Ross McEwan featured on this year's New Year's Honours list, alongside Citizens' Advice's Gillian Guy, who was made a Dame, and Nick Cann, who received the British Empire Medal.
The former chief executive of the Royal Bank of Scotland left his position at the predominately government-owned bank this year after overseeing its return to profit for the first time in a decade.
Mr McEwan is now chief executive at National Australia Bank and on this year's Honours list has been made a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) for services to the financial sector.
The British government still holds a 62 per cent stake in RBS after it injected £45.5bn into the bank at the height of the financial crisis to maintain stability.
In 2015 the government began the process of gradually selling its stake, which has fallen from a peak of 71 per cent and last year RBS posted its first annual profit for 10 years, making £752m.
Mr McEwan was joined on this year's list by a number of familiar names in the financial services sector, including Gillian Guy, chief executive of charity Citizens' Advice, and Nationwide director Alison Brenchley.
Mr Cann, the former CEO of the Institute of Financial Planning, received the British Empire Medal. The award recognises an individual’s hands-on service to the local community that has made a significant difference.
Since suffering a stroke 7 years ago Mr Cann has raised £120,000 for Monmouthshire Aphasia Phoenix Project and Strike a Chord choir in Cwmbran.
He said: "Initially, I couldn’t even say or write my name and for a very long time I would confuse the words ‘yes’ and ‘no’. I started re-learning words and using photos to help me say family and friend’s names.
“Now, I am a full-time ambassador for stroke and will continue to raise awareness of this terrible, life-threatening condition that affects so many."
The chief executive of Hermes Investment Management also featured on the list, with Saker Nusseibeh receiving a CBE for services to responsible business and to the financial sector.
Katharine Braddick, director general for financial services at HM Treasury, also received a CBE title for her contribution to financial services.
In her role Ms Braddick leads the Treasury’s relationships with the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulatory Authority.
In a statement, David Stewart, chairman of Hermes Investment Management, said: “I would like to congratulate Saker on what is a terrific achievement and due recognition for the energy and enthusiasm with which he has led the argument for a sustainable investment approach that few subscribed to until very recently.
"The fact that many of these views are now in the mainstream is testament to this.”
rachel.mortimer@ft.com
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