This is the fifth annual list of the Financial News Rising Stars – our pick of the 100 men and women under the age of 40 who have the potential to make it to the pinnacle of their professions. The first list was selected in 2005 in a completely different market – this year’s nominees have had to prove their worth in the wake of an unprecedented global economic meltdown.

Below are profiles of a dozen top rising stars whose career paths are sloping pointedly upwards.