Entries open for 2026 Finnie Awards as FinTech Australia refreshes categories
Entries are now open for the tenth annual Finnie Awards, Australia’s leading celebration of success and innovation in the fintech sector. Hosted by FinTech Australia, the 2026 Finnies will be held on Thursday, 18 June 2026 at ILUMINA, a new premium events venue in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, and will recognise excellence across 22 award categories.
This year’s awards continue to spotlight emerging leaders, established innovators and high-impact solutions across payments, lending, open finance, AI, WEB3, green fintech and more.
The program is designed to celebrate the companies and individuals driving competition, improving consumer and business outcomes, and strengthening Australia’s position as a global fintech hub.
For 2026, FinTech Australia has introduced a series of updates to reflect the evolution of the sector. The awards will move to ILUMINA in Sydney’s CBD, the Excellence in Business Lending and Excellence in Consumer Lending categories will return as separate awards to recognise the distinct nature of each segment.
FinTech Australia CEO Rehan D’Almeida said the tenth Finnies would be a milestone moment for the local industry.
“Over the past decade, the Finnies have grown alongside the ecosystem they celebrate – from early-stage disruptors challenging incumbents through to global players exporting Australian fintech capability to the world. The 2026 Finnies will shine a light on just how sophisticated and diverse Australian fintech has become,” D’Almeida said.
“More than ever, we’re seeing fintechs tackling hard problems – from financial inclusion and small business access to credit through to sustainable finance, AI-driven innovation and new applications of open banking,” he added.
“The Finnies are about recognising this work, but also about bringing the ecosystem together in one room to share ideas, celebrate wins and set the tone for the future of fintech in Australia. It also serves as a crucial platform to showcase the value of advocating for policy change that benefits consumers and businesses.”
It is free for financial members of FinTech Australia to enter or to nominate another organisation or individual. Non-members will be charged per entry, with fees outlined in the entry fee structure available on the Finnies website.
Further information on categories, criteria and how to submit an entry is available at the new Finnies website (https://www.thefinnies.com.au/).
Key dates:
Entries open: Monday, 19 January 2026
Entries close: Friday, 20 March 2026
Finalists announced: Wednesday, 22 April 2026
Award ceremony: Thursday, 18 June 2026
There are 22 categories in the 2026 Finnie Awards, including:
Best Workplace Diversity
Giving Back to the Fintech Community Award
Emerging FinTech Leader of the Year (under 35)
Female FinTech Leader of the Year
Outstanding FinTech Leader of the Year (can be from any field)
Excellence in Establishing Global Market Presence
Excellence in Industry Collaboration & Partnerships (single & multiple)
Excellence in Business Lending
Excellence in Consumer Lending
Best Innovation in Payments (including Remittance/FX)
Excellence in WEB3 (Blockchain or Crypto)
Excellence in Insurtech
Excellence in Regtech
Excellence in Wealth Management (including PFM and Robo)
Best Innovation in Open Banking/Open Finance
Positive Impact Award
Excellence in Green Fintech or Sustainability Initiatives
Most Innovative Application of AI in Finance
Most Innovative Fintech Product or Service
Excellence for Provision of FinTech Support Services
Emerging FinTech Organisation of the Year (company must be under two years old)
FinTech Organisation of the Year
About FinTech Australia
FinTech Australia is the not-for-profit peak industry body for the Australian fintech sector, representing more than 400 fintech companies and startups nationwide. Its vision is to make Australia the leading market for fintech innovation and investment by working with government, industry and the fintech community to create a supportive environment and partner ecosystem in Australia and abroad.
