Past NextGen Member of the Year Award Winners
Following the 2026 awards, the Fund Finance Association has made the decision to retire the NextGen Member of the Year Award, recognizing that our established Rising Stars Awards program provides a broader platform to celebrate and recognize exceptional emerging talent across the fund finance industry.
The Rising Stars program provides an opportunity to celebrate a broader group of exceptional early-career professionals who are making meaningful contributions to the fund finance community and demonstrating the leadership potential to shape its future.
We remain incredibly proud of our NextGen Member of the Year recipients and their contributions to the industry. This page will remain as a tribute to their achievements and the lasting impact they have made on the FFA community.
To learn more about our ongoing recognition of emerging talent, please visit our Annual Rising Stars Awards page: https://fundfinanceassociation.com/initiatives/annual-rising-stars-awards/
2026 Recipient
Phuong Dang
Ares Management
Phuong has been a dedicated and influential member of the NextGen EMEA Committee, playing a key role in advancing the committee's mission and strengthening engagement across the fund finance community. Through her commitment, collaboration, and enthusiasm, she has helped drive meaningful initiatives that have contributed to the continued growth and success of NextGen in the EMEA region.
Among her many contributions, Phuong has been instrumental in organizing the annual charity football event, a highly anticipated gathering that has become both a major fundraising success and an important opportunity for industry professionals to connect and build relationships.
Phuong is particularly recognized for her collaborative approach and her commitment to fostering stronger connections across the Fund Finance Association. She has actively sought opportunities to partner with other committees and initiatives, helping to create a more connected and inclusive community. Her efforts are evident in her work organizing a joint NextGen and Women in Fund Finance event in EMEA, further expanding opportunities for networking, professional development, and industry engagement.
Through her leadership, initiative, and dedication to supporting others, Phuong has made a lasting impact on the NextGen EMEA community and continues to help strengthen the future of the fund finance industry.