The awards, which were presented at a ceremony in London last night (18 July), recognise excellence in financial journalism and are judged by experts from across the industry.

Hardy received the award for her story entitled ‘Calls for judicial review into FCA as investment trust sector faces extinction’.

The article shed light on regulatory issues for investment trust cost disclosure, which causes the vehicle to appear artificially expensive to invest in.

“When you make the regulator jump and change the rules you have a story that has hit the mark,” judges said.

Reacting to her win, Hardy said: “It is such a privilege – and a total shock – to have won B2B Story of the Year at this year’s prestigious Headlinemoney Awards. Even making it onto the shortlist was a big surprise.

“I am forever grateful to the amazing mentors I have had the pleasure of working with over the years, and to my brilliantly supportive, and talented, team.”