmes are highly-subscribed and extremely competitive – often being the most-entered category each year. It's proof that this industry is full of outstanding young people making a real difference across every part of the market – so this is our chance to shine a spotlight on them, share their stories, and give them the platform they deserve.

“It’s also about celebrating what we do as an industry and its potential as a fulfilling career route for those just taking their first steps into the workplace. Our space is an industry that’s often overlooked by young people planning their futures, despite offering a wide range of interesting, challenging career paths, and this is our way of showcasing the opportunities available.”