SLF EUROPEAN AWARDS
HOW IT WORKS
A four-stage process designed to ensure results reflecting genuine market opinion, validated by independent expert judges.
Voting
8 Jul - 14 Aug 2026
Open voting from verified market participants. Vote weightings reflect the depth of each voter's direct experience with SLF transactions.
Shortlisting
19 Aug - 28 Aug 2026
Shortlists are compiled from voting data and reviewed by the DealCatalyst editorial team. Shortlisted firms are invited to submit supporting material.
Submission
2 Sep - 2 Oct 2026
Shortlisted firms submit evidence of their work and achievements. Submissions are evaluated by the independent judges panel.
Judging
Oct 2026
An independent panel of senior market practitioners reviews all submissions against the voting data to determine final winners.
METHODOLOGY
Designed in consultation with the SLF market to ensure the process rewards genuine excellence.
DealCatalyst has developed a methodology for the SLF European Awards that recognises the unique characteristics of the specialist lender finance market. Votes are weighted by the voter's role and closeness to SLF transactions, ensuring allocators and liquidity providers — who have the most direct view of performance — carry the greatest influence.
Vote Weightings by Participant Type
Points Allocation
| RANKING | BASE POINTS | BONUS POINTS AVAILABLE? |
| 1st choice | 3 points | Yes - if a valid reason is provided |
| 2nd choice | 2 points | Yes - if a valid reason is provided |
| 3rd choice | 1 point | Yes - if a valid reason is provided |
| Self-vote | 0 points | No |
| Bonus Point — Reasoning Requirement Voters who provide a valid, substantive reason for their nomination receive an additional bonus point for that vote. This incentivizes informed voting and discourages block-voting campaigns. The reasoning is reviewed by the DealCatalyst editorial team and is not published. |
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Eligibility & Validation
All votes are validated by the DealCatalyst team before inclusion in the final count. Self-votes, duplicates, non-verified participants and votes from individuals who cannot demonstrate a relevant connection to the SLF market are removed. Final results are subject to review by the independent judging panel
AWARDS CATEGORIES
Recognizing excellence across the full SLF value chain — platforms, capital providers, advisers and service providers.
Platform
Awarded to the specialist lending platform demonstrating the highest standards of origination, structuring and investor service.
Platform
Recognising a newer entrant demonstrating innovative deal structures and strong capital-raising momentum.
Capital Provider
The lender providing the most consistent and competitive senior financing to SLF platforms across Europe.
Capital Provider
Recognising flexible capital providers operating in the junior and equity layers of SLF structures.
Capital Provider
The institutional investor demonstrating the most active, value-add participation in the European SLF market.
Law Firm
Recognised for outstanding legal advice to specialist lending platforms on structuring, documentation and regulatory matters.
Law Firm
Recognized for outstanding legal advice to capital providers on credit facilities and warehouse structures.
Advisory
The adviser demonstrating the most effective deal origination, structuring and capital placement in the SLF market.
Advisory
Recognised for quality, timeliness and coverage of SLF-specific ratings and analytical work.
Service Provider
Recognizing a provider whose tools or data materially improve underwriting, monitoring or reporting in the SLF market.
Market Achievement
The most significant and innovative SLF transaction closed in Europe during the eligibility period.
Market Achievment
Recognising an individual or organisation that has made a material contribution to the growth of the European SLF market.
2026 Timeline
Key dates for the DealCatalyst SLF European Awards program.
8 July 2026
Voting Opens
All verified market participants invited to vote. Registration required to participate.
14 August 2026
Voting Closes
Final date to cast votes. Late submissions will not be accepted.
19 - 28 August 2026
Shortlisting
Shortlists compiled and shortlisted firms notified. Submission portal opens.
2 September - 2 October 2026
Submission Window
Shortlisted firms submit supporting evidence for review by the judging panel.
November 2026
Awards Ceremony
Winners announced at the DealCatalyst SLF European Conference gala dinner. Location TBC.
Register to Vote
Voting opens 8 July 2026. Register now to cast your vote.
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