Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply?

The entry period begins March 3, 2025. Applications are accepted through June 20, 2025. Click here to apply. Click here to nominate a colleague.

Here’s what you’ll need to complete your application:

• Your resume/CV (no more than two (2) pages). Please refrain from including headshots or photos in your résumé/CV.
• One letter of recommendation. This professional letter of recommendation must include the recommender’s name, affiliation, email address and direct phone number. An excellent recommendation letter should thoroughly address the evaluation criteria and generally be about one to one and a half pages in length, with standard one-inch margins and 11- or 12-point font. 

Who can be nominated and/or apply?

The ABA Emerging Leader Awards are open to all bank employees. Applicants must have been employed for at least 12 months by their current employer as of October 1, 2025.

What is the difference between being nominated or applying?

If a banker is nominated by a colleague, mentor or industry leader, the nominee will be notified by ABA that he or she was nominated. The nominee must then fill out an application to be considered for the award.

If a banker applies directly, he or she will fill out the same application as those who are nominated.

Nomination status does not impact scoring in any way.If you are nominated, you must complete and submit your full application by June 20, 2025.

Does my bank have to be an ABA member to apply?

No.

Is there an application fee?

No.

Can I use generated artificial intelligence to write or polish any portion of my application?

By entering and applying, applicants agree that their entry is their original work. Any submission found using AI to generate any content will be disqualified immediately, and ABA reserves the right to take further action as deemed necessary.

What is the selection process and how is scoring awarded?

The judging process is conducted in two distinct rounds:

1. Tier One: A panel of ABA staff will initially review the applications.
2. Tier Two: Industry leaders will make the final selection, choosing up to 12 winners.
   Judges in both rounds will follow standardized scoring guidelines to ensure fairness and consistency throughout the process. While judges have discretion in awarding points based on these guidelines, external judges will not review applications from candidates within their own professional network, state of employment or state of residence.
   Scoring Criteria
   
   Essay Questions (Scale: 1-10) 
   Judges will evaluate the four essay questions based on the strength of the responses, awarding scores from 1 to 10. A well-rounded application will provide diverse and specific examples that thoroughly address each essay question. An excellent application will provide clear, distinct and relevant examples for each question, showcasing a nuanced understanding of leadership and result-driven achievements.
   
   Writing and Grammar (Scale: 0-4)
   Judges will also assess the clarity, structure and grammar of the responses. Well-written applications will score higher, with zero errors being ideal.
   
   Letter of Recommendation (Scale: 1-5)
   Letters of recommendation criteria will be evaluated based on how effectively they showcase the nominee’s leadership and positive impact.

How will I be notified if I am selected? 

After you apply, you will receive a notification that your submission was received. Following the application period, the applications will be reviewed by several panels of judges. Winners will be notified via email on or around Aug. 13, 2025.

Is there public recognition of the awardees?

Yes. The Emerging Leader Awards recognition event will occur at the 2025 ABA Annual Convention, Oct. 19-21, 2025, in Charlotte, NC. All winners receive:

• A complimentary conference registration
• A complimentary guest/spouse conference registration (please note that guest/spouse registrants do not have access to all conference sessions and events). 
• An exclusive luncheon with your guest, fellow 2025 award winners and past award winners
• Recognition on main stage at ABA Annual Convention
• Recognition in ABA publications, and on our website and social media
• Personalized crystal award
• Exclusive access to a network of past Emerging Leader Award winners

All awardees are encouraged to attend the ABA Annual Conference. 

FAQ on Nominating Someone

Why should I nominate someone?

Below are a few reasons you may want to consider nominating someone:

• Celebrate the achievements of professionals who are tomorrow’s leaders
• Highlight rising stars in the profession
• Identify future leaders
• Offer honorees a chance to be featured at ABA events, in ABA publications and on ABA’s website
• Provide honorees with exclusive networking and recognition opportunities, as they are invited as ABA guests to special recognition events
• Help advance the future of the banking profession

Do nominees have to be members of ABA?

No.

Is there a fee for nominating someone?

No.

Can I nominate more than one person?

Yes.

Will the nominee know that he or she has been nominated?

Yes. The nominee will receive an email notifying him/her that a nomination has been submitted. The nominee assumes all responsibility for completing his/her application.

Do I need to be nominated to apply?

No. In fact, many applicants are not nominated by others. Most applicants apply directly. 

How do I know if my online nomination form went through? Will I receive confirmation? 

After submitting your nomination, you will get a message thanking you for your nomination.

When are nominations due?

There is no set deadline for nominations. However, all nominees must complete their application by June 20, 2024. Nominating early is recommended so your nominee has time to complete their application.