Central Banking Awards

The Central Banking Awards recognise the outstanding performance and achievements of individuals and organisations within the central banking community.

Recognising excellence in the central banking community

Central Banking Awards 2026

Recognising excellence in the central banking community

Central bankers faced intellectual, economic, systemic, financial and volatility shocks during the past year, with officials striving to address core policy and operational challenges in an environment characterised by geoeconomic fragmentation and stubbornly high inflation in many jurisdictions.

At the same time, officials moved forward with essential digital transformation and strategic review programmes, while seeking to safely harness AI and secure the transition to digital money. Many have also sought to improve their governance and communications, all against a backdrop of tight budget constraints.

Yet, much of this vital work carried out by policymakers and by their key partners (including advisory firms, currency service providers, financial institutions, payment and market infrastructure providers, and technology companies), is largely unrecognised. The Central Banking Awards were set up to redress the balance – to highlight the outstanding performance and achievements of individuals and organisations within the entire central banking community.

The awards recognise:

  • Extraordinary examples of public service
  • Commitment to fulfil core mandated objectives
  • Pioneering activities in the central banking community
  • Best practice in policy, governance, economics, digitalisation, infrastructure and management
  • Innovation and best practice in the provision of operational, technological, financial and advisory services

The names of the Award winners and articles explaining why each institution or individual won their award will be published in March 2026, with winners recognised during a gala dinner held in London at the end of the first day of the Central Banking London Meetings in June 2026. 

Company profile

Foreign Exchange (FX) and cross-border payments are often complex and expensive, especially when operating in hard-to-reach markets. Crown Agents Bank (CAB) is a UK-regulated FX and payments service provider, specialising in global FX and cross-border payments for hard-to-reach markets. Through our extensive network, technology, and expertise, we help governments, institutions, and organisations access underserved geographies and move money where it’s needed.