Yesterday evening, the treasury community came together at NatWest’s London headquarters for a special moment, the return of the Association of Corporate Treasurers (ACT) Ones to Watch Awards.

Previously last held in 2019, the awards made their 2026 comeback in a refreshed format designed to recognise talent across the full breadth of the treasury ecosystem. This year’s relaunched awards welcomed entries from corporate treasurers, banking professionals, financial institutions, treasury advisers and suppliers – reflecting the diverse and evolving nature of the profession.

The ACT created Ones to Watch to celebrate individuals who are already making a meaningful impact, often early in their careers: leaders and future leaders who demonstrate curiosity, capability and ambition; innovators pushing boundaries; and colleagues who are quietly making a difference behind the scenes.

As Head of Large Corporates at NatWest – and as a member of this year’s judging panel – I was proud that we could host the event and sponsor the Large Team category as part of our headline partnership.

Each nomination was evaluated against clear and rigorous criteria, reflecting the ACT’s commitment to professional standards across treasury globally. As judges we looked for:

• Demonstrated potential: signs of future impact, leadership or innovation
• Recent achievements: notable accomplishments within the last 12–15 months
• Innovation and creativity: fresh approaches that advance their organisation or the profession
• Influence and visibility: the ability to shape thinking and build community
• Values and impact: including integrity, inclusivity, sustainability and professional standards
• Growth trajectory: rapid development and increasing responsibility

Every nominee this year showcased these traits in abundance.

A huge congratulations to all nominees, highly commended finalists and winners. Your contributions are strengthening the treasury profession – and inspiring those who will follow.

Individual – Small Team (1–4)            

• Winner: Jonathan Ben Garcia, Treasurer, Bunzl plc

Individual – Medium Team (5–9)

• Winner: Victoria Underwood, Treasury Manager, Imperial Brands PLC

Individual – Large Team (10+) – Sponsored by NatWest

• Winner: Marigona Kuci, Treasury Manager FX, Risk & Control, Save the Children International

Bank or Financial Institution

• Winner: Jessica Armstrong, Head of Professional & Fiduciary Services, Lloyds Banking Group

Treasury Adviser

• Winner: Brando Di Renzo, Treasury Consultant, Zanders

Treasury Innovator of the Year

• Winner: Mohamed Kortam, Founder of the MEA Treasurer’s Podcast, Lissa

ACT Champion / Outstanding Contribution

• Winner: Lisa Dukes, Co‑Founder, Dukes & King

Judges’ Choice (Joint Award)

Recognising a pioneering collaboration bringing transparency to climate impact reporting for corporate cash holdings:

• Alex Ashby, Group Treasurer, WPP
• Joanna Bonnett, Group Treasurer & Global Head of Insurance, Straumann Group
• Warren Anadachee, Head of Front Office, SAP Global Treasury

Unsung Hero Award

• Winner: Olivia Hall, Treasury Manager, The Weir Group PLC

From technical excellence to innovation in sustainability, from global collaboration to support for regional treasury networks, the 2026 winners proved just how vibrant, diverse and forward‑looking the profession has become.

We were honoured to welcome the community into our Bishopsgate HQ for an evening that celebrated not transactions, not institutions – but people. Their talent, ambition and curiosity will shape the future of treasury.

To everyone who took part: judged, nominated, supported or celebrated – thank you. And to the winners: we look forward to watching where you go next.

Here’s to the next generation of treasury leaders. Here’s to the Ones to Watch.