Ensuring excellence is rewarded


The Hedge Fund Service Awards | Europe judging process is designed to be rigorous, transparent and fair, ensuring that every entry receives full consideration and that genuine excellence is recognised across all categories.

Each year, a diverse panel of senior hedge fund executives is carefully selected to reflect the depth and expertise of the industry. Judges are assigned to categories that match their specialist knowledge, allowing every submission to be assessed by those best placed to evaluate its impact and innovation.

Judging criteria

Entries are evaluated against four key areas:

  • Commercial success and business growth
    Demonstrating strong performance, market impact and client value.

  • Innovation in products or services Showcasing forward-thinking solutions that respond to evolving client and industry needs.

  • Future development potential
    Highlighting plans and capabilities that ensure continued advancement and relevance.

  • Client testimonials and feedback
    Providing clear evidence of client satisfaction, trust and measurable resultsTogether, these measures ensure that each winner represents the very best in client service, product excellence and sustainable business performance within Europe’s hedge fund services community.

Bringing entries to life

As part of our commitment to transparency and excellence, selected categories include an in-person judging day where shortlisted firms are invited to present their entries directly to the judging panel.

During the session, judges are divided into groups, each assigned three to four categories aligned with their areas of expertise. Shortlisted firms deliver a five-minute presentation followed by a five-minute Q&A, giving judges the opportunity to explore each entry in greater depth.

Scores are based on both the original written submission and the in-person presentation, ensuring that every finalist is assessed on the strength, clarity and impact of their achievements.

2025 Judges included

Andrea Bornatico
COO
L1D
Anna Colombatti
Investment COO
AXA Investment Managers
Boura Kym Tomlinson Cann
Global Chief Legal & Compliance Officer
Polar Capital
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Dan Beary
CFO
Bow Street LLC
Doug Bendle
CEO
White Creek Capital LLP
Duncan Tiplady
Chief Operating Officer
Elan Capital Management
Duncan Lidgitt
General Counsel
Muzinich & Co.
Fahd Ahmed
CEO
Iguana Investments
Iain Colquhoun
Chief Financial Officer
Sona Asset Management
James Ellison
COO
Tenax Capital
Jay Tanna
Chief Operating Officer
Rama Ventures
Lee Georgs
Linda Leaney
COO
Nazare Point Investment Advisors Ltd
Lisa Conibear
UK and Group CEO
Laniakea Funds Manager LLC
Mana Mahill
COO / Founding Partner
Curiosity Capital
Melanie Davison
Chief Operating Officer
Polus Capital Management Limited
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Mike Merritt-Holmes
COO
Kvasir Technologies
Patrick Trew
Chief Risk Officer
Maniyar Capital
Phillip Chapple
COO
Monterone Partners
Ray Haslam
Chief Executive Officer
Brummer & Partners Asset Management (UK)
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Reggie Dodge
NED and Consultant
Richard Mhende
CEO & Managing Partner
ProMeritum Investment Management LLP
Rob Galione
COO
Acer Tree Investment Management LLP
Russell Elam
Chief Operating Officer
SoftBank Group International
Sonia Malik
Head of Operations
Castellain Capital LLP
Stephen Stokes
Chief Compliance Officer
Amia Capital LLP
Stephen Foster
Chair
Qube Research & Technologies Limited
Vipula Nawarathne
Chief Technology Officer
Silphium Asset Management
Wesley Dodd
Yimeng Liu
HEAD OF RISK, COMPLIANCE & OPERATIONS
AQUIS CAPITAL AG