Behind the Curtain of ThinkAdvisor's New LUMINARIES Awards Program

Winners of the LUMINARIES will be featured on ThinkAdvisor through in-depth and year-round coverage that tells the full story of why they were selected and how they are making a difference to the industry.

This coverage will showcase the best practices that the winners demonstrate, so others can benefit in tangible ways from their achievements.  

What materials are submitted? 

We have requested materials that clearly demonstrate quantitative and qualitative results. Testimonials from advisors, executives, clients and others who have benefited from programs and innovations are also critical, as are links to videos and other multimedia materials.

Which individuals and organizations are participating? 

Individual advisors, advisory firms, broker-dealers, asset managers, industry executives and other financial professionals who have demonstrated that they have made a positive and significant impact on their colleagues, clients and/or the industry.

This includes individuals and organizations that have made efforts going above and beyond others in the industry and that have taken unique steps to improve their organization and/or the broader industry through a particular program or strategy.

What are the main criteria for nominations in Diversity & Inclusion? 

The judges looked for a clear demonstration of leadership and innovation in bringing more women, people of color and others of diverse backgrounds into the industry.

These efforts encompassed steps to better support diverse individuals already in the industry and leadership efforts that push an organization in new directions to expand the community of investor clients served by advisors. 

What are the main criteria for nominations in Thought Leadership? 

The judges looked for a clear demonstration of leadership and innovation in how the industry is approaching a key area, such as advisor training/consulting, retirement, financial planning, practice management, client education, behavioral finance, human resources, compliance, etc. 

The individuals and firms need to have launched a program or project that has not been done before for clients or other industry participants. Such efforts must be improving or aiming to improve current industry thinking and approaches to key issues. 

What are the main criteria for nominations in Executive Leadership? 

The judges looked for a clear demonstration of results and innovation in a key area or areas. This includes overall business growth, starting new segments or channels, M&A work, innovative hiring of managerial talent, general advisor recruiting, retirement, financial planning, practice management, client education, behavioral finance, compliance, etc. 

The judges asked: Has the firm led by this executive shown it is taking steps that make it stand out in the industry? How is the firm adding value to its business in ways that other firms aren’t? And has the executive been hiring others or taken other steps to expand a particular business focus and/or build on the innovative activities that he/she is leading? 

What are the main criteria for nominations in Dealmaking/Growth? 

The judges looked for a clear demonstration of results in business growth via mergers and acquisitions or organic expansion.

They have chosen companies that can shown growth through deals or other business efforts  which make the firm stand out in the industry and show the firm is staying ahead of others via its particular growth strategies.