Each year, CHIEF INVESTMENT OFFICER identifies asset management, consultant/advisory and service provider firms that drive innovation in institutional investing.

We are pleased to announce this year’s finalists in 12 categories. The finalists will be recognized and the winners announced at the 2026 CIO Industry Innovation Awards following the Influential Investors Forum on November 16 in New York City.

Select a category on the left to see the list of finalists.

We begin accepting applications for the Industry Innovation Awards – Asset Management & Servicing in February. Any type of provider to institutional investors can apply, and Chief Investment Officer may reach out to providers suggested by a third party or by our own staff to ask them to apply.

The application asks for details about performance, innovative strategies, contributions to the industry, and drivers of success. These criteria are what the judges consider in selecting finalists and winners—the award is more qualitative than quantitative.

The categories in which awards are given each year may differ depending on the categories for which we receive applications.

A panel of internal judges at CIO, with decades of combined experience, selects the award finalists and winners. No outside judges are used, to prevent bias.

No individual or firm pays—or is paid—a fee to participate in the awards program.