IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SANTANDER

This award celebrates the best of the best; businesses that have navigated the headwinds and come out stronger. Judges will be looking for exceptional leadership, great results and continued momentum.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BROOKS MACDONALD

Analysts are hoping that the year ahead sees a rebound in London's M&A market after a tricky period, but there are those who make it rain regardless of the weather and this award recognises the City's top dealmakers from the past 12 months.

A good analyst is worth their weight in gold - and this award champions those whose insights, expertise and clarity make them indispensable to investors, traders...and journalists.

This award celebrates genuine technological success and innovation, honouring a company that builds, innovates and stands out as a champion of the UK tech sector.

The consultancy, advisory and audit sectors are a vibrant part of the UK's professional services scene and this category seeks to celebrate the businesses that demonstrate exceptional success alongside innovation, growth and creativity.

Insurance is a powerhouse sector in the City with businesses ranging from the ancient and venerable to the new and boutique, whether public or private. This year the government is looking to insurers to help power growth while new technology continues to shape the market. Who's leading the way?

Innovation is far from the preserve of start-ups, with smart ideas and new thinking essential to businesses of all sizes. This award recognises a new approach or a bold idea that changed the game for customers, employees - or the bottom line.

Technological change and the battle for talent continue to shape the London market and the City continues to attract the brightest and best players. The sector has seen its fair share of disruption and innovation, and this award recognises those who continue to go for growth.

If it was easy to deliver returns amid economic slowdowns and political upheaval then everyone would do it, and this award celebrates investors - whether VC, PE, stockpickers or wealth managers - who show the rest of us how to do it.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TIDE BANK

The UK is home to some of the greatest entrepreneurs in the world and the next generation of enterprising talent. This award celebrated the resilience, creativity and success of our vital entrepreneurial leaders.

With digital challengers coming of age and high-street lenders adapting to a wave of change, this is a tough category. Often at the mercy of economic conditions and policies, banks need to fight hard for their success and this award celebrates those that have navigated the obstacles and come out in front.

City AM's most prestigious award honours a leader who has shaped the debate, set the weather, banged the drum for business or led by example.