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FMI Global Financial Marketing Innovation Competition
Discover. Research. Be Recognised.
The financial services industry is constantly evolving, with innovative products, services and marketing approaches emerging from every corner of the world. Some of the most interesting ideas can be found beyond our own markets.
The FMI Global Financial Marketing Innovation Competition challenges students to identify and analyse outstanding examples of financial innovation from outside the UK, exploring how financial services firms have successfully brought new ideas to market and what lessons others can learn from them.
You do not need to be a marketing expert or create your own campaign. Instead, your challenge is to demonstrate your ability to recognise innovation, analyse its impact and explain why it matters.
Every successful entrant will be recognised as an FMI Global Financial Marketing Innovation Researcher and receive a digital certificate and badge. No prior knowledge of financial services or marketing is required. Curiosity, research and original thinking are what matter most.
Why Enter?
Each year, Financial Marketing Insights (FMI) hosts the EMEA Financial Services Marketing Leaders' Summit at Reuters in Canary Wharf, bringing together senior marketing leaders from across the financial services industry to discuss best practice, emerging trends and the future of financial marketing.
On 3 June 2027, the three finalists will be invited to present their research during a special Global Financial Marketing Innovation session at the Summit. A winner will then be selected by industry leaders.
This is a unique opportunity to showcase your research and presentation skills in front of senior financial services professionals and gain industry recognition at an early stage in your career.
Who Can Enter?
The competition is open to secondary school, sixth form, college and university students in the UK.
Whether you are exploring future career options or preparing for your first professional role, this competition provides an opportunity to develop research, analytical and communication skills while learning more about the global financial services industry.
Entry Requirement
Submit a 500-1,000 word analysis by 1 February 2027 of a non-UK financial services firm that has launched an innovative financial product or service and supported it with an innovative marketing approach.
Your submission should explain:
✅ The product or service you selected and why you believe it is innovative
✅ How the organisation marketed the product or service
✅ Why you believe the marketing approach was effective
✅ Your own observations, insights and conclusions
Recognition for Every Participant
All students who successfully complete the entry requirements will be recognised as an FMI Global Financial Marketing Innovation Researcher.
Recipients will receive a digital certificate and badge demonstrating their ability to research, evaluate and communicate examples of innovation within the global financial services industry.
This recognition can be included on CVs, university applications, apprenticeship applications and professional networking profiles such as LinkedIn.
Judging Criteria
Entries will be assessed based on:
Innovation of the product or service (25%)
Innovation of the marketing approach (25%)
Assessment of effectiveness (25%)
Quality of analysis, insights and communication (25%)
Competition Pathway and Key Dates
1 February 2027
Entry submission deadline
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8 February 2027
All qualifying entrants recognised as FMI Global Financial Marketing Innovation Researchers
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8 February 2027
20 Semi-Finalists selected and invited to prepare a three-slide presentation
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15 February 2027
Semi-Finalist presentations submitted
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1 March 2027
Three Finalists selected. Free presentation guidance and briefing.
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3 June 2027
Finalists present at the EMEA Financial Services Marketing Leaders' Summit at Reuters, Canary Wharf. Delegates select the Competition Winner.
Why Participate?
Strengthen your CV, university application or LinkedIn profile
Demonstrate research, analytical and communication skills
Gain exposure to the financial services industry
Stand out to future employers
Build confidence presenting ideas and insights
Gain recognition from senior industry professionals
Why Is FMI Running This Competition?
At Financial Marketing Insights (FMI), we believe that the future success of the financial services industry depends on attracting curious, talented and commercially-minded young people into the sector.
Through our Future FS Leaders initiative, our aim is to connect students with industry professionals and showcase the wide range of careers available within financial services. This competition has been designed to help students develop research, analytical and communication skills while exploring some of the most innovative financial products, services and marketing approaches from around the world.
By encouraging students to identify great financial services ideas from outside the UK, we hope to promote curiosity, critical thinking and a greater understanding of the role that marketing plays in financial services innovation and the range of interesting career options across financial services.
Find Out More
For any questions, or to submit your entry (this is a free competition), please contact: