Financial Reporter has today announced its inaugural 30 Under 30 campaign - a brand-new initiative launching in partnership with Working in Mortgages, the Association of Mortgage Intermediaries (AMI) and the Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association (IMLA) - designed to spotlight the most exciting and impactful young professionals across the UK mortgage and finance industry.
Launching on 4th September 2025, the campaign will recognise 30 individuals under the age of 30 who are already making a difference in roles across broking, lending, fintech, marketing, and beyond. It aims to shine a light on the future leaders of the industry, giving them a platform to share their stories and be recognised for their achievements at an early stage in their careers.
Applicants will be reviewed by a panel of senior industry leaders from across lending, broking, fintech, media and marketing. Each submission will be independently scored against four pillars: impact, innovation, leadership potential, and contribution to the wider industry or community.
Applications open on 4th September and close on 16th October, with the full 30 Under 30 list revealed on 5th November 2025. To register your interest ahead of applications opening, visit https://www.financialreporter.co.uk/30-under-30/.
The campaign will culminate in a brand-new in-person event in central London on 27th February 2026 - Under 30 Live - a half-day conference and networking experience for the next generation of mortgage and financial services professionals. The event is designed to bring young talent, their peers and supporters together for connection, inspiration and insight into the future of the industry.
Working in Mortgages is a collaboration between IMLA and the AMI, dedicated to making the mortgage industry a fairer and more accessible place to work. The organisation works to increase visibility, opportunity and accessibility for the next generation of talent in financial services.
Newly elected WIM chair, Nicola Goldie, commented: “I’m absolutely delighted to be launching FR30U30 in my new role as chair of Working in Mortgages. As one of the first initiatives I’m leading, it’s a fantastic collaboration with Financial Reporter and WIM that underpins our shared commitment to the next generation of mortgage and financial services professionals.
"This programme aligns perfectly with WIM’s purpose — to make the mortgage industry a fairer and more accessible place to work and do business with — and supports our strategic aims to attract new talent, retain existing professionals, and open doors for progression at all levels. I’m really excited see this come to life and shine a spotlight on the rising stars shaping the future of our industry."
The 30U30 campaign is further supported by the AMI and IMLA - co-founders of the Working in Mortgages initiative, and long-time advocates for a more inclusive, future-focused industry.
Steph Charman, chief executive of the AMI, said: “As the mortgage sector continues to evolve, it’s essential that we champion the next generation of professionals who are bringing fresh and diverse thinking, energy, and innovation to the industry. Futureproofing advice firms, and the sector more broadly, means recognising young talent and creating visible and meaningful pathways for their growth and progression.
"AMI is proud to support Financial Reporter’s 30 Under 30 initiative, which plays a vital role in highlighting the breadth of emerging talent already making a difference. With individuals sharing their personal stories, this not only celebrates their achievements but also inspires others to step into the industry with confidence and purpose.”
Kate Davies, executive director of IMLA, commented: “This exciting new initiative perfectly complements the work which IMLA and AMI have been doing to raise the profile of careers in the mortgage industry – whether from a lender or broker perspective. It provides an innovative opportunity for young professionals to showcase their talent and experience to date, to celebrate their achievements and to shine a light on them as new role models for the next generation of industry experts. I look forward to meeting the first cohort of winners!”
Andy Shields, director at Barcadia Media, added: “There’s no shortage of fresh talent in this industry, but too often those voices aren’t seen or heard early enough. Ours is an industry that many people fall into by chance rather than choose from the start - and we want to change that. It starts with celebrating the incredible stories of new people in our space and building the kind of visibility and recognition that shows we work in an amazing, dynamic, and purpose-driven profession.
"Financial Reporter 30 Under 30 isn’t just a list - it’s a platform for young professionals in our space to feel visible, recognised, and part of something bigger.”
Applications can be submitted directly, or on behalf of someone else, at: https://www.financialreporter.co.uk/30-under-30/.
For media enquiries, sponsorship opportunities or judging interest, please contact: Andy Shields - andy@barcadiamedia.co.uk.
