Leadership and innovation celebrated at IOB Future of Finance Awards 2026

The winners of the IOB Future of Finance Awards 2026 were announced at a special ceremony held at the Dublin Convention Centre on Friday 20 March.

The IOB Future of Finance Awards is IOB’s flagship initiative to recognise financial services professionals who are leading innovative and impactful projects.

IOB Future of Finance Awards finalists reflect on what excites them about the future of the industry.

Speaking at the event, Mary O’Dea, CEO of IOB, said: “The IOB Future of Finance Awards have become a snapshot of the financial services industry at a moment in time. This year, we see an industry embracing AI as a strategic and operational tool. We also see the deep, continued commitment to advancing our shared sustainability journey, enhancing risk management and seeking to deliver financial services to the highest standards to customers and clients.

The awards ceremony is about recognising the people so committed to driving progress in financial services and celebrating those who have excelled in their academic studies.”

Pictured with IOB CEO, (l-r) the winners of the IOB Future of Finance Awards 2026, Síne Breslin, Alan Dowling, Danielle Connolly, Ray Hickey, Mary O'Dea, Suzanne Lakes, Damneet Jolly, AJ Fitzsimons, John McGeown and Gráinne Rooney.

IOB Future of Finance Award Winners

The winners of the IOB Future of Finance Awards 2026 are:

Culture Champion

Ray Hickey, Northern Trust

Ray led a transformation to champion recognition within Northern Trust. Through benchmarking, roundtables, and a comprehensive audit of recognition practices, he identified gaps and introduced new platforms and initiatives to change how people are celebrated in the organisation. His leadership has measurably improved engagement, inclusion and shaped a culture where colleagues are empowered to be active recognisers. Ray was described by his nominator for the Award as “having a deep belief in people – he has built a platform that will continue to shape culture long into the future.”

Customer / Client Champion

Danielle Connolly, Bank of Ireland

Danielle played an important role in identifying a conflict between a new process for closing customer calls and QA standards. The issue was creating confusion. Recognising the negative impact for customers and advisors – Danielle acted quickly to escalate the issue and collaborated across teams to deliver a solution that improves outcomes for customers, advisors and the business. Danielle’s nominator for the Award described her as the embodiment of customer-centric excellence. “She treats every customer complaint not as a problem, but as an opportunity – to educate, to challenge and to improve.”

Digital Innovation

Gráinne Rooney, MUFG Investor Services

Gráinne has played a key leadership role in driving digital transformation across MUFG Investor Services. She led the design and rollout of the Investor Lifecycle Management platform - a scalable solution to integrate multiple manual processes into a new single digital environment. She also introduced Clarity – the organsiation’s first AI-enabled digital assistant for operational knowledge. Gráinne’s leadership has resulted in improved transparency, reduced operational risk and more connected global teams. Gráinne was described by her nominator as an “outstanding digital innovator who embodies how innovation, guided by human values, can elevate both performance and culture.”

The Eimear McBride Award for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Alan Dowling, Northern Trust

As Global Learning and Development Manager, Alan has championed openness and fairness. His leadership of Project Finder has changed how talent access stretch opportunities in Northern Trust. Project Finder allows employees to self-nominate for projects based on their skills. A year since its launch, the site has averaged 2,500 hits monthly with over 200 self-nominations. Alan has also introduced neurodiversity awareness content in new-hire onboarding, encouraging team members to bring their whole selves to work. His nominator said “Alan believes in enhancing our mission to make Northern Trust more equitable, inclusive, and supportive, so every individual can reach their full potential.”

Damneet Jolly, PTSB

Damneet has championed initiatives that foster belonging and cultural awareness. He played a pivotal role in the development of the “Say My Name” Campaign. This initiative promotes respect for individual identity and cultural heritage by encouraging correct pronunciation of names. Damneet also took a proactive role in supporting team members impacted by racially motivated attacks – ensuring that colleagues felt heard and valued, strengthening trust in the workplace. His nominator said “Damneet has set a benchmark for inclusive leadership.”

Emerging Leader

Síne Breslin, Bank of Ireland

Síne has championed inclusion in Bank of Ireland, working to create a more connected culture for everyone. Síne played a pivotal role in the development of the ‘SheCounts’ wellbeing series, which aims to support better financial planning for women. Síne also played an important role in enhancing the Inclusion Passport to identify and remove barriers faced by employees due to personal circumstances. Síne’s nominator described her work as “not only structural, it’s personal and it’s lasting. She is the heartbeat of inclusion and diversity.”

Risk and Compliance

Suzanne Lakes, US Bank / Elavon

Suzanne led the development of a real-time IT Risk Management dashboard aligned to EU regulatory requirements. This dashboard operates at multiple levels – enabling risk information and trends to be viewed from the perspective of different teams and stakeholders. Suzanne achieved this using only internal tools, ensuring no operational cost. Her leadership has enhanced risk management and refined and improved enterprise metrics at the organisation. Suzanne’s work inspired US Bank to adopt similar practices – citing the innovation as a new industry standard.

Sustainability - Team

Sustainability for SMEs Taskforce, AIB

AIB’s Sustainability for SMEs Task Force collaborates with different business units across the bank to make sustainability practical and accessible for customers. A highlight of their recent work has been the launch of the Sustainability Business Loan. This loan is helping businesses and community groups to save money as well as emissions. The team also launched an engaging video series, supporting businesses to move to more sustainable ways of operating.

Sustainability

AJ Fitzsimons, PTSB

As Social Partnerships Manager with PTSB, AJ has helped to shape the bank’s sustainability culture. She led the design and delivery of the bank’s inaugural Reflecting Business Report and video series – highlighting how customers are embedding sustainability in their operations. AJ’s leadership has helped to make the bank’s work on sustainability more accessible and relevant for customers and colleagues. AJ’s nominator for the Award said “she has helped to connect PTSB with its customer base.”