Enter the ICMA Future Leaders Essay Competition

11 June 2024 Professionals with a maximum of 8 years experience in financial markets and who currently work for ICMA member firms are invited to take part in the ICMA Future Leaders (IFL) essay competition on the theme of ‘Navigating the future of finance: Transforming capital markets for new talent’.

In the post pandemic era, the allure of a career in traditional financial markets appears to be challenged. A survey by the Economic Times reports that in 2022, 65% of the moves by middle and senior level executives were to other industries, with departures more than double than those of new hires. This is further compounded by

demographic challenges as the baby boomer generation gradually retires;
the shift in values and changing social priorities among Gen Z - sustainability is now a top priority; and
advancements in technology.

All of these factors today add fuel to the “war for talent”.

How to participate

Essays should address the theme of how the industry can better align with the values and expectations of the next generation considering the fast pace and demanding environment of capital markets; as well as look into the innovative strategies and culture shifts needed to redefine the capital market to continue its appeal as a career destination for young professionals.

The essay should be in English between 2,500 and 4,000 words in length.
One contribution per person is permitted.
It should be submitted as a word document double line spaced, with your full details (name, email, telephone, job title, company name and up to date CV).
The essay should be an original piece of work from the contributor, not previously submitted to other competitions. AI generated essays will be disqualified.
The essay author must be working for an ICMA member firm at the time of the submission deadline and the date of the award event.

Please be advised that the deadline for submissions has now passed.

Submissions will be shortlisted by members of the IFL committee and ICMA staff members, with the final selection being made by ICMA’s executive committee and the Chair of IFL.

The winning entry, to be announced in November, will receive:

a €3,000 cash prize;
a mentoring opportunity with the Chair of the ICMA Board;
a complimentary place on an ICMA online training course of their choice; and
the opportunity to have their essay published in select ICMA publications as well as present it at an ICMA Board meeting and at an IFL event.

There will also be two runners up, who will receive €1,000 cash prize each and a complimentary place on an ICMA online training course of their choice.

For more information, contact: futureleaders@icmagroup.org.

Our thanks to the ICMA Future Leaders steering committee representatives who worked on this essay competition:


Samira Meier Crédit Agricole CIB (Frankfurt) IFL Germany	Ezien Hoo Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp Ltd IFL Asia Pacific	Odinaka Linus-Nwokonkwo Access Bank Plc IFL West Africa	Katsiaryna Souvandjiev Raiffeisen Bank International AG IFL Austria