If you missed IFLR’s recent Middle East & Egypt webinar (or were distracted by the technical difficulties), here are the key updates you need to know before the June 30 deadline.
What’s New This Year?
Rankings and Awards Are Now Combined
The biggest change this year is that firms no longer need to prepare separate submissions for the IFLR1000 rankings and the IFLR Awards.
Instead, everything is now handled through a single submission form. Firms can nominate up to three matters per practice area for awards consideration directly within their rankings submission, significantly reducing duplication and administrative work.
Takeaway: One submission now serves two purposes. Make sure your strongest matters are clearly identified for awards consideration.
The Eligible Period Has Expanded
IFLR is now reviewing work completed during the previous 14 months rather than the traditional 12-month period. This gives firms a wider pool of matters to choose from and may allow some significant transactions that previously fell outside the research window to be included.
Takeaway: Revisit your matter list—you may have additional eligible work that deserves consideration.
New Awards-Focused Questions
Submission forms now include sections covering:
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
- Net Zero initiatives
- Technology innovation
- Pro bono work
These sections are used for awards research only and will not affect rankings.
Takeaway: Firms with strong ESG, innovation, or pro bono initiatives should take advantage of the additional visibility these sections provide.
Israel: Capital Markets Gets More Granular
One particularly notable change affects Israel.
For the 2026 cycle, firms can now submit separate Equity Capital Markets and Debt Capital Markets submissions rather than combining everything into a single capital markets form. According to IFLR, the change reflects the growing depth and sophistication of the Israeli market and could lead to separate ranking tables in the future.
Takeaway: Israeli firms with strong ECM and DCM practices should prepare separate submissions to maximize visibility.
What Hasn’t Changed
Despite the new submission format, the core research methodology remains the same.
Work evidence continues to be the most important ranking factor, supported by client and peer feedback. Researchers also reiterated that firms should focus on their strongest matters rather than trying to maximize volume. Quality, complexity, innovation, and market impact remain the factors that matter most.
Key Date
30 June 2026 – Submission deadline for both IFLR1000 rankings and IFLR Awards in the Middle East and Egypt research cycle.
Final Thought
This year’s changes are primarily about efficiency. The combined rankings and awards process should make submissions easier to manage, while the expanded research period and evolving practice areas give firms more opportunities to showcase their strengths.