British bank awards 2026 – Not Just Another Awards Night

By Kirsty La-Garde, Head of Events at Smart money people

Firstly, let’s address the elephant in the room. The word ‘awards’ can sometimes bring a bit of scepticism.

These days there are awards events for pretty much everything (World Sting Nettle Eating Championships in Dorset, anyone?), and hundreds in the banking sector alone. They all promise recognition and a great night out, but don’t always deliver much beyond a trophy and a few photos. 

That’s why it’s fair to ask the question, is it actually worth taking part? With the British bank awards, the answer is yes. And not because we’re slightly biased!

What makes these awards so special is that customers decide the outcome. They’re shaped by the data from verified customer reviews, with over 178,000 reviews submitted to determine last year’s winners. 

In a sector where trust is everything, that kind of credibility goes a long way. As Veronika Lovett, CEO of Kroo Bank, explains, ‘These awards are the most authentic reflection of customer sentiment in the UK financial sector… an unfiltered look at how we’re performing in the real world.’

Alex Latham, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer at Chip, puts it simply: ‘They’re one of the few awards that actually reflect what customers think.’

Gain insight you can actually use

But taking part doesn’t just benefit the winners and highly commended companies. Every review you receive during your voting campaign gives you a clearer picture of your customers. What they like, what they don’t like, and (most importantly) what you can do to improve. 

Most companies say they put customers first, but don’t always have access to tailored feedback at scale. Because Smart Money People focuses solely on financial services, taking part gives you insight that’s genuinely relevant to your industry.

And that’s where the real value sits. Kroo Bank’s Veronika Lovett adds, ‘The detailed feedback gathered during the voting process is invaluable in helping identify what customers value most – and where we can go further.’

Similarly, Chip’s Alex Latham recognises how participating acts as a valuable benchmark: ‘It’s a useful signal on how we’re delivering and showing up for our customers… it helps cut through and show if what we’re building is actually landing.’

The impact on your team

It’s also easy to overlook the internal benefits of taking part. Positive feedback from customers is an underestimated way of giving all staff members a lift. It reminds teams that their work matters, and that it’s making a difference to real people’s lives. That kind of recognition can be incredibly motivating, especially in the banking industry where a lot of the best work happens behind the scenes. As Kroo Bank’s Veronika Lovett explains, the awards are ‘a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the collective effort our team puts into supporting our members.’

It also helps when it comes to attracting new talent. Being able to point to genuine customer endorsement could be the difference between a new employee choosing your company over a competitor. It shows that your business actually delivers on its promises.

For Mat Braddy, founder of Updraft, that credibility is crucial: ‘Anyone can say they’re on the side of the customer… having it validated by the very people we serve is what gives those claims credibility.’

More than just a night out

And then there’s the night itself. If you were one of the 400+ who attended last year, you’ll already know what I’m talking about. From the drinks reception right through to last orders, the venue (The Brewery in Central London, no less) was absolutely buzzing. On 21 May 2026, we’ll be heading to The Royal Lancaster Hotel, another incredible venue in the heart of the capital. 

What really stood out last year was the way people responded. When the winners were announced, the other teams genuinely celebrated others’ success. It didn’t feel staged or competitive, it felt like a shared moment for the industry. 

That’s something echoed across attendees. Gretel’s CEO Duncan Stevens, describes it as ‘a great opportunity to celebrate the people and organisations making a real difference for customers… with a shared commitment to better service across the sector.’

Chip’s Alex Latham adds: ‘It’s a rare chance to step back and see how the industry is evolving… and who’s actually making a real impact for customers.’

A worthwhile investment

All of this adds up to something genuinely worthwhile. As well as giving insight you can actually use, taking part in the awards gives you recognition you can stand behind and an experience that brings your team (and the wider industry) together. 

For Gretel’s CEO Duncan Stevens, that credibility is what sets the awards apart: ‘They put the customer voice at the heart of recognition… which makes them uniquely credible.’

Of course, everybody wants to win. But either way, you’ll gain a better understanding of how you’re performing through the eyes of your customers – and what to do next. 

And that’s a big part of why so many companies keep coming back year after year.

Learn more about the British bank awards