Moneyfacts announces 2017 award winners

The winners of the 2017 Moneyfacts Awards were announced last night at a ceremony held in the Pavilion at the Tower of London. Hundreds of industry professionals from leading financial institutions gathered at a special dinner hosted by comedian Joel Dommett, all eager to hear who would be crowned the best in class in their respective sectors. So, who were triumphant?

Well, a lot of people! A total of 31 awards were handed out on the night, covering categories as diverse as the Best Personal Loan Provider, Mortgage Broker of the Year and Best Card Provider, all the way to the Innovation in Personal Finance award.

Lee Tillcock, editor of Moneyfacts, commented: "All the finalists and winners at this year's Moneyfacts Awards should be proud of their achievements. Despite the current political uncertainty all the providers and brokers have continued to offer value, choice and innovation across the personal finance sector. By providing the products and services that best meet the needs of consumers, the Moneyfacts Awards showcase those providers and brokers who have consistently demonstrated a commitment to quality and excellence that will serve them well during the next year."

Some of the big winners included Halifax, who went home with three awards (Personal Finance Provider of the Year, Best Card Provider (Standard Rate) and Best Card Provider (Balance Transfer Rate) as well as coming highly commended in two other categories, while Charter Savings Bank won two categories (Best Bank Savings Provider and Best Internet Account Provider). Virgin Money went home with no less than six trophies, winning one category (Best Service from a Mortgage Provider) and coming highly commended in two others, as well as being commended in a further two.

Smaller providers certainly made their mark, too, particularly in the savings sector, with RCI Bank winning Best No Notice Account Provider, Al Rayan Bank being crowned Best Fixed Account Provider (as well as coming highly commended in the Best Bank Savings Provider category), Shawbrook Bank securing the gong for Best Notice Account Provider (and two other runner-up prizes in the savings realm, not to mention two others elsewhere in the personal finance market), and of course Charter who we've already mentioned.

This just goes to show that, if you're looking for the best savings accounts, you shouldn't always go for the big names – challenger banks should always be considered, particularly as they come with the same financial protection as their high street counterparts (check out the best savings rates and you'll see they're the cream of the crop).

You can find the full list of winners below, and if you're in the market for a new financial product, these providers could be well worth your attention. Congratulations to all!