Rising Stars: They’re in orbit!

The four finalists in this year’s Deloitte Financial Services Rising Star Awards prepare for their next big challenge.

We’re thrilled about this year’s finalists,” says the Institute’s Chief Executive Simon Thompson. And now that they’ve been launched into public orbit, the next challenge for the four excellent Rising Star nominees is to thrill a critical judging panel – and a discerning invited audience of industry leaders – with a set-piece presentation to determine this year’s overall winner.

The final of this year’s Deloitte Financial Services Rising Star Awards, sponsored by Deloitte in conjunction with CIOBS, takes place in the National Galleries of Scotland in Edinburgh, on September 22.

The awards recognise and reward individuals working in financial services “who personify a strong professional ethos, have demonstrated exceptional performance and have made an outstanding contribution to their organisation”.

“These awards always provide an opportunity to highlight the great level of skill and expertise in the UK’s financial services industry,” says Thompson. “And here the finalists can shine on the public stage, strengthen their career prospects and further develop and enhance their skills and knowledge: they’ll prove conclusively that they’re tomorrow’s financial stars.”

Rob Topley, Financial Services Partner at Deloitte comments: “Once again, the calibre of entrants is extremely high. At a time when parts of the UK’s financial services industry are rebuilding reputations, it’s reassuring that the industry has such talented people. They’ve demonstrated excellent skill and talent within their organisations.”

The Finalists:

CARMEL DOWNEY
is head of Internal Controls, Group Sourcing & Vendor Management, at Royal Bank of Scotland in Edinburgh. An “inspirational leader”, Carmel has developed and delivered a successful global, sustainable, risk-training programme.

STUART INGLEDEW
is a senior manager at Standard Bank in Isle of Man. He has identified a range of efficiencies, revenue enhancements and cost saving opportunities, which have resulted in six-figure cost savings for the business.

RICHARD McKAY
is a relationship manger at Lloyds Banking Group in Aberdeen. His ability to “think out of the box” has built him a positive reputation in the local corporate community.

KERRI-ANN WALLACE
is a trainee accountant at Alliance Trust in Dundee. She has displayed enormous professionalism and commitment whilst establishing herself as the finance business partner for the company’s asset management subsidiary.

Each finalist was nominated by their workplace for making an outstanding contribution through exceptional performance in areas including customer service, cost control and reduction, innovation and change, risk management, or learning and development. Their presentations at September’s final will be on their response to the question: “You are an adviser to the government on reforms to the provision of UK banking and financial services. What are your recommendations?”

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