The Investment Industry Association of Canada (IIAC) has announced the panel of three judges who will be deciding the winner of this year’s IIAC Top Under 40 Award.

The award, which is supported by Toronto-based Smarten Up Institute and Investment Executive, will be presented to the chosen recipient at the IIAC Top Under 40 Award judges’ reception on Oct. 27. The winner will also be recognized at the IIAC Investment Industry Hall of Fame gala dinner later that evening.

The three judges will be looking for characteristics such as career excellence, commitment to the Canadian financial services sector through involvement in professional bodies and dedication to community service when deciding the award winner.

A nominee must be a full-time employee of an IIAC member firm and under the age of 40 as of Dec. 31, 2015. Past nominees are eligible to be nominated again as long as they fulfil the age requirement and have not already received the award. Nominations are being accepted until May 31 until 5 pm ET.

“The IIAC Top Under 40 Award recognizes and celebrates the new generation of highly motivated and talented young professionals whose drive, dedication and personal and professional qualities and accomplishments have brought distinction to the investment/financial industry,” states an announcement from the IIAC released on Wednesday naming the three panel judges, which include:

> Christiane Bergevin, who has held many senior positions in business and finance including as president of SNC Lavalin Capital Inc., and executive vice president of Desjardins Group. Bergevin is active on many public and private boards and mentors women in business.

> Dr. Milton McClaren, emeritus professor and cohort supervisor, doctoral program, at Simon Fraser University. He has been chairman of the judging panel since the award’s inception.

> Joe Oliver, who has had a distinguished career in the investment industry, including as president and CEO of the Investment Dealers Association of Canada, one of the precursors to the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada. Oliver then went on to become Canada’s minister of finance. He now advises an economic think tank, is chairman of the advisory board at Origin Merchant Partners and sits on public boards.

“The IIAC Top Under 40 Award continues to build on the success of each year’s excellent nominees and winners,” says Ian Russell, the IIAC’s president and CEO. “This year is no exception. We lead by example in ensuring this prestigious Award is reflective of the diversity in our national financial community.”

“This distinguished panel of judges were chosen because they embody the values of the IIAC Top Under 40 Award: drive, dedication and distinction. They represent the different regions of Canada and bring diverse backgrounds including academia, business and government,” adds Laurie Clark, president and CEO of the Smarten Up Institute.