The 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 members and non-members.

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

Application Form: Click Here

Criteria 

Nominations will be judged by a diverse steering committee. Some of the qualities and characteristics the committee will be looking for include (in no particular order):

• Dedication to the profession
• Inventiveness
• Leadership skills
• “People” skills/mentoring ability
• Personal integrity
• Public speaking/presentation skills
• Tenure at the bank and broader commitment to a career in banking.
• Sustained career progress
• Academic training

Eligibility 

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 who live in the United States or the District of Columbia; (2) employed by a bank that is eligible for ABA Bank Membership as of March 1, 2024; (3) employed for a minimum of twelve (12) months by current employer as of October 1, 2024; (4) employed in any job role for a bank and still employed as of July 1, 2024; AND (5) 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 follows: are any national bank, state bank, savings bank, savings and loan, trust company, private bank, banking firm, all situated within the United States and its dependencies and any entity that has filed an application for Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance of accounts. ABA Associate 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, independent contractors, officers, directors, advertising and promotion agencies, and all other entities or individuals associated with the development, administration, or fulfillment 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.

Please contact ABA for questions at emergingLeaders@aba.com