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 must share their credentials, answer four essay questions, and submit both a letter of recommendation and a resume.

Application Form: Click Here

What is the selection process?

The judging process is conducted in two distinct rounds:

1. Tier One: A panel of ABA staff will initially review the applications.
2. 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. 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 criteria will be evaluated based on how effectively they showcase the nominee’s leadership and positive impact. 

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

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, 2025; (3) employed for a minimum of twelve (12) months by current employer as of October 1, 2025; (4) employed in any job role for a bank and still employed as of June 20, 2025; 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, 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 rules, click here. Please contact ABA for questions at emergingleaders@aba.com.