The Awards are determined by votes cast by systems users The voting process took place online, with all votes verified by an independent body. Over 50 companies were nominated for the 2004 Awards and the number of votes cast were at the highest level ever.

Guests at the ceremony included celebrities Jennie Bond and Richard Whiteley, APCIMS, systems suppliers, fund managers, stockbrokers, stock exchanges and others related to the Securities Industry. After a 3 course meal, Jennie Bond talked about her experiences as a Royal Correspondent with the BBC.

The Systems for the Securities Industry Awards was a charity event in aid of the National Heart Research Fund. Professional auctioneer John ‘Fingers’ Fingleton carried out the charity auction, which included donations from Richard Branson, Countdown, Sky Business News, Arsenal FC, Summerson Goodacre, Sven-Goran Eriksson and Graham Norton.

Following an introduction by Stephen Pinner FSI, Managing Director of Summerson Goodacre, celebrity guest Jennie Bond presented the Awards. Commenting on the presentation, Stephen Pinner said ‘With the continuing support of the London Stock Exchange the Awards are highlighting the high level of service provided by software systems supplied to the securities industry. The level of votes this year was the highest since the Awards were introduced and the users themselves havedetermined the winners. All suppliers involved in the voting process are featured in the review Systems for the Securities Industry (2004 Edition) which will be available on-line shortly.'

The day’s host, Jennie Bond, said ‘It has been an excellent day, particularly for those collecting well deserved awards and the National Heart Research Fund. I have really enjoyed myself.'