ACSS Awards 2026
Recognizing global excellence in sanctions and export controls.
Winners announced at the ACSS European Conference, Dublin, October 8–9, 2026.
Why
nominate? 
You’re in a small, hard-working industry where great work often goes unseen. This is your chance to change that for a colleague, a peer, your own chapter, or yourself.
For the
nominee?
International recognition, a physical award, a digital badge for LinkedIn, and a spot at the Dublin conference.
For you as
nominator
The satisfaction of putting someone deserving on the map. It takes about 10 minutes.
The 5 categories
Pick one. Each award needs at least 3 nominations to be given.
1Professional of the Year
For senior practitioners with 5+ years in sanctions or export controls making real impact.
Public or private sector.
You need: Short narrative · CV or bio · 2 testimonials.
2Rising Star of the Year
For professionals under 35 OR with less than 5 years in the field, already showing exceptional promise.
You need: Short narrative · CV or bio · 2 testimonials.
3Volunteer of the Year
For ACSS members actively giving back: taskforces, teaching, exam prep, speaking, chapters, LinkedIn
contributions. Must be an ACSS member.
You need: Short narrative · CV or bio.4 Chapter of the Year
Your membership numbers on those two dates + your event count.
You need: Short narrative · CV or bio.5 Public Sector Agency of the Year
For government bodies, regulators, FIUs, customs authorities and international organizations delivering outstanding sanctions/export controls work.
You need: Short narrative explaining the impact.
How it works
Step
1
You submit Fill in the online form below. Upload the documents. Done. (~10 minutes).
Step
2
Step
3
Judges evaluate · August 17 – September 11 An independent panel of 5 senior industry judges scores every eligible submission against a public rubric.
Step
4
Finalists announced · mid-September Finalists get a personal note, a website seal, a press release, and a discounted ticket to Dublin.
Step
5
Winners revealed · October 8–9, Dublin One winner per category, live at the ACSS European Conference.
What
winners get
- Physical desk plaque or ornament.
- Digital badge for LinkedIn and your website.
- Invitation to an ACSS webinar or website feature.
- Private-sector winners: complimentary registration for the next ACSS conference.
- International recognition in a specialised industry that rewards credibility.
The judges
An independent panel of five senior professionals.
All are conflict-free from any nomination.
Clay Stevenson
Advisory Board Chair · Head of Sanctions, OFAC & Watchlists, Santander US · former US Treasury OFAC.
Read full bio
Tatjana Dobrovolny
Senior Expert Compliance Programs, Raiffeisen Bank International · ACSS Advisory Board.
Read full bio
Chris Po-Ba
Head of Sanctions (Market Advisory), Lloyd’s · London.
Read full bio
Matt Bell
Independent trade compliance consultant · Houston.
Read full bio
Marcela Bonilla
Citi
Read full bio
Key dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Nominations open | April 2026 ✓ |
| Nominations close (HARD) | Friday, August 7, 2026 ✓ |
| Finalists announced | Mid-September 2026 |
| Awards ceremony | October 8–9, 2026 · Dublin |
Common
questions
Do I have to be an ACSS member?
Only for Volunteer of the Year. All other categories are open to anyone in the industry.
Can I nominate myself?
Yes. Self-nominations are welcome in every category.
What if my category doesn't reach 3 nominations?
The award simply isn’t given that year. That’s why we encourage you to spread the word.
Is my information kept private?
Yes. Submissions are only seen by the ACSS team and the judging panel. Nothing is published without your permission.
How long does the form take?
About 10 minutes if you have the documents ready.
Who do I contact for help?
Email us to: acss@sanctionsassociation.org
