Norvestor: Best Sustainable Equity Investor Nordics 2020

It is not merely a matter of employing ESG principles as a touchstone for investment decisions, but of continuously updating the environmental, social, and governance criteria that guide the allocation of financial resources. Such a dynamic approach to investing amplifies both the positive societal impact of private equity and mitigates risk for all stakeholders whilst ensuring solid and dependable returns on capital and effort.

One of the Nordic Region’s larger and well-established private equity firms with a 30-year track record, Norvestor focusses on long-term sustainability rather than the next quarter’s results. The philosophy at the core of its operations holds that sustainable business practices are key to the health and well-being of future generations. Norvestor funds invest in select companies that proactively work to lessen their environmental footprint – and do so out of conviction. The firm also checks for adherence to a comprehensive suite of corporate best practices. This way, returns are optimised for all stakeholders, pointedly including communities and the wider society.

Increasingly, investor activism is considered a key driver of the broad changes necessary to meet many of today’s challenges. The future of planet earth and its inhabitants is too important to leave to governments alone. Norvestor understand this better than most. The firm lives by its principles – and delivers on them.

The CFI.co judging panel recognises that investor activism makes a significant difference and holds great potential. Money talks and has something to say. Moreover, the panel agrees with Norvestor that continuous advances in ESG standards result in exceptional investment opportunities. The judges are pleased to extent the 2020 Best Sustainable Equity Investor Nordics Award to Norvestor for its dedication to the long view.


Cloetta: Best Confectionery Brand Strategy Nordics 2020

Cloetta crafts sweet treats to brighten a peckish consumer’s day with moments of true joy. The Nordic confectioner was established over 100 years ago by three brothers with a passion for making chocolate. Cloetta takes pride in the long tradition of its brands, which are some of the strongest performers in core markets which include the Nordics, the Netherlands, Germany and the UK. In total, Cloetta is present in more than 50 markets worldwide. Listed on Nasdaq Stockholm, it has eight production facilities in five countries, and has forged a close bond with Nordic consumers. An experienced senior management team leads the company, but the customer is the ultimate boss. The company creates new concoctions to continually delight consumer palates, building on a portfolio of heritage brands that have been market favourites for decades. Cloetta fuels its plans for organic growth through strategic investment in marketing and manufacturing technology. The acquisition of a “pick’n’mix” business has allowed Cloetta to increase factory volumes and support important consumer trends such as less plastic, e-commerce and individualism. Cloetta sets long-term goals that require a proactive, forward-thinking attitude. Some targets include an EBIT margin, adjusted for items affecting comparability, of at least 14 per cent; a sales increase at least in-line with market growth; a dividend pay-out ratio of 40 to 60 percent of yearly profits; and numerous sustainability commitments. The CFI.co judging panel is pleased to present Cloetta with the 2020 award for Best Confectionery Brand Strategy (Nordics).


First Capital Bank Botswana Limited: Best Commercial Bank Growth Botswana 2020

First Capital Bank Botswana embarked on a transformational journey more than five years ago, fuelling growth aspirations by investing in people and technology. Its purpose-led strategy called for the implementation of a core banking system and a shake-up of their operating model. First Capital introduced a recruitment scheme to attract graduates, and head-hunted top talent. Key personnel, including CEO Jaco Viljoen, were welcomed to the team and the workforce doubled over the past five years. The bank, founded in 2008, has grown from a relatively unknown financial institution into an instantly recognised brand trusted to deliver on its promises. It has developed a range of corporate, commercial and retail banking services to meet the needs of any client. First Capital Bank Botswana has identified the SME sector as a factor for the growth of the bank – and the overall economy. Large international banks often rely on external committees when deciding on credit applications, but First Capital prefers a more personal approach: its local board fulfils that function. It invests time to get to know its customers and to develop a deep understanding of business opportunities. The bank has seen the benefits of its efforts reflected in its balance sheet, and it has a loan book with risk at well-below market average. It recently launched an asset-based finance and payroll lending service and offered clients new forex solutions. As momentum has gathered, the bank enjoys an increasingly confident position in the market. The CFI.co judging panel took note of these well thought-out expansion strategies, and declares First Capital Bank Botswana Ltd as the 2020 winner of the award for Best Commercial Bank Growth (Botswana).


Botswana Life Insurance Limited: Best Life Insurer-Botswana 2020

Founded in 1975, Botswana Life has earned the trust of the people and over 69% of the country’s market share. Botswana Life has been under new leadership since November 2018, when CEO Ronald James Samuels joined the team. Samuels previously held senior positions in the South African financial services giant, Sanlam Group – with shareholder of 58% from the BIHL Group, Botswana Life’s parent company. Samuels is committed to making a meaningful difference during his tenure and ensuring a legacy of customer centricity and exemplary governance. The Botswana Life Chief Executive Officer also serves as chairman of the Association of Underwriters of Botswana and is President of the Insurance Institute of Botswana. These connections have allowed collaboration with regulator to help shape the future of the industry and ensure national compliance and governance. The company focuses on advisory services rather than commission driven product sales. It practices social responsibility by caring for people and supports several educational programmes that promote financial literacy. Botswana Life is the first Botswana insurance insurer with its own training academy. It has embraced technology to enhance its digital sales platform and to lead the competition. Its suite of insurance services includes life, retirement annuities, investment policies and occupational pension benefits. Botswana Life plans to launch a disruptive business next year, offering financial and insurance advice to the whole population, free of charge. Watch this space. The CFI.co judging panel declares Botswana Life Insurance the winner of the 2020 award for Best Life Insurer (Botswana).


Corticeira Amorim: Best Raw Materials Sustainability Europe 2020

If a new material were invented that captured up to 73kg of CO2 for every 1kg produced, it would probably make the front page of newspapers across the globe. In fact, the material exists and has been in use for centuries. The material is cork, the eponymous bottle stopper that makes such a pleasant noise when extracted is probably the material's most famous use but applications range from architecture to space travel. Corticeira Amorim was founded 150 years ago and soon became one of the largest factories in Portugal, exporting to every corner of the globe. Amorim has always been at the forefront of this innovation and development of cork-based products.Today, natural cork bottle stoppers account for just over two thirds of sales, with floor and wall coverings second at about 15 percent. In architecture, cork's acoustic and thermal properties have proved invaluable in such iconic buildings as the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, which has a cork floor offering outstanding walking comfort, durability and sound absorption. In space travel, NASA and ESA have chosen cork for its remarkable ablation and insulating properties, incorporating it into thermal shields and plates lining their spacecraft. Cork is harvested cyclically, without causing any damage to the trees, it is completely natural and reusable. Cork oak forests are natural CO2 sinks, regulate the hydrological cycle, protect against erosion and fires and foster highly important biodiversity. Corticeira Amorim has been a pioneer in terms of sustainable development and has long been committed to delivering the highest standards in conservation. In addition, the company has been a driving force for innovation both internally and externally, helping to find new uses and markets for this remarkable material. This dedication to ESG and innovation while achieving a strong profit delivery, amounting to €75 million in 2019, make Corticeira Amorim worthy winners of CFI.co’s award for Best Raw Materials Sustainability – Europe 2020.


Energean: Best ESG Energy Growth Strategy Europe 2020

Committed to the sustainable development of energy resources along the Mediterranean and the North Sea, London-based Energean runs exploration, development and production projects in Egypt, Italy, UK, Greece, Croatia, Montenegro, Malta and Israel (where its flagship gas fields are located), inclusive of the acquisition of Edison E&P which is expected to be completed in 2020.

As a signatory of the UN’s Global Compact, Energean is striving towards a 2050 goal of net-zero emissions and contributing to the SDGs through operational excellence and sound corporate citizenry. It believes the SDGs can chart a path for building back better after the global pandemic, and has called on the UK’s Prime Minister to support socially just and green recovery plans. Sustainability unites the Energean ethos, as underscored by its 2019 performance report, where business outputs are visually stacked against SDG benchmarks.

Some highlights include better water efficiency (recycling 89% of water withdrawn at production sites) and an increased percentage of natural gas in its portfolio (more than 70% once its acquisition of Edison E&P completes). It achieved reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and non-renewable energy consumption and maintained a blemish-free record of emergency preparedness, regulatory compliance, community relations and occupational health and safety. Energean links executive incentive pay with performance on ESG targets, commits to transparent disclosure of emissions tracking and engages with organisations to precipitate the transition to a low-carbon future. Energean is listed on the London and Tel Aviv Stock Exchanges and included in the FTSE 250 Index.

The CFI.co judging panel is pleased to declare Energean as the 2020 Best ESG Energy Growth Strategy (Europe) award winner.


AiYO: Best Financial Institutions Transformation Partner France 2020

In a fast-paced world where the dynamics of change often boggle the mind, businesses able to adapt quickly gain a leading edge. Experts in navigating the complexities and intricacies of strategic and technological transformational processes, Paris-based AiYO (Associates in Your Operations) helps the financial services sector match their corporate vision and mission to present reality and future expectations.

AiYO partners with its clients to plan and execute holistic processes that ensure business sustainability. The consultancy grew out of the realisation that some of today’s iconic financial services providers suffer from a certain inertia and organisational rigidity that precludes them from seizing the opportunities awarded by advances in technology and new strategic insights.

Instead of preaching revolution, AiYO professionals seek to implement meaningful change with a minimum of disruption. They do so via an approach that values the human element. Rather than focussing on cosmetics, AiYO will re-engineer the corporate DNA to ensure improved adaptability to future challenges.

The CFI.co judging panel recognises that rapid progress poses a number of challenges to an industry often – and understandably – reluctant or fearful of embracing new-fangled technologies. Likewise, it may take time to incorporate updated strategic insights into day-to-day operations. This adds significantly to operational risk – and invites competition from disruptors.

AiYO takes the sting out of change and offers a full suite of experience-based solutions that allow the financial services industry to face the future with confidence – and flexibility. The judges are please to declare AiYO winner of the 2020 Best Financial Institutions Transformation Partner Award.


Agriterra: Most Responsible Agribusiness Group Africa 2020

With a stamp of approval, and a sizeable grant, from the World Bank and listed on the Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange, Agriterra is poised to become one of Africa’s leading food producers. The company has been structured with a view to scalability and an eye on the growing demand for its products.

Agriterra through Mozbife and DECA, its operating subsidiaries in Mozambique, engages with approximately 200,000 smallholders and family farmers to source maize and cattle via a pricing model that offers producers stable and predictable incomes. This gives farmers an incentive to invest in their land and in skills development. The company is also attentive to the broader needs of its suppliers, recognising the importance of establishing lasting and mutually beneficial relationships.

Agriterra employs 400 people in Mozambique and has implemented systems to protect their health and their jobs at the time of Covid 19. Agriterra’s ethos is provide affordable food to the rural and urban populations and has taken steps to ensure that this is still the case in the current environment

Agriterra prioritises its training and development programmes as a way to further improve operational sustainability. The company runs three farms and maintains its own feedlot and abattoir which meet the highest bio security and animal welfare  standards.

Agriterra has gained a significant market share in Mozambique and is currently exploring a number of export and investment opportunities.

The CFI.co judging panel commends Agriterra on a transparent and fair business model that inspires trust amongst sellers and buyers alike. The judges are pleased to grant Agriterra the 2020 Most Responsible Agribusiness Group Africa Award.


Evenord-Bank eG-KG: Best Sustainable Regional Bank Germany 2020

A committed, courageous, and contrarian cooperative society, Germany’s Evenord-Bank plots its own course with waypoints firmly anchored in ethical principles. Instead of embarking on a blind pursuit of institutional growth, the Nuremberg-based bank has kept its focus on serving the community – and remaining a trusted partner to businesses and households.

As befits a bank with a refreshingly different outlook, Evenord-Bank’s history is rather singular. The bank, quite literally, sprouted from the tills of the eponymous wholesale cooperative where local restaurateurs, chefs, and shopkeepers have been buying groceries since 1924.Next year, Evenord-Bank celebrates its 60th anniversary. No outsized display of fireworks is expected. The bank’s strength and resilience are rooted in a philosophy that prizes modesty and restraint. Though it may lack pretentiousness, Evenord-Bank is a recognised leader in value-based banking.

Decades before concepts such as corporate social responsibility and sustainability became all-important, Evenord-Bank had already quietly incorporated these principles – and others regarding environmental stewardship and care – into its day-to-day operations. The bank maintains a comprehensive list of exclusions and will, for example, decline business from countries that fail to respect human rights and companies engaged in unethical practices.

Today, the corporate world has at long last caught up with Evenord-Bank which now finds itself in the vanguard of a shift to a business model that measures performance and outcomes over extended timespans as opposed to the next quarter. Perhaps the most valuable wisdom that the Bavarian cooperative can impart concerns the recognition that continuity is a function of change: listen carefully, accept sensible suggestions, and remember that nothing is set in stone. The CFI.co judging panel is thrilled to offer Evenord-Bank eG-KG the 2020 Best Sustainable Regional Bank Germany Award.


BankInvest: Best ESG Responsible Investor Denmark 2020

BankInvest has demonstrated wisdom and foresight over its 50-year history by focusing on sustainability to foster growth and create value for stakeholders. The mutual fund was founded with the ideals of a co-operative — and a mission to level the playing field of the Danish financial market, enabling smaller institutions to challenge market leaders in healthy competition. Bankinvest is owned by 38 banks and retail investing represents a core part of its business, along with a strong institutional division. It has appointed a Committee for Responsible Investments, vested with the decision-making power to exclude unsuitable companies from consideration. Portfolio candidates are vetted for ESG compliance at the pre-investment stage, then guided through active ownership stakes to push for the most responsible and sustainable operations possible. If an investee’s ESG performance should begin to falter, BankInvest addresses the issue through open dialogue with the company’s management team, by exercising AGM voting rights, or, as a last result, by shedding the shares. BankInvest has partnered with Sustainalytics to execute norm-based screening of portfolio investments against international standards for environmental protection, human rights, labour standards and business ethics. An MSCI ESG partnership, which provides BankInvest with specialised analysis of corporate ESG conditions, underscores its commitment to transparency and accountability, which also includes front running quarterly reporting on how BankInvest’s investment portfolios perform compared to its peers within ESG, CO2 and SDG metrics. The CFI.co judging panel is pleased to recognise a company with sustainability in its DNA, and declares BankInvest as the winner of the 2020 award for Best ESG Responsible Investor (Denmark).


Schlange & Co GmbH: Best CSR & Sustainability Consultancy Europe 2020

Founded in 2006, Schlange & Co (S&C) is home to an interdisciplinary team of 25 corporate and social responsibility consultants with specialist backgrounds in investment banking, business, economics, geography, communications and environmental and political sciences. The consultancy champions the sustainability cause by challenging traditional approaches and laying the groundwork for paradigm shifts. S&C has earned a gold-standard reputation for uncompromising commitment to CSR — and for refusing to engage in “green washing”. It has partnered with 170 clients around the world — many of them blue chips — and completed 550 projects. S&C works with multinationals and mid-sized companies across a range of geographies and industries, from agriculture and chemicals to telecoms and utilities. From offices in Hamburg and New York, S&C consultants work closely with clients to establish a resilient sustainability management plan. Consultant and client take a top-down approach to define the strategy, set targets and implement processes. A bottom-up approach covers performance verification, supplier auditing, product testing and educational training. Clients can choose from a suite of complementary services in the S&C product portfolio, which is divided into three CR consultancy areas: strategy and organisation, communication, and software and data management. The company systematically delivers advice using proven methods to achieve the highest level of quality and customer care. The CFI.co judging panel recognises Schlange & Co. GmbH, one of the first such consultancy firms in Germany, with the 2020 Best CSR & Sustainability Consultancy (Europe) award.


Amethis Finance: Best Private Equity Impact Investing Team Sub-Saharan Africa 2020

Amethis was founded by Africa investment specialists with 20 years of industry experience. With over €725m under management dedicated to the continent, Amethis promotes Africa as a worthy frontier market. World Bank data backs that up, showing strong macro-economic fundamentals, improving political stability and structural growth over the last 25 years. Amethis is a leading private equity manager, with offices in Paris, Abidjan, Casablanca, Nairobi and Luxembourg — and an Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) to build regional champions with sustainable economic empowerment. The ESMS is a long-term bridge linking every stage of the investment process. It identifies specific ESG targets to help achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals on poverty, economic growth and responsible consumption and production. Amethis works closely with investees to co-create positive returns at economic, environmental and social levels. Portfolio companies are monitored through calls and on-site visits to ensure strong ESG performance. Shareholder covenants give Amethis the right to walk away if a company fails to comply with its high standards or to mitigate any high residual risks stipulated in its ESG action plan. The CFI.co judging panel applauds these strong ethical commitments and equally strong execution capacity. Amethis has raised €725m in equity and closed 25 equity investments since its inception. The judges unanimously declare Amethis Finance as the winner of the 2020 award for Best Private Equity Impact Investing Team (Sub-Saharan Africa).


Masthaven Bank: Best Customer-Centric Use of Financial Technology UK 2020

Digital advances have brought flexibility and customisation to banking. Masthaven Bank, founded in 2004, has harnessed those advances to deliver a suite of solutions marked by speed, convenience and security — without sacrificing the human connection and a personal touch. Customers can apply online — via an easy onboarding process — for fixed-term savings accounts, with custom-set maturity dates from six months to five years. The bank also works with brokers to offer first- and second-charge mortgages, bridging loans and development finance. In response to client demand during the pandemic, Masthaven announced a limited-edition range of fee-free remortgages, including first-charge residential two-year and five-year fixed remortgage products. It details its customer commitments in a charter that promises personalised, professional and timely responses to all requests. Masthaven team members listen to client concerns, and offer honest feedback as well as the expertise to resolve any pain points. The bank is fastidious in the protection of clients’ personal information and forthright in the prevention of fraud and cybercrime. Masthaven pledges full transparency in its decision-making processes, and explains outcomes in straightforward terms. It seeks continuous improvement by soliciting customer feedback to drive development, and is quick to correct any oversight. At Masthaven Bank, customer service is personalised, and client funds are protected — guaranteed up to £85,000 by the UK’s Financial Services Compensation Scheme. The CFI.co judging panel presents Masthaven Bank, a repeat winner, with the 2020 award for Best Customer-Centric use of Financial Technology (UK).


Grupo T-Solar: Best Green Energy Bond Issuer Europe 2020

[caption id="attachment_8237" align="aligncenter" width="900"] Grupo T-Solar[/caption]

The sun bathes the planet with an abundance of affordable energy — and Grupo T-Solar harnesses that power at every step of the renewable energy value chain. The group was established in Spain over a decade ago and has developed a repertoire of skills that spans the spectrum of renewables expertise. Grupo T-Solar influences the renewables market as a power producer, and as an asset manager. In addition to the development, management and operation of energy projects, Grupo T-Solar is leading the charge for green financing. The group started 2020 by announcing the completion of one of the market’s larger financings: €34m and €234.1m in senior secured class A1 and A2 bonds, respectively, plus a 10-year loan of €299.7m. The transaction refinances 23 solar projects across Spain, totalling 127 megawatts (MW) of power potential. It also earned top marks — a resounding E1/80 — in Standard and Poor’s Green Evaluation, which analyses transparency, governance and mitigation of environmental impacts. Grupo T-Solar issued its first bond in 2017, totalling €118.3m, and refinancing 11 solar powerplants with a combined capacity of 34.2MW. The group operates more than 50 plants in Spain, Italy, Peru and India — and those operations stopped the emission of 216,000 tons of CO2 last year. The CFI.co judging panel notes that Grupo T-Solar has set its sights on the long term to create a sustainable business plan that enables investors to cut their carbon footprint — and reap healthy returns. The judges declare Grupo T-Solar as the winner of the 2020 award for Best Green Energy Bond Issuer (Europe).


HQ Capital: Best ESG Investment Solutions - Germany 2020

As an early adopter of ESG integration, HQ Capital spent time carefully defining tailored policies, implementing strategies, and developing a private equity ranking system that has made ESG criteria an intrinsic step in its investment process. Supported by a global ESG team, led by Managing Director Britta Lindhorst, HQ Capital has made ESG an integral element of its corporate and investment strategy.

HQ Capital is a leading independent private equity manager, investing in global and regionally-focused private equity on behalf of its international client base since 1989. Originally founded as part of a family office, HQ Capital has evolved over the past three decades into a full-service, global institutional private equity firm with $8.0 billion AUM as of June 30, 2020,  a robust global network, and teams based across Europe, the U.S., and Asia. HQ Capital takes a partnership-oriented approach, leveraging its 30-year history and industry expertise for the benefit of its clients, the company, and their global communities. In addition to being ESG oriented in their investment practices, HQ Capital has proven itself to be a responsible global citizen, continuously assessing areas for improvement that pre-emptively address regulatory changes and incorporate stakeholder feedback. HQ Capital actively nurtures strong and trustworthy relationships with its partners and investors, with the goal of living its pledge to always be receptive, reliable, and transparent. The CFI.co judging panel presents HQ Capital with the 2020 award for Best ESG Investment Solutions (Germany).


UniCredit: Best Social Impact Bank Europe 2020

UniCredit, a leading pan-European commercial bank is known by its slogan of “banking that matters”. This motto applies equally well to the needs and aspirations of accountholders as it does to UniCredit’s corporate strategy for sustainability, inclusion, and diversity.

The bank is not shy to tap into the less glamorous parts of the retail market through its Social Impact Banking programme in order to offer its services and expertise to small businesses, start-ups, and others often overlooked. UniCredit makes no qualms about its ambition to safeguard and promote the interests of all stakeholders – and that includes the wider society of which it is part.

In light of the uncertainties introduced by the pandemic, UniCredit has redoubled its efforts to engage with stakeholders and map their concerns and needs so that the bank may adjust its policies and product suite to match demand.

UniCredit is committed to provide a diverse and inclusive workplace for its employees and invests considerable effort into advanced training and skill development programmes. The bank also maintains a number of large-scale educational outreach initiatives to share its expertise to the benefit of different social groups across its communities including those most vulnerable.

The history of the bank dates back to 1870, when Banca di Genova - later renamed Credito Italiano - opened for business. UniCredit Group was first formed with the merger of a number of major Italian banks and has since expanded its footprint to include a presence across 13 core markets in Europe. It is also the parent company of the German HypoVereinsbank.

The CFI.co judging panel notes that UniCredit was an early adopter of strong and meaningful corporate social responsibility policies. The bank has established a reputation that lives up to its corporate slogan. The judges wholeheartedly agree that a broad perspective matters a great deal indeed and feel no hesitation in naming UniCredit winner of the 2020 Best Social Impact Bank Europe Award.


JAGGAER: Best Smart eProcurement Platform Global 2020

Matching artificial intelligence to the vast global marketplace and applying custom parameters to suit specific corporate requirements results in a powerful and efficient e-procurement platform that builds and shapes dynamic yet resilient supply chains – a must-have in today’s world. It is a concept that has been developed by US procurement technology pioneer JAGGAER which celebrates its 25th anniversary in October.

The company’s current client roster includes several corporates that have remained loyal to JAGGAER since the first version of its procurement platform was launched. The company’s elevated level of client retention bespeaks of exceptional quality and superior performance.

The flagship JAGGAER ONE platform digitises the entire procurement process via a number of modules that dovetail to form a fully featured unified cloud-based solution applicable to all sectors of industry. From sourcing to settling via inventory management, contracts, and spend analytics, amongst others, JAGGAER ONE streamlines complex processes into transparent end-to-end solutions that prioritise bespoke parameters to deliver the desired results.

JAGGAER has established a reputation of excellence by focussing on its core business and deploying advances in technology to perfect its product suite. JAGGAER ONE has progressed to include a Supply Chain Collaboration module that detects and exploits synergies to bolster both risk mitigation and synergies.

The JAGGAER ONE suite complements – and integrates seamlessly with – existing accounting and enterprise resource planning systems. The CFI.co judging panel appreciates that the company’s solutions provide for frictionless commerce and are crafted to precisely meet the needs of its clients on a strategic and tactical level. The judges feel no hesitation in declaring JAGGAER winner of the 2020 Best Smart eProcurement Platform Award.


Banque Internationale Arabe de Tunisie: Best Bank Governance Tunisia 2020

Since its founding in 1976, Banque Internationale Arabe de Tunisie (BIAT) has made good governance a cornerstone of its operations. The bank continually updates its policies, and this year it has designated dedicated groups to provide oversight and recommendations on auditing and risk. BIAT has earned its reputation as a reliable partner, and the confidence of its customers. Its network includes some 200 branches, 2,000 employees and 920,000 account holders. BIAT has expended time and effort to develop an exceptional governance system. It was among the top 30 African banks ranked for high impact, the only Tunisian institution on the list. BIAT is socially responsible, with a best-in-class system and a dedicated workforce serving Tunisians from all walks of life — individuals, entrepreneurs, SMEs, large companies and institutions. It is a stalwart of the banking sector, demonstrating ethical leadership and active collaboration. The Central Bank of Tunisia invites BIAT to weigh-in on major decisions, and trusts its advice to be in the best interests of customers and country. BIAT’s reputation extends beyond Tunisian borders, and its expertise has been sought by clients across the continent through the consulting subsidiary it launched in 2014. The CFI.co judging panel commends the bank’s calm and efficient response during the pandemic, and presents BIAT — a repeat programme winner — with the 2020 award for Best Bank Governance (Tunisia).


Equiti Group: Most Innovative Financial Markets Brokerage Global 2020

Over the past decade, Equiti Group has solidified its status as a leading provider of global brokerage services. Equiti Group’s network of twelve subsidiaries and over 300 specialists provides clients in the Middle East, the Americas, Europe, Africa and Asia Pacific with access to individual, corporate and institutional brokerage services. Innovation is one of the driving forces behind the group’s impressive growth trajectory. Equiti Group is committed to ensuring that the trading of financial instruments becomes ever more accessible and affordable to clients worldwide. One of the group’s latest milestones comes from its Kenyan subsidiary, EGM Securities, which last year launched FXPesa as the first provider of online Forex and CFD (contract-for-difference) products for Kenya’s retail market. FXPesa unlocks global trading opportunities for smartphone users across the country. Kenya is a recognised fintech hub with an entrepreneurial culture and high smartphone penetration — making it an ideal market to launch Equiti’s app-based CFD trading for Africa. FXPesa (which translates to “FXMoney” in Swahili) has quickly become synonymous with mobile trading across Kenya. EGM Securities joined the Equiti Group in 2018 and became the first online-forex broker to be granted a licence by Kenya’s Capital Markets Authority, one of the most highly regarded regulatory bodies on the continent. Equiti Group sees market conditions across Kenya and Sub-Saharan Africa — where mobile financial services are superseding traditional retail banking — as ripe for disruption. The CFI.co judging panel declares Equiti Group as the 2020 winner of the global award for Most Innovative Financial Markets Brokerage.


Telecom Plus: Best ESG Multi-Utility Provider UK 2020

Why memorise multiple passwords and make payments throughout the month when all your household bills could be bundled into one simple monthly bill? Telecom Plus is the only company in the UK to offer such a comprehensive service. It is listed as Telecom Plus on the LSE and fully regulated by Ofgem, Ofcom and the Financial Conduct Authority. Over the past 20 years, the company has won the confidence of more than 650,000 customers — and a spot on the FTSE 250 Index. The multi-service provider reported £875.8m in revenue last year. Customers can choose from packages that combine gas, electricity, broadband, landline, mobile and insurance. Telecom’s Double Gold bundle, “The Everything One”, even helps clients to control energy usage with smart meters and LED bulbs installed at no charge by the company. It features a green energy tariff and completely renewable electricity. Customers on this package could save up to 15 percent on their energy bill. They can become brand ambassadors, too, and get rewards for every successful referral. Telecom Plus has pledged to plant a tree in honour of each new full-service customer — and hopes to plant 100,000 trees by 31 March 2021. That would create a woodland area equivalent to 100 football pitches, with an absorption capacity of 20,000 tonnes of CO2. Telecom Plus supports additional CSR initiatives — including Covid relief and plastic pollution education — through its non-profit UW Foundation. The CFI.co judging panel presents Telecom Plus with the 2020 award for Best ESG Multi-Utility Provider (UK).


Banca Generali: Best ESG Private Banking Solutions Italy 2020

Sustainability is the core mission of Banca Generali, a commitment that is reflected throughout its business model. The private bank specialises in financial planning and customer asset protection. Since its launch in the early 2000s, Banca Generali has become a reference point in Italy for service value, innovation and sustainable growth throughout its operations, services and products. It has cultivated a corporate culture noted for diversity and inclusion, and has achieved gender parity in the workforce. Ongoing professional development programmes provide more than 164,000 hours of training for its employees. In addition to its subsidiaries and partnerships, the Banca Generali network includes consultancy collaborations with financial planners, private bankers, wealth- and relationship managers. This structure enables Banca Generali to bundle all its products and services into one convenient platform. Clients can log into the portal and filter product searches to build an investment portfolio that reflects their individual risk profiles and ESG priorities. The platform is visually stimulating, with colourful SDG icons serving as identifiers and search tools. It breaks down each fund’s contribution to ESG targets, showing how investments can deliver healthy returns while creating positive impacts. Banca Generali encourages all stakeholders to participate in the definition and implementation of its sustainability strategies. The CFI.co judging panel recognises Banca Generali as an industry pioneer and champion of sustainability with the 2020 award for Best ESG Private Banking Solutions (Italy).


McKinsey & Company: Best Management Consultancy Spain 2020

Over McKinsey & Company’s four-decade history in Spain, it has served over half of the country’s largest companies and undertaken more than 2,000 projects. The firm is world-renowned for offering clients quality insights that lead to lasting impacts, thanks to its investments in talent recruitment and retention. McKinsey Spain hires across borders and backgrounds to create a close-knit team with diverse strengths. New hires benefit from consultancy training and an introduction to the company’s core values before being assigned a mentor to guide their professional development. The company continually strengthens team skills through annual local and practice-related training opportunities. McKinsey’s Madrid and Barcelona offices host some 160 consultants and 220 employees, partnering with public institutions and private companies across a range of sectors, including finance, telecommunications, energy and consumer goods. McKinsey Spain leverages the group’s world-class experience, advanced technology and proprietary data to tailor solutions to regional circumstances and individual client needs. It complements consulting services with a portfolio of more than 85 solutions designed to facilitate growth and transformation. The company contributes to the reform and improvement of Spain’s economy with research-backed data, and is an influential voice in public debate. McKinsey launched the Generation Foundation in 2014 to prepare young Spaniards for employment, equipping them with in-demand skills. The CFI.co judging panel recognises McKinsey & Company as winner of the 2020 award for Best Management Consultancy (Spain).


Pirelli: Best ESG Responsible Manufacturer Italy 2020

Pirelli is one of the world's leading tyre producers and the only one focused solely on Consumer tyres. Its social responsibility stance has been in place from its early days, and has evolved to align with the principles and practices of the UN Global Compact. A dedicated sustainability team works with Executive Vice Chairman and CEO Marco Tronchetti Provera and a steering committee comprised of top management representatives to develop Pirelli's vision for the future. The team evaluates every aspect of the business through the lens of sustainability. Pirelli prioritizes this core value — and expects the same commitment from everyone in its supply chain. Potential suppliers undergo a rigorous selection process before contracts are awarded, and each must demonstrate continued compliance with sustainability standards through regular auditing by an independent party. Pirelli gives suppliers clear deadlines to rectify any instance of non-compliance before resorting to contract termination when deemed necessary. Sustainability targets are periodically reviewed and revised and published as part of Group industrial plans. These targets are cascaded through to the local level, fostering a culture of transparency and accountability. With the aim of of accelerating the transition to a more sustainable way of life, the Company proactively participates in trade associations, and contributes to the wider community. It sponsors youth scholarships, family support programmes, sustainable farming workshops and road safety campaigns. In response to the pandemic, Pirelli donated funds to philanthropic community initiatives, particularly in areas where it has operations. The CFI.co judging panel recognizes Pirelli as winner of the 2020 award for Best ESG Responsible Manufacturer (Italy).


JPMorgan Chase: Best CSR Banking United States 2020

Global financial giant JPMorgan Chase boasts a 200-year history of integrity, commitment and innovation. The group has developed a multi-faceted CSR programme that demonstrates excellent corporate citizenship. It initiated a plan in early 2018 to deploy $1.75bn in worldwide philanthropic capital over five years, and has made great strides in reaching that goal. It focuses the vast scope of its resources and influence to help build strong communities and economies of scale around the world. It fosters an open and dynamic workplace, actively creates a diverse corporate culture and prioritises human rights throughout its internal and external operations. JPMorgan Chase gives grants to non-profits, matches donations for employees’ chosen charities, and connects employees to their communities via a three-pronged volunteer programme. Tech for Social Good aims to empower people with technology, the Fellowship Initiative works to improve educational outcomes for disadvantaged young men of colour, and the Service Corps offers strategic support to non-profits. The company strengthens communities through educational initiatives designed to hone a competitive edge and boost job prospects. It prioritises financial inclusivity and develops solutions to increase household financial security. Sustainability is a guiding principle of JPMorgan Chase, touching on everything from risk management, the environmental impacts of its operations and its climate-positive business investments. The CFI.co judging panel confers JPMorgan Chase — a repeat winner — with the 2020 award for Best CSR Banking (United States).


London Stock Exchange: Best Capital-Raising Exchange Global 2020

London Stock Exchange dates all the way back to 1698, when ye olde broker John Castaing began posting stock and commodity prices at Jonathan's Coffee House in the City. It has evolved into a hi-tech operation capable of processing upwards of a million trades per day. The exchange affords access to Europe’s deepest capital pool for about 2,000 companies in 108 countries and 47 sectors. London Stock Exchange raised €28.5bn of equity capital in the first eight months of 2020 — €21.5bn of that in follow-on fundraisings from March through August. It represented six of the top 20 transactions in Europe, or 38 percent of total capital-raising equity on the London market. This year has so far seen companies raise $383.8bn across equity and debt financing, and 99 follow-ons on its main-market exchange contributed £19.2bn through accelerated bookbuilds. London raised seven percent of global equity capital within the first half of 2020. During the pandemic, the LSE has demonstrated vibrancy and resilience, and the London market serves as a bridge between the US and Asia. A third of its investor base hails from outside the UK, with a third of that from the US and the rest spread across Europe and Asia, a truly international market. New initiatives, such as the Green Economy Mark and Sustainable Bond Market, are pushing investors towards the companies that champion these movements. The CFI.co judges nod in unison, and present London Stock Exchange with the 2020 global award for Best Capital-Raising Exchange.


Invesco: Best ESG Responsible Investment Expert United States 2020

Independent investment company Invesco celebrates the energy and advancements building in ESG. The firm views the stewardship of clients’ assets as sacrosanct — and uses ESG as a focus to amplify returns while creating positive impacts for people and planet. Responsible investing is embedded throughout Invesco’s global network, from its headquarters in Atlanta to 50 locations across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa. Invesco ensures that its practice-what-you-preach ethos can be verified through transparent and documented resources. ESG performance is reported across asset classes to help clients align investment with a desire for positive change in the world. The metrics enable them to recognise the best opportunities, using ESG performance as a reliable indicator of growth and adaptive evolution. Stakeholders in the Invesco community understand the logic and longevity of sustainability, and investors increasingly look to future-proof their portfolios with proven ESG strategies. Invesco’s 8,000-strong global workforce in 25 countries manages client assets worth $1.2tn. The firm engages with investees through an active ownership approach that promotes open dialogue and continuous improvement. Invesco is an active member in a variety of global trade associations. For the fourth consecutive year, Invesco was awarded an A-plus rating in strategy and governance by the UN-sponsored Principles for Responsible Investment. The CFI.co judging panel presents Invesco with the 2020 award for Best ESG Responsible Investment Expert (United States).


Gallatin Point Capital: Best Opportunistic Investment Strategy US 2020

Gallatin Point Capital (GPC) is a private investment firm led by seasoned professionals who have earned their spurs over lengthy careers in finance. Lewis A “Lee” Sachs served as the Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Financial Markets, and Matthew Botein oversaw opportunistic investments at BlackRock Alternative Investors. The GPC managing partners have assembled a talented team of young professionals with a passion for entrepreneurism. The boutique firm takes an atomic view of investment opportunities to identify the needs of the business as well as the expected returns. GPC aims to generate generous returns per unit of risk by backing companies with winning ideas and strong leadership, and supports its investees through collaborative partnerships. The GPC portfolio of businesses and holdings ranges from new market entrants with experienced founding teams to established enterprises looking for capital growth partners or pursuing specific objectives. GPC treats each collaboration as puzzle to be solved, studying the pieces to find a perfect fit. It pairs equity stake or liquidity solutions with managerial expertise to help investees overcome challenges and unlock growth. It favours a creative strategy of more idiosyncratic and uncorrelated rewards and risks rather than those linked with the performance of equity and bond markets. This distinctive approach allows for greater risk-adjusted returns and more flexibility in deal structures. The CFI.co judging panel declares Gallatin Point Capital the worthy winner of the 2020 award for Best Opportunistic Investment Strategy (US).


MacKay Shields: Best ESG Fixed Income Investor United States 2020

MacKay Shields follows the mantra: "Big enough to matter, small enough to make a difference." As of September 2020, the firm has a workforce of 211 professionals and manages approximately $144bn. MacKay Shields considers ESG at every level of its operations, aiming to create long-term value for its clients. Each investment team utilizes its own distinct philosophy, processes and expertise to add value across capital markets. As such, each investment team integrates material ESG considerations in its own manner which reflects the character of its respective asset class and investment style. Further, each investment team has developed a team-specific ESG policy, which serves as the cornerstone of the team’s ESG integration process. Within the results-orientated firm, MacKay Shields’ teams have developed proprietary scoring systems to evaluate prospective or current investments against ESG performance. MacKay Shields believes engagement is an integral part of managing ESG risks. Each team has developed its own approach to engagement consistent with its philosophy and process. Firmwide, investment teams and their strategy-specific policies are united through MacKay Shields' Responsible Investment Advisory Committee (RI Committee). The RI Committee, which features the firm's ESG & Sustainability Initiatives director, senior representatives of portfolio management teams, its General Counsel and members of the risk team, is charged with overseeing firm-wide ESG efforts. MacKay Shields takes pride in its growing reputation for disciplined, ESG-focused investment research, recently earning an A+ rating for the PRI Strategy & Governance module. The CFI.co judges announce MacKay Shields as the 2020 winner of the award for Best ESG Fixed Income Investor (United States).


Mack International: Best Investment Manager Executive Search Firm US 2020

As the investment world frets and fusses about current, and probably future, market volatility, Mack International is confidently charting a course to calmer waters. The US firm was founded in 2002 with the mission to help clients find the perfect executive investment manager. Mack International tailors executive search solutions for single and multi-client family offices, wealth advisory, investment management and financial services companies with ultra-high-net-worth clients. The Chicago-based firm’s found, Linda Mack, is an industry thought-leader who is acknowledged as one of the world’s top wealth management experts. Mack International is famous for culling candidate lists until only those with a winning combination of suitable qualifications and cultural fit remain. - This can be an elusive target and a hard row to hoe, but Mack International ‘s comprehensive, consultative approach has consistently delivered results for its national and international clients over the years. A dedicated team of senior consultants with over 60 years combined experience in Family Office and Investment Management personally conduct each assignment. The firm’s founder leads every search. No client work is delegated to junior staff. This high-touch process ensures that the firm gets a profound understanding of its selected clients and candidates, taking their needs and aspirations into account to create ideal, enduring partnerships. Mack International has weathered the challenges brought about by the coronavirus pandemic with characteristic aplomb. Video Conferencing has given the firm the ability to maintain face-to-face contact with clients and candidates, albeit at a distance, in a convenient format. By using resourceful and creative approaches tailored to each engagement, Mack International has helped ensure success for their clients this year despite the limitations imposed on in-person meetings during these unprecedented times. The CFI.co judging panel is pleased to announce Mack International, a repeat programme winner, with the 2020 award for Best Investment Manager Executive Search Firm (US).


Arca Fondi SGR: Best Emerging Markets Debt Manager Europe 2020

Arca Fondi SGR weathers choppy market conditions with the confidence borne of 37 years’ investment experience. The Italian firm manages portfolios with agility, adjusting risk profiles to seize opportunities thrown up by market volatility. The current global crisis has affected businesses in unprecedented ways, but the solid risk-management processes implemented by Arca’s multi-manager teams have paid off. Early indicators suggest Arca portfolios, invested in liquid instruments, are among the top performers of their groups. Arca’s investments in digitalisation and organisational simplification have allowed it to shutter most of its offices during the crisis and operate through just one branch using less than five percent of its staff — with no interruption to operations. Arca reports that thousands of transactions, subscriptions and redemptions are processed weekly. Teleconferencing keeps internal committees connected and on-target, and there are regular meetings — up to 100 each week — with external brokers and analysts. Regular reports keep clients informed of investment performance, while weekly webinars strengthen their understanding of market trends. Arca Fondi SGR serves individual and institutional investors, including pension funds and commercial banks. It subscribes to the ethically based Global Investment Performance Standards developed by the CFA Institute, and independent audits over two decades show its consistent compliance. The CFI.co judging panel has recognised the firm’s performance in several awards programmes, and its triumph over recent challenges elevates its reputation. The judges present Arca Fondi SGR with the 2020 award for Best Emerging Markets Debt Manager (Europe).


Begbies Traynor Group: Best Corporate Administration Services UK 2020

In times of trouble, the Begbies Traynor Group stands ready to offer solace and solutions to struggling corporates. The UK’s premier business rescue and recovery specialist, listed on the London Stock Exchange and boasting over thirty years’ worth of experience, fields an exceptional team of professionals who not only deploy their expertise but share their customers’ passion for excellence. The firm goes far beyond offering wisdom from the comfort of its 78 branch offices spread throughout the UK and works closely with local experts to provide eminently practical advice crafted to match the specific on-site conditions.

Begbies Traynor Group takes a holistic approach to the business and has expanded its suite of services to include risk consulting, forensic accounting, and corporate finance, amongst others. In order to better balance its portfolio, the company has also moved into the M&A-space. Given the present uncertainties facing the business community, Begbies Traynor Group is well-poised to help companies navigate shifting market dynamics and protect the interests of all stakeholders. Thanks to a vast network of offices and associates – one that covers the full spectrum of business and reaches deep into the economy – the group can tap into a universe of opportunities and knowledge not easily equalled. The company’s skills in sourcing upsides has been particularly beneficial to pulling SMEs back from the brink.

The CFI.co judging panel needs no further convincing that Begbies Traynor Group is well equipped to tip the scales when businesses become unhinged. The group has a strong track record that denotes a remarkable success rate as well as a consistently superior performance. The judges are pleased to offer Begbies Traynor Group the 2020 Best Corporate Administration Services UK Award.


Ferrexpo: Most Responsible Commodity Trader Global 2020

Ferrexpo has a 50-year legacy of turning raw resources into high-commodity assets, from responsible mining operations to best-in-class community impact programmes. The London-based company has iron-ore mines in the Ukraine and a commodity trading offices in Dubai and Switzerland. In 2007, Ferrexpo became the first Ukrainian company to be listed on the London Stock Exchange, and now ranks on the FTSE 250 Index. The company has amassed a strong asset base through a “fast follower” approach to technology and innovation. Ferrexpo is in the process of automating its trucking fleet and drilling operations, contributing to an increasingly safe work environment for its employees. As automation advances displace low-skilled labour, Ferrexpo is committed to training employees to upskill. The company assigns one percent of annual EBITDA to support local communities. Over the past decade, Ferrexpo has invested in upgrading facilities at all six of the local secondary schools and has donated set of iPads to local schools, and sponsors athletic clubs, cultural events and musical performances. It sponsors science programmes, funds scholarships and sets high targets for female enrolment. Ferrexpo ensures that high-potential employees develop by providing 6 to 8 weeks of in-house training through its business leadership programme. It organises development activities and networking events to support women in leadership. The company is just as conscientious in its operations and has made strides towards its vision of full renewable energy. It uses sunflower husks to reduce fuel consumption and is investigating use of solar energy at its operations. The CFI.co judging panel declares Ferrexpo as worthy winner of the 2020 global award for Most Responsible Commodity Trader.


Alpha MOS: Best Sensory Analysis Solutions Europe 2020

Alpha MOS claims the distinction of being the first company to bring “electronic noses” to the market. The French firm develops sensory analysis tools for industrial and consumer clients worldwide, providing smell-, taste- and visual-assessment technology to control the sensory qualities of products. More than 1,000 Alpha MOS instruments have been installed in food, beverage and packaging industries around the world. The French company has established a global network, with offices in the US and China and distributors worldwide. Over the past 27 years, Alpha MOS has solidified its status as an innovator in this niche area, with a number of patents under its belt. The science-driven operation fuels future developments with strong investment to create products that will fulfil unmet market needs. Alpha MOS put €3m into R&D in 2019, and has set aside that same financial commitment in its 2020 budget. The specialist outfit is now turning its attention to the integration of a new generation of gas micro-sensors, which would expand its market scope to include more general-use applications. The Alpha MOS team has 50 members around the world, with a quarter of the staff in the science department. All new employees undergo a comprehensive onboarding process, including a six-month training programme, to ensure a perfect fit within the organisation. The CFI.co judging panel salutes the bright minds behind this unusual business model, and declares Alpha MOS winner of the 2020 award for Best Sensory Analysis Solutions (Europe).


Belvoir Group: Best Property Network Growth Strategy UK 2020

Belvoir Group is a people-driven business enjoying a 23-year unbroken run of profit and growth. The group comprises property franchisees and financial advisers, providing customers with properties to buy or rent as well as the financial services to facilitate the move. Belvoir Group currently manages about 70,000 properties. One of the secrets to its success is a dedicated workforce, including a passionate management team with solid experience gained from climbing the ranks. The group supports opportunities for professional development and internal growth, and opts to promote from within wherever possible. Belvoir Group is a franchising specialist with a highly developed skillset and a deep commitment to its franchisees. It will fight tooth and nail to keep the best people in the business and give them the support and motivation they need to survive — and thrive. The group is grateful that no franchisee fell by the wayside during the Covid crisis, and has pledged to take any necessary steps to ensure that remains true. It has managed to harness the momentum of 2019 and hopes to meet pre-pandemic levels of performance this year. The group’s residential management revenue is already up by 43 percent. Belvoir Group believes that trends will favour franchises over corporations as more international brands begin to realise the potential benefits. The CFI.co judging panel is pleased to present Belvoir Group with the 2020 award for Best Property Network Growth Strategy (UK).


United Waters International AG: Most Innovative Water Purification Technology Global 2020

Swedish entrepreneur Thorbjörn Laag launched water purification company United Waters International (UWI) in 2005, and built it into a market leader with sage management, smart networking and intelligent investment. Laag serves as executive chairman of the company, and he and his family are the majority shareholders. UWI boasts a global presence and employs some of the world's leading water specialists. UWI has translated more than 40 years of R&D into one of the most advanced water purification technologies the world has ever seen. The research underpinning UWl's technology stems from scientists at the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm. The second-generation of UWl's flagship product, the BioGreen TM system, provides an innovative and eco-friendly solution to remove harmful metals, bacteria, viruses and microbes from water and can purify up to 2,500m3 of fresh drinking water every 24h. A standard unit consumes a fraction of the energy consumed in e.g. reverse osmosis. The sustainable solution uses no chemicals in the purification process, wastes less water and generates no harmful by-products. The modular units, which require little space and no onsite operator, are fully functional and completely automated within hours of instillation. The system is quality-controlled via 24/7 remote access, and UWI conducts annual maintenance as part of the service agreement. The CFI.co judging panel confirms the company as a repeat award winner, and presents United Waters International AG with the 2020 global award for Most Innovative Water Purification Technology.


SABIC: Best ESG Responsible Petrochemical Company MENA 2020

SABIC defines sustainability as its cornerstone, and has done since it was founded 40 years ago. This enduring commitment continues to drive innovation and growth for the petrochemical company, home to over 33,000 employees, including 1,270 scientists. It has innovation centres in key geographies: the US, Europe, Asia and the Middle East and Africa (MENA). The group has its global headquarters in Saudi Arabia, with manufacturing plants, sales offices and logistics hubs in 50 countries. SABIC is one of the world’s top three petrochemical companies, supporting client needs for clean energy, transport, construction, packaging, medical devices, agri-nutrients and electronics. SABIC’s expansive range, market penetration and strong ESG leadership allow the group to contribute towards the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on the 10 targets with the most positive impacts. It promotes resource efficiency through tracking programmes for material loss and water usage. It fights climate change by reducing overall energy consumption and increasing stakes in renewables. It designs products that exceed sustainability expectations and adapts manufacturing processes for circular economies. It has invested more than $962m in CSR initiatives over the past 18 years to foster long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships with the communities where it operates. Last year, it spent $15.6m on 185 global CSR programmes to protect water resources and support sustainable agriculture, education, health and wellness and environmental protection. The CFI.co judging panel unanimously declares SABIC as winner of the 2020 award for Best ESG Responsible Petrochemical Company (MENA).


My Clinic: Best Clinical Patient Outcome KSA 2020

My Clinic began operations just three years ago, inviting individuals, families and businesses across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to experience how much superior healthcare contributes to positive patient outcomes. My Clinic’s Jeddah facilities are spread wide and stretched several storeys high, housing the full gamut of medical specialities and clinical care under one roof. My Clinic recruits highly qualified medical professionals to provide world-class care that sets patients at ease, and its holistic approach to healthcare supports positive treatment outcomes. It offers a suite of convenient at-home services, including consultations, collection of lab samples, vaccinations, physiotherapy, post-surgery care and elderly homecare. My Clinic has also developed a comprehensive and customisable Corporate Wellness programme to improve quality of life for workers across the Kingdom. Workplace wellness initiatives have been proven to reduce healthcare costs and employee absenteeism — and boost workplace productivity. My Clinic solutions focus on delivering optimum clinical outcomes through a patient-centric approach that encompasses prevention, lifestyle counselling, early screening and diagnosis, clinical services as well as chronic illness care. My Clinic supports its proactive stance by investing in the best people and the latest medical technology across integrated points-of-care. It recently launched an audio-vestibular centre to provide care for patients with hearing and balance problems. The CFI.co judging panel announces My Clinic as the 2020 winner of the award for Best Clinical Patient Outcome (KSA).


Tawuniya: Outstanding Contribution to Social Impact KSA 2020

Founded in 1986, Tawuniya was the first insurance company to be licensed under Saudi Arabia’s Co-operative Insurance Companies Control Law. Tawuniya is headquartered in Riyadh, a global financial hub and the capital city of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Over the past three decades, the company has helped to establish the national insurance market while making consistent contributions to the country’s social welfare and economic prosperity. Tawuniya is particularly proud of its latest collaboration with the Saudi Ministry of Health to establish and operate testing centres in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. It has designed, built and covered all of the expenses for 21 drive-through testing centres, with a capacity of more than 8,000 visitors and up to 20,000 tests daily. Tawuniya offers clients peace of mind during fair weather and a safety net when times get choppy, with a product line-up including over 60 types of insurance, from medical and auto to property, travel and liability. It was among the first Saudi companies to set governance guidelines rooted in international best-practice and good corporate citizenship. It has developed a four-pillar CSR strategy that targets health, safety, productivity and the environment. Tawuniya supports a free dialysis programme and organises awareness-raising campaigns for preventative healthcare, financial literacy and driver safety. It organises blood drives, charity donations and last year introduced the Safe Houses initiative, sponsoring home renovations for poor families. The work ensures safe and dignified living conditions, and includes painting, plumbing, and electrical maintenance. Families are provided with appliances, furniture and safety equipment, and a workforce of volunteers pitches in by donating their time, skills and labour. The CFI.co judging panel congratulates Tawuniya, a repeat winner, on its latest accolade: the 2020 award for Outstanding Contribution to Social Impact (KSA).


El Corte Ingles: Best ESG Responsible Retailer Spain 2020

[caption id="attachment_8843" align="aligncenter" width="900"] Bernardo Cruza Martos CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) Director at El Corte Inglés (left) and Óscar Fernández de Llano CFO (Chief Financial Officer) at El Corte Inglés (right)[/caption]

Founded in Madrid in 1940, El Corte Ingles boasts exceptional customer service, an everything-under-one-roof product line, and a massive national presence. The company provides gainful employment to more than 88,000 people and reported a turnover of €15.3bn for 2019. El Corte Ingles takes a five-pronged approach to sustainability: employees, customers, value and supply chains, environment, and society. The retailer has achieved notable milestones along its journey. El Corte Ingles has developed a CSR strategy with more than 100,000 sustainability references — and that figure continues to grow. The €2bn credit line it launched this year was listed as the sixth-largest in 2020’s global sustainability ranking. El Corte Ingles distinguished itself as the first retailer to be granted Zero Waste Certification by AENOR, the Spanish Association for Standardisation. The retailer collaborates with trade associations and promotes initiatives that contribute to climate action, discourage “fast-fashion” practices and support responsible forest management. Viajes El Corte Ingles, the brand’s travel agency, offers a range of sustainable tourism packages. Besides, Seguros El Corte Inglés - which is the firm's insurance company -offers an innovative life insurance, "Vida Movida", the first life insurance that rewards people who care about their wellbeing and healthy lifestyle. El Corte Ingles is working towards a climate change target of net-zero emissions and no waste across its operations. The retailer is also looking to open its e-commerce market to international consumers in the near future. For a company with strong community ties and a history of responsible conduct, the CFI.co judging panel declares El Corte Ingles as winner of the 2020 Best ESG Responsible Retailer (Spain) award.


Smiths Group Plc: Most Innovative Technology Group Leadership UK 2020

For 160 years, the Smiths Group has operated on the principle that innovation is key to growth, and an antidote to attrition. CEO Andrew Reynolds Smith has constantly sought to strengthen this aspect of company culture, and over the past five years he has taken steps to ensure that it will endure. Smiths Group develops solutions to the world’s most pressing problems, focusing on five markets: medical technology, security and defence, general industry, energy, and space and aerospace. The group is a global FTSE100 technology company with a presence in 50 countries. It has a track record for capitalising on existing technologies in one sector (such as CT scanning in the medical field) to enhance operational efficiencies in another (such as threat-detection at airports). Smiths encourages employees at every level, from engineers to the R&D team, to be innovators capable of recognising — and seizing — opportunities for improvement. The group understands that time and effort are needed to build and incorporate this type of corporate culture. Smiths has created a Cross Group Innovation Board with the unifying agenda of directing R&D focus to areas of highest impact and profit potential, from material sciences to Industry 4.0. Smiths Digital Forge specialises in AI, machine learning, data analytics, connectivity and data security. The CFI.co judging panel was impressed, and presents Smiths Group with the 2020 award for Most Innovative Technology Group Leadership (UK).


Barrick Gold: Best Sustainable Mining Strategy Africa 2020

Barrick Gold is committed to collaborative local partnerships and shared stakeholder benefits. The Canadian company owns and operates gold and copper mines in 13 countries in North and South America, Africa, Papua New Guinea, Dominican Republic and Saudi Arabia. Barrick establishes ownership-stake partnerships with host countries to transform natural resources into mutual prosperity. The company follows a corporate governance code that prioritises sustainability, transparency and accountability. Barrick believes that emerging markets must have a hand in sustainability management. It sources senior executives from national candidates and supports professional development with ongoing training programmes. Its workforce is 97 percent local or national, as is 76 percent of senior management. The company strives to mitigate the impacts of mining operations through the development and annual revision of site-specific Environmental Management Systems. With the exception of four mines in Saudi Arabia and Tanzania, all Barrick mine sites are certified to ISO 14001:2015 — and the four exceptions are on-track to achieve certification this year. Barrick releases an annual report on sustainability goals and progress, and consistently ranks at the top of peer reviews. It exceeded last year’s target for water recycling and reuse: 73 percent overall and 78 percent in water-stressed regions. Listed on the New York Stock Exchange (GOLD) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (ABX), Barrick Gold seeks sustainable returns for shareholders and tangible benefits for stakeholders. The CFI.co judging panel declares Barrick Gold winner of the 2020 award for Best Sustainable Mining Strategy (Africa).


Containers Printers: Best Sustainable Packaging Technology & Most Innovative Packaging Team Southeast Asia 2020

Since its launch nearly four decades ago, Containers Printers has sought to enrich stakeholders and society by rooting the business in sustainability and innovation. The Singaporean company has evolved into a one-stop-shop packaging specialist, offering a full spectrum of metal and flexible laminate packaging solutions to customers in more than 30 countries around the world. It has developed an ongoing sustainability programme to optimise energy efficiencies and reduce carbon emissions. Containers Printers facilities have recently been upgraded with LED lighting and solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and new equipment to improve energy-intensive machinery, such as AC units and air compressors. The company’s sustainability programme aligns with Singapore’s commitment to the Paris Agreement. Containers Printers has been approved as one of 18 companies for a nationwide government scale-up initiative, which aims to upskill management capabilities and expand the product range. Containers Printers has a reputation for innovation as a supplier of sustainable packaging products with a clear focus on transparency and traceability. This progressive company has aligned operations and objectives with the megatrends of the day, from climate change and sustainability to big data and Industry 4.0. Investments in sourcing, technology and R&D have allowed the company to address pain points of clientele with more challenging manufacturing requirements. The continuous investments have led to collaborative agreements with multinational corporations and global institutions to develop and commercialise new products. The CFI.co judging panel recognises Containers Printers, a repeat winner, with the 2020 awards for Best Sustainable Packaging Technology and Most Innovative Packaging Team (Southeast Asia).


Keppel Corporation: Best Sustainable Urbanisation Solutions South East Asia 2020

Keppel Corporation began operations in 1968, shortly after Singapore gained independence. From a small ship repair yard, Keppel has grown into a diversified global company offering comprehensive solutions for sustainable urbanisation. It builds on synergies between sectors and key business verticals: energy and environment, urban development, connectivity and asset management. Keppel’s global presence stretches from Asia-Pacific to Europe, the Middle East and the Americas. The group has proven skills in the design, development and delivery of energy and environmental assets, data centres, residential and commercial properties, among others. Keppel’s multiple income streams flow from the development and operation of projects to the creation and management of trusts and private funds. The group was instrumental in the development of Tianjin Eco-City, the Sino-Singapore joint venture which transformed barren and polluted land into a landmark achievement of green living. Construction crews broke ground in 2008, and there are now around 100,000 people living and working there. It serves as a model for governments worldwide to replicate and scale. Keppel built its latest desalination plant in Singapore underground, with water treatment and security optimised below and public parks above. Strong ESG performance has earned Keppel Corporation a triple-A rating in the MSCI ESG ratings, and placed the group in the top 11 percent of industrial conglomerates ranked by MSCI. In 2019, Keppel generated $8.2bn of economic value for its stakeholders and invested $9.6m to care for the underprivileged, support education and protect the environment. The CFI.co judging panel presents Keppel Corporation with the 2020 award for Best Sustainable Urbanisation Solutions (South East Asia).


Jana Small Finance Bank: Best Inclusive Financial Service India 2020

Jana Small Finance Bank has been helping unbanked and underbanked Indians to prosper for over two decades, with inclusive financial services and social contributions. It began as a non-profit, the country’s first urban micro-credit institution. Jana was granted a small finance banking license in 2017, and started its commercial operations in March 2018 and since then has made rapid progress introducing various products and services that truly values the hard earned money of its customers.

Pandemic notwithstanding, the bank is profitable and growing. The bank branch network has gone from 90 to 500 branches in 22 states and Union Territories of India and currently has over 40 lakh customers and 1500+ employees.

Onboarding of customers has been simplified with Video KYC procedures that save time and make client safety a top priority. To achieve customer centricity, ease of communication to customers and turnaround experience, the bank has implemented many initiatives on technology, process and products front viz complete digital sourcing, robotics in loan underwriting, digital tab based collections, UPI QR code based collection etc.

Jana Small Finance Bank has earned a reputation as a driver of financial inclusion, and made great strides in extending its services to unbanked and underserved populations – nearly half of its outlets are in semi-urban and rural areas. The bank offers a digital propositions perfectly attuned to its client base, with a range of account options and services for individual and business clients. Jana’s mobile app brings banking to the palm of the hand making the banking services accessible to its clients “anytime, anywhere”. The CFI.co judging panel commends the bank on its upward trajectory, and declares Jana Small Finance Bank a programme winner with the 2020 award for best Inclusive Financial Service (India).


CQ Investment Group: Best ESG International Investment Solutions Austria 2020

CQ Investment Group differentiates itself through an outstanding ESG focus that has also resulted in strong financial performance. The Vienna-based group, founded in 1991, was the first — and for some time the only — organisation to apply an ESG focus to asset management. Over the past three decades, CQ companies have been awarded more than 300 international awards for their progressive investment strategies. The group has established a global network with a presence in 20 countries across Europe and Asia, including the financial districts of Vienna, London, Frankfurt, Paris, Madrid, Geneva, Zurich and Yerevan. Eight independent asset management companies are united: ARTS Asset Management, C-Quadrat Impact Asset Management, Quantic Financial Solutions, C-Quadrat Asset Management France, VIG C-Quadrat, C-Quadrat Ampega Asset Management Armenia, Mezzanine Management and Lio Capital. ARTS develops quantitative trading systems that take the emotion out of investment decisions. C-Quadrat Impact is a specialist in absolute return strategies, sustainable investments and microfinance products, while Italian investment firm Lio Capital focuses on special situation and distressed investments. Each company ensures that the sum of the group is greater than its parts with individual capabilities and market penetration. CQ Investment Group is a conscientious steward of client assets of more than €7bn. It also shows admirable corporate citizenship and has sponsored numerous social projects to support disadvantaged youth, fight poverty and improve education and healthcare. The CFI.co judging panel presents CQ Investment Group with the 2020 award for Best ESG International Investment Solutions (Austria).


Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget: Best Sustainable Value Creation Strategy Sweden 2020

Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget (SCA) owns the largest private forest in Europe, a tract of woodland in northern Sweden that covers 2.6m hectares and 45,000 hectares in Estonia and Latvia. The company practices sustainable forestry management and only harvests around 60 percent of growth. As part of its ecological landscape plan, SCA marks portions of forest for preservation and allows one in every five trees scheduled for harvest to follow a natural lifecycle. SCA calculated its 2019 climate benefits to equal 10.5m tonnes of CO2 — more than the entire country’s heavy goods traffic and domestic air emissions. Fossil-based fuels are replaced by renewable alternatives, and SCA invests to reduce its own emissions. The company has used wind power, bio energy and biorefinery to become self-sufficient for its power needs, and a net supplier for surrounding communities. SCA produces 11.9 terrawatt-hours of bio energy last year, most of which went to power its operations; the remainder was sold to other users. SCA sees biorefinery as part of an evolutionary process that’s been under way for ages. Renewables accounted for just 20 percent of Sweden’s transport needs in 2017, but the target for 2030 is 70 percent. Within the next 15 years, five percent of the country’s total fuel requirements could be covered by SCA’s products. The company translates core values of responsibility, excellence and respect into committed action. The CFI.co judging panel presents SCA with the 2020 award for Best Sustainable Value Creation Strategy (Sweden).


PPS Portfolio Performance: Best Investment Services For Pension Funds Brazil 2020

Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Brazilian pension fund consultancy PPS Portfolio Performance has continued to onboard clients in 2020. Over the firm’s 24-year history, people have come to trust its team’s advice and guidance. PPS focuses predominantly on pension funds, but also works with a selection of insurance companies and corporations. PPS services are tailored to client needs and may include assistance with the selection of managers and funds, evaluation and recommendations on investment structures, asset liability management and portfolio internationalisation. PPS believes the current investment environment calls for new strategies with greater diversification. Over the past two years, it has been laying the foundation for stronger partnerships that ease access to international markets. PPS has forged a relationship with Meketa, an independent, employee-owned, full-service investment consultancy in the US that advises on AUM worth more than $1.4tn. PPS has strengthened its internal ranks by recruiting specialists with outstanding educational pedigrees, international experience and backgrounds in financial markets and pension plans. PPS has released an updated version of its proprietary software programme with new tools to support the automated, quantitative evaluation of portfolio performance. Further due-diligence is supported through qualitative assessments. For the fourth consecutive year, the CFI.co judging panel has found reason to follow this company’s trajectory; it presents PPS Portfolio Performance with the 2020 award for Best Investment Services for Pension Funds (Brazil).


enso GmbH: Best Hydro-Power Investment Partner Europe 2020

Hydro-power has gained an increasing share of the renewable energy market, and Austrian company enso GmbH offers a comprehensive suite of services to help investors and developers harness its potential. Over the past decade, enso GmbH has distinguished itself as a green champion among Austrian asset managers. It values hydro-power as a renewable energy source that requires comparatively low LCOEs, short construction timeframes and minimal maintenance costs. Water is available and easily stored, providing a reliable base and an opportunity for grid stabilisation service. The company is also owned by some of the lead investors of enso hydro, a specialist with a portfolio including around 25 power plants in Norway, Albania, Turkey and Austria. enso GmbH has a tech-savvy team with proven project experience to assist clients with a range of advisory, merger and acquisition, financing, structuring, operation and portfolio optimisation services. It promotes hydro as a solution that can inoculate investors from volatile market cycles tied to fossil fuel prices. It anticipates steady future demand and implements contingency plans to shield against unforeseen events. That foresight has enabled enso GmbH to take advantage of rainfall by boosting production and storing the surplus until the market becomes less saturated. It has also allowed the company to handle the Covid crisis with cool competence. The CFI.co judging panel presents enso GmbH with the 2020 award for Best Hydro-Power Investment Partner (Europe).


AXS Investments: Best Alternative Asset Manager USA 2020

Over the past few years, interest in alternative investment has grown exponentially as traditional asset classes are increasingly dismissed as too overpriced or too volatile. The equity markets are pushing all-time highs, while bond rates remain at historical lows.

Alternative investment manager AXS Investments takes a different approach – one that enables access for individual investors to asset classes previously only available to institutional or high-net-worth investors. The company squarely aims to democratise the alternative investment universe and offers investors a comprehensive range of educational resources and tools that give insights into its products, strategies and, importantly, ways in which investors may consider investing in the post-pandemic ‘new normal’.

Investing in the future to ensure financial well-being whilst having a positive impact is a formula to consistently deliver superior outcomes for all stakeholders. Instead of just sounding the right notes in tune with the concerns ‘du jour’, AXS Investments actually puts the funds it manages to work in order to make a demonstrable and tangible difference. Five-star and four-star Morningstar ratings on three-, five-, and 10-year risk-adjusted returns represent very strong proof of the effectiveness of the company’s underlying philosophy and its leadership as a global alternative investment manager.

The AXS Investments team of veteran analysts and pioneers in alternative investment is determined to buck the trend and shine even if – and especially if – the overall market doesn’t. The company has indeed succeeded in breaking out of the quarantine by deploying a set of innovative strategies that have preserved value in the challenging recent period.

The CFI.co judging panel agrees that alternative investing can and does keep the bears at bay – when done right. AXS Investments is doing things right and has a track record to prove it.  The judges feel confident in declaring AXS Investments winner of the 2020 Best Alternative Asset Manager USA Award.


Midsummer AB: Most Innovative SolarTech Solutions Europe 2020

Midsummer envisions a future where all buildings are powered by sustainable solar energy panels. The Swedish story began in 2004, when Midsummer decided to adapt CD/DVD-manufacturing equipment to produce thin film solar cells. The company is now a market leader and mass-produces flexible and durable CIGS (copper, indium, gallium and selenium) solar cells with its DUO production system. The company’s innovative product line and corporate culture have fuelled growth, and market penetration data suggest massive expansion opportunities. Midsummer is now expanding in Europe and setting up a manufacturing facility in Italy with a maximum capacity of 50 megawatts per year. Its discreet, building-integrated solar roofing panels blend functionality with aesthetic simplicity. The company stays ahead of the curve through continuous tech upgrades and R&D investments. Experienced, science-savvy teams lead the development of thinner and more efficient panels. Midsummer listed on the Nasdaq in 2018 and believes the future will grow brighter as more people support a global transition to solar. Midsummer roofs are stylish, easy to assemble, and increasingly affordable as production costs continue to drop. The panels themselves are exceptionally effective, leaving a 90 percent lower carbon footprint than conventional solar panels. For a corporate culture rooted in passion, curiosity and empowerment — and a business model with strong scalability — the CFI.co judging panel declares Midsummer as the winner of the 2020 award for Most Innovative SolarTech Solutions (Europe).


Reitan Convenience AS: Best ESG Convenience Retailer Nordics & Baltics 2020

Reitan Convenience AS has a two-fold mission: to impress “the ultimate boss” — the customer — and to build the most substantial convenience store brand in Sweden. Reitan Convenience has 2,050 stores and over 12,000 employees across seven countries in Scandinavia and the Baltic region. The brand claims a leading position in its regional markets, and demonstrates ESG leadership and corporate responsibility at each point of the value chain. The company will publish a performance review this year in accordance with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, the Carbon Disclosure Project and the Global Reporting Initiative. Regional operations are united by six of the UN’s SDGs: good health, gender equality, decent work and economic growth, responsible consumption and production, climate action, and partnerships to achieve those targets. Reitan Convenience builds on a solid foundation of sustainable practice, providing quality food at fair and accessible prices. It has implemented efficiency measures to reduce energy consumption and adopted plant-based alternatives to single-use plastics. It offers environmentally friendly coffee cups and take-away cutlery. It also has a range of vegan and vegetarian products to give consumers healthy, cruelty-free snack options. It aims to support animal welfare with new policies that insist on free-range livestock in the supply chain. The CFI.co judging panel presents Reitan Convenience AS with the 2020 award for Best ESG Convenience Retailer (Nordics & Baltics).


FCI: Best Trade Finance Innovator Global 2020

FCI is a not-for-profit organisation that has been facilitating cross-border trade finance in Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, Asia and Africa for over 50 years. It is the global representative body for the factoring and receivables finance industry, with nearly 400 members worldwide and an active presence in 94 countries. FCI advises importers and exporters on cross-border invoice factoring and assists members with three solutions: a cross-border transactions platform, a supply chain finance platform, and an Islamic international factoring supplement. The cross-border platform relies on a two-factor system connecting FCI members through Interfactor Agreements. FCI’s cross-border platform helps importers  by offering factor guarantee facilities creating additional new sources of trade credit, allowing the buyer to purchase on open account trade terms and eliminating the need to issue letters of credit for sourcing purposes. Exporters appreciate improved liquidity in the form of better credit protection and financing conditions with lower administration costs and timeframes.  FCIreverse allows Financial Institutions to not only provides its members a global operating platform for on-boarding anchor buyers and their suppliers, but also offers a means by which to on-board suppliers in the 94 countries FCI operates in, to ensure legal, compliance, and educational objectives are met. The Islamic international factoring supplement ensures transactions are Shariah-compliant. The FCI’s work scope and member roster cover a spectrum of different industries and geographies, with member transactions accounting for about 90 percent of international factoring volume. The organisation draws on a legacy of collaborative international experience to assist with the development of international trade. FCI membership is advantageous for anyone interested in factoring — financial institutions, industry suppliers and companies active in receivables finance — with its trading, consulting, and mentorship opportunities, its legal advisory and its educational outreach. The CFI.co judging panel presents FCI with the 2020 award for Best Trade Finance Innovator (Global).


Lipoid Kosmetik AG: Outstanding Contribution to Natural Cosmetics Europe 2020

Lipoid Kosmetik is playing its part to make the beauty industry more natural, ethical and sustainable. Over the past 45 years, the Swiss company has earned a reputation as a pioneer of natural raw materials for the cosmetic and personal care industry. Lipoid Kosmetik, as part of the Lipoid Group (a manufacturer of pharmaceutical-grade lecithin and phospholipids for different industries), is a specialist in botanical actives and extracts. The company’s sustainability commitment is reflected throughout its processes, policies and product portfolio. Lipoid Kosmetik is an alchemist in nature’s pantry, using ecologically responsible practices to create high-value substances. Across the product range a steadily growing number are COSMOS (Natural and Organic Certification for Cosmetics) certified. The company developed sourcing procedures with strict documentation requirements — and all its suppliers must achieve full compliance. Lipoid Kosmetik has representatives in 60 countries across Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas. A strong regulatory framework ensures collaboration on the same exacting standards. Lipoid Kosmetik has assembled a team with a diverse set of skills and industry experience. The company employees leverage their combined knowhow to stay ahead of market trends and customer needs by seizing opportunities for innovation and growth. The CFI.co judging panel is pleased to announce Lipoid Kosmetik AG as the 2020 winner of the Outstanding Contribution to Natural Cosmetics (Europe) award.


InTouch Capital Markets: Best Institutional Market Intelligence Provider Global 2020

InTouch Capital (ITC) Markets filters actionable insights from a deluge of digital information to help banks, brokers and financial firms stay ahead of economic trends. Founded in 2004, ITC Markets has a tight-knit workforce that includes seasoned management and analyst teams with past experience at Morgan Stanley, Lehman, Citi, Credit Agricole, BoA Merrill Lynch, Credit Suisse, Moore Capital, ATP and AP2. ITC Markets’ specialised product range compiles intelligence coverage of fixed income, forex and central bank markets. The company conducts in-depth analyses of market events and distils the data for its clients. The InTouch fixed-income service provides them with written, intraday, time-sensitive coverage of bond, swap and short-term interest rate markets. The comprehensive analysis touches on everything from major market drivers to street talk and syndications. The InTouch FX service features real-time market analysis with live commentary to help put data into context. The Econostream service provides insights and tools that focus on central banks in Europe, England, Japan and the US, among others. It reviews the banks’ policy decisions and analyses the speeches (and biases) of their board members. ITC Markets offers training and consultancy programmes to sharpen skills via real-world market applications. It also shares market research free-of-charge via regular blog posts and email newsletters. ITC Markets is headquartered in London, has offices in NYC and recently opened offices in Singapore. The CFI.co judging panel announces InTouch Capital Markets as the global winner of the 2020 award for Best Institutional Market Intelligence Provider.


Etihad Credit Insurance: Most Innovative Finance Solutions Middle East 2020

Etihad Credit Insurance (ECI) is in only its third year of operation, but the specialised state institution has already made solid contributions to employment and to the economy of the UAE. ECI, aka the UAE Federal Export Credit company, was established by government decree to boost Emirati export activity and economic diversification. It offers export credit, financing and investment insurance products, and helps UAE companies to gain access to new markets. It has been a landmark year for ECI, despite the pandemic. In the first six months of the year, the company provided 1,468 revolving credit guarantees worth $435.7m to UAE exporters. It insured non-oil exports worth over $1bn to more than 70 countries, with SMEs accounting for over half of the beneficiaries. Sectors supported include automotive, pharmaceutical, food, petrochemicals, building materials and cable and steel manufacturers. But its crowning achievement for 2020 thus far has been the launch of Shariah-compliant trade credit insurance and export financing products. This has made it possible for Islamic exporters — including smaller firms and those with shorter manufacturing cycles — to engage in global market trade. This advance, and a strategic partnership with the Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre, have solidified ECI’s status as the UAE’s leading Shariah-compliant credit insurer. The CFI.co judging panel congratulates ECI on its second consecutive annual award for Most Innovative Finance Solutions (Middle East), this time for 2020.