Mortgage Strategy is proud to announce an exciting evolution of its awards programme for 2026. In addition to a sharper, more inclusive Mortgage Strategy Awards in May, we can now reveal a brand-new, standalone Mortgage Strategy Specialist Lending Awards in September 2026.
The move reflects the growing strength and diversity of the UK mortgage market and Mortgage Strategy’s commitment to recognising excellence across every part of the industry, from the high street to the specialist and commercial sectors.
The Mortgage Strategy Awards have long been heralded as ‘the Oscars’ of our industry and we are planning to unveil a sensational new venue in keeping with this heritage. So, watch this space!
The revamped awards in May will honour the best of mainstream mortgage lending, advice, protection, and building societies – recognising the brokers, lenders and networks setting new standards for innovation, customer outcomes, and service.
Later in the year, the Mortgage Strategy Specialist Lending Awards will shine a spotlight on the specialist and commercial sectors, including bridging, buy-to-let, later life, and development finance – celebrating the businesses and people driving growth and creativity in these vital markets.
Why the change?
The restructured format allows Mortgage Strategy to give each part of the industry the recognition it deserves. As the mortgage landscape evolves, the aim is to celebrate both the invention, scale and strength of mainstream lending as well as the innovation and agility of the specialist sector.
Mortgage Strategy commercial director James Prosser elaborates: “The market has evolved – and our awards are evolving with it. Mainstream and specialist lending each have their own energy, pace, and community. By creating two distinct celebrations, we can spotlight excellence across the full spectrum of lending in a way that feels more relevant, inclusive, and impactful. We’re proud to be raising the bar for how success is recognised across our industry.”
Legal & General Mortgage Club proposition director Vikki Jefferies echoes these sentiments: “The Mortgage Strategy Awards have always been a highlight of the calendar for the mainstream mortgage and protection sectors. It’s fantastic to see them being reimagined to reflect the modern market – celebrating the innovation, collaboration, and customer focus that continue to drive progress across our industry.”
Habito chief executive Ying Tan adds: “This evolution is exactly what the market needs. The specialist and commercial sectors have become integral to the mortgage ecosystem, and it’s brilliant to see them recognised with their own dedicated platform. Together, the two awards programmes will celebrate the very best of both worlds – from the scale of mainstream lending to the creativity and adaptability of the specialist market.”
Look out for the Mortgage Strategy Awards website launch on Tuesday 21 October, when the self-nominations will be open.
