The Spear’s Awards, often dubbed the ‘Oscars of the private client industry’, recognise excellence in the sector, honouring the individuals and firms at the pinnacle of wealth management, legal services, philanthropy, entrepreneurship, property and other fields with a clear connection to family office and UHNW clients.
Held annually in London and attended by leading lights of the private wealth ecosystem, the ceremony has, over the last decade and more, become a key event in the calendar.
The Spear’s Awards exist to recognise and celebrate excellence — not simply in terms of technical skill or commercial success, but in the quality of service, innovation and impact.
[See also: A guide to the Spear’s 500: Everything you need to know]
Related
Click a link below to jump to a section of this guide:
- How to apply for the Spear’s Awards
- Judging process
- Creating a successful application
- Deadlines
- Award categories and criteria
- Spear’s Awards testimonials
- Contact us
How to apply for the Spear’s Awards
To apply for the Spear’s Awards, candidates must complete an online submission form detailing their achievements over the past year. Applications are open to individuals and firms across a range of categories, from wealth managers and private bankers to lawyers, property advisers and entrepreneurs.
The process includes responding to a series of award-specific questions and providing any supporting material relevant to the nomination. Potential candidates can begin their application via the link. Please refer to our entry deadlines and criteria (highlighted below) to ensure your application meets the requirements to be considered.
There is no fee to enter; this reflects the Awards’ commitment to recognising genuine merit and maintaining the integrity of the judging process.
Content from our partners
Judging process
The majority of the Spear’s Awards categories are decided by a panel comprised of independent judges who have been selected on the grounds of their outstanding sector-specific expertise, alongside Spear’s Editor-in-Chief and Head of Research (The two exceptions to this are the Spear’s Impact Award and the Entrepreneur of the Year Award, which are deliberated by the Spear’s editorial and research team only.)
In the selection of independent judges, every effort is taken to avoid conflicts of interest, or the appearance thereof. Each judge is asked to consider a limited number of awards categories, where their expertise is most relevant. Judges are asked to declare an interest if they have a personal connection to any candidate, but professional relationships (such as being a client of a candidate’s firm, or being a service-provider to a candidate) is not considered grounds for recusal.
In the vast majority of cases, judges could not be considered competitors of candidates for the awards categories that they are asked to evaluate. The only exception to this is where the previous year’s winner is invited to return as a judge. If they accept this invitation, they are of course not eligible to apply for an award. Where relevant, they are also forbidden to vote for any colleague from the same firm.
The judges are asked to consider the awards submission form supplied by candidates and also their own knowledge of the candidates. Judges award one point to their third preference, two points to their second preference and three points to their first preference. The winner is the candidate who receives the most points. In the event of a tie, the chair of judges has the casting vote.
Creating a successful application
The Spear’s Awards submissions with the highest chance of success are:
- Written either by the candidate themselves (in the case of individual awards) or by a senior member of the team (in the case of team or firm awards).
- Filled with specific detail, evidence and facts – rather than value judgements and assertions.
- Concise.
- Well aligned with the award category.
- Likely to include at least one specific case study.
Deadlines
| Award entries open | 30 April 2026 |
| Award entries close | 2 July 2026 |
| Shortlist announcement | 9 September 2026 |
| Ceremony | 3 November 2026 |
Award categories and criteria
Explore the categories:
- HNW Wealth Adviser of the Year
- UHNW Wealth Adviser of the Year
- Financial Services Firm of the Year — Boutique
- Financial Services Firm of the Year
- Family Office Adviser of the Year
- Lawyer of the Year – Family
- Lawyer of the Year – Tax
- Lawyer of the Year – Reputation
- Philanthropy & Impact Advisory Firm of the Year
- Tax Adviser of the Year
- Property Broker of the Year
- Law Firm of the Year
- Emerging Leader of the Year
- Private Client Innovation of the Year
- Super-Prime Property Development of the Year
- Spear’s Woman of the Year Award
- The Spear’s Impact Award
- Entrepreneur of the Year
HNW Wealth Adviser of the Year
For an individual wealth adviser (wealth manager, private banker or financial planner) who has demonstrated outstanding service to HNWs with investable assets of between £2 million and £20 million.
The successful candidate will:
- Advise clients on a day-to-day basis
- Have an unblemished record of regulatory compliance and a clear demonstration of ethical conduct in client advisory
- Be based in the UK or have a significant UK-nexus
Successful submissions will:
- Provide at least one case study to illustrate outstanding client service and outcomes
- Provide quantitative evidence of investment performance – wherever relevant/possible
- Provide details of client retention rate; new client acquisition; total book size and growth – wherever relevant/possible
- Previous recipients include Josh Matthews of MASECO and Ben Stern of Lincoln Private Investment Office.
In the case of advisers whose practice includes a wealth/investment management element, Spear’s prefers to receive performance data, net of fees, for a balanced portfolio over the last three years (cf. ARC Private Client Indices).
UHNW Wealth Adviser of the Year
For an individual wealth adviser (wealth manager, private banker or financial planner) who has demonstrated outstanding service to UHNWs with investable assets of £20 million and above.
The successful candidate will:
- Advise clients on a day-to-day basis
- Provide or facilitate seamless service to clients with international requirements
- Have an unblemished record of regulatory compliance and a clear demonstration of ethical conduct in client advisory
- Be based in the UK or have a significant UK-nexus
Successful submissions will:
- Provide at least one case study to illustrate outstanding client service and outcomes
- Provide quantitative evidence of investment performance – wherever relevant/possible
- Provide details of client retention rate; new client acquisition; total book size and growth – wherever relevant/possible
- Provide evidence of having fostered long-lasting relationships with UHNW clients
- Describe specialist, bespoke or privileged access and opportunities offered to clients
- Previous recipients include Charlie Hoffman of HSBC Global Private Banking, Harinder Hundle of Hundle and Charlotte Bobroff of J.P. Morgan Private Bank.
In the case of advisers whose practice includes a wealth/investment management element, Spear’s prefers to receive performance data, net of fees, for a balanced portfolio over the last three years (cf. ARC Private Client Indices).
Financial Services Firm of the Year — Boutique
For a boutique financial firm (including private banks and wealth management firms) that has delivered outstanding service and performance for (U)HNW individuals.
The successful firm will:
- Have fewer than 150 employees
- Be based in the UK or have a significant UK nexus
The successful submission will:
- Explain how the firm’s proposition is materially different from its competitors
- Provide quantitative evidence relating to investment performance, net new money, revenue/profit and/or client base covering the past 12–24 months – wherever possible
- Provide evidence of client satisfaction, through means such as NPS scores, client surveys and/or named testimonials – wherever possible
In the case of firms that provide wealth/investment management services, Spear’s prefers to receive performance data, net of fees, for a balanced portfolio over the last three years (cf. ARC Private Client Indices).
Financial Services Firm of the Year
For a major financial firm (including private banks and wealth managers) that has delivered outstanding service and performance for (U)HNW individuals.
The successful firm will:
- Have 150 employees or more
- Have a significant UK nexus
The successful submission will:
- Explain how the firm’s proposition is materially different from its competitors
- Provide quantitative evidence relating to investment performance, net new money, revenue/profit and/or client base covering the past 12–24 months – wherever possible
- Provide evidence of outstanding service to globally-mobile clients across multiple jurisdictions
- Provide evidence of client satisfaction, through means such as NPS scores, client surveys and/or named testimonials – wherever possible
In the case of firms that provide wealth/investment management services, Spear’s prefers to receive performance data, net of fees, for a balanced portfolio over the last three years (cf. ARC Private Client Indices).
Family Office Adviser of the Year
For an individual who has demonstrated outstanding service to family offices and UHNW families.
The successful candidate will:
- Provide strategic advice on matters such as planning, family governance, wealth structuring, and family office design and consultancy
- Have an unblemished record of regulatory compliance and demonstrate the highest standards of ethics and discretion
- Be based in the UK or have a significant UK nexus
Successful submissions will:
- Demonstrate the candidate’s ability to deliver tailored, holistic solutions that preserve and grow family wealth and capital (in its various forms) across generations
- Provide at least one case study illustrating outstanding client service and outcomes (to be treated as confidential if indicated as such on the submission form)
Lawyer of the Year – Family
For a family lawyer who has provided outstanding service to clients.
The successful candidate will:
- Deal with cases and clients on a day-to-day basis
- Have an unblemished record of regulatory compliance and demonstrate the highest standards of ethics and discretion
- Be based in the UK or have a significant UK nexus
Successful submissions will:
- Provide at least one case study or example of work (to be treated as confidential if indicated as such on the submission form)
- Provide evidence of achieving positive outcomes for clients, particularly in UHNW, sensitive or precedent-setting cases
- Include specific quantitative information – wherever possible
- Previous recipients include Sam Longworth of Stewarts, Colin Rogerson of Mills & Reeve, Catherine Bedford of Harbottle & Lewis and Baroness Fiona Shackleton of Payne Hicks Beach.
Lawyer of the Year – Tax
For a tax and trusts lawyer who has provided outstanding service to UHNW clients.
The successful candidate will:
- Handle complex, high-value or cross-border matters on a day-to-day basis, including estate planning, structuring and international tax advisory
- Have an unblemished record of regulatory compliance and demonstrate the highest standards of ethics and discretion
- Be based in the UK or have a significant UK nexus
Successful submissions will:
- Provide at least one case study or example of work (to be treated as confidential if indicated as such on the submission form)
- Demonstrate the ability to deliver strategic, compliant solutions that optimise clients’ tax position while managing risk
- Provide evidence of successfully handling complex, high-value or cross-border matters
- Include specific quantitative information – wherever possible
- Previous recipients include Alexandra Hollingshead of Farrer & Co, James Quarmby of Stephenson Harwood, Camilla Wallace of Wedlake Bell and Jonathan Conder of Stephenson Harwood.
Lawyer of the Year – Reputation
For a defamation, privacy and reputation lawyer who has provided outstanding service to clients.
The successful candidate will:
- Deal with cases and clients on a day-to-day basis
- Have an unblemished record of regulatory compliance and demonstrate the highest standards of ethics and discretion
- Be based in the UK or have a significant UK nexus
Successful submissions will:
- Provide at least one case study or example of work (to be treated as confidential if indicated as such on the submission form)
- Demonstrate the ability to manage risk, resolve disputes effectively and advise on proactive reputation management strategies
- Provide evidence of working with UHNW individuals or other high-profile figures to safeguard reputational interests
- Include specific quantitative information – wherever possible
- Previous recipients include Emma Woollcott of Mishcon de Reya, Paul Lunt of Brabners, Nigel Tait of Carter-Ruck, Gideon Benaim of Simkins and Jenny Afia of Schillings.
Philanthropy & Impact Advisory Firm of the Year
For a firm that has demonstrated outstanding service in advising UHNW clients on charitable giving, philanthropic strategy and/or impact investing.
The successful firm will:
- Advise UHNW clients on giving, philanthropy and/or impact investing
- Be based in the UK or have a significant UK nexus
Successful submissions will:
- Explain how the firm’s approach to philanthropic advisory is differentiated from its competitors
- Provide evidence of tailored guidance on structuring donations, foundations, trusts or other charitable vehicles to achieve maximum social impact
- Provide evidence of measurable outcomes, including quantitative information
- Provide examples of supporting clients in family or governance matters related to philanthropy, including intergenerational engagement and reporting frameworks
- Include specific quantitative information – wherever possible
Tax Adviser of the Year
For an individual who has demonstrated outstanding expertise in providing tax advice to UHNW clients.
The successful candidate will:
- Advise UHNW clients on complex tax matters on a day-to-day basis
- Have an unblemished record of regulatory compliance and demonstrate the highest standards of ethics and discretion
- Be based in the UK or have a significant UK nexus
Successful submissions will:
- Provide at least one case study or example of tax advice (to be treated as confidential if indicated as such on the submission form)
- Provide evidence of long-term client relationships and holistic guidance aligned with clients’ wealth and succession goals
- Include specific quantitative information – wherever possible
- Previous recipients include Sarah Farrow of EY, Paul Ayres of BDO, Dawn Register of BDO and Nimesh Shah of Blick Rothenberg.
Property Broker of the Year
For a property broker who has demonstrated an outstanding ability to deliver bespoke service to UHNW clients.
The successful candidate will:
- Have demonstrable experience of co-ordinating numerous high-value (in excess of £10 million) residential real estate deals
- Be based in the UK or have a significant UK nexus
Successful submissions will:
- Provide at least one case study or example of a major transaction from the last 12 months (to be treated as confidential if indicated as such on the submission form)
- Demonstrate the candidate’s excellence in client relationship management, including through repeat business and referrals
- Include specific quantitative information – wherever possible
- Previous recipients include Nick Beckett of Knight Frank, Becky Fatemi of Sotheby’s International Realty UK and Thomas van Straubenzee and Rory Penn of Knight Frank.
Law Firm of the Year
For a law firm that has demonstrated outstanding legal expertise and service to UHNWs and/or family offices in the past 12–24 months.
The successful firm will:
- Demonstrate a track record of success in handling complex, high-value or high-profile matters across one or more practice areas
- Maintain the highest standards of regulatory compliance and professional integrity
- Be based in the UK or have a significant UK nexus
Successful submissions will:
- Provide at least one case study or example of work (to be treated as confidential if indicated as such on the submission form)
- Demonstrate excellence in high-value or precedent-setting matters
- Explain how the firm’s proposition is materially differentiated from its competitors
- Include specific quantitative information – wherever possible
Emerging Leader of the Year
For an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation or impact early in their career.
The successful candidate will:
- Be under the age of 40
- Be based in the UK or have a significant UK nexus
Successful submissions will:
- Demonstrate the candidate’s vision, ambition and the ability to influence colleagues, clients and/or the wider industry
- Provide evidence of development, achievement, performance or recognition that is outstanding in the context of the candidate’s experience level
- Include an endorsement or reference from a senior member of the candidate’s firm
- Include specific quantitative information – wherever possible
- Previous recipients include Luke Scarratt of Payne Hicks Beach, Rosalind Hetherington of Fladgate and Priyanka Hindocha of Stonehage Fleming.
Private Client Innovation of the Year
For a firm or team that has demonstrated a genuine ability to innovate, shaping the evolution of their industry in the process.
The successful firm or team will:
- Have implemented or launched an innovation within the past 12–24 months
- Operate within the private client sector, whether based in the UK or internationally
Successful submissions will:
- Explain the nature of the innovation, whether relating to products, services, technology, client experience or processes
- Provide examples of how the innovation has improved outcomes or efficiency for HNW or UHNW clients
- Describe the forward-thinking approach that underpins the innovation and its broader impact on the industry
- Include specific quantitative information – wherever possible
- Previous recipients include Hamblin Family Law, DDRE Global and Willow Brook Lifestyle Financial Planning.
Super-Prime Property Development of the Year
For a company or organisation that has demonstrated excellence through a super-prime property development that has opened or launched in the past 12 months.
The successful development will:
- Have opened or launched within the past 12 months
- Be located in the UK
Successful submissions will:
- Demonstrate excellence in design, innovation, sustainability and quality of craftsmanship
- Describe the development’s integration with or positive impact on the surrounding area or community
- Provide evidence of market impact, including desirability, pricing and the ability to attract discerning buyers
- Include specific quantitative information – wherever possible
- Previous recipients include The Whiteley, The Peninsula Residences, The Bryanston and The OWO Residences by Raffles.
Shortlisted developments will be visited by the Spear’s judging panel in August.
Spear’s Woman of the Year Award
For a female leader in the UK private client sector
For a female leader in the UK private client sector who has been instrumental in shaping the direction of their firm and/or the wider industry.
The successful candidate will:
- Hold a senior role within a firm operating in the private client sector
- Demonstrate a commitment to the highest standards of integrity and excellence
- Be based in the UK or have a significant UK nexus
Successful submissions will:
- Describe the candidate’s impact on their firm and/or the wider private client sector
- Demonstrate the values of leadership, excellence and integrity that define the award
- Include specific quantitative information – wherever possible
The Spear’s Impact Award
For an individual who has brought about a major positive impact on the world, or on a specific group, community, cause or organisation, through giving, philanthropy, impact investing or other means in the past 12-24 months.
The successful candidate will:
- Have given their own capital, time and/or expertise to make a significant and tangible positive impact within the past 12-24 months
- Be based in the UK or have a significant UK nexus
Successful submissions will:
- Describe the positive impact the candidate has made and how
- Include specific quantitative information – wherever possible
- Previous recipients include Jessica de Rothschild, James Reed, James Chen and Ajaz Ahmed.
The shortlist for the Spear’s Impact Award will not be published in advance of the award ceremony.
Entrepreneur of the Year
For an entrepreneur who has demonstrated innovation and success, and who embodies the values and ideals of the Spear’s community.
The successful candidate will:
- Have achieved significant success as an entrepreneur
- Be based in the UK or have a significant UK nexus
Successful submissions will:
- Describe the achievements of the candidate and their organisation
- Include specific quantitative information – wherever possible
- Previous recipients include Gary and Catherine Grant, Paul Taylor, GP Hinduja & Family and Strive Masiyiwa.
The shortlist for the Entrepreneur of the Year Award will not be published in advance of the award ceremony
Spear’s Awards testimonials
Here’s what some of our winners have had to say about the Spear’s Awards:
- ‘The Spear’s Awards are like the Oscars of the private wealth industry. The awards are highly prestigious and highly sought-after.’ – Camilla Wallace, tax partner at Wedlake Bell.
- ‘I think the Spear’s Awards are really important in the industry. It brings everyone together; it’s a great opportunity to network and meet with peers in a friendly collegiate environment.’ – Andrew Sams, head of wealth structuring at Hundle.
- ‘Having awards like Spear’s and the recognition that is attached to it with the quality and calibre of the competition is so important for the industry.’ – Clare Anderson, global head of Schroders Family Office Service.
- ‘The Spear’s Awards manages to so cleverly bring together the very best in all the different private client [industries]. You feel they genuinely make an effort to choose the very best in the industry and then allow us to come together to network and celebrate.’ – Ross Elder, managing partner at Lincoln Private Investment Office.
- ‘These awards are incredibly important to the industry because they’re a barometer of excellence. Spear’s is the authority in Europe on UHNWs.’ – Thea Carroll, founder of Thea Carroll Property Consultancy.
Contact us
- For partnership enquiries or to book a table at the next Spear’s Awards ceremony, please contact Spear’s Commercial Director: shady.elkholy@spearswms.com
- For enquiries relating to submissions, please contact Spear’s Head of Research: aisha.alli@spearswms.com
- To keep up to date with the Spear’s Awards and other events, subscribe to our magazine, newsletter and follow Spear’s on Linkedin and Instagram.
- Click here to order a print copy of The Spear’s 500.
