Personal Finance Story of the Year 2026
Winner
Deepfake of fund manager Anthony Bolton could savage your savings in 'pump and dump' shares scam , Harvey Dorset, The Mail on Sunday
Receiving high marks across the panel, judges were quick to praise Harvey Dorset’s “thought-provoking and engaging article that highlighted a growing menace in the investment sector”.
“It’s clearly written, well-presented and well-researched,” explained one judge, “it covers the new and pervasive risk posed by deepfakes. It raises the question of greater investor protection and speaks to the need for accountability from ubiquitous social media platforms”.
Highly Commended
The scandal of the ‘worthless’ family trusts sold to beat inheritance tax, Charlotte Gifford, The Telegraph
In a close category, judges were impressed by Charlotte Gifford’s story on an “interesting niche issue that has a heavy impact on some families”.
“Charlotte’s article is both timely and compelling, demonstrating exceptional sensitivity in its treatment of a complex subject while powerfully amplifying the voices of the affected families,” summarised one judge.
Shortlist:
'Common error' could leave thousands of women out of pocket in pensions - without realising, Megan Harwood-Baynes, Sky News
Deepfake of fund manager Anthony Bolton could savage your savings in 'pump and dump' shares scam, Harvey Dorset, The Mail on Sunday
Exclusive: Huge change to childcare rules that could save parents hundreds of pounds as government clamps down on unfair fees, Laura Purkess, The Sun
Exposed: How delivery drivers are targeting mums on the school run in the cash-for-crash epidemic... and then pocketing £1,000 per claim from garages, Mauricio Alencar & Tom Kelly, The Daily Mail
Is your home insurance weatherproof?, Matthew Jenkin, Which? Money
'My £5,700 energy bill was cancelled because supplier broke rules', Dan Whitworth, BBC News
The scandal of the ‘worthless’ family trusts sold to beat inheritance tax, Charlotte Gifford, The Telegraph