This award recognises a compliance team within a financial services organisation that has enabled the business to operate in line with national and international laws and regulations. Whether generalist or specialist, the team will have demonstrated exemplary professional standards and fostered a strong culture of compliance across the organisation.

Judges will look for evidence of how the team has responded innovatively and proactively to regulatory changes, market developments or other internal challenges over the past 12-18 months.

Eligibility

• Open to in-house compliance teams operating within financial services organisations.
• Entries must reflect activity and impact within the last 12-18 months.
• Teams must be based in or operating within Europe.
  

This award recognises a standalone compliance team (with 7 member or less) within a financial services organisation that has delivered outstanding impact despite limited resources. The team will have demonstrated agility, deep regulatory expertise and a strong commitment to embedding compliance across the business.

Judges will look for how the team has supported the business to navigate complex financial regulations with limited capacity and deliver innovative compliance solutions to support growth.

Eligibility

• The team must operate as a standalone compliance function, offering the full scope of compliance support, within a financial services organisation.
• Sub-teams or specialist teams within a larger compliance function are not eligible for this category (please see Compliance Team of the Year Financial Services). 
• Entries must reflect activity and impact within the last 12-18 months.
• Teams must be based in or operating within Europe.
  

This award recognises a compliance team within a bank or building society that acts as a trusted business partner, enabling growth while ensuring alignment with national and international regulations. Whether generalist or specialist, the team will demonstrate high professional standards and a strong culture of compliance.

Judges will be looking for how the team has demonstrated an innovative and proactive spirit in responding to external and internal challenges in the last 12-18 months ahead of the entry deadline.

Eligibility 

• Open to in-house compliance teams working within banks or building societies.
• Entries must reflect activity and impact within the last 12-18 months. 
• Teams must be based in or operating within Europe.
  

This award recognises a sanctions programme that has delivered exceptional protection against sanctions-related risks. The winning entry will show how the initiative proactively aligned with evolving global regimes and guided the organisation through complex regulatory landscapes.

Judges will look for evidence of meaningful outcomes and best practice - such as new technologies, governance frameworks, training or working methods that strengthen sanctions compliance and prevent circumvention.

Eligibility

• Open to in-house teams working within a regulated business that have delivered a defined sanctions programme or initiative.
• Industry partners such as consultancies are invited to enter in partnership with a client. 
• Entries must reflect activity and impact within the last 12-18 months, up to the awards entry deadline.
• Submissions must be from organisations based in or operating within Europe.
  

This award celebrates a compliance team operating within a non-financial services organisation that has successfully embedded compliance into business operations. The team will have upheld high professional standards and driven a culture of integrity and accountability.

Judges will look for how the team has tackled sector specific compliance challenges such as data protection, supply chain integrity, ESG obligations or industry specific regulations over the past 12-18 months.

Eligibility 

• Open to in-house compliance teams operating within non-financial services organisations (e.g. gambling, gaming, energy, manufacturing, technology, healthcare, retail). 
• Entries must reflect activity and impact within the last 12-18 months. 
• Teams must be based in or operating within Europe.
  

This award celebrates a small compliance team (with 7 member or less) within a non-financial services organisation that has that has played a pivotal role in strengthening the organisation’s compliance framework. The team will have shown creativity, resilience and influence in embedding compliance into day-to-day operations.

Judges will look for how the team has addressed sector specific compliance challenges and delivered measurable improvements in compliance outcomes.

Eligibility 

• The team must operate as a standalone compliance function, offering the full scope of compliance support, in a non-financial services business (e.g. gambling, gaming, energy, manufacturing, technology, healthcare, retail. 
• Sub-teams or specialist teams within a larger compliance function are not eligible for this category (please see Compliance Team of the Year Non-Financial Services). 
• Entries must reflect activity and impact within the last 12-18 months.
• Teams must be based in or operating within Europe.
  

This award recognises a compliance programme within the gambling and gaming sector that has delivered measurable impact, promoted responsible practices and navigated complex regulatory challenges. The winning initiative will demonstrate leadership, innovation and a strong compliance culture.

Judges will look for strategic thinking, effective execution and collaboration - addressing areas such as player protection, AML, advertising standards and licensing. Examples may include new frameworks, tech solutions, training or governance models tailored to the sector.

Eligibility

• Open to in-house compliance teams operating within the gambling and gaming sector.
• Entries must reflect activity and impact within the last 12-18 months, up to the awards entry deadline. 
• Submissions must be from organisations based in or operating within Europe.
  

This award recognises an individual who has shown exceptional leadership in compliance over the past year. The winner will have guided their organisation through regulatory and business change, raised the profile of compliance and delivered pragmatic, impactful solutions.

Judges will look for examples of thought leadership, stakeholder engagement and measurable improvements in compliance outcomes - alongside evidence of influence across teams, senior leadership and regulators.

Eligibility 

• This award is open to individuals leading a compliance function within a regulated business.
• This category is not open to consultancy firms, outsourced compliance providers or external advisory services. 
• Entries for this award must be nominated by a Manager, Stakeholder or Colleague - Self-nominations will not be accepted. 
• Entries must reflect achievements within the last 12-18 months.
• Nominees must be based in or operating within Europe.
  

This award recognises an individual who has shown exceptional leadership in financial crime prevention or as an MLRO, going beyond expectations to align their organisation with regulatory requirements across jurisdictions.

Judges will look for tangible examples of innovation, best practice implementation, and measurable impact in detecting, preventing or managing financial crime - alongside evidence of influence and expertise within their organisation.

Eligibility

• Open to individuals working in financial crime prevention or serving as an MLRO within a highly regulated business. 
• This category is not open to consultancy firms, outsourced compliance providers or external advisory services.
• Entries for this award must be nominated by a Manager, Stakeholder or Colleague - Self-nominations will not be accepted.  
• Entries must reflect achievements within the last 12-18 months.
• Nominees must be based in or operating within Europe.
  

This award recognises a standout project that has significantly strengthened an organisation’s ability to prevent financial crime. The winning entry will show how the initiative has protected the business and its customers, while aligning proactively with regulatory requirements across jurisdictions.

Judges will look for evidence of impactful delivery, innovation and best practice - such as new technologies, working methods or training programmes that have improved detection, deterrence and response to financial crime.

Eligibility 

• Open to in-house financial crime prevention teams delivering a defined project or initiative.
• Entries must reflect activity and impact within the last 12-18 months.
• Teams must be based in or operating within Europe.
  

This award recognises a digital initiative led by an in-house team that has transformed compliance, financial crime prevention or risk management. The winning entry will demonstrate innovation, strong execution and measurable impact - whether through new technologies, digitised processes or bespoke tools.

Judges will look for creativity, agility and collaboration across internal teams, with clear outcomes such as improved efficiency, regulatory alignment or a stronger culture of innovation. Examples may include internal dashboards, automated workflows, AI or analytics tools or digitised training and reporting.

Eligibility

• Open to in-house teams working within a regulated business that have delivered a digital initiative related to compliance, financial crime prevention or risk management.
• This category is not open to consultancy firms or outsourced service providers (please see Technology Partner of the Year or Consultancy Firm of the Year).
• Entries must reflect activity and impact within the last 12-18 months, up to the awards entry deadline.
• Submissions must be from organisations based in or operating within Europe.
  

This award recognises innovative compliance training programmes that improve learning outcomes and drive positive change. Whether large or small, entries should show how the initiative has enhanced individual, team or organisational capability.

Judges will look for creative approaches that challenge traditional methods, extend reach, and deliver measurable impact - such as new formats, delivery models, industry collaboration or support for new and developing talent.

Eligibility 

• This award is open to in-house compliance and financial crime prevention teams only. 
• This award is not open to consultancies or commercial training providers.
• Entries must reflect initiatives implemented or active within the last 12-18 months.
• Programmes must be delivered within or for organisations operating in Europe.
  

This award recognises an in-house trade compliance team that has excelled in navigating global trade regulations, mitigating risk and enabling business operations. The winning team will demonstrate leadership, innovation and resilience in managing challenges such as export controls, customs, sanctions and cross-border compliance.

Judges will be looking for entries that highlight the team’s strategic contribution to the business, their ability to adapt to evolving regulatory landscapes and their success in embedding a culture of compliance across the organisation.

Eligibility

• Open to in-house trade compliance teams operating within a regulated business, across all sectors.
• Entries must reflect activity and impact within the last 12-18 months. 
• Teams must be based in or operating within Europe.  

This award recognises a project or initiative that has made a significant impact on ethical behaviour and compliance culture across an organisation. The winning entry will show how the initiative fostered trust, employee engagement and alignment from front-line to board level.

Judges will look for strong internal collaboration, stakeholder engagement and measurable outcomes. Examples may include whistleblowing programmes, employee outreach or other efforts that embed ethics and compliance into everyday business practices.

Eligibility

• This award is open to in-house teams or departments working within a regulated business, that have delivered a defined initiative focused on enhancing ethics and compliance culture.
• Entries must demonstrate evidence from the last 12-18 months, up to the awards entry deadline.   
• Entrants must be based in or operating within Europe.
  

This award celebrates an emerging talent in compliance or financial crime prevention who has made a meaningful impact within the first five years of their career. Whether entering the profession directly or transitioning from another field, the winner will have demonstrated drive, curiosity and a commitment to excellence.

Judges will look for evidence of positive contributions to their team, organisation or the wider compliance community, along with signs of leadership potential and a passion for the profession.

Eligibility 

• Open to individuals in the first five years of their compliance or financial crime prevention career.
• This award is open to in-house teams and industry partners.
• Entries for this award must be nominated by a Manager, Stakeholder or Colleague - Self-nominations will not be accepted.  
• Entries must reflect achievements within the last 12-18 months. 
• Nominees must be based in or operating within Europe.
  

This award recognises a law firm that has delivered exceptional regulatory compliance support, helping clients navigate complex legal landscapes and proactively manage risk. The winning firm will demonstrate deep expertise, strategic thinking and strong client collaboration across areas such as financial services, data protection, ESG, competition and consumer protection.

Judges will look for examples of landmark advisory work, bespoke compliance frameworks, regulatory investigation support or thought leadership that has shaped industry practice.

Eligibility

• Open to law firms providing regulatory compliance services to organisations operating within Europe. 
• Entries must reflect work delivered within the last 12-18 months, up to the awards entry deadline.
• Submissions should be based on a specific project, client engagement or body of work.
  

This award recognises a technology firm driving innovation in compliance and financial crime prevention. Entrants will demonstrate how their solutions help organisations meet regulatory obligations through effective, collaborative partnerships.

Judges will look for established or emerging technologies that deliver measurable outcomes, solve client challenges, and support better compliance or financial crime prevention through innovation and strategic collaboration.

Eligibility 

• Open to technology firms providing compliance or financial crime prevention solutions.
• Entries must reflect client impact and measurable outcomes within the last 12-18 months.
• Solutions must be used by organisations operating within Europe.
  

This award recognises a consultancy that has made a measurable impact in helping clients manage complex compliance challenges. Entrants should demonstrate how they’ve supported organisations through regulatory change, multi-jurisdictional issues or large-scale transformation.

Judges will look for evidence of going beyond expectations, delivering successful outcomes through standout projects or ongoing support. Entries should demonstrate strong client collaboration, measurable outcomes and a commitment to raising standards across the compliance profession.

Eligibility

• Open to consultancy firms providing compliance or advisory services to organisations operating within Europe. 
• Entries must reflect work delivered within the last 12-18 months, up to the awards entry deadline.
• Submissions should be based on a specific project or client partnership.
  

This award recognises an innovative AI solution that enhances compliance or financial crime prevention. Open to technology firms, consultancies, regulated businesses or in-house teams, entries must demonstrate forward-thinking design, collaboration and measurable impact.

Judges will look for cutting-edge solutions with clear outcomes and potential applications.

Eligibility 

• Open to any organisation - technology provider, consultancy, regulated business, or in-house team - developing or implementing an AI solution for compliance or financial crime prevention. 
• Entries must reflect activity and impact within the last 12-18 months, up to the awards entry deadline.
• We welcome entries where the client or implementation context is based in Europe.
  

This award recognises a creative and impactful communication campaign that has raised awareness, increased engagement and embedded compliance into company culture. The winning initiative will show measurable results and long-term value.

Judges will look for innovation, effectiveness and strong employee engagement - such as campaigns that boosted training participation, promoted compliance as a business enabler or delivered standout events.

Eligibility

• Open to in-house teams working within a regulated business that have delivered a defined compliance communication campaign.
• Industry partners such as consultancies or communications agencies are invited to enter in partnership with a client.
• Entries must reflect activity and impact within the last 12-18 months, up to the awards entry deadline. 
• Submissions must be from organisations based in or operating within Europe.