For more than a decade, the Spear’s Awards have celebrated the outstanding contributions of wealth managers, lawyers, property agents and other service providers to (U)HNW individuals.
This year, the ‘Oscars of the private client world’ will once again honour a fresh cohort of leaders and innovators with awards handed out across 18 different categories.
The judging and selection process will culminate in the Spear’s Awards 2024, presented in association with ADGM, which will be held on 19 November at Raffles London at The OWO.
[Book a table here for the Spear’s Awards 2024 in association with ADGM]
The judging process
Some 15 of the 18 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 two members of the Spear’s editorial and research team. (The three exceptions to this are the Spear’s Impact Award, the Entrepreneur of the Year Award and the Grand Prix, which are deliberated by the Spear’s editorial and research team only.)
In the selection of independent judges with sector-specific expertise, 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 win the award in 2024. 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. This year, judging sessions were held at luxury private members’ club, Home House.
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.
The judging panel for each award is listed below.
The 2024 Spear’s Awards shortlist revealed
Spear’s Awards 2024: the categories, judges and shortlist
HNW Wealth Manager of the Year
For an individual who has demonstrated outstanding service to HNWs in the UK, specialising in managing investable assets between £500,000 and £15 million.
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Shortlist:
- Ben Stern, Lincoln Private Investment Office
- Josh Matthews, MASECO
- Nicholas Hornby, Cerno Capital
- Mary Haly, Waverton
- Nathan Prior, Partners Wealth Management
Judges: Nick Dogilewski (Partner, Exeter Partners); Ross Elder (Managing Partner, Lincoln Private Investment Office); Annamaria Koerling (Managing Partner, Delfin Private Office); Mark Somers (Co-founder, Somers Partnership); Billy Stephenson (Managing Director, Stephenson Executive Search); Rupert Phelps (family office adviser); Aisha Alli (Head of Research, Spear’s); Edwin Smith (Editor-in-Chief, Spear’s)
UHNW Wealth Manager of the Year
For an individual who has demonstrated outstanding service to UHNWs in the UK, specialising in managing investable assets in excess of £15 million.
Shortlist:
- Harinder Hundle, Hundle
- Bandish Gudka, LGT Wealth Management
- Khaled Said, Capital Generation Partners
- Ali Jamal, Azura Partners
- Priya Sriskantharajah, Citi
Judges: Nick Dogilewski (Partner, Exeter Partners); Ross Elder (Managing Partner, Lincoln Private Investment Office); Annamaria Koerling (Managing Partner, Delfin Private Office); Mark Somers (Co-founder, Somers Partnership); Billy Stephenson (Managing Director, Stephenson Executive Search); Rupert Phelps (family office adviser); Aisha Alli (Head of Research, Spear’s); Edwin Smith (Editor-in-Chief, Spear’s)
Private Bank of the Year – UK
For a bank that has delivered outstanding service and performance for HNW individuals in the UK.
Shortlist:
Judges: Nick Dogilewski (Partner, Exeter Partners); Ross Elder (Managing Partner, Lincoln Private Investment Office); Annamaria Koerling (Managing Partner, Delfin Private Office); Mark Somers (Co-founder, Somers Partnership); Billy Stephenson (Managing Director, Stephenson Executive Search); Rupert Phelps (family office adviser); Aisha Alli (Head of Research, Spear’s); Edwin Smith (Editor-in-Chief, Spear’s)
Private Bank of the Year – International
For an international bank that has delivered outstanding service and performance for HNW individuals. The winner of this award will also have shown unmatched ability to service clients with cross-border needs.
Shortlist:
Judges: Nick Dogilewski (Partner, Exeter Partners); Ross Elder (Managing Partner, Lincoln Private Investment Office); Annamaria Koerling (Managing Partner, Delfin Private Office); Mark Somers (Co-founder, Somers Partnership);Billy Stephenson (Managing Director, Stephenson Executive Search); Rupert Phelps (family office adviser); Aisha Alli (Head of Research, Spear’s); Edwin Smith (Editor-in-Chief, Spear’s)
Family Office Services Provider of the Year
For a firm that has delivered outstanding services to family offices. This award is for ancillary services such as wealth planning, family governance, trusts, and administration.
Shortlist:
- Ispahani Advisory
- Kedge Martin Advisory
- Stonehage Fleming
- Crestbridge Family Office Services
- Catherine Grum Consultancy
- Saker Consultancy
Judges: Nick Dogilewski (Partner, Exeter Partners); Ross Elder (Managing Partner, Lincoln Private Investment Office); Mark Somers (Co-founder, Somers Partnership); Billy Stephenson (Managing Director, Stephenson Executive Search); Rupert Phelps (family office adviser); Aisha Alli (Head of Research, Spear’s); Edwin Smith (Editor-in-Chief, Spear’s)
Lawyer of the Year – Family Law
For the family lawyer who has provided outstanding service.
Shortlist:
- Colin Rogerson, Mills & Reeve
- Sam Longworth, Stewarts
- Nicholas Westley, Harbottle & Lewis
- James Stewart, Penningtons Manches Cooper
- Catherine Bedford, Harbottle & Lewis
- Suzanne Todd, Withers
- Georgina Hamblin, Hamblin Family Law
- Peter Burgess, Burgess Mee
Judges: David Allison (Director, Family Law in Partnership – 2023 winner); Timothy Bishop KC (Barrister, 1 Hare Court); Matthew Brunsdon-Tully (Barrister, 1GC); Edward Devereux KC (Barrister, Harcourt Chambers); Deborah Eaton KC (Barrister, 1KBW); Sir Nicholas Mostyn (Former High Court Judge); Aisha Alli (Head of Research, Spear’s); Edwin Smith (Editor-in-Chief, Spear’s)
Lawyer of the Year – Tax & Trusts
For the tax and trust lawyer who has provided outstanding service.
Shortlist:
- Nick Warr, Taylor Wessing
- James Ward, Kingsley Napley
- Camilla Wallace, Wedlake Bell
- Filippo Noseda, Mishcon de Reya
- Georgina James, Farrer & Co
- Robert Brodrick, Payne Hicks Beach
- Ashley Crossley, Baker McKenzie
Judges: Jonathan Conder (Partner, Stephenson Harwood); Duncan Gourlay (Director, Weatherbys Private Bank); Morag Ofili (Barrister, Edwin Coe); Dawn Register (Partner, BDO); Aisha Alli (Head of Research, Spear’s); Edwin Smith (Editor-in-Chief, Spear’s)
Lawyer of the Year – Reputation
For the defamation, privacy and reputation lawyer who has provided outstanding service.
Shortlist:
- Nigel Tait, Carter-Ruck
- David Engel, Addleshaw Goddard
- Phil Hartley, Schillings
- Alex McCready, Vardags
- Iain Wilson, Brett Wilson
- Thomas Rudkin, Farrer & Co
Judges: Gideon Benaim (Partner, Simkins); Mark Borkowski (Founder, Borkowski); Salamander Davoudi (Co-founder, Tancredi Group); Sara Mansoori KC (Barrister, Matrix Chambers); David Sherborne (Barrister, 5RB); Aisha Alli (Head of Research, Spear’s); Edwin Smith (Editor-in-Chief, Spear’s)
Private Client Accountant of the Year
For the private client accountant who has provided outstanding service.
Shortlist:
- Paul Ayres, BDO
- Michael Lewis, EY
- Leonora Stevens, Saffery
- Neal Lees, Buzzacott
- Craig Kemsley, August Private
Judges: Jonathan Conder (Partner, Stephenson Harwood); Duncan Gourlay (Director, Weatherbys Private Bank); Morag Ofili (Barrister, Edwin Coe); Dawn Register (Partner, BDO); Aisha Alli (Head of Research, Spear’s); Edwin Smith (Editor-in-Chief, Spear’s)
Property Broker of the Year
For an individual who has demonstrated outstanding performance in the brokerage of prime and super-prime residential property transactions.
Shortlist:
- Marcus O’Brien, Sotheby’s International Realty
- Becky Fatemi, Sotheby’s International Realty
- Jessica Bishop, DDRE Global
- Alex Evagora, Driven Properties
- Irene Luke, Savills
- Charles McDowell, McDowell Properties
Judges: Saskia Arthur (Partner, Boodle Hatfield); Lucy Barber (Partner, Forsters); Lottie Geaves (Sales Director, Almacantar – 2023 winner); James Liffen (Partner, Mishcon de Reya); Justin Mason (Director, Mason Valuation Consultants); Thomas van Straubenzee (Global Head of Private Office, Knight Frank); Hugh Wigzell (Partner, Farrer & Co); Aisha Alli (Head of Research, Spear’s); Edwin Smith (Editor-in-Chief, Spear’s)
Property Buying Agent of the Year
For an individual who has demonstrated outstanding performance in sourcing and securing prime and super-prime residential property for HNW individuals.
Shortlist:
- Roarie Scarisbrick, Property Vision
- Jo Eccles, Eccord
- Guy Meacock, Prime Purchase
- Sophie Rogerson, RFR
- Nathalie Hirst, Nathalie Hirst
- Camilla Dell, Black Brick
Judges: Saskia Arthur (Partner, Boodle Hatfield); Lucy Barber (Partner, Forsters); Lottie Geaves (Sales Director, Almacantar – 2023 winner); James Liffen (Partner, Mishcon de Reya); Justin Mason (Director, Mason Valuation Consultants); Thomas van Straubenzee (Global Head of Private Office, Knight Frank); Hugh Wigzell (Partner, Farrer & Co); Aisha Alli (Head of Research, Spear’s); Edwin Smith (Editor-in-Chief, Spear’s)
Private Client Service Award
For a firm or team that has demonstrated an outstanding ability to provide truly excellent bespoke service to HNW clients.
Shortlist:
Judges: Simone de Gale (Founder, Simone de Gale Architects); Martina Lindman (Vice President, Private Wealth Solutions, Blackstone); Aisha Alli (Head of Research, Spear’s); Edwin Smith (Editor-in-Chief, Spear’s)
Future Leader in Private Client Services
For an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in any of the wealth management and private client industries. They will have demonstrated their potential through progression at the firm in addition to peer reference.
Shortlist:
- Alexa Collis, Harbottle & Lewis
- Grace Lawrence, Family Law in Partnership
- Joshua Ryan, Weightmans
- Patrick Peake, Weatherbys Private Bank
- Rosalind Hetherington, Fladgate
Judges: Simone de Gale (Founder, Simone de Gale Architects); Martina Lindman (Vice President, Private Wealth Solutions, Blackstone); Aisha Alli (Head of Research, Spear’s); Edwin Smith (Editor-in-Chief, Spear’s)
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.
Shortlist:
- MEUM Group
- Blackacre
- Allect Design Group
- TWS Legal Consultants
- Audley Private Concierge
Judges: Simone de Gale (Founder, Simone de Gale Architects); Martina Lindman (Vice President, Private Wealth Solutions, Blackstone); Aisha Alli (Head of Research, Spear’s); Edwin Smith (Editor-in-Chief, Spear’s)
Super Prime Property Development of the Year
For a company or organisation that has demonstrated excellence through a super prime development (residential property or hospitality venue) that has opened or launched in the last 12 months. Attention will be paid to factors including design, innovation, sustainability and impact on/integration with the surrounding area/community.
Shortlist:
- 60 Curzon
- The Residences at Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London
- The Peninsula Residences
- Thames City
Judges: Lucy Barber (Partner, Forsters); Lottie Geaves (Sales Director, Almacantar – 2023 winner); Hugh Wigzell (Partner, Farrer & Co); Aisha Alli (Head of Research, Spear’s); Edwin Smith (Editor-in-Chief, Spear’s)
The Spear’s Impact Award
For an individual who has brought about a major positive impact on the world, or a specific group, community, cause or organisation – either through giving, philanthropy, impact-investing or some other means (in the last 12 months).
- Winner to be announced on the night
Judges: Spear’s editorial & research team
Entrepreneur of the Year Award
For an entrepreneur who has demonstrated innovation, success and who embodies the values and ideals of the Spear’s community
- Winner to be announced on the night
Judges: Spear’s editorial & research team
Grand Prix – Private Client Firm of the Year
An award to recognise the leading private client firm of the year. The firm may be a wealth management firm, a law firm, or any company that services private clients.
- Winner to be announced on the night
Judges: Spear’s editorial & research team
Highlights from the Spear’s Awards 2023
The 2023 Spear’s Awards took place at The Landmark Hotel on 22 November 2023, celebrating the achievements of entrepreneurs, philanthropists and leading service providers to HNWs and UHNWs. Highlights from last year’s ceremony can be viewed below.
Partnerships
The Spear’s Awards 2024 is presented in association with our headline partner, ADGM and our category partners: ADIO, Porto Montenegro, Guernsey Finance, Raffles London at The OWO, SilverBell Global, Unforgettable Travel Company and our drinks partner Justerini & Brooks.
The Spear’s Awards provide a platform to connect in person with over 400 of the most influential figures in the world of private wealth. In addition, partners of the awards benefit from a multi-platform offering across digital, social, multimedia and print to ensure maximum exposure to an exclusive audience.
Partnership enquiries should be directed to Spear’s commercial director, Shady Elkholy (shady.elkholy@spearswms.com).
