We are delighted to announce the winners of the FSLA Essay Competition 2026.
The title for this year’s competition was: “Streamlining regulation for international growth and innovation: a legal perspective.”
Congratulations to:
First placed essayist and Winner of the Chris Stallard Memorial Prize: Ali Kaissy
Second-placed essayist: Noah Koncar
Third-place essayist: Esther Lafitte-Ibarra
We are grateful to our esteemed judging panel, (Professor Eva Lomnicka KC (hon), Travers Smith partner Phil Bartram, and Tracey McDermott, CBE (former Group Head of Conduct, Financial Crime and Compliance at Standard Chartered)), who were impressed with the standard of entries across the board.
FSLA is grateful to all of the entrants who entered their work.
The top three essays are available to read below, with thanks to our winners who allowed us to share them.
First place: https://fsla.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/First-Place-Ali-Kaissy-.pdf
Second place: https://fsla.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Second-Place-Noah-Koncar-.pdf
Third place: https://fsla.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Third-Place-Esther-Lafitte-Ibarra-.pdf