Categories & criteria

The categories for the Hedge Fund Services Awards | US have been developed in consultation with the industry to ensure they reflect the breadth, depth and innovation of today’s hedge fund service landscape.

From fund administration and prime brokerage to legal, compliance and technology solutions, each category highlights the firms setting new standards of excellence and partnership across the sector.

What the judges look for


 Each entry is reviewed by an independent panel of senior hedge fund executives, including COOs, CFOs, CTOs, CCOs and GCs, who assess submissions against the following core criteria:

  • 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 results.

2026 categories

Administrators

Best administrator – client service

Best administrator – emerging managers

Best administrator – middle-office services

Best administrator – overall

Best administrator – technology


Advisory & audit

Best advisory firm – overall

Best advisory firm – regulation and compliance

Best advisory firm – tax

Best auditor – emerging managers

Best auditor – overall

Legal & compliance

Best offshore governance firm

Best onshore law firm – client service

Best onshore law firm – emerging managers

Best onshore law firm – overall


Middle office services

Best cash management or treasury service

Best middle-office services - overall

Best order management system (OMS)

Best outsourced trading solution

Best portfolio management software (PMS)

Other outsourced services

Best business banking service

Best custodian

Best digital assets provider

Best insurance provider

Best marketing and communications consultancy

Best outsourced operations/finance service

Best recruitment firm

Best valuations firm


Prime brokers

Best prime broker – capital introduction

Best prime broker - client service

Best prime broker - overall


Private markets

Best administrator – private markets

Best advisory firm – private markets

Best law firm – private markets

Best technology provider – private markets


Technology, risk & data management

Best AI solution or tool

Best analytics tool

Best cloud hosting solution

Best cybersecurity service

Best fund accounting and reporting software

Best managed IT service provider

Best regtech firm

Best risk management technology provider

Best tech infrastructure provider

Most innovative technology firm - boutique

Most innovative technology firm - large scale


Need help with your entry?

If you have questions about entering or need more information please get in contact with us.