166 nominations, 29 shortlisted finalists and 7 very worthy award winners later...! Last week, us (and 200 others) put our hands together and fizz in the air to toast and applaud the incredible work and achievements from this year’s Verve Award winners.
Winner: Emma Boardwell, Emotional Finance
“Emma is pioneering a bold new path in financial services, one that blends the rigour of financial coaching with the empathy of psychotherapy. Her innovative training programmes and thought leadership are already transforming the industry - strengthening confidence, connection, and commercial outcomes across the sector.
With her groundbreaking model, Emma is redefining what it means to serve clients: with trust, humanity, and deep emotional insight.”
Well done to the other category finalists; James Baker (Bespoke Advice), Kyla Conway (First Sentinel Wealth), Olivia Jackson (IronMarket Wealth), Oren Henry (AutoAdvise) and Verity Corbett (Croft & Oakes)
Winner: Andrew Storey, EV
“We were impressed by Andrew’s ability to overcome complex technical and design challenges to build a scalable, data-driven solution that bridges the advice gap and sets a new industry standard.
He’s engineered a breakthrough in retirement planning and is empowering advisers to produce personalised, compliant retirement plans in seconds, transforming client experiences and operational efficiency.”
Well done to the other category finalists; Chirine Harb (Capital Partners), David Newman (Firenze), Jayne Tilbrook (Crowe) and Wes Wilkes (IronMarket Wealth).
Winner: Anna Butcher, Sound Financial Planning
“We greatly admired Anna’s ability to challenge norms and prioritise empathy to build a scalable, inclusive framework that unlocks diverse talent and elevates organisational culture.
She is truly transforming an approach to recruitment and onboarding in financial services by placing psychological safety at the heart of the process. With a people-first approach - removing barriers, inviting vulnerability, and fostering transparency – it has led to stronger hires, faster integration, and a more engaged, empowered team.”
Well done to the other category finalists; Ryan Milne (Kate Bailey Financial Planning), Victoria Hicks (Melo) and Wes Wilkes (IronMarket Wealth).
Winner: Prosperity Life Planning
“We were taken by the way Nila blends technical expertise with emotional intelligence to help clients live with clarity, confidence, and calm. Her firm is a solo, values-led practice supporting people through life transitions, delivering not just financial planning, but deep personal transformation.
Nila expertly crafts every interaction to make clients feel seen, safe, and supported. Stories like one couple’s journey from uncertainty to their dream home showed how emotional alignment and financial clarity create real momentum.”
Well done to the other category finalists; 8 Financial Planning, Fortuna Major Financial Planning, Palantir Financial Planning and Strategic Wealth Partners.
Winner: SM Advice
“What SM Advice does to create a campaign that makes inclusive, accessible content the norm, not the exception, with dual-language content and British Sign Language videos is remarkable.
They have re-thought video and social media, scaled simplicity and empowered advisers to connect with underserved communities – which is no mean feat. He’s bridging the advice gap with clarity, empathy and cultural relevance.”
Well done to the other category finalists; IronMarket Wealth (Highly Commended), Sanctuary Financial Planning and Spentwell.
Winner: Aventur
“Aventur’s bold fusion of technology and human insight is incredible.
This transformation combines AI-powered automation, gamified engagement, and scalable compliance to deliver personalised, affordable advice to 12 million adults traditionally excluded from the industry.
Their shift from manual processes to a fully integrated digital ecosystem has cut operational costs, reduced onboarding time, and attracted strategic partnerships with FTSE250 firms and national IFAs.”
Well done to the other category finalists; BlackFin Wealth Management, Herbert & Webster, Intelligent Pensions and Penny Pensions.
Winner: AAB Wealth
Cathi said…
"Historically the Verve award has gone to specific individuals who embody the values we are looking for; innovation, graft and a real focus on the client and improving consumer outcomes.
This year, when we considered the nominations put forward for the Verve award, it was a company that most stood out as demonstrating these values. When the sector is ebbing and flowing from small firms, to consolidation, and back again, one firm in particular has found a way to grow and scale, to support more clients, while also keeping the client themselves front and centre.
Their approach is nothing to do with whacking up AUM, but getting and using economies of scale to help add additional value to their clients. Their industry-leading service is recognised time and again, with accolades celebrating both the firm and its exceptional team members for their expertise and impact.
As pioneers, showing that acquisition and growth can be powerful and in the clients interests, the firm are creating exactly the kind of vision the Verve Award was designed to honour."
Congratulations to all nominees, your efforts and industry contributions are what keeps financial services moving forward. You can read about all our shortlisted finalists here.
Natalie is chief engagement officer at Verve, and a brand and marketing expert. She draws on her creative agency background to keep our vision evolving.
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