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.
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.
