The International Association of Money Transfer Networks (IAMTN) Awards have been created to generate recognition of the excellent performance in the money transfer and payments sector.

The First IAMTN Awards will be presided over by the President of IAMTN, Rt. Hon. Lord Norman Lamont of Lerwick, the former finance minister and Chancellor of Exchequer. Martyn Lewis, the top British TV news broadcaster and chairman of NICE TV will make the presentations.

Says IAMTN CEO Lady Olga Maitland, "Our mission is to pay tribute to exemplary performances by industry practitioners.

"This will be an Annual Award beginning with two categories:

• Top manager in the money transfer business
• Most innovative company in money transfers

"These Awards carry substantial financial prizes. In later years we will develop the categories and prizes.

"By making these Awards we want to generate a benchmark of excellence which all will aspire to. This will enhance the money transfer sector. It will create an awareness of the importance of a money service business which literally oils the wheels of the world economy."