Nominations open for the Women’s Recognition Awards 2026

The Women’s Recognition Awards (WRAs) 2026 have opened nominations, proudly sponsored by L&C Mortgages.

Since its launch in 2018, the WRAs have been pushing for a more diverse and inclusive industry for mortgages and financial services and have celebrated the impact of hundreds of women and allies across mortgages, protection, specialist lending, technology and more over the years.  

This year, the WRAs are focusing on ‘50 years forward’: 2025 marked 50 years since the Sex Discrimination Act, a pivotal moment for gender equity in the UK, as, among other rights, the Act gave women financial freedoms such as being able to apply for a mortgage without a man acting as a guarantor.  

With this in mind, in 2026, #WRA26 looks ahead to the next 50 years and what can be achieved to make the sector a space in which everyone is welcome and given the support to thrive.  

This year, the Mentor of the Year category has been added to highlight those who are supporting up-and-coming women in the industry, lending their expertise to grow the future of the sector. Furthermore, the popular Rising Star category has been split into adviser and provider awards to ensure the industry’s future leaders are given ample opportunity to shine.

Nominations will remain open until 19th June, after which all nominees will have an extra week (until 26th June) to complete applications if they haven’t done so already. The expert panel will then carry out the judging process, which will be anonymous this year, from 29th June until 10th July. The finalists will be announced on 16th July.

Winners will be announced on 15th October at the 2026 Women’s Recognition Awards event, which is returning to Exhibition White City, London, after a hugely positive reception last year. Click here to nominate yourself and others for an award. 

Amy Loddington, communications director at the WRAs’ parent company, Barcadia Media, said: "The Women’s Recognition Awards grows in significance every year, but its core message remains the same: we have a collective responsibility to keep fighting for a more equitable, diverse and inclusive industry for all, so that the next 50 years of mortgages and financial services continues to see real, actionable change. 

"We are thrilled to be opening nominations for 2026 and proud to be continuing our work with our headline sponsor, L&C Mortgages. Last year, the WRAs saw a record number of applications from a vast range of women and businesses, and we hope to expand upon that again this year, so we would encourage anyone who is considering nominating themselves or others to go for it."

Mark Harrington, chief executive officer at L&C Mortgages, said: "We believe that recognition plays a vital role in building a stronger, more inclusive industry, and that’s why L&C is again the headline sponsor of the Women’s Recognition Awards. The awards are at the forefront of celebrating those that are making a difference every day, often without seeking the spotlight themselves. 

"We’re proud to help shine a light on those who are creating positive change for customers, colleagues and the wider sector. These awards are an opportunity to recognise the breadth of talent and the impact they make right across our industry, whether it’s individuals delivering outstanding customer outcomes or those working behind the scenes to support others, drive inclusion and raise standards. 

"We hope this year’s awards inspire even more people to get involved, nominate colleagues or put themselves forward and help celebrate the people and organisations that are making a real and lasting difference."