The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) has announced the winners of its annual CA Rising Stars competition, recognising the brightest young talent from across the global accountancy profession.
At a prestigious awards ceremony at London’s Oxo Tower, Jemima Jacobs CA – Audit Supervisor at Bank of America – was named the overall winner of CA Rising Stars 2026 from a highly competitive shortlist of 35 outstanding Chartered Accountants aged 35 and under.
Jacobs has built a standout career combining financial expertise with a deep understanding of technology risk and cybersecurity. She also serves as audit committee chair and trustee of the Meningitis Research Foundation, inspired by her own recovery from the illness. She will now represent ICAS at the One Young World Summit in Cape Town this November, joining young leaders from more than 190 countries at a forum focused on the world’s most pressing issues.
Alongside the overall winner, four category winners were named for exemplifying the ICAS values and making a meaningful difference in their respective fields:
- Changemaker: Koyejo Abraham CA (Finance, Insights & Strategy at Microsoft Gaming), for driving inclusion and representation across the finance profession through EDI initiatives and engagement.
- Ethical Leader: Gemma Collings CA (Finance Director at Webmart), for embedding ethics, sustainability and ESG principles at the centre of business strategy.
- Innovator in Technology: Gaige Kinsella CA (AI & Intelligent Automation Strategist at EY), for advancing the responsible use of AI and developing innovative solutions to transform audit processes.
- Community and Social Value (new category for 2026): Cameron Dunlop CA (Finance Business Partner at London Stansted Airport), for delivering meaningful social impact spanning pastoral care, mentoring and community volunteering.
The full list of CA Rising Stars 2026 are profiled in the latest edition of ICAS’ CA magazine.
