NextGen Member of the Year Award

The Fund Finance Association (FFA) established the Next Gen Member of the Year Award to recognize the great work young professionals are doing in the Fund Finance space. The purpose of this annual award is to recognize a young professional in the Fund Finance community who embodies the mission of the NextGen Network and demonstrates their commitment to the industry.

Selection Criteria

The Award recipient will be selected based on outstanding general overall contribution to the FFA, the NextGen Network and/or the Fund Finance industry and their firm, with an emphasis on professional contributions focused on education, career development, mentoring, networking and community service. Nominees must fall into one of the following categories: - Employed at a bank, service provider, investor or fund borrower below Director (or equivalent) level; or - Employed at a law firm below Partner level

2025 Recipient

Joel Buckett

Deutsche Bank

As an emerging leader in Fund Finance, Joel Buckett has made a significant impact to the industry through his dedication to mentorship, industry engagement, and knowledge-sharing. Joel has contributed to the FFA through organizing NextGen and charity events, mentorship programs, and facilitating and leading industry discussions that connect early-career professionals with senior leaders. Joel also demonstrates his dedication to helping others through his involvement with Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital, where he serves as Chairman of one of the charity’s boards. His enthusiasm for building a more engaged and dynamic fund finance community, along with his efforts to expand NextGen’s reach, make him a well-deserving recipient of the NextGen Member of the Year Award.

Past Recipients

Annabella Kwei

2024

Casey, Sara (AB Private Credit Investors)

Sara Casey

2023

Shen Mei Bolton

2022