The ABA Emerging Leader Awards are open to bank employees who identify as future leaders, exhibiting banking leadership characteristics including steadfast dedication, inventiveness, and integrity. There is no age restriction, and the program is open to ABA members and non-members.

These awards aim to identify and recognize the next generation of bank leaders who uphold the highest standards of achievement and service to their industry and communities. Developing and guiding future leaders is critical to the banking sector’s success, as today’s emerging leaders become tomorrow’s decision-makers.

By our definition, emerging leaders have the desire, capacity and initiative to make significant contributions toward the success of their bank. They are driven to grow as leaders and develop new skills to strengthen both the banking industry and their community.

Whether you were nominated or you are directly applying, please complete the application form below. All applicants must share their credentials, answer four essay questions, and submit both a letter of recommendation and a resume. 

Application Form: Click Here

Application Deadline: June 26, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET. 

Use of third party assistance

By entering and applying, applicants agree that they are the sole author of their application, except for the required letter of professional recommendation. No supervisor, consultant, employee representative, professional writer, consulting firm, or other third party may prepare, draft, edit, or submit the application on the applicant's behalf. 

Use of generative artificial intelligence

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.  

Eligibility requirements

The ABA Emerging Leaders Contest (“Contest”) is open to those who are: (1) legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia, or any United States territory who live in the United States, the District of Columbia, or any United States territory; (2) employed by a bank that is eligible for ABA Bank Membership as of March 1, 2026; (3) employed in any job role for an eligible bank and still employed as of  October 27, 2026; AND (4) committed to the highest standards of leadership at work and in their communities. Eligible Bank Members of Sponsor are defined by Sponsor’s bylaws (as of January 1, 2026) as follows: FDIC‑insured banks and other deposit‑taking institutions that make commercial loans, including insured thrift institutions, FDIC‑insured industrial loan companies, and national or state trust companies or limited purpose trust banks providing fiduciary services.

ABA Partner Network Members are not eligible to participate. Employees and their immediate family and household members (whether or not related) of Sponsor and any of its parent companies, affiliates, subsidiaries, and advertising and promotion agencies of this Contest (collectively, the “Contest Entities”) are not eligible to participate in this Contest. Only individuals meeting all eligibility requirements set forth in these Official Rules may participate in the Contest or win a prize. All applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations apply.

To view the official rules, click here. Please contact ABA for questions at emergingleaders@aba.com.

What is the selection process?

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. 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. 

How are applications scored?

• 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. An excellent application will provide clear, distinct, and relevant examples for each question, showcasing a nuanced understanding of leadership and result-driven achievements. Responses should highlight measurable impact, reflect on leadership growth, and remain focused on the question.
• 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.