Hollywood has the Oscars. Television has the Emmys. And in the wealth management industry, awards fever is also spreading with the next big event from InvestmentNews.
In just a few months, the InvestmentNews Awards is making its return to the Edison Ballroom on West 47th Street. And while red carpets get their annual workout, InvestmentNews is putting out its own invitation to spotlight the advisors, RIAs, asset managers, and service partners who are actually moving the needle for clients and the broad investment community.
Nominations for the awards are open until February 27. Advisors, firms, and other industry stakeholders can submit entries through the nominations page of the InvestmentNews Awards website, with categories aimed at both standout individuals and high-impact organizations.
Among the marquee honors up for grabs are NextGen Advisor of the Year, Financial Education Champion, CEO of the Year, Lifetime Achievement in the Wealth Management Industry, Asset Manager of the Year, and RIA Firm of the Year. That mix is designed to maximize the chances of people getting their well-deserved flowers, capturing standout examples of leadership, innovation in client service, and long-term contribution to the profession.
As past winners have attested, the value of the night goes beyond trophies and photo ops. “It’s important that our industry is not insular. These awards need to create visibility, especially for people who might not get the microphone,” said 2025 DEI Trailblazer of the Year Cary Carbonaro. “These awards create community [and] raise the bar for the profession.”
For many attendees, the gala has also become an opportunity to show up and connect in style. The 2026 event will keep that energy, with guests encouraged to lean into formalwear – from tuxedos and suits to evening gowns, cocktail dresses, or traditional attire – for an evening meant to match the caliber of the achievements being recognized on stage.
Rick Kent, founder and chief executive of Merit Financial Advisors and the 2025 RIA Firm of the Year, said the event has established itself as a place where competition takes a back seat to shared learning.
“It's a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow industry colleagues and leaders, exchange ideas, and learn from each other's successes and challenges,” Kent said.
With nominations now open, advisors and firm leaders have a limited window to put deserving peers, partners and teams on the radar.
To learn more about the 2026 InvestmentNews Awards, visit the events site here. Information about the specific awards categories in contention can be found here.
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