Afghanistan International Bank: Best Corporate Governance Afghanistan 2022

Since its launch in 2004, Afghanistan International Bank (AIB) has provided essential financial services to the local population while simultaneously exceeding national regulatory requirements to remain competitive on a global scale.

AIB adheres to a strict governance structure that’s aligned with international best practices. High ethical expectations permeate all the bank’s operations, and it ensures stability by focusing on prudential risk management, transparency and compliance with international standards. AIB invests considerable resources in cybersecurity, AML, KYC and other financial crime compliance measures. It partners with industry titans like Deloitte, Cisco, Oracle and Google to maintain the most robust security systems and monitoring functions. AIB distinguishes itself among regional competitors as the only Afghan bank with two cybersecurity certifications and the capability to clear US currency. It was also the only bank in the country to publish quarterly financial statements over the past year. Nearly 10 percent of the bank’s workforce is engaged in compliance activities, which are reinforced by automated, algorithm-powered tech systems. Comprehensive due diligence accompanies the onboarding of all new customers, including an indepth analysis of the ownership structure of corporate clients and around-the-clock monitoring of transactions to assess money laundering and financial crime risks. AIB — which heads the country’s rankings in terms of profitability, liquidity and assets — has earned a reputation for trustworthiness and a culture of compliance.

The CFI.co judging panel presents repeat-winner Afghanistan International Bank with the 2022 award for Best Corporate Governance (Afghanistan).


ID Finance: Best ESG Inclusive Finance Solutions Emerging Markets 2023

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ID Finance has become the first carbon-neutral fintech in Spain and Mexico — and aims to replicate the success in other markets in the near future. In January 2022, the firm received the COMPENSO badge from the Spanish Ministry of Environment after an audited analysis of the greenhouse gas emissions generated by its operations. It offsets carbon emissions through reforestation work in Spain and conservation work in Mexico. The Barcelona-based fintech ranks among the fastest growing companies in Europe. In 2022, it achieved a 20 percent year-over-year increase in revenue. ID Finance has around six million users and keeps adding new users on a monthly basis. It launched Mexican operations in 2017 and had reached profitability within a year. In 2021, ID Finance launched its flagship financial wellness app Plazo aimed at offering seamless transactional, saving and credit solutions for people's daily needs. Since its launch, it has onboarded over 120,000 customers — and counting. The Plazo account comes with a free debit Mastercard, no commission fees and attractive cashback rewards of up to 40 percent. Plazo also features AI chatbots to help clients find job opportunities, get extra income or improve their LinkedIn profiles. ID Finance also has an online lending platform that solves short-term cashflow needs through an automated lending service. It has become the top alternative lending brand in Spain and has issued more than €300m in loans. The CFI.co judging panel announces ID Finance as the 2023 global award winner for Best ESG Inclusive Finance Solutions.


Kwale International Sugar Company Limited: Best Agribusiness Value Creation Leadership Kenya 2022

Kenya’s Kwale International Sugar Company Limited (KISCOL) extracts added value from the cultivation and processing of sugarcane. The company produces affordable, locally grown sugar to sweeten Kenyan lives.

KISCOL is helping to offset national deficits and improve food resiliency while developing sugar by-products that support the country’s energy and environmental targets. KISCOL, a subsidiary of the Pabari Group, commissioned the construction of its $300m processing facility nearly a decade ago. The operation now encompasses 5,500 hectares of cultivated sugarcane sustained by an innovative water management system, a sugar mill with the capacity to crush 3,300 tonnes of sugar per day and an 18-megawatt power plant fired with biofuel. KISCOL has implemented some of the most efficient irrigation infrastructure across East Africa, reducing the water requirements for crop growth by 40 percent. KISCOL’s power plant generates enough electricity to cover its own operations as well as a 10-megawatt surplus to supplement the ever-increasing demands on the national grid. The power plant utilises a by-product of KISCOL’s sugar production, bagasse, as the main raw material for electricity generation. Bagasse is an environmentally-friendly and relatively cheap biofuel. KISCOL also plans to build a distillery capable of producing 30,000 litres of ethanol from molasses, another by-product of sugar production.

All of the above is sweet news to the CFI.co jury, which has named Kwale International Sugar Company Limited as the 2022 award winner for Best Agribusiness Value Creation Leadership (Kenya).


Couche-Tard: Best Convenience Store Diversity & Inclusion Employer Global 2022

Since opening its first store in Quebec in 1980, Alimentation Couche-Tard (ACT) has evolved into a global convenience leader with nearly 14,300 stores and 122,000 employees across 24 countries and territories. It has fueled global expansion by focusing on the values it lives by, which have shaped a unique culture rooted in collaboration, integrity, responsibility and innovation.

The company counts its people as its greatest asset and prioritises their personal well-being and professional growth through a number of diversity, equity and inclusion programmes. This year, ACT launched its seventh, and newest global business resource group, BRAVE, to support its military veterans and their families. BRAVE is building a recruiting platform for veterans to make it easier for them to join the ACT team and help make the transition from military to corporate life. ACT’s diversity and inclusion work began with a focus on gender diversity and has made true progress including reaching its representation goals for women on the board of directors and in executive management. It is now focusing on increasing the number of women in mid and senior-level management.
ACT also seeks to increase racial and ethnic diversity across the business through programmes dedicated to recruiting and developing Hispanic and Black talent. In the 2022 financial year, ACT inaugurated a formal mentorship programme as well as many internal and external educational opportunities to create better pipelines for advancements. It is proud to have a diverse entry-level workforce and is working to advance equitable representation, opportunities and pay across all parts of the company.

The CFl.co judging panel points to ACT's strategic sustainability focus on people, planet and prosperity as the cinching factor in winning the 2022 global award for Best Convenience Store Diversity & Inclusion Employer.


HFM: Best Online Trading App Global 2023

HFM welcomes all types of traders — novice, expert or longer-term investor — to experience its recently revamped online trading app. The intuitive interface gives traders on-the-go access to trade over 1,200 of the broker's 3,500 instruments, including derivatives across forex, stocks, commodities, bonds, ETFs and indices.

App users can choose between three customised options to trade in amount, lots or units. They can consolidate multiple accounts under the HFM wallet to streamline the management of disparate portfolios. The app enables round-the-clock monitoring of accounts and unfettered trading with ultra-fast execution. The app generates a comprehensive history of users’ trades, allowing them to study past performance for future insights. HFM also offers a wealth of educational resources to sharpen traders’ skills and bolster their strategies. HFM’s new app is a powerful trading tool in the palm of the hand. It has already been downloaded by over 1.5 million users. HFM is one of the brand names for HF Markets Group, which has authorised and regulated operations in Cyprus, where the group is headquartered, as well as the UK, Dubai, Mauritius, South Africa, Seychelles and Kenya. HFM clients can rest assured that their funds are secured thanks to the group’s close cooperation with regulators and the segregated accounts it holds at major banks. It also offers negative balance protection on trading accounts and maintains an investor compensation fund.

The CFI.co judging panel presents HFM — a four-time programme winner — with the 2023 global award for Best Online Trading App.


Tunis International Bank: Most Innovative Customer Service Bank Tunisia 2022

This year is a special one for Tunis International Bank as it celebrates 40 years of continous growth and sustained success.

Founded in June 1982, TIB was the first private, non-resident commercial bank in Tunisia. TIB’s main shareholder is Burgan Bank Kuwait which is a subsidiary of the Kuwait Projects Company (KIPCO): one of the largest holding companies in the MENA region with consolidated assets of $34bn. The bank’s reputation has been firmly  established as a local provider of the highest quality products and services for corporates, financial institutions, governments and individuals both in Tunisia and abroad. TIB has always been an innovative institution, providing a comprehensive range of products and services tailored to customer business needs including: Foreign Exchange and Money Market operations, International Trade Financing, Private Banking Facilities, Corporate Projects Financing, Loan Syndications, Commercial Banking, and Investments.


Zambian Home Loans: Most Innovative Mortgage Finance Services Zambia 2022

Zambian Home Loans (ZHL) has a laser-sharp focus on the national mortgage market and wherever the diaspora community calls home.

The mortgage lender deploys a team of 14 professionals to provide reliable and innovative service for Zambians dreaming of homeownership. It has a developed a product suite that covers every aspect of buying or building a home. It can finance the purchase of land or provide the capital to renovate a home. Unlike most mortgage providers, like commercial banks and building societies, ZHL maintains an exclusive focus on the mortgage sector. The company differentiates itself from the competition with its lightning-fast decision-making process and loan delivery. It claims to be the only player in Zambia to issue mortgages within five days, whereas the banks typically take around 90 days and its main competitor spends at least three weeks to process an application. The company has several Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with building material suppliers. Customers are never obligated to work with the suppliers covered by the MOUs, but the arrangement allows them to take advantage of highly competitive pricing. ZHL suppliers are paid directly by the company, thus mitigating risks. All clients, whether at home or abroad, can benefit from the relationships that ZHL has established with suppliers, architects and contractors.

The CFI.co judging panel — impressed with the company’s service and speed — has declared Zambian Home Loans as the 2022 award winner for Most Innovative Mortgage Finance Services in Zambia.


Varun Beverages Ltd: Best FMCG Corporate Governance India 2022

Varun Beverages Ltd (VBL) pursues ESG leadership as a way of life rather than an exercise in compliance. The company has been associated with PepsiCo for more than two and half decades, continuously expanding its product range, licensed territories, distribution network and ESG commitments.

VBL is the leading PepsiCo franchisee in India, with a presence across 27 states and seven union territories. It has established 37 manufacturing plants across India — its principal market and home base — as well as Nepal, Sri Lanka, Morocco, Zambia and Zimbabwe. A strong governance structure unites all operations and employees behind VBL’s commitment to good corporate citizenship. VBL provides refreshing beverages to billions of consumers through a sustainable ecosystem that creates positive impacts for the planet and people’s well-being. The company has established a cross-functional ESG task force composed of executive leadership, advisors, independent directors and various department supervisors. It practices responsible water stewardship and waste management while consistently ramping up renewable energies and reducing carbon emissions. VBL is expanding existing ESG policies throughout its contractor and supplier network. It prioritises the health and safety of employees and manages human capital with a focus on diversity and skills building. CSR initiatives — which promote healthcare, education, environmental sustainability and rural development — are also being assessed for impacts by independent agencies.

The CFI.co judging panel presents Varun Beverages — a repeat programme winner — with the 2022 award for Best FMCG Corporate Governance (India).


BIAT: Best Digitalisation Strategy North Africa 2022

BIAT (Banque Internationale Arabe de Tunisie) has established a nationwide footprint with 206 strategically located agencies and nearly 2,000 employees to look after client needs.

BIAT is a universal bank that forms part of a group with subsidiaries in the fields of insurance, asset management, investment capital, stock market intermediation and consulting. It offers a broad range of products and services for individual, entrepreneurial, SME, corporate and institutional clients. BIAT’s reorganisation of its corporate and investment banking activities has broadened the service suite while enhancing real-time management of positions and customer assets. The bank invests in technical and human resources to make qualitative improvements while building on past achievements. BIAT embarked on a digital transformation four years ago that continues to pay dividends in terms of customer engagement and product innovation. It is constantly rolling out new features with the aim of becoming a benchmark digital bank and playing a catalytic role in the country’s digital transformation. MyBIAT consolidates the bank’s digital offerings in one streamlined service, enabling clients to access products, accounts, cards and credits within a few clicks. In July 2022, it introduced biometric login and push notification for the mobile app. Customers can use MyBIAT to load prepaid currency cards, monitor credit details, manage outgoing transfers and update travel assistance certificates. As a repeat programme winner, the

CFI.co jury is familiar with the bank’s inspiring legacy — and its bright future. BIAT claims the 2022 award for Best Digitalisation (North Africa).


Al Hilal Life: Best Life Insurance Provider Middle East 2022

Since its launch in 2009, Al Hilal Life has evolved into one of the first-choice providers for protection and savings solutions in the Middle East.

In the past, 90 percent of the insurer’s business came from bank branches. But recent efforts into diversification and digitalisation have allowed Al Hilal Life to increase business from direct sales and brokers to 30 percent of the total volume. It has achieved impressive organic growth over the 2021-22 financial year, in part due to the company’s growing online capabilities. Clients appreciate the convenience of perusing and purchasing insurance products online. Al Hilal Life recently introduced a paperless tablet format to further streamline the process. Al Hilal Life slashed the lengthy processing times typical with traditional insurers when it became the first in Bahrain to allow customers to open and digitally sign an online application. More and more leads are coming through digital channels now, which has doubled the productivity of its financial planning team. The company has developed a robust product suite that caters to the needs of locals and expats alike, consistently launching products that appeal to people from all walks of life. Al Hilal Life offers Shariah-compliant products and is licensed by the Central Bank of Bahrain.

The CFI.co judging panel has followed the company’s progress for years and is pleased to note that it continues on a course of constant innovation. Al Hilal Life claims the 2022 award for Best Life Insurance Provider (Middle East).


Kuwait International Bank: Best Banking Vision MENA 2022 and Best Sharia-Compliant Bank MENA 2022

Kuwait International Bank (KIB) is a public quoted company with a 49-year legacy of supporting the economic development of its clients and the country. It has been operating according to Sharia principles for more than 15 years.

The bank recently released financial reports for the first nine months of 2022, achieving the equivalent of $151.9m in operating revenue and $12.9m in net profits.  KIB delivers high-quality, innovative services across all its business lines: retail banking, real estate and corporate banking. The bank pursues long-term sustainable growth through the continuous reinforcement of its financial core, operational model and technical infrastructure. It’s a modern bank with regular roll-outs of new products to meet the changing needs of society. It launched a Sharia-compliant Dirwaza savings account, based on Wakala investment, that distributes monthly profits to customers, in addition to cash prize drawings throughout the year. It also introduced two new subsidiaries this year. KIB Mubader Centre is dedicated to the country’s entrepreneurship segment, while Innovotech Centre will serve as the technology arm of the bank. KIB is one of the longest-reigning champions in the CFI.co awards programmes and has been recognised in each of the past eight years.

The CFI.co judging panel announces Kuwait International Bank as the winner in two award categories for 2022: Best Banking Vision (MENA) and Best Sharia-Compliant Bank (MENA).


Ghana Investment Promotion Centre: Best Investment Promotion Agency Africa 2022

Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) is defending the country’s favourable FDI status through a concentrated digitalisation campaign that’s enhancing service delivery, promotional exposure and investor engagement.

The Centre currently operates under a law passed in 2013 (GIPC Act 865) to encourage, promote and facilitate investment in the country — and the latest figures from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) prove that it’s hitting the mark. UNCTAD’s 2022 report ranks Ghana as the second-highest recipient of FDI in West Africa, receiving $2.6bn in 2021. The centre credits the increase in FDI in part to the country’s underlying attractiveness as an investment destination with a resilient economy, business-friendly environment, skilled workforce, and abundant resources. But GIPC’s contributions to the FDI increase can’t be understated.

It has helped investors to register projects and apply for exemptions online, highlighted investment opportunities across various social media platforms and established an investor aftercare division to provide support for businesses, ensuring seamless integration for investors and business continuity. The centre also prioritizes the SDGs and has collaborated with the UNDP to implement the SDG investor roadmap, which transforms country-level sustainability gaps into private-sector investment opportunities.

Meanwhile, Yofi Grant, the Centre's CEO, is serving a second term on the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies' Steering Board as the Regional Director for Sub-Saharan Africa. In that capacity, he continues to collaborate with key partners to address some of Africa's and the world's most critical concerns, particularly in the areas of investment promotion, FDI attractiveness, and advancing open and free trade. The CFI.co judging panel confirms GIPC’s fourth-year award win in the category of Best Investment Promotion Agency (Africa 2022).


SilverCross Investment Management: Best ESG Global Small-Cap Fund Manager Netherlands 2023

SilverCross Investment Management, part of IBS Fund Management, is a Dutch investment management firm that invests in financially sound, ESG-driven global small-cap companies.

SilverCross Investment Management places ethical business principles at the forefront of its operations. It conducts extensive due diligence on prospective investments, supplementing the scarce ESG coverage of small-cap companies with its own proprietary four-step research process. SilverCross targets companies that strive for responsible corporate citizenship and have a market cap between €250m and €5bn at the time of initial investment. SilverCross invests with a time horizon of at least five-years and works with its portfolio companies to deliver long-term, benchmark-beating returns and create lasting positive impacts. It doesn’t invest in industries that adversely impact people’s health, like tobacco or alcohol. The firm invests in about 30 companies and engages with each one from a long-term ownership perspective. SilverCross works with the management teams of investee companies to create sustainable success for their stakeholders, which includes society at large. If any of SilverCross’ portfolio companies fall out of line with its belief system, the firm encourages a course correction. SilverCross exercises its voting and proxy voting rights in support of sustainable business practices. It will divest from companies persistently delivering poor ESG performance despite engagement efforts. SilverCross believes people, planet and profit go hand in hand.

The CFI.co judging panel announces SilverCross Investment Management as the winner of the 2023 award for Best ESG Global Small-Cap Fund Manager (Netherlands).


BIAT: Best Bank Governance Tunisia 2022

BIAT (Banque Internationale Arabe de Tunisie) aspires to be more than a bank by anchoring development through the lens of corporate and social responsibility. Since its establishment in 1976, BIAT has evolved into the leading bank of Tunisia by focusing on superior services for individuals, entrepreneurs and companies at home and abroad.

It is committed to delivering socio-economic impacts for the local population as well as Tunisia’s diaspora community. BIAT activities lay the foundation for a more united and sustainable society at every level. The bank has proven itself a reliable partner of SMEs, corporate clients and government institutions by offering solutions and assistance to cope with rising inflation and persistent Covid complications. Despite the ongoing global challenges, BIAT has achieved continued growth in general and is expecting positive results moving forward. The bank credits its adaptability and experienced workforce as key factors to its success. A strong governance structure helps the bank deliver on promises to BIAT’s stakeholders. It follows international best practices to ensure transparency and foster innovation. BIAT established a charitable foundation in 2014 that aims to arm Tunisian young people with the entrepreneurial skills to excel. In February 2022, it launched the second edition of a competition in multidisciplinary entrepreneurship between university institutions.

The CFI.co judging panel has followed the bank’s progress for several years and has been consistently impressed with its progress. The jury presents BIAT — a repeat programme winner — with the 2022 Best Bank Governance (Tunisia) award.


Krungthai Bank: Best Social Impact Bank Thailand 2023

Krungthai Bank (Krungthai) was established in 1966 and became the first state enterprise to float shares on the Thai stock exchange in 1989. Krungthai offers a range of banking services for personal, SME and corporate clients. It has developed products and partnerships to enrich the lives of its clients and help them achieve their goals.

Krungthai has made many advancements in digital banking and payments that support the Thai government’s plans for a cashless and financially inclusive society. Khon La Khrueng is a co-payment subsidy scheme by the government to help lower living costs and stimulate spending. Rao Tiew Duay Kan and Tour Tiew Thai tourism stimulus schemes also help encourage domestic consumption throughout the country. Paotang Pay, a new digital wallet added to Paotang mobile application, enables merchants to increase their sales. NEXT INVEST, a new investment feature in Krungthai NEXT mobile banking application, streamlines investments in gold, stocks, and funds in one place and allows clients to make investments starting from only 100 Baht (about $3 USD). New AI capabilities allow Krungthai staff to easily personalise solutions for clients. Krungthai also aims to strengthen Thai society through an extensive CSR agenda. It supports biodiversity, reforestation and water management projects. Krungthai has been recognised for its relentless efforts to reduce social inequalities and improve living conditions for people with disabilities. It runs a composting programme that has diverted seven tons of food waste from landfills. Since 2019, Krungthai’s Go Local, Grow Local initiative has helped build self-reliant communities, preserve cultural heritage, increase financial literacy and spur entrepreneurism.

The CFI.co judging panel presents Krungthai Bank — a repeat programme winner — with the 2023 award for Best Social Impact Bank (Thailand).


APIP-Guinée: Best Foreign Investment Promotion Strategy Africa 2023

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APIP-Guinée focuses on promoting private investments and developing entrepreneurship in Guinea. The agency serves as a one-stop shop for domestic and foreign investors and a growth catalyser for local businesses.

APIP-Guinée can facilitate the creation of a business within a 72-hour timeframe. It collaborates with government ministries to identify and implement reforms to improve the business environment. It organises forums to highlight the advantages of investing in Guinea: first and foremost Guinea has a sustained macroeconomy as well as a legal and fiscal framework offering competitive business incentives. The state has also made substantial investments to modernise basic infrastructure in priority sectors such as energy, mining, transport, hospitality and ICT. APIP-Guinée aims to magnify the country’s visibility among global investors by nurturing the capacity building of national entrepreneurs. It’s a partner of multilateral development banks, like the Islamic Development Bank, African Development Bank Group, World Bank Group as well as the UN Development Programme. It connects entrepreneurs with regional sources of funding through a network of 15 financial institutions and nine micro-finance enterprises. The agency identifies potential investors and provides them with information on the country’s favourable business climate, tax incentives and import exemptions. It works with investors to streamline the approval process for business licenses and building permits and will liaise with other public institutions if additional licencing is required.

The CFI.co judging panel presents APIP-Guinée with the 2023 award for Best Foreign Investment Promotion Strategy (Africa).


APIP-Guinée: Female Entrepreneurship Partner Africa 2023

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APIP-Guinée is the promotion agency serving as a one-stop shop for foreign and domestic investors interested in establishing or expanding businesses in Guinea. It organises events to highlight the country and its people as an excellent investment opportunity. APIP-Guinée prioritises women in its financial inclusion initiatives, as the agency understands that gender empowerment will play a key role in stimulating the national economy.

The agency launched APIP Mobile, a roving multi-service office and information centre, to bring its services closer to the public. The mobile unit roams the country, setting up information sessions or making workplace visits to provide advice or assistance. Women and young people are priority targets of this programme. Since the launch of the mobile office, APIP-Guinée has seen female-founded businesses increase from 10 to 30 percent. APIP-Guinée has developed seven specialised support programmes to help entrepreneurs create thriving local businesses, two of which are designed to foster female entrepreneurship. One APIP-Guinée programme provides the support system, tools and contacts to enable 125 women to execute their entrepreneurial vision. Another aims to build the technical, marketing and accounting capacities of 150 female entrepreneurs and then select 30 women to champion with tailor-made support services, including access to financing partners. APIP-Guinée encourages women to be innovative and enterprising. The agency explains how important it is to — and how to — dissociate family money from business funds.

The CFI.co judging panel announces APIP-Guinée as the 2023 award winner for Female Entrepreneurship Partner (Africa).


Red Med Capital: Best Investment Bank Morocco 2023

Over the past two decades, Red Med Capital has evolved into a multi-disciplinary independent investment banking group. The group launched its first business in Casablanca in 2004, and through robust and steady development, it now operates five subsidiaries in corporate finance (M&A, ECM/DCM), asset management, private equity, brokerage and custody and real estate.

Red Med Capital is among the first home-grown independent investment banking group in the country, covering the full range of investment products with strong governance expected of a global player.

Red Med Corporate Finance, with more than $10bn intermediated transactions, has developed a strong expertise in renewable energy/Power to X industry by supporting and advising large multinationals, local companies and private equity funds prioritizing renewable energy development in Morocco. The country is a key player in the region, with almost 40% of renewable energy in its energy mix and is projected to produce four percent of the world’s green hydrogen demand by 2030. Red Med Asset Management, with $1,2 bn in AUM, promotes a prudent risk management that has proven resilient in the face of difficult market conditions and delivered excellent relative performance over its 13 funds. In May 2022, Red Med Private Equity launched the first OPCC venture capital fund targeting Moroccan SMEs. The client-focused group considers SMEs to be vital to the country’s socio- economic growth and is committed to helping them become the national champions of the future. The group offers advisory and assistance on IPO listings through the restructured securities brokerage it acquired in 2021, namely Red Med Securities.

The CFI.co judging panel congratulates Red Med Capital on claiming the 2023 award for Best Investment Bank (Morocco).

Contact

Website: www.redmedcapital.com

Address:

Rabat: 57, avenue Mehdi Ben Barka – Souissi (Corporate Finance / Asset Management / Real Estate)

Casablanca: 23, rue Ibnou Hilal, Quartier Racine (Private Equity / Brokerage)

Phone:  +212 5 37 63 20 46 (Corporate Finance / Asset Management / Real Estate)

+ 212 5 22 39 50 00 (Private Equity / Brokerage)


Arviem: Most Innovative ESG Supply Chain Solutions Global 2023

Swiss Arviem offers solutions to the alarming research concerning carbon emissions in the global supply chain. A company’s supply chain could cause up to four times the greenhouse gas emissions of its direct operations, especially considering that transport is the second highest carbon emitter worldwide.

Arviem helps enterprises to bring visibility into their supply chains by tracking and monitoring their cargo in-transit with sensor technology. Thanks to real-time alerts triggered by disruptions and unexpected events, organisations receive immediate, actionable and responsive intel on the company’s trade activities.  Arviem’s sensors are attached to the client’s cargo to track temperature and humidity fluctuations, door openings, route deviations, position-based ETA, geo-location.  Arviem’s sensors also detect shock, intrusion, transhipment or rollover. Arviem offers a carbon footprint reporting and emissions monitoring solution that empowers organisations to measure and mitigate their environmental impacts. With Arviem’s data-backed solutions, clients can pinpoint the most carbon intensive segments of their logistics chain and develop strategies to lower emissions and conserve resources.

Trade is a global business and Arviem serves clients from 120 countries worldwide. The company continues on a long-term, organic expansion plan achieving a 40% annual growth rate over the last 5 years. Arviem has a presence in US, Europe and Asia and operates over 24 logistics hubs globally through partnerships.  It has assembled a multicultural team with 12 nationalities and numerous language capabilities. Arviem has secured multimillion-dollar financing and won grant support from the EU’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme.

The CFI.co judging panel presents repeat programme winner Arviem with the 2023 global award for Most Innovative ESG Supply Chain Solutions.


Bank of Baghdad: Best Bank Iraq 2023

Established in 1992, Bank of Baghdad (BOB) is one of the most high-profile financial institutions of Iraq. It’s the most profitable bank in the country, achieving a return on earning assets of over 21 percent in 2022, which was the highest return not only in Iraq but also the region. It offers a range of retail and corporate banking services, including current and fixed deposit accounts, credit facilities and money transfers.

Most functions can be accessed through BOB’s digital banking platform, which includes an online portal and mobile app. BOB forms part of the KIPCO group, an investment holding company in the MENA region with billions in consolidated assets. The private commercial bank has a nationwide network of 36 branches, including branches or ATMs in the embassies of the US, UK and Germany. BOB strengthens its multi-national presence through correspondent banking relationships with regional KIPCO-member banks in Syria, Algeria, Jordan, Tunisia, Kuwait and Bahrain. These relationships expand the capabilities of each bank, particularly in terms of trade finance and investing. BOB has also established a strong correspondent banking relationship with Citibank New York. A key differentiator of the bank is its ability to facilitate clients’ access to the US dollar, which has proven particularly beneficial among its corporate clients. BOB serves a large customer base, including major regional and international corporate clients.

The CFI.co judging panel presents Bank of Baghdad — a repeat programme winner — with the 2023 award for Best Bank (Iraq).


ALASEEL Cosmetics: Best Luxury Cosmetics Customer Satisfaction MENA 2023

ALASEEL Cosmetics has made significant market penetration in the short span since its inception. The brand is owned by Al-Asayel Cosmetics Company, which was launched in 2021.

ALASEEL offers a range of hair and skin care products made from 100 percent natural ingredients and the purest Indian and Swiss oils. All products are manufactured in Jordan according to international standards of quality and with approval from the Jordanian Food and Drug Administration. The brand aspires to put the country on the map in the high-end beauty market. ALASEEL Cosmetics is shipped worldwide and sold through half a dozen channel partners across the Middle East and Africa (MENA) region. ALASEEL’s hair oils are its flagship product, promising complete care in one bottle. It promises users thick, healthy, shiny hair free of problems and dandruff. Customer referrals praise the product’s “incomparable” ability to prevent hair loss. In March 2022, the company obtained two ISO certifications for the quality of its products following a strict auditing process. ALASEEL prioritised this certification process as a lynchpin to its global expansion plans. The company is led by a senior management team that communicates expectations clearly and places trust in its people. The ALASEEL workforce considers customer satisfaction the prime objective and innovates to create high-quality products that showcase the natural beauty of women — and men.

The CFI.co judging panel announces ALASEEL Cosmetics as the 2023 award winner for Best Luxury Cosmetics Customer Satisfaction (MENA).


WO2: Best Sustainable Property Developer France 2023

WO2 is on a mission to clean up France’s building practices, which account for nearly a third of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions. Since its launch in 2014, WO2 has pioneered the low-carbon development of French residential, office, hospitality and retail properties. The group creates inviting structures using cross-laminated timber, bio-sourced and recycled materials, low-consumption technologies and renewable energies. Compared with conventional concrete, WO2’s sustainably sourced Arboretum structures reduced the carbon footprint by 47 percent over four years. WO2 aims to halve its carbon footprint again by 2027. WO2 has delivered or committed to 61 projects and 720,000 square metres of real estate. It manages a €1.2bn budget and forecasts €5.4bn in office and residential revenue. In 2019, WO2 launched the ICAWOOD fund, a €750m equity fund dedicated to the low-carbon development of Parisian office buildings. WO2 is driven by an innovative R&D department, and engineers make up half of the WO2 workforce. In 2021, WO2 was recognised as France’s first low-carbon contracting authority by the Association for the Development of Low Carbon Buildings (BBCA), a French agency that calculates the carbon footprint of new and renovated buildings based on a life-cycle analysis. The group earned its first BBCA label in 2016 and its first European Low Carbon Building Initiative label in 2023. The CFI.co judging panel believes the group is building on a solid foundation for a low-carbon future and announces WO2 as the 2023 award winner for Best Sustainable Property Developer (France).


Peet Ltd: Best Sustainable Community Developer Australia 2023

Over the past 130 years, Peet has established a legacy of creating future-proofed communities united by a sense of belonging. The group achieves this aim with an ESG-driven development plan that seeks to create long-term shared value for shareholders and all other stakeholders. Peet pursues environmentally conscious development, with special attention paid to water conservation, energy efficiency, circular economies, biodiversity preservation and land restoration. It creates cohesion among the team by prioritising diverse recruitment, employee wellbeing and staff engagement. Peet collaborates with five corporate partners and more than 30 local organisations to amplify CSR efforts across communities. It fosters sustainable living growth through national community grants and supports local charities through staff fundraising initiatives. Peet also promotes sports participation as a brand sponsor of the Australian cricket team, the Perth Scorchers. The group has proven itself a trusted business partner with strong ethics and a robust risk management framework. Peet’s portfolio of townhouses, apartments and family homes range from opportunities in affordable housing to premium beachside living. The property developer, which is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange under the trading symbol PPC, reported an 84 percent increase in share earnings and after-tax operating and statutory profits in the 2022 financial year. The group also showed a significant increase in the gross value of contracts on hand, up from $546.6m in June 2021 to $930m in June 2022. The CFI.co judging panel announces Peet as the 2023 award winner for Best Sustainable Community Developer (Australia).


BlueRock Group: Best Boutique Real Estate Investment Solutions DACH 2023

The German housing shortage has hit a 20-year high — making BlueRock’s real estate investment solutions particularly relevant and timely. In Berlin, a red-hot rental market, there is need for upwards of 205,000 apartment units. BlueRock started reforming attics, adding extra storeys and creating side constructions to alleviate some of the rental pressure. In 2022, the group launched its second Berlin residential real estate fund, expanding the city’s planned investment volume to total €300m. As of April 2023, the Swiss group manages a real estate portfolio of 181 assets with a market value of >1.5billion EUR. It invests in and manages half a million square metres of prime residential and office properties across Germany, Switzerland and Denmark. The group partners with a range of European co-investors, including private and institutional investors as well as family offices and asset managers, to solve a critical infrastructural and societal challenge while also delivering high investor returns in a sustainable manner. ESG considerations factor heavily throughout the investment cycle. With each investment, BlueRock aims to improve the quality of people’s living and working conditions by increasing the supply of modern, affordable and sustainable housing and office spaces. BlueRock continues to pursue the reduction of greenhouse emissions and resource consumption across its operations and portfolio properties, collaborating with investors and partners to combat climate change and social inequality. The CFI.co judging panel presents BlueRock Group — a four-time programme winner — with the 2023 award for Best Boutique Real Estate Investment Solutions (DACH).


ING Wholesale Banking: Best Sustainable Banking Solutions - Bulgaria 2023

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ING Wholesale Banking forms part of an international network with over 14,000 employees in more than 40 countries across the Americas, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Middle East, and Africa. The group serves around 37 million customers, corporate clients and financial institutions worldwide and aims to become a catalyst in the sustainability transition.

Like its parent group, ING Wholesale Banking Bulgaria prefers to lead by example in terms of environmental responsibility, social equality and good corporate governance. The Bulgarian branch of ING has placed sustainability at the heart of operations over the past years. It has invested considerable resources to raise awareness about sustainability challenges and opportunities. It hosts forums, participates in workshops and converts employees into ambassadors for responsible banking and sustainable finance. It's striving to achieve a net zero carbon footprint by 2050 and harness financing for the good of people and planet. ING Wholesale Banking Bulgaria offers sustainability-linked financings supporting clients in their transitions to a net zero world where interest rates are linked to their sustainability performance. . It supports clients' sustainability transitions by pulling on deep cross-sector experience in energy, infrastructure, logistics, technology, telecoms, healthcare, real estate, food, agriculture and commodities. It designs solutions for the highest possible impact and inclusion. ING Wholesale Banking Bulgaria prioritises the protection of human rights and the wellbeing of its workforce. It offers structured finance solutions for sustainable development projects targeting renewable energies, circular economies, bio-chemicals and water management. ING Wholesale Banking earmarks sustainable investments for promising companies combatting climate change and resource scarcity.

The CFl.co judging panel announces ING Wholesale Banking as the 2023 award winner for Best Sustainable Banking Solutions (Bulgaria).

[caption id="attachment_11594" align="aligncenter" width="900"] Marina Kobakova Country Manager ING Bank N.V. Bulgaria & Mr Andrew Bester ING Head of Wholesale Banking and Member of Management Board Banking[/caption]


WiseEnergy: Best Solar Asset Manager UK 2023

WiseEnergy, the solar asset management arm of the NextEnergy Group, manages over 1.8 gigawatts of capacity through 1,350 solar assets in nine countries.

It works with clients worldwide through offices in the UK, EU, US and India. WiseEnergy welcomes the rush of newcomers to the solar market, but differentiates itself with a track record of delivering superior returns by maximising revenue, reducing operational expenditure and minimising risk. It has automatised some reporting features, thereby reducing risk and service costs for clients while also improving the work-life balance of staff. The company believes its corporate culture contributes significantly to maintaining its competitive edge. With a moral compass that points true North, WiseEnergy attracts professionals with the talent and passion to solve pressing real-world problems. It continues to increase diversity and inclusion by removing barriers to recruitment. Last year, WiseEnergy has launched a pilot programme for promising candidates early in their careers and with atypical backgrounds (vs. others in the sector) allowing them to gain experience in renewables and allowing them to test out different departments and benefit from onsite training. The company invests considerable resources to keep employees feeling valued, supported and inspired. It made great effort to achieve gender pay parity and a leadership team that is equal parts male and female. It supports numerous charity causes and encourages the entire workforce towards altruism and activism. NextEnergy Group (of which WiseEnergy is a business unit) contributes five percent of annual profits to the NextEnergy Foundation, which works worldwide to increase clean energy, reduce emissions and alleviate poverty.

The CFI.co jury presents WiseEnergy — a repeat programme winner — with the 2023 Best Solar Asset Manager (UK) award.


La Trobe Financial: Best Investment Management Team Australia 2023

La Trobe Financial, one of the preeminent alternative asset managers in Australia, pursues an investment strategy rooted in the three golden rules of simplicity, diversification and patience. The firm’s positive financial performance and positive corporate culture attracted the attention of a new shareholding collaborator that shared its strategic vision. Brookfield, a Canadian multinational asset manager, acquired La Trobe in May 2022, just three months shy of its 70th anniversary. La Trobe Financial leadership referred to the sale as a “match made in heaven”. The move will strengthen La Trobe Financials support network without tinkering with its time-tested methods. The firm has built a $17 bn portfolio with disciplined and diversified selection of granular exposures across sector, loan size, borrower type and security location. In January 2023, La Trobe Financials credit fund reached a milestone of $9bn — now $9.5bn — in AUM. In the last half of 2022, the credit fund, which comprises 12,640 loans with an average amount of $695,000 and an average loan-to-value ratio of 64.8 percent, yielded investor distributions totalling $207m. In April 2023, the non-bank lender concluded its fifteenth residential mortgage-backed security deal, which was originally mandated at $750m and, following strong investor demand, was upsized to $1bn. The firm recently updated its investor platform, La Trobe Direct, to provide users with a simplified and more intuitive experience, greater control and enhanced security. The CFI.co judging panel presents repeat programme winner La Trobe Financial with the 2023 award for Best Investment Management Team (Australia).


FINARTIS: Best Wealth Management Software Solutions Global 2023

FINARTIS, which pulls its name from a blend of finance and art, is a Swiss software publisher aiming to revolutionise wealth management through smart technology. By automating middle- and back-office operations, FINARTIS frees up the front office to focus on superior customer service.

FINARTIS solutions create cost-saving efficiencies and improved margins for its clients. Its flagship product Prospero is an award-winning solution with an impressive track record. The company differentiates itself from the competition on numerous fronts. FINARTIS wealth management software solutions provide comprehensive coverage of global markets. The team provides clients with round-the-clock assistance through offices in Europe, Asia Pacific and the Middle East. FINARTIS holds quarterly meetings to proactively build a roadmap for stronger client relationships and reactive agility. The company invests in its own R&D and consistently onboards new technology every year. FINARTIS relies on dynamic systems to operate across asset classes, currencies and regulations. It has established a stable market position, growing and evolving in tandem with a wide spectrum of clients, including financial institutions, family offices and asset managers. FINARTIS hi-tech solutions allow clients to streamline operations and realise cost savings — both welcome benefits in a market where inflation and other pressures continue to threaten profit margins. FINARTIS was acquired in May 2021 by Valsoft, a Montreal-based company specialising in the acquisition and development of vertical market software businesses.

The CFI.co judging panel announces FINARTIS as the 2023 global award winner for Best Wealth Management Software Solutions.


XM: Most Reliable Broker & Most Transparent Broker Global 2023

XM is one of the most highly decorated online brokers, boasting the experience and liquidity to meet any trader’s needs. Since its launch in 2009, XM has evolved into an industry-leading investment firm serving over 10 million clients in 190 countries.

The multi-regulated broker employs more than 600 professionals through an international network with headquarters in Cyprus and offices in Australia and Greece. XM markets itself as a big, fair and human broker. It treats clients with egalitarian care regardless of their net worth, account type or investments. Pricing and promotions are laid out in clear terms, and support services are offered in 30 languages. Re-quotes and rejections are not allowed on XM’s lightning-fast trading platform, where 99.35 percent of executions take less than a second. Client funds are held in segregated accounts with investment grade banks, insured up to €20,000 by an investor compensation fund and protected by a policy preventing negative account balances. In addition to distinguishing itself as a transparent and fair broker, XM is a conscientious corporate citizen. Since the start of 2023, it has donated to Médecins Sans Frontières, helped renovate a paediatric clinic in Cyprus, sponsored several children’s programmes and supported vulnerable senior citizens in Singapore and Peru. It also provided disaster relief after a flood in Malaysia and the earthquakes in Turkey, Syria and Indonesia.

The CFI.co judging panel presents repeat programme winner XM with the 2023 global awards for Most Reliable Broker and Most Transparent Broker.


XM: Best Customer Support Global 2023

Big, fair and human— that’s the XM motto. The investment firm was founded in 2009 and serves more than 10 million clients in 190 countries.

XM provides investors with the tools and knowledge to realise their financial goals. An XM trading account gives investors anytime, anywhere access to six asset classes, 10 trading platforms and over 1,000 instruments, including forex, CFDs, commodities, stocks, metals and energies. It affords all clients the same excellent level of service — regardless of their station or means. XM prioritises the human element that other online brokers often neglect and offers round-the-clock support in 30 languages. XM management conducts virtual meetings and visits 120 cities worldwide to connect with clients and partners on a face-to-face basis. The company’s exceptional support services contribute to a high level of client retention. XM aims to arm clients with the skills and insights to exploit opportunities and avoid pitfalls. In November 2022, XM opened its first ever educational centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, which will deliver weekly trading classes and Tradepedia certificate courses. The centre will complement the company’s ongoing educational programmes, including seminars led by internationally renowned mentors, daily live streams, video tutorials and a variety of additional multi-language instructional content. In October 2022, XM sponsored one of the largest blockchain events to date, with over 12,000 people in attendance at the venue and over 650,000 online.

The CFI.co judging panel presents repeat programme winner XM with the 2023 global award for Best Customer Support.


Baker Tilly Kenya: Best Audit & Tax Team East Africa 2023

Baker Tilly ranks among the top ten networks of independent accounting and business advisory firms worldwide. It has established a strong presence in East Africa, with headquarters in Nairobi as well as branches in Uganda, Rwanda and Somalia.

Baker Tilly Kenya has developed decades-long relationships with multilateral organisations to ensure the highest levels of transparency and accountability across the not-for-profit sector. The firm has mastered this niche market. Baker Tilly Kenya partners with UN organisations to implement monitoring systems for funds allocation, particularly in higher-risk countries. The firm provides accounting, audit, tax and advisory services for a wide range of clients, including non-profits, government institutions and private individuals. It has worked with businesses across various industries, like agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, telecoms, tourism, financial services, oil and gas. The firm takes a zero-tolerance stance on corruption and always strives to operate with the utmost integrity. Clients benefit from the firm’s global network, international helpdesk and omnichannel onboarding. The team has developed in-house methodologies and a new data analysis system to ensure multilateral money is being used as intended. Baker Tilly Kenya was the first firm to offer online audits during the Covid pandemic. Baker Tilly staff are forward-thinking professionals intent on building a better future by doing the right thing today. Mutual respect runs high throughout the firm, and employee turnover remains low.

The CFI.co judging panel announces Baker Tilly Kenya as the 2023 award winner for Best Audit & Tax Team (East Africa).


Klavi: Best Open Finance Solutions Provider Brazil 2023

Founded in 2020, fintech provider Klavi is striving to revolutionise the Brazilian financial system and has proven itself a capable fintech partner in a short span. Klavi’s Software-as-a-Service platform uses machine learning and open financial data to facilitate the connections and insights that drive business growth, product innovation and customer engagement.

The company is headquartered in Sao Paulo, Brazil, where production, marketing and sales are handled. The tech side is covered by developers in China, where Klavi co-founder and CEO Bruno Chan gained nearly a decade of entrepreneurial experience. The Chinese affiliation gives the company a competitive edge, with a skilled tech team of 30 professionals delivering high-quality work in quick turnaround. Klavi’s developers in China have experience working with large companies and massive amounts of data. The international workforce collaborates to fulfil Klavi’s mission of empowering businesses and democratising financial services. Corporate morale runs high, and employee turnover is minimal. Klavi works with more than 30 institutions and has processed over 1 billion transactions. The company chalks up 2022 as a good year, marked by robust client onboarding and increased revenues. Klavi registered on the CFI.co radar after partnering with a major Brazilian bank that attests to its ability to extract value from open finance data. The bank rates Klavi highly on all relevant criteria and outstanding in terms of customer focus and satisfaction.

The judging panel is pleased to introduce Klavi as the 2023 award winner for Best Open Finance Solutions Provider (Brazil).


Environment Agency — Abu Dhabi: Best Regional Environmental Agency MEA 2023

Although much of Abu Dhabi is desert with majestic sand dunes, the emirate also has a variety of other terrestrial and marine ecosystems – from mountains and wadis to coastal and inland sabkhas to coral reefs and mangroves. These ecosystems are biologically rich and are home to 3,800 species of plants and animals. The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) was founded in 1996 by scientists dedicated to protecting the region’s rich biodiversity and preserving quality of life, and today, the Agency is the largest environmental regulator in the Middle East. The Agency focuses on the development and enforcement of environmental regulations and policies, data-backed research to track environmental progress, habitat and biodiversity conservation, as well as educational and outreach programmes. The Agency leverages decades of scientific evidence to create policies that set the environmental direction for Abu Dhabi’s government, businesses and communities — without compromising growth and development. It also monitors, analyses and manages environmental data across key priority areas such as: biodiversity, climate change, air and marine water qualities and the sustainable management of waste and groundwater resources. The Agency uses modern tools and technologies for environmental and biodiversity monitoring and undertakes initiatives to boost innovations in environmental data collection, accessibility and assessment. In 2008, EAD established the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Group (ADSG), which includes over 50 members from government, private companies and non-profit organisations. The Agency also established the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital in 1999, one of the largest of its kind in the world, which treats over 10,000 birds annually. The EAD team is proud to carry on the conservation legacy of the UAE’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed through the conservation and restoration of endangered species and habitats, especially the Arabian Oryx, the Scimitar-horned Oryx and Mangrove restoration programmes, as well as managing 20 protected areas under the Sheikh Zayed Protected Areas Network. In 2022, EAD’s restoration of coastal and marine ecosystems in Abu Dhabi was named one of the top 10 global restoration flagships under the UN Decade on Restoration. With this in mind, and more, the CFI.co judging panel announced EAD as the worthy winner of the 2023 Best Regional Environmental Agency (Middle East and Africa) award.


CONINCO: Best ESG Investment Advisory Switzerland 2023

CONINCO is a B-Corp certified firm that’s committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. It has gained deep market experience and developed proven investment methodologies over the past three decades. CONINCO specialises in investment advisory and asset management services for institutional, professional and private clients. It was launched to provide support for pension funds following the stock market crash of 1987. The Swiss firm is a signatory of the Principles for Responsible Investment. It’s run by a multicultural and gender-balanced team of highly qualified and mission-driven professionals. They provide independent investment advisory to help clients future-proof their portfolios. In 2010, CONINCO introduced an investment solution focused on environmental impact technologies, the real economy and entrepreneurship. It launched a 2011 fund to back global companies with proven financial strength and positive environmental impacts. In 2016, it introduced a sustainable fund focused on European companies that promises high dividends and defensive positioning during market decline. The latest development in CONINCO’s line-up of ESG investment solutions is the eco-circularity tracker, which is designed to capitalise on connections between finance and the real economy. CONINCO has also partnered with its client PX Holding to ease any investor worries about the ethics of including gold in the portfolio. The partnership prioritises responsible mining processes and the traceability of gold assets. CONINCO is setting new standards for transparency, accountability and impact — leading the CFI.co jury to declare it the 2023 award winner for Best ESG Investment Advisory (Switzerland).


Meritech Capital Partners: Most Innovative Technology Venture Capital Investor US 2023

Meritech Capital Partners has built a reputation among Silicon Valley start-ups as a hands-on VC investor. The firm began operation in 1999 and has been a pioneer of tech VC investments ever since. A niche team of equal partners drives Meritech’s disciplined investment strategy, never straying from a focus on smaller, selective funds comprising some of the best late-stage tech companies in the investment universe. When Meritech backs a company, it contributes more than mere capital. Partners assume a team member role in investee companies, bringing valuable expertise and insight to each enterprise. Meritech Capital Partners seeks shared successes with portfolio companies, offering assistance and support to enhance operations and fuel growth. The firm has a track record of picking — and nurturing — winners. It looks for best-in-class companies with strong growth trajectories and efficient go-to-market strategies. It has partnered with more than 50 next-generation companies through IPOs, including Salesforce, Facebook, Tableau, Datadog and UiPath. In April 2020, the firm established a free database of comprehensive non-GAAP financials and imputed metrics for public SaaS companies, called Meritech Insights. Two years later, it introduced a revamped version of the product, Meritech Benchmarking. The new web application features trading history for almost all public SaaS companies as well as valuation tools, operational KPIs, financial metrics and a comparison table with sortable filters. The CFI.co judging panel congratulates Meritech Capital Partners on claiming the 2023 award for Most Innovative Technology Venture Capital Investor (US).


Bedrock Group: Best Investment Portfolio Manager UK 2023

Since its launch in 2004, the UK’s Bedrock Group has prioritised growing client assets over beating benchmarks. The fact that the firm consistently achieves both is a testament to the expertise of its partners and the rigorous due diligence of its investment approach. The group believes the temperature of current economic markets skews towards the downside and has taken measures to protect portfolios accordingly. Bedrock Group proactively shifted portfolio allocations to a more conservative stance in response to rising interest rates. It has pared back on credit and equity risks, while increasing allocations in gold and fixed-income assets. It has reduced risks wherever possible to position clients on the safer side and increased exposure to green bonds. Bedrock Group anticipates significant growth potential for these longer-term bonds, particularly if the much-feared and often-predicted recession fully materialises in the US or EU. It also expects to capitalise on opportunities over the next few months, as buy outs reach maturity and renewal — and as many firms will lack the liquidity to seize those opportunities. Bedrock Group levers expertise across asset classes and disciplines to tailor investment strategies to client objectives. The firm presents clients with co-investment opportunities and means of generating income from lending. It can help clients achieve long-term returns on real estate investments and pinpoint rising tech stars before they go public. The CFI.co judging panel presents Bedrock Group — a fourth-time programme winner — with the 2023 Best Investment Portfolio Manager (UK).


Singapore Land Group: Best Commercial Real Estate Developer Singapore 2023

Singapore Land Group (SingLand) has significantly shaped the skyline of the wealthy island city state. The company was incorporated in 1963 and listed in 1971. As SingLand celebrates its 60th anniversary, it looks back on noteworthy milestones and sets targets for a greener and more equitable future. SingLand developed UIC Building, which upon completion in 1973, ranked as the tallest structure in Singapore and one of the highest in South East Asia. The building was redeveloped in 2017 with state-of-the-art infrastructure and amenities to promote a healthy balance of work, life and play in the city centre. SingLand also developed Marina Square, Singapore's first mixed-use development comprising three hotels, a shopping mall and offices. SingLand drives sustainable, social, economic and environmental change through the creation of inclusive urban spaces. It has built a diversified portfolio of residential and retail properties, commercial offices and hotels. Over 80 percent of SingLand’s portfolio is “Green Mark” certified, and the group is on track to achieve sustainability certification for the remainder within the next two years. SingLand has made its mark at home and abroad, with an expansive footprint in Singapore and a growing presence in key overseas markets, like China and the UK. SingLand, with $5bn (over S$6bn Singaporean dollars) in commercial AUM and nearly four million square feet of lettable office and retail spaces, serves many Fortune-500 companies and multinational corporations. The CFI.co judging panel announces Singapore Land Group as the 2023 award winner for Best Commercial Real Estate Developer (Singapore).


Recognise Bank: Best Digital SME Lending Bank UK 2023

Recognise Bank challenges the status quo with a tech-enabled offering of flexible financing and competitive savings solutions. The bank’s entrepreneurial founders understand the needs of modern SMEs — needs that are often left wanting by the outdated tech infrastructure of traditional business banking. Recognise Bank markets itself as an agile and responsive alternative to big-bank dominated SME lending. It deploys proactive professionals to drive momentum and ensure the customer remains central across all decision-making processes. Recognise Bank offers business financing products, such as commercial mortgages, bridging loans and professional buy-to-let loans. It provides savings accounts for businesses and individuals, featuring competitive rates and reassuring guarantees. Client funds are FSCS-protected up to £85,000. In April 2023, the bank increased the annual equivalent rate by 0.25 percent across all business and personal savings variable products. As of February 2023, Recognise Bank reported £200m in deposits and £115m in loans. It recently announced new strategic partnerships expected to shorten valuation turnaround times, enhance broker confidence and deliver a more personalised banking experience. Recognise Bank has ambitious growth plans following a £25m capital injection this March, bringing the total raised over the past five years to £95m in funding. The latest infusion of cash will cover more loans — which typically run between £500,000 to £5m — and fuel the development of asset finance products slated for launch later this year. The CFI.co judging panel presents Recognise Bank with the 2023 award for Best Digital SME Lending Bank (UK).


B2B Gaming Services: Best Online Gaming Platform Solution Europe 2023

Since its launch in 1997, the operation has been pushing the boundaries of play.

The impetus was the need to establish a “future-ready” business model that would provide end-customers with an entertaining gaming experience and safeguard their interests.

The future-forward company B2B GAMING SERVICES, is driven by principles of “servant-leadership” and “agile innovation”.

It has developed a modular and scalable platform solution for flexible and sustainable business growth to serve the needs of online and land-based betting & gaming with the objective to fully host the progressive demands of the players across regulated markets.

B2B GAMING SERVICES markets the platform as a powerhouse for possibilities.

The company foresaw a shift in the gaming landscape — with the line between business providers, aggregators, and operators blurring overtime — and it has strategically positioned itself to capitalize upon that evolution.

B2B GAMING SERVICES operations are centered across the gaming spectrum.

The company is harnessing advances in AI to empower the player with more informed decisions, and to create more personalized user experiences.

B2B GAMING SERVICES is licensed since 2007 by the Malta Gaming Authority and since 2012 in Greece under the then transitional regime, since 2021 has acquired Greek Permanent Licenses issued by the Hellenic Gaming Commission upon the institution of the new law in the Country of Greece.

B2B GAMING SERVICES is granted with the full stack of accreditations and certifications, including ISO 9001: 2015 for quality & ISO 27001:2013 for management systems information security on the scope of “Provision of operation systems, gambling services and online gambling, in all countries where the company is licensed (Sports betting, Live Sports betting, Livestreaming, Casino, Live Casino, Games, Virtual Sports)”.

The Company has immediate expansion plans, and we expect to see their existing success replicated in new markets.

The CFI.co judging panel presents B2B GAMING SERVICES – a repeat program winner - with 2023 award for Best Online Gaming Platform Solution (Europe).


PTG Energy: Best ESG Responsible Executive Team Thailand 2023

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PTG Energy began as a southern fuel company serving fishery and industrial clientele. Over the past 35 years, the company has evolved into a diversified fuel business with more than 2,100 PTG stations and 1,600 non-oil touchpoints nationwide. The PTG Energy team aims to co-create sustainable growth and socio-economic opportunities alongside communities through the delivery of highly customer-centric and integrated services. PTG Energy has the largest and second-largest share of the auto LPG and retail oil markets in Thailand — and the company understands the importance of balancing business with sustainability. PTG’s ESG-responsible executive team has identified several SDGs where the business can create the most impact. The company provides valued-added services that enhance quality of life and increase convenience for customers while also increasing participation among SME partners. PTG Energy began installing EV charging points at service stations in 2021. The company is using biodiesel to power its fleet of transportation vehicles. Rooftop solar projects at PTG service stations are expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 6,794 metric tons of carbon dioxide over the next four years. The company has a joint venture with PPP Green Complex to increase national energy efficiency by harnessing renewable sources, adopting cleaner technologies and developing circular systems to convert waste into energy. PTG’s latest pipeline project, the Banpru Power Plant, will have a generation capacity of 4.5 megawatts. The CFI.co judging panel recognises PTG Energy’s leadership with the 2023 award for Best ESG Responsible Executive Team (Thailand).


Applus+: Best Technical Testing & Certification Partner Global 2023

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Applus+ is a Madrid-based multinational company trusted by blue-chip companies and manufacturing partners worldwide to provide the testing, inspection and certification services required to safeguard and enhance client operations. It has built a loyal client base across 65 countries and 10 industrial sectors, particularly among automotive and energy partners. The company continues to reduce fossil fuel energy exposure and drive investments towards renewables. Since November 2021, Applus+ has invested more than €140m in acquisitions and minority stakes to shift the portfolio and service offering towards more sustainable, higher growth and better margin businesses. It adheres to rigorous sustainability standards in order to generate sustainable returns for investors and positive impacts for communities. Innovation has been a key propellent of the company’s development and will continue to light the path moving forward. Applus+ strives to accelerate the energy transition as a thought leader and technological expert in the fields of biomass, biofuel, onshore and offshore wind energy, photovoltaic energy and green hydrogen. From 2022 through 2024, Applus+ plans to spend between €300m and €400m on M&As that align with its value-additive capital allocation strategy. Renewables are expected to claim a sizable chunk of allocated investments. The company has assembled a global workforce of over 25,000 skilled employees to help clients mitigate risks by evaluating the quality and safety of products, assets and operations. The CFI.co judging panel announces Applus+ as the 2023 global award winner for Best Technical Testing and Certification Partner.


Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador: Best Central Reserve Bank Central America 2023

Founded in 1934, the Central Reserve Bank (BCR) of El Salvador is responsible for maintaining a stable currency and contributing to the stability of the national economy. BCR El Salvador is a public, autonomous and technical institution that has achieved significant success creating direct connections with the people of El Salvador. It introduced transfer systems that have enabled round-the-clock access and facilitated millions in financial savings. It has also developed a new payments system that has unlocked remarkable cost reductions for clients. BCR El Salvador has invested considerable resources to continuously improve its operations. That includes millions in investment to upgrade the bank’s tech infrastructure and digital capacities. The bank runs an import and export procedures centre as the state’s single window for foreign trade. It has partnered with third-party operators to cut the processing time of import-export transactions from a month to a day. The bank conducts international reserve management as well as regulation and monitoring of the financial system. It takes pride in having recently acquired certification by the Spanish authority for quality audit processes. BCR El Salvador offers a range of economic and financial research products, including statistics. It funds technical and university scholarships, pays for economics students to study abroad and organises research competitions for undergraduate students. It also supports financial inclusion and education programmes. The CFI.co judging panel presents the Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador with the 2023 Best Central Reserve Bank (Central America) award.


Trevi-Finanziaria Industriale Spa: Best Sustainable Specialised Construction Solutions Italy 2023

Milan-listed construction specialist Trevi-Finanziaria Industriale Spa harnesses 66 years of experience, a workforce of more than 3,000 employees and a well-established presence in 41 countries to build a more sustainable future —together. The Trevi Group has become a global construction leader driven by two complementary divisions: Trevi, which focuses on infrastructure projects, and Soilmec, which specialises in the design and manufacture of machinery, systems and services for underground engineering. Both divisions have established well-funded R&D centres to accelerate environmental-oriented advancements in soil engineering. At the end of 2022, the Trevi Group announced a three-year sustainability plan outlined with strategic, step-by-step commitments in the areas of climate change, workplace safety, digital transition, IT data security and corporate social responsibility certifications. It collaborates with a wide group of stakeholders, from regulatory authorities, government agencies and trade associations to customers, business partners and investors. It is striving to achieve groupwide reductions in greenhouse gas emissions via a decarbonisation strategy that seeks to curb industry dependence on fossil fuels through ESG-driven action and technological innovation. Fair and transparent supply chain policies require similar sustainability commitments from partners. The Group has been trusted to deliver across major infrastructure and cultural projects worldwide, including work on the new World Trade Centre in New York, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Ertan Dam in China, the Mosul Dam Rehabilitation in Iraq and the on going Neom project in Saudi Arabia. The CFI.co judging panel announces Trevi-Finanziaria Industriale Spa as the 2023 award winner for Best Sustainable Specialised Construction Solutions (Italy).


TGE Polish Power Exchange: Best Commodities Exchange ESG Strategy Europe 2023

TGE Polish Power Exchange operates the only licensed commodity exchange in Poland — and its continued focus on ESG integration is delivering dividends in the form of increased agility, resilience and stability. The exchange gives investors access to commodity trading markets for electricity, natural gas, property rights, carbon emission allowances as well as agricultural and food products. TGE Polish Power Exchange collaborates with government bodies and international associations to influence market development for the better. Like all members of the GPW Capital Group, TGE pursues an ESG strategy that prioritises climate action, environmental responsibility, socio-economic development and ethical business conduct. It strives to lead by example and promotes transparent communications and high standards of corporate governance among issuers. The exchange has swiftly adapted to regulatory changes caused by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, adjusting policies as necessary to ensure the stability of services and the sustainability of revenues. The exchange closed 2022 with a record volume of transactions in the register of origin guarantees, up 38.1 percent from the previous year. The first quarter of 2023 saw record-breaking turnover on the electricity spot market, where transaction volume rose by more than 76 percent year over year. TGE ranks as the leading exchange in Central and Eastern Europe in terms of trading volume in electricity and natural gas. The CFI.co judging panel presents TGE Polish Power Exchange — a fourth-year programme winner — with the 2023 award for Best Commodities Exchange ESG Strategy (Europe).


RATCH Group: Best Value Creation Energy Infrastructure Company APAC 2023

[caption id="attachment_11643" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Choosri Kietkajornkul CEO & Wadeerat Charoencoop CFO[/caption]

RATCH Group, which was founded in 2000, operates as a holding company with varying stakes in core businesses, subsidiaries and joint ventures. RATCH concentrates equity investments in fossil fuel power generation, primarily natural gas, but its portfolio also features a diversified mix of renewable projects, energy-adjacent businesses, infrastructure development and healthcare ventures. It has achieved steady growth in the short span since its launch. In 2022, RATCH total revenue jumped 84.4 percent over the previous year. First quarter EBITDA in 2023 showed an increase following investments into power projects in Australia and Southeast Asia. Over the next four years, the group aims to increase EBITDA from $345m to $432m (12bn to 15bn baht). It plans on allocating at least five percent of the budget to non-power businesses and approaching carbon neutrality by 2050. RATCH is on track to boost renewable energy capacity by 20 percent this year and 25 percent in 2025 onwards. The Thai company is pursuing a growth strategy rooted in strength, synergy and sustainability with the ambition of becoming a leading value-oriented energy and infrastructure company in Asia Pacific (APAC). At present, RATCH has paid-up capital totalling more than $625m (21.7bn baht). The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, a state enterprise managed by the Ministry of Energy, is a major shareholder with a 45 percent equity stake. The CFI.co judging panel announces RATCH Group as the 2023 award winner for Best Value Creation Energy Infrastructure Company (APAC).


PPS Portfolio Performance: Best Investment Services for Pension Funds Brazil 2022

PPS Portfolio Performance launched in 1996, bringing to market the first Brazil-made software for investment fund analysis. It has been finetuning metrics and tech capabilities for decades, and periodic upgrades have unlocked new levels of analytical power with each iteration. The proprietary software, which is currently in its eighth edition, provides a quantitative performance evaluation. The company’s technical prowess is complemented by a team of experienced investment professionals who oversee qualitative assessments and conduct due diligence. PPS Portfolio Performance works primarily with institutional investors of pension funds as well as a selection of insurance companies and corporations. It prevents conflicts of interest by remaining independent of banks and financial institutions. It offers unbiased consultancy of fund performance as well as support services in regulatory compliance, asset liability management, internal controls and professional training. A long-standing partnership with a North American consultancy has resulted in international insights and an established presence in global markets. PPS Portfolio Performance has earned the trust of its customers, as evidenced by continued repeat business and a 10 percent increase in the client base over the past year. The workforce also grew by 20 percent from 2021 to 2022. The company counts its clients as its greatest asset and tailors services to their needs. PPS Portfolio Performance has placed in the CFI.co awards programme for five consecutive years, most recently claiming the 2022 award for Best Investment Services for Pension Funds (Brazil).


Old Mutual Investment Group: Best ESG Responsible Investor Africa 2023

Old Mutual Investment Group focuses on responsible stewardship of client assets and delivering sustainable long-term returns for institutional and retail investors. It forms an integral part Old Mutual Limited, which has been serving clients across the African continent since 1845. Old Mutual Investment Group enables clients to invest for a future that matters through a range of ESG-driven equity and debt products. According to Old Mutual Investment Group’s 2022 Responsible Investing (RI) report, it had $24bn in AUM at the end of 2021. The group actively manages 217 portfolios and employs 51 research analysts, including five dedicated RI specialists. It leads the vanguard of responsible investing by integrating material ESG factors across investment decisions, practicing active asset stewardship and developing return-seeking products with targeted ethical and sustainability outcomes. The asset manager assists investee companies to achieve ESG excellence through active engagement and proxy voting. The group, which is committed to increasing black and female representation among business leaders, investment decision-makers, ownership and shareholding — engages with investee companies to encourage similar transformation targets. Old Mutual Investment Group welcomes increased scrutiny from regulators to combat the wave of greenwashing that’s diverting funding from intended targets and undermining investor trust. In response, it has created an AI task team to complement the depth, quality and credibility of ESG research across the investment process. The CFI.co judging panel presents Old Mutual Investment Group — a repeat programme winner — with the 2023 award for Best ESG Responsible Investor (Africa).


Fortman Cline Capital Markets Limited: Best M&A Advisory Team South East Asia 2023

Since its launch in 2007 out of Hongkong, Fortman Cline Capital Markets Limited has evolved into a Southeast Asian operation with offices in Manila, Singapore and Jakarta. It also had an office in New York until 2017 focused on fund raising from family offices. The firm completed its first billion-dollar transaction, an energy sector acquisition, within a year of opening. By 2010, it has completed the largest M&A in the history of the Philippine fast-food industry. Since its launch, Fortman Cline has provided deal clinching advisory services on more than US$18 billion in M&A and fund-raising transactions. The team’s skilled contributions have helped position the firm as a top consultancy firm in Southeast Asia. The firm is headquartered in Hongkong and has served both conglomerates and owner managed businesses across Southeast Asia. It has demonstrated a track record on assisting entrepreneurs and family businesses achieve transformational growth via joint ventures, external fund-raising placements and inorganic acquisitions. In addition, it has assisted a number of entrepreneurs monetise their businesses via strategic transactions with responsible partners that could transform businesses towards a larger scale. The team has also developed specialized practices in health care, consumer businesses, infrastructure and logistics. It has complemented its workforce with industry professionals. FCCM has also added a strategic consulting unit that assists clients in post M&A tasks to include integration, strategy implementation and overall management transition. For example, in the health care space, FCCM was involved in transactions covering the entire ecosystem to include pharm distribution, pharma brands and manufacturers, hospital operations, health insurance, dental care, elderly care and molecule monetization. It seeks to replicate its success in the health care, consumer business and infrastructure verticals to new areas such as logistics. FCCM’s pipeline remains robust due to its ecosystem and strategic approach to these fast-growing verticals where a high level of expertise and customer care is required. The CFI.co judging panel presents repeat programmed winner Fortman Cline Capital Markets with the 2023 award for Best M&A Advisory Team (Southeast Asia).


Union Bank of the Philippines: Best Retail Bank South East Asia 2023

Over the past four decades, Union Bank of the Philippines has proven itself a future-forward financial services provider with a consistently high ranking in terms of profitability and efficiency. It’s a pioneer of mobile banking and digital channels in the Filipino market. UnionBank has invested in advanced technologies and digital platforms that seamlessly integrate with modern societal demands. It was the first among its peers to start a bank website, introduce a chatbot and establish a fully digital branch. It launched the country’s first electronic savings account and digitalised account opening procedures. UnionBank approaches product design and business development with the goal of improving clients’ lives through meaningful experiences. It aims to embed banking services into the fabric of daily life. It offers a wide range of personal, MSME, corporate, investment and fintech services. The bank partners with entrepreneurs to accelerate growth, facilitate connections and co-create thriving enterprises. In August 2022, UnionBank completed the acquisition of US-based Citi group’s retail banking operations in the Philippines, resulting in the addition of over 1500 employees and a million customers. The transition process is going smoothly and expected to be completed by year’s end. Union Bank of the Philippines has recorded all-time high retail sales and loan volumes. The CFI.co judging panel congratulates repeat programme winner Union Bank of the Philippines on claiming the 2023 award for Best Retail Bank (South East Asia).


Sanlam Investments: Best Alternative Fund Investment Team Africa 2023

Sanlam Investments, the largest black-owned asset manager in South Africa, strives to accelerate sustainable development in its own backyard and beyond. The team follows an impact investing strategy that’s closely aligned with the UN’s SDGs. Sanlam targets impact investments in the areas of job creation, reduced inequality and climate action. In 2020, Sanlam launched three “Legacy” funds seeded with its own capital that are expected to create more than 27,000 jobs. It has already deployed $76million in SME investments since inception, including support for Covid-strapped businesses. In 2022, the team celebrated 10 years of impact investments in South Africa. They highlighted SME debt deals and mid-market private equity stakes that have boosted employment, housing and clean energy outcomes. It manages climate funds focused on renewable energies, water management and the protection of coastal ecosystems. Sanlam’s climate finance business is expected to impact nearly two billion people, from South Africa and Namibia to Vietnam and the Galapagos Islands. Since Sanlam Investments’ CFI.co award win in 2018, AUM in the business has increased more than two-fold, now totalling over $50.6billion and including $2billion in the Alternative business. A strong governance structure ensures no conflict between the balance sheet and third-party investments, which have doubled over the past five years. ESG and impact assets have grown from 24 percent to 52 percent of AUM. The jury continues to find cause for celebration and presents Sanlam Investments with the 2023 award for Best Alternative Fund Investment Team (Africa).


Containers Printers: Best Sustainable Packaging Technology & Most Innovative Packaging Team Global 2023

Over the past four decades, Containers Printers has evolved from a single Singaporean factory into an innovative and sustainable packaging partner with clients in 30 countries worldwide. It has established a strong presence across South East Asia and is hoping for similar success as it expands into European markets. Containers Printers offers a wide range of metal and flexible laminate packaging solutions. It prioritises sustainability across all operations and collaborates with industry partners to create positive impacts at the local and global level. Containers Printers works with brands from the nutrition, food and medical industries. As such, it adheres to the highest international standards for product safety, quality and reliability. Containers Printers has been recognised for progress in measuring and monitoring its carbon emissions. It cut emissions by 2.4 percent within six months of the first measurements. It contributes towards national goals for waste reduction and energy efficiency and will assist customers to fulfil Extended Producer Responsibility reporting requirements. Containers Printers seeks to empower team members with ongoing opportunities for upskilling and professional development. It has restructured management roles to delegate more responsibility and accountability throughout the ranks. This move gives employees a sense of ownership in the company, while also freeing up senior leadership to focus on strategic development. The CFI.co judging panel presents Containers Printers — a repeat programme winner — with the 2023 global awards for Best Sustainable Packaging Technology and Most Innovative Packaging Team.


CRC Credit Bureau Ltd: Best Credit Bureau Nigeria 2023

CRC Credit Bureau was established by 10 prominent financial institutions and Dun & Bradstreet, a leading global provider of business data and analytics. CRC Credit Bureau operates under a group structure along with its wholly owned subsidiary, CRC Data and Analytics Ltd. The group enables credit grantors and business partners to make more informed decisions. The analytical arm reviews caches of alternative data to support comprehensive and reliable credit risk certifications. Businesses can also use alternative data to tailor product development to customer needs. The bureau estimates that half of the Nigerian population has no credit history — yet. CRC Credit Bureau is committed to educating people about the importance of building a good credit history, which can enable upward mobility in the life of individuals and businesses alike. A good credit score can green-light growth capital for companies as well as rental prospects, job opportunities and financing for individuals. The bureau publishes regular articles to raise awareness and help those with a tarnished credit past to rebuild their reputation. CRC Credit Bureau offers a range of products to help businesses monitor their public image, identify opportunities for expansion and strengthen decision making. It ensures consent is in place when collecting data for the nationwide repository of consumer and corporate credit profiles. It runs controlled tests to probe the data protection defences. The CFI.co judging panel presents CRC Credit Bureau — a repeat programme winner — with the 2023 award for Best Credit Bureau (Nigeria).


CORDET: Best Alternative Credit Investor UK 2023

Over the past decade, CORDET has originated more than €55bn and deployed over €750m across two funds, 35 transactions and 15 companies. The UK-based firm provides promising smaller mid-cap companies with the capital and guidance to spark transformational growth. CORDET’s financing solutions also offer attractive risk-adjusted returns for institutional investors. It targets Northern European companies with up to €20m in EBITDA and sectors where it has proven expertise, such as business services, technology, healthcare, financials, consumer, education and industrial. The team levers deep industry experience to pursue an “all-weather” approach to investing. The firm is employee owned and interest aligned, as team members are also co-investors. The CORDET portfolio has delivered demonstratively positive performance over the past year, with solid results from both funds. There were 16 new transactions, including the firm’s first investments in the Netherlands and Austria. It continues to build on the strong momentum achieved in 2022 by focusing on talent recruitment and development. CORDET ranks are swelling, and women now make up a third of the team. All employees receive ongoing ESG training. The firm has tweaked some internal procedures and systems to ensure maximum efficiency and maintain a sharp competitive edge. It fortifies investor relations with comprehensive communication of current and relevant information. Testimonials from borrowers speak of the firm less as a lender and more as a long-term financing partner. The CFI.co judging panel presents repeat programme winner CORDET with the 2023 award for Best Alternative Credit Investor (UK).


Bank One Ltd: Best Custodian Bank Indian Ocean 2023

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Bank One Ltd, which was incorporated in 2008, aims to solidify the status of Mauritius as a private wealth hub for growing African economies. The bank is the result of a joint venture between CIEL Finance Limited and I&M Group PLC. Bank One levers the support of shareholders in sub-Saharan Africa and affiliated banking operations in Madagascar, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda to continue diversifying the client base and product portfolio. Bank One’s robust custodian network spans more than 50 countries and provides retail clients, external asset managers and institutional investors with access to regional and international experts. The bank’s main depository, Euroclear, is a top-rated provider of securities settlement with proven resilience. Its custody platform is underpinned by cutting-edge technology, and the bank’s digital innovation has become a differentiating factor among sub-Saharan African competitors. Bank One’s custody portal provides instant reporting with real-time pricing through Bloomberg. The bank’s B2B platform has proven popular among investors, and AUM has swollen to more than $1bn since 2017. Bank One achieved 20 percent growth in clients from cross-border markets in 2022 and expects to build on the momentum of these strong cross-border partnerships over the next 12 months. The bank predicts that more institutional and individual investors will increase USD exposure in response to the economic outlook for further depreciation of local currencies. The CFI.co judging panel presents Bank One — a repeat programme winner — with the 2023 award for Best Custodian Bank (Indian Ocean).


ThirdWay Partners: Best ESG Merchant Banking Team Africa 2023

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The climate crisis necessitates urgent action — and ThirdWay Partners is proud to answer that call. Founded in 2014, ThirdWay Partners is an investment and advisory firm with a proven track record of creating and scaling sustainable, impact-led businesses. The firm argues that the old paradigms of philanthropy and profit-at-all-cost capitalism are too outdated for the modern world. ThirdWay Partners manages three investment vehicles focused on sustainable food production, conservation and local content development. Other areas of focus include the energy transition, natural capital and green finance. ThirdWay Partners offers a range of merchant banking and advisory services, including assistance with capital raising, business model development, market analyses, blended finance fund design and tech implementation. The firm is led by seasoned management and supported by young talent. ThirdWay Partners recruits financial advisors and asset managers from diverse backgrounds and geographies — with an eye for gender parity — to build a team with the highest levels of competence, cohesion and complementary skills. The firm has interests and business relationships across the globe, including a well-established presence in Africa. ThirdWay Partners is headquartered in London with offices in Mozambique, Kenya, Spain and South Africa. It inaugurated the Johannesburg office at the end of 2022 and will be opening more locations before year’s end. The firm is considering new sustainable development funds for the near future. The CFI.co judging panel present ThirdWay Partners — a fourth-year programme winner — with the 2023 award for Best ESG Merchant Banking Team (Africa).