The FISD Rising Stars program provides support and targeted activities to newer entrants to the financial information industry. Rising Stars are those newer to the industry by merit of age or a career pivot. 

FISD once again offers 5 Rising Stars Fellowships for WFIC 2026. The fellowship awards recipients with free attendance to WFIC and comes with special recognition and responsibilities at the conference. Fellowship winners will have a speaking opportunity, be recognized on stage, and co-host the Rising Stars Happy Hour, sponsored by Bloomberg. 

You can submit your application here. 

2026 Timeline
May 4 – Applications open
June 24 @ 5:00 p.m. EST – Applications close
July 27 – Winners contacted
August 7 – Deadline of acceptance

The applications are blindly screened (no names, pronouns or companies) by the FISD Rising Star steering committee. Fellows must have company permission to speak. The fellowship does not provide a stipend for lodging or travel. 

All Rising Stars are welcome to join the Rising Stars Happy Hour. 

If you have questions about the fellowship or Rising Star program in general, please contact Rising Star global lead Kirsten Ellis.