FT and Standard Chartered Business Book of the Year Award 2026

August 17, 2026 - 08:10

The 2026 FT and Standard Chartered Business Book of the Year Award has unveiled its shortlist, and this year's lineup is notably stacked with familiar names and fresh perspectives. Three previous winners are back in the running, a rare occurrence that signals a particularly strong field. The judges have selected ten titles that dig into the mechanics of power, the pace of innovation, and the shifting structures of society, offering more than just boardroom advice.

Among the returning authors, their new works are said to be more reflective and ambitious than their earlier efforts. One book examines how global monopolies quietly shape public policy, while another looks at the unintended consequences of rapid technological adoption in emerging markets. A third former winner turns to the history of energy transitions, arguing that past shifts offer clear lessons for today's climate debates.

The newcomers bring a different energy. One title focuses on the rise of middle powers in a fragmented world, and another traces the hidden networks behind supply chain resilience. There is also a deep dive into the psychology of decision-making among top executives, based on interviews with over fifty current CEOs. The judges noted that this year's entries were unusually strong on original research, with many authors spending years on fieldwork rather than relying on secondary sources.

The winner will be announced in late September at a ceremony in London. The prize carries a cash award of 30,000 pounds, with each shortlisted author receiving 2,500 pounds. The full shortlist is available on the award's official page, and the final decision will be made by a panel of independent judges chaired by a former central bank governor.