Quad-A Awards
Recognizing the leaders, innovators, and trailblazers shaping the future of the financial services profession.
About the Awards
The Quad-A Awards recognize exceptional individuals and organizations whose leadership, service, innovation, and commitment have advanced the financial services profession and strengthened opportunities for Black/African American financial professionals. Award recipients represent excellence across the industry and embody Quad-A’s mission of leadership, advocacy, and impact.
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2026 Award Nominations Are Now Open
The Quad-A Awards recognize outstanding financial professionals, firms, and industry leaders who are making a lasting impact through leadership, innovation, service, and a commitment to advancing the financial services industry.
Spirit of the VISION Leadership Award
Legacy of Impact Award
Under 50: Leaders to Watch in Wealth
Elite Advisor Achievement Award
Exceptional Employers in The Wealth Management Industry
Awards
Spirit of the VISION Leadership Award
Honoring Transformative Leadership in Financial Services
The Spirit of the VISION Leadership Award is the highest honor bestowed by the Association of African American Financial Advisors (Quad-A). It recognizes a senior executive whose leadership, influence, and sustained commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion have significantly advanced the representation of Black professionals in the financial services industry. Presented annually at the VISION Conference, this award honors individuals who embody the core pillars of VISION through their work as champions of inclusive leadership, culture transformation, and equitable advancement across the wealth management, banking, fintech, and asset management ecosystems. Award recipients are trailblazers whose efforts have reshaped the industry landscape, created access to opportunity, and inspired a more equitable future for the next generation of Black financial professionals.
Selection Criteria:
Nominees for the Spirit of the VISION Leadership Award must meet the following criteria and be a current member of Quad-A:
Executive-Level Status
- Must hold (or have recently held) a C-suite, President, Managing Director, or senior executive role within a financial services organization, including but not limited to banking, wealth management, fintech, or asset management.
Demonstrated Commitment to DEI
- Has a proven track record of advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, particularly for Black/African American professionals, through executive leadership, organizational strategy, or program sponsorship.
Tangible Impact
- Has led or sponsored measurable initiatives or outcomes (e.g., talent pipelines, strategic partnerships, workforce representation gains, culture-shifting programs, public advocacy).
Industry Influence
- Recognized as a thought leader or influential voice on matters of inclusive leadership, culture transformation, or racial equity in finance.
Mentorship and Legacy
- Has actively mentored or championed the careers of Black professionals and contributed to a lasting legacy of empowerment within and beyond their organization.
Alignment with Quad-A Mission
- Demonstrates values and leadership consistent with Quad-A‘s mission to promote meaningful inclusion and advancement of African Americans in the financial advisory profession.
Must not be a previous winner in the last 24 months.
Under 50: Leaders to Watch in Wealth
Selection Criteria:
- Must be a current member of Quad-A.
- Career Excellence
- Must demonstrate sustained and significant career achievements, such as professional certifications, promotions, successful project leadership, business growth, or recognition within their firm or industry.
- Community Engagement
- Must actively contribute to the community through volunteer work, mentoring, educational outreach, nonprofit leadership, or similar service. Involvement must be outside of regular job duties and reflect a commitment to uplifting others.
- Age Requirement
- Nominees must be 50 years of age or younger as of the date of nomination submission.
- Biographical Submission
- A brief biography (150–250 words) must be submitted, highlighting the nominee’s career path, accomplishments, areas of expertise, community involvement, and personal or professional passions.
Must not be a previous winner in the last 24 months.
Legacy of Impact Award
Selection Criteria:
- Must be a current member of Quad-A.
- Community Involvement Beyond the Workplace
- Must demonstrate consistent and meaningful engagement in community service efforts that extend beyond their professional responsibilities. This may include nonprofit leadership, pro bono financial literacy education, youth mentorship, civic engagement, or other impactful volunteer work.
- Recognized Leadership Within Their Organization
- Should hold a formal leadership role or demonstrate significant influence and mentorship within their firm, company, or institution. Leadership may be reflected through titles, responsibilities, committee involvement, or peer recognition.
- Documented Career Achievements
- Must have a proven record of success and advancement within the financial services or wealth management industry. Achievements may include measurable business growth, awards, innovation, publications, certifications, or notable client impact.
- Personal Biography Submission
- Nominee must submit a brief biography (up to 500 words) detailing their professional background, career journey, community service history, and personal interests or values that align with Quad-A’s mission.
Must not be a previous winner in the last 24 months.
Elite Advisor Achievement Award
Selection Criteria:
- Must be a current member of Quad-A.
- Industry Experience:
- Must have a minimum of 4 years of professional experience as a licensed financial advisor, planner, or financial services professional.
- Proven Top Performance:
- Must demonstrate a consistent track record of excellence in client service, production, or portfolio growth.
- Supporting documentation is required (e.g., production reports, client metrics, or peer rankings).
- Team Collaboration & Leadership:
- Recognized for being a collaborative team player and internal leader within their firm or practice.
- May include mentoring junior advisors, leading internal initiatives, or promoting a positive workplace culture.
- Professional Reputation:
- Must have a strong reputation among colleagues, peers, and industry partners for integrity, professionalism, and ethical conduct.
- Community Involvement:
- Demonstrated commitment to community service or advocacy, such as financial literacy efforts, pro bono advising, volunteer leadership, or involvement in civic or cultural organizations.
Must not be a previous winner in the last 24 months.
Exceptional Employers in The Wealth Management Industry
Celebrate the 2025 Esteemed Winner:
Merrill Wealth Management, a Bank of America Company
Selection Criteria:
(Minimum of two responses required to qualify.)
- High B/AA Employee Engagement Scores: The company should have high employee engagement scores. Engaged employees often reflect a positive workplace culture.
- High Employee Satisfaction Scores from B/AA Employees: Measures of employee satisfaction should indicate that employees are content with their work environment, compensation, and opportunities for professional development.
- Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity for B/AA Professionals: The organization has committed to hiring B/AA talent and should have a diverse workforce. It should also demonstrate a commitment to promoting inclusivity at all levels. The company should promote and support a healthy work-life balance for its employees. Finally, the organization should have a strong commitment to maintaining high ethical standards in all its operations.
- Opportunities for Growth: There should be clear pathways for career advancement within the organization.
Must not be a previous winner in the last 24 months.
