Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply?

The entry period begins March 2, 2026. Applications are accepted through June 26, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET. Click here to apply. Click here to nominate a colleague.

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

• Your résumé/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 1.5 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 by a bank that is eligible for ABA Bank Membership as of March 1, 2026, and employed in any job role for an eligible bank and still employed as of October 27, 2026.

Can applicants from the United States Territories apply?  

Yes. Legal residents of any United States territory who live in the United States, the District of Columbia or any United States territory are eligible to apply. Please note that Contest Entrants who are legal residents of, and reside in, a United States territory will be required to complete certain documentation if selected as a Winner. Failure to complete the required 
documentation within the specified time period will result in the Contest Entrant being disqualified as a Winner.

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 affect scoring in any way. If you are nominated, you must complete and submit your full application by June 26, 2026.

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.

Can someone else help me answer the four essay questions? 

No. Applicants must be the sole author of their application, except for the required letter of professional recommendation. No supervisor, consultant, employer representative, professional writer, consulting firm or other third party may prepare, draft, edit or submit the application on the applicant’s behalf.

What is the selection process and how is scoring awarded?

The judging process is conducted in two distinct rounds:

Tier One: A panel of ABA staff will initially review the applications.

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. Judges will 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. 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 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 August 17, 2026.

Is there public recognition of the awardees?

Yes. The Emerging Leader Awards recognition event will occur at the 2026 ABA Annual Convention, Oct. 25-27, 2026, in Salt Lake City, Utah. All winners receive:

• A complimentary conference registration
• A complimentary guest/spouse level 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 ABA's website and social media
• Personalized crystal award
• Exclusive access to a network of past Emerging Leader Award winners

All awardees are encouraged to attend ABA's Annual Conference. 

FAQ on Nominating Someone

Submit your nomination in under 2 minutes.

Why should I nominate 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
• 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.

Does somone 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? 

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 26, 2026. Nominating early is recommended so your nominee has time to complete their application.