Acknowledged for her focused leadership and technical expertise, Carrie Hanley of Loanitt was named Overall Winner at the Women in Finance Awards 2026, distinguished for steering the business through sustained growth while maintaining operational discipline and stakeholder trust.

Under Hanley's direction, Loanitt has established a reputation for commercial clarity and strong governance, delivering consistent results across evolving market conditions. Her approach combines strategic judgement with technical depth, enabling the business to balance innovation with accountability. This leadership model reflects a commitment to building long-term value rather than pursuing short-term gains, demonstrating how measured decision-making can support both performance and cultural development.

Judges commended Hanley for her influence on organisational standards and sector benchmarks. 

"Loanitt stands out for its disciplined approach to growth, commercial clarity, and strong governance. Under the focused leadership of Carrie Hanley, it has delivered consistent results while building trust across clients and partners. Carrie has been at the centre of this success thanks to her strategic judgement, technical depth, and calm authority. Her ability to balance innovation with accountability has shaped both performance and culture. Through her influence, the business continues to raise the bar for excellence across the sector," the panel said.

The award highlights evolving standards within the Women in Finance Awards, where excellence is increasingly defined by the ability to integrate strategic vision, operational rigour, and stakeholder confidence into sustainable business models. Hanley's achievement illustrates how leadership rooted in technical expertise and disciplined execution can drive sector-wide performance improvements across Ireland's financial services industry.

The Women in Finance Awards 2026 took place last 22 January 2026 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Santry, bringing together senior leaders from across fintech, banking, investment, and insurance to celebrate gender balance, diversity, and transformational leadership.

For more information on categories, winners, and judging insights, visit the official Irish Accountancy Awards website and subscribe to the newsletter for the latest updates.