Dame Debbie Crosbie to become first woman to receive Chartered Banker Institute Lifetime Achievement Award
Dame Debbie Crosbie DBE FCBI, Chief Executive of Nationwide Building Society, will become the first woman to receive the Chartered Banker Institute’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Dame Debbie will become only the fifth recipient of the award, which is conferred in exceptional circumstances on individuals whose careers have made a profound and lasting contribution to professional standards in banking and to wider society.
The award recognises Dame Debbie’s exceptional leadership, integrity and contribution to financial services over more than three decades. As a Fellow of the Institute, she has been an advocate for professional standards, social mobility, and diversity and inclusion, and for ethical and sustainable banking, inspiring colleagues across the sector and the next generation of banking professionals.
Dame Debbie’s career has been one of firsts. In 2015, as Chief Operating Officer of Clydesdale Bank, she became the first woman to sign Scottish banknotes, and in 2022 she became Nationwide’s first female Chief Executive, having led TSB from 2019. At Nationwide she has championed purpose alongside performance, from leading the Society through its acquisition of Virgin Money to introducing clinics for people with dementia in its branches.
She was made a Dame in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours for services to the financial sector and, as the UK Government’s Women in Finance Champion since the start of 2026, is working to improve gender balance across UK financial services.
Paul Denton, President of the Chartered Banker Institute, said:
"Dame Debbie has been first through some very significant doors, and she has spent her career helping others follow. That combination of achievement and advocacy, always anchored in high professional standards, will leave a legacy for generations of banking professionals to come. It is an honour to present this award to her. "
Dame Debbie Crosbie said:
“Professionalism, trust and excellent service are essential to long-term success in any business, but especially when people rely on you to look after their money. Being a Fellow of the Chartered Banker Institute has helped me keep professional standards at the heart of my approach. That makes this recognition particularly special to me.”
Dame Debbie will receive her award at Banking Professionalism 360, the Institute’s flagship conference, where she will deliver a keynote address and take part in an interactive Q&A from 4:00pm GMT on Tuesday 27 October 2026 at BMA House, London. This conference takes place in London and online on 27 and 28 October 2026 exploring the theme “Professionalism and Trust in a Changing World”.
ENDS
Notes to editors
This announcement is issued jointly by the Chartered Banker Institute and Nationwide Building Society.
Media contacts:
Chartered Banker Institute: Shona Matthews, [email protected]
Nationwide Building Society: Eden Black, [email protected]
About the Chartered Banker Institute: Founded in 1875, the Chartered Banker Institute is a professional body with around 25,000 members in more than 100 countries across six continents. Established by Royal Charter, it serves the public interest by enhancing and sustaining the highest standards of customer-focused, ethical professionalism in banking. Through professional qualifications, standards and continuing professional development, the Institute supports banking professionals throughout their careers. For more information see CBI | The Institute
About Nationwide Building Society: Nationwide is the world's largest building society, with over 19 million members. Following its acquisition of Virgin Money UK PLC, Nationwide is connected with one in three people in the UK and is the second largest provider of mortgages and retail deposits. It is also a major provider of current accounts, credit cards, personal loans and business banking. Customers can choose to manage their finances in a branch, via mobile app, the internet, telephone, and post. Nationwide has around 25,000 employees and its head office is in Swindon, UK.
As a financial services provider owned by its members, not shareholders, Nationwide's purpose is: Banking - but fairer, more rewarding, and for the good of society. For more information see About Us | Nationwide.