The nomination period for the 2026 Nicsa NOVA Awards is now closed. Thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination! Award winners will be notified in early October.
Individual Recognition
Distinguished individuals (current executives or recent retirees) with 25+ years of industry expertise who have shown extraordinary personal commitment and made measurable impact to the field of asset and wealth management. This award represents Nicsa’s highest honor, recognizing a career of enduring influence and leadership across the industry.
Individual Recognition
Inspirational individuals demonstrating cutting-edge thought leadership and fostering business solutions with a wide scope of influence across the asset and wealth management industry. The award recognizes the legacy of former Nicsa President Bill Blackwell, who is remembered for his unwavering honesty, integrity, and commitment to mentorship throughout his distinguished career at State Street Bank.
Individual Recognition
Senior-level executives (or recent retirees) with long-standing, active service to Nicsa who have helped the industry better serve investors by improving the quality of the client experience or significantly impacting the advancement of the asset and wealth management Industry, The award recognizes the legacy of former Nicsa Chairman Robert Gould, who is remembered for his significant contributions to the asset and wealth management industry during his tenure as President of DST Systems (now part of SS&C).
Individual Recognition
Early-career, industry trailblazers with up to 10 years of experience who are making a significant impact within their firms and across the industry. These individuals demonstrate exceptional leadership potential and bring the passion and innovation needed to shape the next generation of the asset and wealth management community.
The first 25 Emerging Leaders nominated will be invited to participate in a group coaching program focused on leadership development, facilitated by a leading third-party executive coaching firm. This exclusive opportunity delivers tangible value to both the individual and their firm by developing the skills needed to help shape the future of the asset and wealth management industry.
Nominees must:
• Have 5–10 years of professional experience (ideally no more than 10 years)
• Demonstrate exceptional potential for transformational leadership within the asset and wealth management industry
• Commit to active participation in a six-month leadership development program, including one virtual session per month during business hours
• Actively employed at a Nicsa member firm
Firm-Level Recognition
Organizations that are transforming the distribution of investment products through innovative strategies, operating models, and technologies that enhance advisor engagement, client outcomes, and asset growth.
Submissions may highlight advancements in areas such as AI and predictive analytics, data-driven distribution, advisor enablement, digital engagement, platform and channel strategy, client segmentation, partnership models, distribution intelligence, workflow automation, personalization, and next-generation wholesaling approaches.
This category celebrates firms that are redefining how products and solutions are delivered, supported, and scaled across the asset and wealth management industry.
Submissions should include clear, tangible results or measurable outcomes that demonstrate the impact of the innovation.
Firm-Level Recognition
Organizations with forward-thinking contributions to product development through innovative design, research, structures, and delivery approaches that create meaningful value to investors.
Submissions may highlight advancements in areas such as product innovation, portfolio construction, active and passive investment strategies, ETF and alternative product development, retirement and income solutions, customization, digital product capabilities, and solutions designed to address emerging investor demands and underserved market segments.
This category celebrates firms that are redefining how investment products are conceived, developed, and brought to market across the asset and wealth management industry.
Submissions should include clear, tangible results or measurable outcomes that demonstrate the impact of the innovation.
Firm-Level Recognition
Organizations that are transforming the asset and wealth management industry through cutting-edge technology solutions that effectively deliver improved performance, risk-reduction, efficiency, and/or client service capabilities.
Submissions may highlight advancements in areas such artificial intelligence, automation, robotics, agentic AI, advanced analytics, and platform integration.
This category celebrates firms that are redefining how technology enables growth, innovation, and competitive advantage across the asset and wealth management industry.
Submissions should include clear, tangible results or measurable outcomes that demonstrate the impact of the innovation.
Firm-Level Recognition
Organizations with innovative systems or processes that deliver world-class operational standards via improved efficiency, back-office performance, and/or client experience.
Submissions may highlight workflow initiatives, fund processing, data governance, compliance integration, client onboarding, call center automation, AI-Powered compliance & surveillance, and operational intelligence.
This category celebrates firms that are redefining operational excellence across the asset and wealth management industry through scalable, efficient, and client-focused solutions.
Submissions should include clear, tangible results or measurable outcomes that demonstrate the impact of the innovation.
Firm-Level Recognition
Organizations that are advancing the asset management industry through excellence in investment management, product delivery, distribution strategy, and client engagement, while creating meaningful value for investors and advisors.
Submissions should demonstrate measurable business and investment impact, including investment performance, asset growth, distribution success, advisor and client relationships, market expansion, and innovation in delivering investment solutions.
This prestigious award recognizes an asset management firm that is redefining industry standards through investment excellence, strategic growth, and a commitment to delivering superior outcomes for investors and advisors.
Firm-Level Recognition
Organizations that are advancing the delivery of wealth management through innovative client service models, technology adoption, investment solutions, advisor enablement, operational excellence, and business model evolution.
Submissions should demonstrate measurable business impact and client value, including assets under management (AUM) growth, advisor growth, client acquisition and retention, operational improvements, and enhanced client outcomes.
This prestigious award recognizes a wealth management firm that is redefining industry standards through forward-thinking strategies, transformative solutions and measurable impact on clients, advisors, and the broader financial ecosystem.
Firm-Level Recognition
Organizations that are advancing the alternative investments landscape through innovative investment solutions, product development, distribution strategies, technology, operations, or client engagement.
Submissions may highlight innovation across private markets, private credit, real assets, hedge funds, infrastructure, interval and evergreen funds, alternative investment platforms, advisor education, access solutions, operational efficiency, and investor experience.
This prestigious award recognizes a firm that is expanding access to alternative investments, enhancing outcomes for investors and advisors, and helping shape the future of alternatives across the asset and wealth management industry.
Firm-Level Recognition
Organizations that are advancing the digital assets ecosystem through innovation in investment products, blockchain technology, tokenization, infrastructure, custody, operations, compliance, advisor enablement, or investor engagement.
Submissions may highlight advancements in areas such as digital asset investment strategies, tokenized funds and securities, blockchain-enabled solutions, custody and servicing, regulatory and compliance innovation, digital asset platforms, advisor education, risk management, market infrastructure, and client access to digital asset solutions.
This prestigious award recognizes a firm that is helping define the future of digital assets through responsible innovation, measurable business impact, and a commitment to advancing the asset and wealth management industry.
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