Sphera: Best Corporate Sustainability Software Solutions Europe 2020

Sphera is a global provider of safety, sustainability and productivity solutions. The company combines software, proprietary data and insights to serve 8,000 companies — and millions of users — in 45 languages across 100 countries. Sphera’s flagship product is the Integrated Risk Management 4.0 software programme, a single-platform, scalable solution for environment, health, safety and sustainability. It affords access to 130,000 worldwide datasets, helping businesses and government agencies to understand — and improve — sustainability performance. It provides an assessment of emissions and waste over the lifecycle of products. Sphera takes a partnership approach to consultancy, helping clients to identify problems, set targets and track progress across the value chain. More than 1,000 Sphera staff are working through a dozen offices across the US, Canada, the UK, the Netherlands, Germany and Italy, the UAE and India. The team contributes management and advisory experience from software implementations and it seeks sustainability performance and promotes knowledge-sharing among stakeholders. Sphera empowers clients to think globally and act locally by streamlining the complexities of cross-border regulatory compliance. Sphera, formerly the Operational Excellence & Risk Management business division of IHS Inc, is a portfolio company of Genstar Capital, a private equity firm focused on investments in high-growth markets. The CFI.co judging panel declares Sphera winner of the 2020 award for Best Corporate Sustainability Software Solutions (Europe).


First Ally Capital Limited: Most Innovative Financial Solutions Team Nigeria 2020

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First Ally Capital Limited (FACL) has assembled a niche team with over 80 years of combined professional experience across diverse backgrounds and disciplines. The Nigerian issuing house and financial advisory firm boasts an authorised share capital of $6.6m and an issued and fully paid-up capital of $5m. FACL values its people and invests considerable resources in the recruitment, retention and development of a dynamic workforce. The team pulls together to fulfil the firm’s commitment to strong financial partnerships, with innovative solutions to create opportunity and foster growth. It assists clients to raise financing on capital markets, underwrites securities risks, and advises on M&A activities and corporate finance. The FACL crew quickly adjusted to remote working routines during the lockdown, responding with resilient efficacy throughout. FACL welcomed staff into its new corporate headquarters this July, and the change of scenery has reinvigorated team morale and motivation. The FACL website has also undergone an upgrade, featuring enhanced capabilities and a streamlined look. In addition to FACL issuing and advisory services, the site introduces clients to FACL subsidiaries that specialise in asset management, microfinance banking, foreign exchange services and property investment, development and management. FACL’s microfinance subsidiary empowers clients with transformative and inclusive solutions that are accessible via mobile app and online banking platform. The CFI.co judging panel announces First Ally Capital as the winner of the Most Innovative Financial Solutions Team (Nigeria) award — for the second consecutive year.


Deloitte in Cyprus: Best International Financial Advisory Team Cyprus 2020

[caption id="attachment_8612" align="aligncenter" width="873"] Nicos Kyriakides[/caption]

Deloitte is a truly global organisation, with presence in more than 150 locations worldwide. Clusters of regional teams provide a comprehensive range of audit and assurance, consulting, financial advisory, risk advisory, and tax & legal related services. Deloitte Limited is the sub-licensed affiliate of Deloitte North South Europe for Cyprus, supporting national and international clients with comprehensive advisory services. The Financial Advisory team in Cyprus brings with it vast cross-industry experience in shipping and ports, renewable energy, healthcare, real estate, banking and financial services, tourism and infrastructure. Deloitte in Cyprus has frequently served as a governmental adviser, providing financial due-diligence and regulatory support. As part of a team with Deloitte UK and external legal advisors, it helped to establish the required legal & regulatory framework for Cyprus’ first – and Europe’s largest – Integrated Casino Resort (ICR) project. The firm has provided corporate finance and advisory services to develop, finance and attract investors for large-scale real estate projects in Cyprus including marinas and golf courses. It also supported funds and foreign investors to acquire and invest in portfolios of NPLs and distressed assets in the island. Deloitte in Cyprus cultivates a collaborative culture by investing in its people, supporting their development and rewarding their contribution. It makes continuous upgrades to its IT and operating infrastructure to improve on efficiency, economy and sustainability. The multi-disciplinary firm measures its success by a triple bottom-line: people, profit and planet. It is committed to action on climate change, responsible sourcing, environmental sustainability, gender equality and inclusivity. Deloitte in Cyprus impressed the CFI.co judging panel, and has been granted the 2020 award for Best International Financial Advisory Team (Cyprus).


Neuberger Berman: Best ESG Investment Platform North America 2020

Bigger is not necessarily better. Fiercely independent and employee-owned, Neuberger Berman refuses to compromise. The New York investment firm, led by CEO George Walker, manages $374 billion in client assets as of September 30, 2020. Since 1939, Neuberger Berman has been driven by a singular mission to deliver ‘compelling’ long-term results for its clients by minding basic and solid investment fundamentals.

The firm works with institutions, advisors, and individual investors around the world on investments across asset classes and market capitalizations in both the public and private markets. Neuberger Berman enjoys a reputation for operational excellence based on the unimpeded flow of information within and without the organisation. The firm’s institutional strength is reflected in its senior staff retention rate which is counted amongst the highest of the industry.

Long before much larger investment managers caught on and sustainability became a ‘thing’, Neuberger Berman already included a host of non-financial performance data in its decision-making process. Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) parameters are employed to assess risk and gauge long-term returns. In the 1940s, the firm applied its first ‘avoidance screens’ to filter out risky investment propositions. In 1989, the company set up a Sustainable Equity Investment team – another industry first.

The CFI.co judging panel notes that at Neuberger Berman, ESG investing has been a given for many decades. Perfected over time, and with a track record of delivering consistently superior results, the firm’s avantgarde approach has belatedly gone mainstream. However, the judges feel that Neuberger Berman is a dedicated ESG pioneer rather than an addition to the bandwagon. The judging panel is therefore pleased and honoured to recognise Neuberger Berman as the winner of the 2020 Best ESG Investment Platform North America Award.


Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation: Best Energy Corporate Governance Philippines 2020

Pilipinas Shell has been powering the lives of Filipinos for over 100 years. Starting as the Asiatic Petroleum Company (Philippine Islands), Ltd in 1914 selling cased kerosene, and subsequent corporate transformations thereafter, the Company’s businesses were eventually consolidated into Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation, and since then has proven itself as a trusted partner in nation-building, a good neighbor and continues to strive as a world-class investment case. It credits its consistent record of solid financial performance to a comprehensive governance code, and strong and fit for purpose corporate structure that is guided by its core values of honesty, integrity and respect for people. All employees are guided by the Company’s Code of Conduct – doing things the right way without taking shortcuts. This has been the Company’s guiding principle in having a well-built integrity culture. Pilipinas Shell cites its success from its people. It attracts and retains diverse world-class talents with compelling and impactful career opportunities across the world. The employees’ dedication, creativity and resilience have sustained and made the Company an established corporate leader in the Philippines. Pilipinas Shell strives to be a good neighbour and contributes to community wellbeing through the Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (“PSFI”), its non-profit arm.  PSFI championed the Philippines’ Movement Against Malaria health program that decreased the malaria deaths in the Philippines by 97% over the course of 20 years.  The foundation invests in education and healthcare, brings power to off-grid communities and engages with environmental partners. Pilipinas Shell is taking the necessary steps to lead in this era of energy transition, by reducing the carbon footprint in its existing assets, and introducing cleaner competitive products. The Company has recently updated its retail stations with greener features such as the installation of solar panels and Eco Bricks (bricks made from recycled Shell lubricants containers) and will soon launch its industrial-scale solar farm that is considered as one of the largest in Southeast Asia this year. The CFI.co judging panel approves of the Company’s adaptive business approach and long-term commitment as a partner in nation building. The judges present Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation with the 2020 award for Best Energy Corporate Governance (Philippines).


Fedgroup: Best Impact Agribusiness Investment Partner Africa 2020

There is a certain disconnect in the investment community, with fund managers attuned to market macro-trends but sometimes vague about fundamentals. South Africa’s Fedgroup decided to build a fund from the ground up with a focus on people’s needs. It introduced the Fedgroup App which houses the Impact Farming offering to make investing more accessible, support sustainable development and increase tech infrastructure. Smart farming helps to improve crop yields and gives investors a data-driven system to verify that capital is being correctly deployed. The interface is permanently connected to monitor conditions and give farmers management control. This provides an early warning system for complications that might affect yields — and thus shareholder returns — and an opportunity for early intervention. Data can be integrated into ESG frameworks to attract investor interest. This golden ticket fulfils three bottom lines: profit, people and planet. App users can become investors and asset owners for as little $15 by buying into high-profit ventures such as blueberries, honey and solar. Professionals tend to the maintenance, and investors track passive income along with positive impact. The fund generated seven times the anticipated capital in its first year and it was oversubscribed last year. The CFI.co judges present Fedgroup with the 2020 award for Best Impact Agribusiness Investment Partner (Africa) award.


Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.: Best Retail REIT U.S. 2020

Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. (ROIC), is a U.S., Nasdaq-listed REIT (real estate investment trust) that owns and operates a 10 million square foot portfolio of necessity-based retail properties, anchored by supermarkets and drugstores, located in densely-populated markets along the U.S. West Coast.  ROIC is a member of the S&P SmallCap 600 Index and has investment-grade corporate debt ratings from Moody's Investor Services, Standard & Poor’s, and Fitch Ratings, Inc.  ROIC is led by a team with over 25 years experience of operating exclusively in the grocery-anchored shopping center sector on the U.S. West Coast. This expertise, combined with ROIC’s strategic vision and resilient spirit, has propelled the company’s long-term success, including its best-in-class historical occupancy levels.  ROIC bolsters its resiliency with a corporate culture that has been consistently marked by the care it exhibits for its employees, tenants, and customers, as well as the communities ROIC serves and the planet at large.  Notably, ROIC’s initiatives today are ESG-focused, underlining the growing importance of sustainable performance. Additionally, as part of ROIC’s strategy of developing a broad and diverse investor base, its management team regularly travels to Europe, engaging both European institutional and retail investors alike.  The CFI.co judging panel presents ROIC with its 2020 award for Best Retail REIT (U.S.).


The Climate Service: Best Climate Risk Technology Experts Global 2020

Smart businesses consider climate change and sustainability issues at every stage of the decision-making process. The Climate Service (TCS), headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, was founded in 2017 to help investors, companies and communities identify climate risks and seize opportunities to advance a low-carbon future. The company works with the brightest minds and the top brands: its advisory board includes four IPCC Nobel scientists, while Aon, IBM, the AICPA and LMI Consulting are strategic partners. The Climate Service has united scientists, tech experts, economists and finance professionals. Its clients subscribe to the “Climanomics” platform to assess the physical and transition risks — and potential opportunities — of various scenarios over a time horizon from now to 2100. TCS assessments are backed by transparent methodology and rigorous science, with global coverage and granular analysis at property, asset, company and portfolio levels. The TCS platform is a trusted resource and strategic tool for a range of clients including big banks, Fortune-500 firms and the federal government. Climanomics was built with technical advice from IBM and provides an unparalleled level of security, scalability and interoperability. The platform pulls from multiple inputs — including climate model projections, socio-economic models and customer asset data — to present insights in easy-to-understand graphs, charts, narratives and data feeds. It also supports the interconnection of business intelligence systems through APIs and extensions. The CFI.co judging panel presents The Climate Service with the 2020 global award for Best Climate Risk Technology Experts.


Active Capital Reinsurance Ltd: Best Specialised Reinsurance Solutions Global 2020 & Best Reinsurer Emerging Markets 2020

Active Capital Reinsurance Ltd (Active Re) boasts a 13-year history of significant business growth — and this year has proved a pinnacle in that trajectory thanks to a continued focus on diversification and risk-controlled expansion. The firm has a growing global portfolio, operating in 104 countries in Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific and the MENA region. It has headquarters in Barbados, offices in Miami and Madrid, and representatives in nine countries. Innovation fuels the company’s development and diversification. Active Re specialises in bancassurance and affinity products, but the offering has been incrementally augmented to tap into new markets and lines of business. The firm defines talent, technology, innovation and diversification as its key strengths. It has invested in its staff and revamped its technological platform to add levels of automation that bring cost and efficiency savings. A suite of in-house reinsurance applications provides an adaptable system that reduces administrative tasks and allows the team to focus on clients. The Active Re portfolio has evolved and diversified to include more focus on the property and surety classes. It has moved beyond pure facultative reinsurance with versatile treaty reinsurance, and has forged partnerships to increase distribution channels. Active Re has been given an excellent investment grade rating by AM Best — and some well-deserved recognition from the CFI.co judging panel. The judges declare Active Re as the 2020 winner of two awards: Best Specialised Reinsurance Solutions (Global) and Best Reinsurer (Emerging Markets).


Umpqua Bank: Best Community Bank USA 2020

It’s the go-to bank with an app to fit – aptly and fittingly called ‘Go-To Banking.’ Oregon’s Umpqua Bank provides a highly personal banking experience for both consumers and businesses. The bank makes headlines, and differentiates itself, with a uniquely human digital customer experience that includes an intuitive cross-platform app which puts a real banker onto its customers’ mobile device – and at the ready to serve.

This is not a financial reincarnation of either Alexa or Siri, but an actual banking professional with a face, voice, and – crucially – the powers of reason and empathy. Umpqua Go-To Banking is a hybrid app that doesn’t emphasise algorithms, chatbots, or artificial intelligence. There is no need for tech wizardry when a real pro is on the job.

With a history spanning over six decades and as a pioneer of community banking – a former CEO actually wrote the book about it – Umpqua Bank is justifiably proud of its dedication to excellence and innovation in customer experience. This is an institution that has located, and tapped into, the holy grail of banking: That elusive, yet happy, medium between the comfort of tradition and the excitement of progress. In Go-To Banking, both meet and mingle.

Umpqua’s ‘human digital banking’ approach also includes a suite of highly customised middle market offerings and deploys technology to provide customers the convenience of digital with the assurance of a personal touch delivered by somebody who knows and cares – and is not a machine.

In these troubled times, when a visit to the local branch is no longer a breeze or indeed risk-free, Umpqua Go-To Banking – launched for consumers in September 2018 – has proven to be an immensely powerful tool. So has the company’s investment in business and corporate bankers who – powered by smart digital solutions and Umpqua’s culture of service – helped roughly 17,000 West Coast businesses save more than 250,000 jobs as the pandemic raged.

The unprecedented disruption has revealed how businesses, like consumers, need a banker with empathy and expertise who will be there when it matters most. Meeting that need fuels Umpqua’s human digital banking solution.

The CFI.co judging panel noted that Umpqua Bank’s human digital approach has caused quite a stir and raised the bar of community banking. Its Go-To Banking app was picked up by other institutions as their preferred mobile platform. The judges wish to congratulate Umpqua Bank on its win of the 2020 Best Community Bank USA Award.


UnionBank of the Philippines: Best Universal Bank & Best Digital Customer Experience Philippines 2020

UnionBank of the Philippines is reaping the benefits of its digital focus and agile operations: retail banking profit doubled in 2019, resources hit a five-year high, and net income increased by 104 percent year-on-year. Listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange in 1992, UnionBank has harnessed the power of technology to get closer to customers. It urges them to imagine a new banking reality, where services are embedded in the fabric of daily life. It has one of the leanest branch networks in the region, with concentrated back-office operations and hundreds of paperless branches, including 50 fully digital branches as well as thousands of ATMs and remittance centres through partnership agreements. UnionBank’s self-service kiosks and online banking services keep Filipinos on top of their finances. New digital accounts surged during the lockdown period, and UnionBank implemented relief measures for consumer debt and facilitated online NGO donations. The bank also introduced a retail loan platform supported by video KYC that reduced processing times. UnionBank pushes fintech boundaries to reach underserved and unbanked communities, and supports SMEs with the financing and digital tools. The bank could fill an armoire with the awards it has accumulated over the past decade. The CFI.co judging panel sees the merits of that recognition, as the bank has spared no expense in the overhaul of its operations. The panel adds its own acknowledgement: dual awards for Best Universal Bank & Best Digital Customer Experience (Philippines 2020).


Sasseur REIT: Best Commercial REIT Asia 2020

Singapore’s Sasseur was the first outlet mall REIT (real estate investment trust) to be publicly listed in Asia. The Sasseur Group is a leading developer with a 31-year history of distributing fashion products and operating malls in China. Sasseur REIT operates under the Monetary Authority of Singapore to manage commercial real estate assets (outlet malls) in the People’s Republic of China, a market projected to become the world’s largest within the next decade. Sasseur REIT expects to see a boom in consumer spending as China’s rising middle class engages in some high-end retail therapy. There are four outlet malls included in the REIT portfolio, each in the suburbs of high-growth cities — with more in the pipeline. Sasseur REIT’s business model combines art, commerce and activities to create an ambience and elevate the shopping experience. An entrusted management agreement ensures an alignment of interests for the tenants and the REIT, promoting shared success and taking sales commission from tenants’ rent. Mutually beneficial relationships — and more than 90 percent occupancy — have historically delivered for shareholders, and tenants and investors work together in an inclusive environment. Sasseur REIT properties transcend the image of traditional shopping malls and are recognised as lifestyle centres offering a range of retail, cultural, tourism and entertainment activities. The properties are replete with modern architecture, high-class amenities and sculpted green spaces. The CFI.co judging panel announces Sasseur REIT as winner of the 2020 Best Commercial REIT (Asia) award.


Worthwhile Capital Partners: Best ESG Specialist Fund Solutions Nordics 2020

The greening of economies is well underway and gathering speed as the traditionally narrow criteria for the allocation of capital have been broadened significantly to include a host of environmental, social, and governance considerations. Though willing, if not eager, to do their bit for sustainability, institutional investors often struggle to find and strike the right balance between the need for solid returns and the desire for a positive impact.

Worthwhile Capital Partners is ready to meet the challenge. Starting from the premise that many conventional asset classes are being crunched by high prices on the one hand, and reduced risk-related rewards on the other, the firm helps investors shift from equities and bonds to alternative investments. This transcends the rather mindless tapping into esoteric green-labelled opportunities. Worthwhile Capital Partners brings together thought leaders, industry experts, and investors to meticulously explore strategies defined from a clear set of objectives.

The firm takes a thematic approach and is currently focussed on the transition towards a fossil-free energy matrix. A specialised multidisciplinary team has been formed to assemble a portfolio that dovetails with the stated goals and the requirements of investors.

Worthwhile Capital Partners is quite unapologetic about its philosophy and mission. The Stockholm-based firm is not just in the business of securing superior returns but adheres to the strongly held belief that the transformational power derived from matching capital to sustainability can and will benefit all stakeholders.

The CFI.co judging panel applauds Worthwhile Capital Partners for not just taking the road less travelled, but for blazing a trail with its carefully crafted approach to impact investing. The judges will continue to monitor the company’s progress in the months and years ahead but are already now convinced that Worthwhile Capital Partners merits the 2020 Best ESG Specialist Fund Solutions Nordics Award.


Mindspace: Best Real Estate IPO India 2020

Mindspace Business Parks is sponsored by entities forming part of K Raheja Corp group which has been part of the Indian office Real Estate story since over 2 decades and is built on solid founding principles that shape its sustainable evolution. It was around 25 years ago that K Raheja Corp group embarked on its mission to create premium business destinations across key geographies of India. Mindspace Business Parks REIT was set up in late 2019, and acquired the portfolio from K Raheja Corp group entities in 2020, with its IPO.

The portfolio constitutes office assets located in four key office markets of India - Mumbai Region, Pune, Hyderabad and Chennai. It has a total leasable area of 29.5 msf, offering good infrastructure and amenities, and is one of the largest Grade A office portfolios in India. It has a portfolio that comprises of five integrated business parks and five independent office assets. It has a diversified and high-quality tenant base, which includes the likes of Accenture, Qualcomm, Barclays amongst other marquee names.

Tenants benefit from the Parks’ modern technology infrastructure and amenities, including eateries, childcare services, recreational gardens and sports facilities. The Mindspace commitment to promoting a healthy work-life integration is well received by its tenants — of whom c. 84 percent are multinationals.  The assets provide a community-based ecosystem and have been developed to meet the demands of ‘new age businesses’.

The entity has implemented various sustainability initiatives, focusing on clean energy and recycling. Mindspace REIT views business in India as a marathon, not a sprint.

The REIT owns more than 50 buildings, with a pipeline of new developments to fuel future growth. Mindspace REIT got listed on the Indian stock exchanges in August 2020. The IPO was oversubscribed c. 13 times backed by marquee international and domestic investors. The CFI.co judging panel announces Mindspace Business Parks REIT as the winner of the 2020 award for Best Real Estate IPO (India).


Anthony & Cie: Best Wealth Management Services France 2020

Over the past four decades, Anthony & Cie has proven that risk can be reconciled with opportunity. The multi-family office offers a suite of services that includes wealth planning, real estate and administration, and cross-border wealth strategy. The firm has Anglo origins, established in London in 1978, but has called the Côte d’Azur home for more than 30 years. Anthony & Cie works with French residents as well as non-residents with local interests, such as foreign family offices. It has assembled a multinational, multilingual team of accountants, legal and tax advisors, financial analysts and administrative managers to provide clients with targeted advice. Founder Robert Anthony is a chartered certified accountant who previously taught international tax law in California. As principal and founder, Anthony leads from the front with a vigilant team ready to strike pre-emptively to hedge risk and seize opportunities. Client interests serve as the firm’s guiding star, and it regularly reviews and fine-tunes portfolios. Anthony & Cie has an aversion to inappropriate speculation and a fondness for diversification. It strives to set a benchmark of exemplary business ethics and prizes retrospection as a tool for continuous improvement. The firm has positioned itself at the cutting edge of its field for legislation, relationships and knowledge. It has never been content with stasis, and the CFI.co judging panel watches with interest the firm’s evolution. The judges announce Anthony & Cie as winner of the 2020 award for Best Wealth Management Services (France).


Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi: Outstanding Contribution to Biodiversity Global 2020

Environment Agency — Abu Dhabi (EAD) was founded over 25 years ago by a group of pioneering ecologists determined to protect regional ecosystems. The agency has grown into the largest environmental regulator in the Middle East, earning its reputation for championing conservation and collaboration.

EAD has built on the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed by expanding the network of protected lands to include 19 areas, 13 of which are terrestrial representing 16.9 percent, and 6 are marine representing 13.9 percent of the terrestrial and marine ecosystems, respectively.

EAD helped to bring the Oryx back from the brink of extinction, and in 2019 the Arabian Oryx population in Abu Dhabi reached 5,000 – making it the largest herd in the world.

Abu Dhabi’s dugong population is the world’s second largest, with the highest density per square meter in the Arabian Gulf.

More than 700 dolphins have been registered, as well as 37 endangered finless porpoises and 268 Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins.

Al Wathba Wetland Reserve was the first protected area in the GCC to make the IUCN Green list. The wetlands are home to thousands of migratory flamingos.

Jabal Hafit National Park is the only place where the Dwarf Palm is found. The Arabian Caracal was recently sighted in the area for the first time in 35 years.  The park also hosts globally threatened species, and the only concentration of the globally threatened Egyptian Vulture in the UAE.

EAD strives to safeguard natural resources to address environmental challenges and to continuously create awareness about environmental issues.

EAD’s five-year strategy will incorporate AI, the use of the latest technology and multi-linked databases to tackle problems at scale. The CFI.co judging panel presents EAD as the 2020 global award winner for Outstanding Contribution to Biodiversity.


Abbott Capital Management: Best Private Equity Portfolio Manager United States 2020

Abbott Capital Management has earned a reputation as a trusted partner of institutional investors, and a skilled manager of private equity portfolios. Founded in 1986, the firm provides value-added services for the construction and management of high-conviction private equity portfolios. The independent company was founded by Stan Pratt and Ray Held, and their approach was quickly embraced by corporations and private pension funds. Abbott Capital credits its success — and the successful outcomes achieved on behalf of its clients — to intellectual honesty, fact-based qualitative and quantitative analyses and a disciplined due-diligence process. To these traits it adds a wealth of industry expertise and a strong alignment with its clients. Abbott Capital has shown its commitment to informed decision-making and accountability for the assets under its charge. It has been entrusted with the management of more than $9bn in private equity assets by institutions and their beneficiaries worldwide. Clients benefit from a legacy more than three decades in the making, where close relationships with institutional investors have built its solid reputation. Abbott Capital sources and invests with premier venture capital and private equity firms which enables their clients to reach their long-term investment goals. Client-centricity is a key tenet for Abbott Capital, and the firm is committed to developing its diverse teams of professionals with inclusion and collaboration skills. The CFI.co judging panel presents Abbott Capital Management with the 2020 award for Best Private Equity Portfolio Manager (United States).


SCHUMANN: Best Equal Opportunity Tech Employer Europe 2020

From its German headquarters, SCHUMANN has over the past two decades partnered with leading cross-industry companies to deliver innovative and reliable risk-management solutions. The company takes a customer-centric approach to software development, engineering comprehensive consultancy capabilities for clients across the industrial, trading, financial services, credit, surety, and reinsurance sectors. SCHUMANN has assembled a top-notch team and has confidence that the members act in the best interests of the customer and the company. Staff are selected for their professional skills, learning aptitude and personality fit. The firm gives them the autonomy in the decision-making process, and supports their growth with professional development. Its top-flight IT specialists keep a focus on application development, and SCHUMANN’s close-knit team has a strong social element. There are organised sporting events to support team-building and out-of-hours fun. Diverse educational and professional backgrounds allow team members to collaborate on projects, promoting a continuous exchange of knowledge and experience. The crossover between projects leads to efficient customer service, as well as a more competent and engaged workforce. SCHUMANN promises equal opportunities to all its employees, providing them with the resources to develop their skillsets and the room to grow within the company. The company has invested time and resources to foster a corporate culture with a strong spirit of collaboration, and the CFI.co judges believe the firm’s initiatives are hitting the mark. The panel announces SCHUMANN as 2020’s Best Equal Opportunity Tech Employer (Europe).


Central FX Ltd: Best Currency Risk Management Partner UK 2020

Nobody can reliably predict exchange rate movements yet many businesses are happy to adopt a best guess approach to their currency exposures. Recent fluctuations owing to COVID perfectly highlight the need for every company to have a solid and robust currency policy in place. A lack of management can lead to profit margins being erased and the cost of sales increasing without warning and this does not need to be the case. Timing and understanding are key – and Central FX insists there is no reason for this to be complicated. The London-based company represents a perfect hybrid between personal service and technology.  It has developed data-driven software called Hedgemaster that enables companies to manage their currency exposures according to their business goals. Instead of basing decisions on what is considered to be good or bad rate, instead the hedging tool focuses on cashflow forecasts. Clients can align their risk-management policy with individual growth and profitability targets. Hedgemaster continuously monitors the market to assess exposure and gives prompts when hedging action should be taken. In Hedgemaster, Central FX has developed a single tool that combines the analytical power of AI with sound hedging principles. The AI analyses input data — sales forecasts, pricing changes, hedging strategies and rate moves — to help businesses maximise opportunities. Each client will be provided with their own dedicated risk expert who will take the time to conduct an in depth understanding of the company profile and targets. They can also provide assistance in getting the best execution for the agreed hedging strategy. Central FX forges ongoing partnerships and guides clients towards strategies that minimise exposure to risk. Over the past decade, it has catered to whole variety of industries within the UK, expanding across Europe and the rest of the world. The CFI.co judging panel is impressed, and declares Central FX winner of the 2020 award for Best Currency Risk Management Partner (UK).


The Public Investment Corporation: Most Responsible ESG Investor Africa 2020

As the largest asset manager in Africa, the Public Investment Corporation (PIC), wields huge economic influence. In respect of this responsibility, the South African state-owned asset manager strives to advance transformation and equilibrium in economic and social considerations, as well as in terms of gender and racial balance.

The PIC predominantly works with public sector clients such as government social investment funds and pension funds. It has developed governance codes that are aligned with international best-practice and tailored for emerging markets. High levels of economic disparity have historically been a problem in South Africa, but PIC is striving to change that.

The corporation is determined to help the country achieve financial integration, inclusivity and empowerment. The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a framework for measuring the impact of the PIC portfolio. The PIC does not waver in its commitment to the SDGs — and if anything, the COVID-19 pandemic has re-invigorated this approach. COVID-19 has highlighted and exacerbated socio-economic disparities on the African continent, and the PIC believes its operations can contribute to sustainable returns for clients whilst contributing to infrastructure and business development, and job creation though its impact investing initiatives.

Ms Rubeena Solomon, Executive Head for Investment Management, ESG and Portfolio Monitoring and Valuations, explains the PIC investment philosophy: “The PIC is committed to sustainable investing and to create inclusive opportunities that generate long-term financial and social returns. Investments have an impact – not only on investee companies with respect to the ethical conduct and sound corporate governance that the PIC expects, but also for communities in which investments are made, and from which the country at large benefits. Investments by the PIC thus strive to facilitate job creation and - preservation and to contribute to expanding economic infrastructure and social services.”

Some of the outcomes delivered by the PIC portfolio include the financing of 64,935 residences, the funding of 41 farms, support for 3,353 SMEs and facilitating 138,334 direct jobs. PIC clients have invested $248.7m in the country’s transport and logistics sector and generated 2,420 megawatts of renewable energy.

The CFI.co judging panel is pleased to recognise PIC with the 2020 award for Most Responsible ESG Investor (Africa).


Belinvestbank: Best Digital Banking Solutions CIS 2020

Over the past year, Belinvestbank has committed considerable resources to an overhaul of its digital banking platform. One of the largest Belarusian banks has a well-distributed network of branches and ATMs across the country, paired with a modern multifunctional digital platform that takes customer convenience to the next level.

The bank drives innovation in response to customer demand and market trends. It has developed a suite of apps that brings banking to the palm of the hand, freeing clients from the limitations of traditional banking hours as well as the location of offices which permits them to make loan payments, replenish deposit accounts, send money transfers in multiple currencies, or make purchases on-line to the utmost of convenience, speed and security in 24/7/365 real-time mode.

All that has become possible due to the modern mobile app, Internet banking accessible via PC or tablet as well as the Oplati innovative mobile payment service the capabilities of which go far beyond that of regular financial services creating the substantial Ecosystem not only for Belinvestbank customers, but also for any citizen of Belarus.

The promotion of remote service facilities provides the bank’s customers with the additional possibility of insuring themselves and their relatives in deteriorating epidemiologic environment while executing financial transactions on-line.

Remote cooperation format is also available for businesses. Legal persons and individual entrepreneurs can become bank’s clients staying in their offices or telecommuting. Ready-to-operate connection of a business takes only a few hours.

Belinvestbank has encouraged those customers who cannot avoid visiting the office to pre-register for in-person appointments with retail or business banking specialists; this has helped to prevent queues and unnecessary contact during the pandemic.

The bank envisions its future as decidedly digital, and will continue to fuel its tech transformation to best meet evolving customer needs.

The CFI.co judging panel presents Belinvestbank with the 2020 award for Best Digital Banking Solutions (CIS).


ARA Asset Management: Best Sustainable REIT Fund Manager Asia-Pacific 2020

Singapore-based ARA Asset Management employs a forward-looking strategy to power a fully diversified suite of investment funds, including listed and unlisted real estate investment trusts (REITs), private real estate equity and credit funds, and infrastructure funds. The asset manager maintains a presence in 28 countries, spanning 4 continents. Its dedicated teams not only provide local expertise but also professional real estate management services.

On behalf of a private fund, ARA Asset Management just completed the acquisition of Tower II of the landmark Parc 1 office complex in Seoul, South Korea, cementing its long-standing partnership with local partner NH Investment and Securities in what was hailed as the country’s biggest real estate transaction so far this year.

Over its 18-year history, ARA Asset Management has established an unmatched reputation for strong corporate governance and integrity. This has attracted some of the world’s largest pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, and family offices to the company. ARA Asset Management now has over USD$82 billion in assets under management.

The firm was an early adopter of comprehensive environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards which were incorporated into its decision-making and operational processes. The CFI.co judging panel also appreciates that ARA Asset Management prioritises good corporate citizenship as a key contributor to its performance and a differentiator that helps the company preserve and expand its leading edge.

The judges agree that such a thorough approach to business sustainability ensures consistently superior outcomes for all stakeholders. The judging panel declares ARA Asset Management winner of the 2020 Best Sustainable REIT Fund Manager Asia-Pacific Award.


Crédit Mutuel Asset Management: Most Responsible Fund Manager France 2020

Crédit Mutuel Asset Management serves as the responsible steward of €60bn in group-level assets. The firm is the asset management subsidiary of Credit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale. Over the past two years, it has developed the sturdy tech backbone to support strict customer focus and provide easy access to its services. Crédit Mutuel AM caters to institutions, asset managers, private enterprises, individuals, employee savings schemes and associations. It has cultivated a supportive corporate culture with paths for career growth and mobility. Employees are trained in all levels of the investment process, and ESG concerns are embedded throughout the professional development programme. Crédit Mutuel AM engages with stakeholders to promote financial inclusion and sustainable growth, and is committed to reducing the group’s environment impact. Its CSR approach, based on co-operative and mutualist principles, drives the group’s customer commitments and ESG targets. The firm applies risk controls on assets and encourages communication from members and customers. The current range includes socially responsible investment funds, which provide financing to a cross-sector range of companies and public entities striving to advance sustainable development. There are also green bond and solidarity fund options. Green bonds support the energy transition and projects with high environmental benefits, while solidarity funds channel investment income into social, humanitarian or environmental projects. The firm’s governance strategy has proven successful and will continue to map the course for the future. The CFI.co judging panel approves, and presents Crédit Mutuel Asset Management with the 2020 award for Most Responsible Fund Manager (France).


Business Region Göteborg: Best Business Value Creation Destination Scandinavia 2020

Gothenburg claims to be the world’s most sustainable city, and has taken top honours in national and global rankings for its business climate and municipal services. Business Region Göteborg (BRG) — a non-profit wholly owned by the City of Gothenburg — promotes its municipalities as ideal FDI destinations, and the region has a lot to offer. There’s a growing labour market, a well-developed transport and logistics hub, a robust R&D environment, and award-winning performance in smart-city development. Gothenburg is a research hotspot and a test bed for innovative collaboration that has attracted over 30 percent of Sweden’s private sector R&D investments. The region often leads the Global Destination Sustainability Index, and Gothenburg itself was named 2021’s Best Sustainable City Stay by the Lonely Planet guide for its emissions-free construction and green transport systems. Gothenburg has a sustainable past and future: it was the first city in the world to issue green bonds, and it aims to become independent of fossil fuels by 2030. The city expects to hit its €100bn infrastructure investment target by 2035, with a construction programme for bridges and tunnels, housing and hotels. BRG builds on the region’s legacy of skilled labour and cross-sector expertise that allows entrepreneurs to thrive. The CFI.co judging panel names Business Region Göteborg winner of the 2020 award for Best Business Value Creation Destination (Scandinavia).


Aalto Capital: Best M&A Solutions Partner Europe 2020

Aalto Capital is an independent investment banking advisory firm with regional expertise and global reach through a network of offices in London, Munich, Helsinki, Stockholm, Zurich and New York. A collaborative partner network extends coverage to the whole of Europe, Russia, Asia, the Middle East and the US. Aalto Capital has recruited seasoned professionals with vast experience on the buying and selling sides of private equity. The firm focuses on raising growth capital for established companies rather than start-ups. Aalto Capital is a trusted advisor on corporate finance, capital markets and M&As. One of the firm’s first M&A deals paired a US business with a UK firm to form one of the world’s largest eSports companies, which registers 350 million views per month. It has been active in real estate — including the sale of a magazine’s headquarters in London’s Covent Garden — and plans to develop this line of the business. The customer-focused firm is currently targeting business services and has completed a number of transactions in the fintech sector. It also finds the tech opportunities in the Nordic markets of increasing interest. Clients appreciate the firm’s cross-border expertise, solutions-oriented approach and can-do attitude. Aalto Capital reports that none of its 40-person workforce was put on furlough during the pandemic — and the firm is now hiring. The CFI.co judging panel recognises a strong growth trajectory, and declares Aalto Capital winner of the 2020 award for Best M&A Solutions Partner (Europe).


Reorg: Best Distressed Debt Intelligence Global 2020

Reorg founder and CEO Kent Collier started a blog in 2009 that led to the genesis of the business. Before launching Reorg, Collier worked as a research analyst with a specialisation in high yield distressed debt and special situations. He created a tech tool to speed up the analysis and information gathering process that caused much fanfare among market participants. Collier founded the company in 2013. Reorg has seen a material increase in client volume and revenue every year since its launch. The company now has around 250 employees. It is headquartered in NYC and has offices in London, Hong Kong and Washington, D.C. Reorg has mobilised a team of experienced financial and legal analysts, as well as journalists, to scour more than 4,000 performing, stressed and distressed credit listings to provide clients with timely, accurate and well-sourced intel. Reorg offers specialised intelligence solutions for investment management firms, investment banks, law firms, advisors and corporations. It pools the power of proprietary data and technology with expertise in restructuring, leveraged finance and M&A to ensure clients have all the facts needed to support informed decision-making. Clients access subscribed content through Reorg’s user-friendly digital platform and use its robust search functions to navigate the databases. Reorg offers customers high-touch engagement and encourages them to take full advantage of value-added resources. The CFI.co judging panel presents Reorg with the 2020 global award for Best Distressed Debt Intelligence.


Cedacri SpA: Best Banking IT Outsourcing Services Italy 2020

To stay ahead of the technology curve, financial institutions must either invest in constant IT upgrades — or find a trustworthy outsourcing partner. Cedacri SpA is an Italian IT outsourcing services specialist, the head of Cedacri Group which boasts a 44-year history of tech innovation in the banking sector. Over the past seven years, Cedacri has invested over €230m in R&D for systems, applications and technologies. Through a process of continuous investment in innovation, Cedacri has developed a portfolio of services underpinned by advanced technology, comprehensive regulatory standards, and an understanding of market trends and client needs. From 2019 to 2020, Cedacri group expanded its workforce from 1,600 employees to 2,400. to serve the needs of 200 clients — almost of whom are banking institutions. Cedacri has achieved its original mandate of improving IT services and establishing economies of scale by pooling technologies, systems and structures. And It allows Banks and financial companies that use its services to obtain significant savings in management IT costs. Clients can choose integrated core banking solution covering all the core activities of financial institutions, advanced regulatory suite for the comprehensive management of regulatory compliance aspects, management of all the IT infrastructure components and Cloud Services, Software solutions, system integration and application management, business process as a service solutions to allow financial institutions to rationalise their operational processes. The CFI.co judging panel presents Cedacri SpA with the 2020 Best Banking IT Outsourcing Services (Italy) award.


York University: Best Community Impact Research University Canada 2020

Founded in Toronto in 1959, York University maintains high standards as a purpose-driven educational institution with a transparent governance structure committed to social justice committed to the public good. Academic and business dealings are divided between the university’s senate and board of governors. Graduate programmes are reviewed every six years in a cyclical accreditation process, while all professional programmes — such as computer science, engineering, business, law and health — are accredited by corresponding industry organisations. York strives to  decolonise research and curricula by developing academic programmes with real-world relevance. It partners with industry leaders, government offices and community agencies to support experiential learning, community building and academic innovation. York University is recognised as a national leader with an international reputation for thought leadership in knowledge mobilisation and research impact. It receives over $100m in annual external research funding, and is a leader in scholarly publications with international co-authors international co-authorship. York University has claimed Ontario’s peak ranking in terms of publication volume in social sciences and humanities, economics, econometrics and finance, and business economics. York was the first university in Canada to open a Knowledge Mobilisation Unit as a service to researchers and in 2006 launched Research Impact Canada in 2006 which is now a network of 21 universities committed to building institutional capacity to support the broader socioeconomic impacts of research. Other investments in connecting campus to community include the TD Community Engagement Centre and Y Space supporting community engagement and entrepreneurship. Examples of York research with real world impact include the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness (a social innovation lab focused on youth homelessness), Youth REx (supporting community organizations serving Black youth) and Reimagining Long Term Care (working with unions, administrators and policy makers to strengthen elder care).  The CFI.co judging panel recognises York University with the 2020 award for Best Community Impact Research University (Canada).


FLI  Global Ltd: Best Environmental Solutions Partner Europe 2020

[caption id="attachment_8562" align="aligncenter" width="900"] Group Executive Chairman & CEO: Michael Flynn[/caption]

FLI Global is more than an environmental solutions provider: it helps to reframe uncertainty and change as opportunities for growth and evolution leveraging its entrepreneurial roots and resilience as it transitions to being a global organisation. The company considers sustainability from a broad perspective encompassing environmental as well as social issues, such as remediating brownfield land,thereby creating new land and new opportunities to build homes on previously used land in a true circular economy re-use of a valuable resource, where land is remediated, made safe, brought back to new land value and repurposed. It partners with clients to develop innovative solutions that deliver reductions in carbon footprint and cost, protect ecosystems and promote circular economies in water re-use and land re-use while protecting our environment through creative solutions and value engineering.

FLI Global’s network includes headquarters and two offices in Ireland, six offices in the UK (its biggest market) ,two offices in France and a new office in Shanghai China. While these are FLI Global’s core markets, it works with private and public sector clients from around the world on a project by project basis. FLI Global gravitates towards geographies and organisations that prioritise sustainability, operate to high environmental standards and who share the FLI Global view that the environment belongs to us all and it is our collective responsibility to protect it for the next generation. FLI clients are focused on achieving and exceeding the three core objectives of ESG regulatory requirements when it comes to responsible investing and development within their business sectors.

The FLI Group was founded in 1987 by Michael Flynn, the entrepreneur, project manager and mentor who remains a majority shareholder and is the Executive Chairman of FLI Global. The company has moved beyond its original focus — geosynthetic engineering solutions for engineered landfills and mining — through a process of organic growth and strategic acquisitions. The scope has expanded to include specialist environmental services and technologies in the sectors of water, waste, wastewater, offsite precast concrete modular design and manufacturing in a range of sectors, gelatin recovery, zero leakage discharge, renewable energy and contaminated land remediation and regeneration. Positive stakeholder feedback and a healthy stream of repeat business suggest that FLI Global has cracked the formula for sustainable and profitable partnerships. The CFI.co judging panel recognises the contributions of FLI Global with the 2020 Best Environmental Solutions Partner (Europe) award.


DFNN: Best IT Corporate Governance Philippines 2020

[caption id="attachment_8576" align="alignright" width="179"] CEO: Calvin Lim[/caption]

As the world becomes more tech dependent, innovative IT solutions are vital for a competitive edge. In the Philippines, DFNN has solidified its position as a leader in the field over the past two decades. Its executive team has domain expertise in financial services, regulatory compliance, software development, systems integration and turn-key digital implementations. DFNN’s governance code reflects its core values of integrity, teamwork, service and something the locals call malasakit. The Filipino word loosely translates to “empathy” and underscores the company’s commitment to stakeholder engagement and community focus. DFNN incorporates stakeholder concerns into the decision-making process and has a dedicated team to focus on corporate governance. The company, which is traded on the Philippine Stock Exchange, uses the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a guideline for continuous improvement. Over the past three years, it has made steady advances in the number of SDG recommendations completed, from 107 in 2017 to 161 last year. It has adopted environmental sustainability measures that are designed to deliver maximum growth for the company and its stakeholders — and ensure the responsible use of natural resources. DFNN recognises the fragile interdependence that exists between business and society. It seeks to establish stakeholder relationships that bring mutual benefit, and supports community development via education, healthcare and livelihood programmes. The CFI.co judging panel is pleased to present DFNN with the 2020 award for Best IT Corporate Governance (Philippines).


ESG Portfolio Management: Best Green Finance Expert Germany 2020

ESG Portfolio Management understands the crucial role ESG investments play in the transition towards more sustainable and resilient economies. The firm was founded in 2018 in Frankfurt by managing partner Christoph Klein, a CFA charterholder with a 20-year career managing investment portfolios at institutions such as Deutsche Bank and Deutsche Asset Management. Klein has immersed himself in the world of sustainable investing and is recognised as an industry thought-leader. ESG Portfolio Management’s team diligently pursues the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The firm is the managing advisor of three SDG Evolution Flexibel funds (combined volume total €10.7mio) and the Mayance Fair Value Bond Fonds (€21mio volume). The firm backs companies at the vanguard of the sustainability transition and follows strong engagement policies to ensure continued — and improving — ESG compliance. ESG Portfolio Management stays close to investees and tracks their progress via fundamental analysis. It exercises proxy voting rights to influence decision-makers, and prunes problematic issuers from its portfolio. The firm is committed to transparency and publishes a monthly report on the funds’ carbon footprint, using the framework of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures. It promotes knowledge-sharing and collaborates with partners in private and public sectors. ESG Portfolio Management is one of 36 signatories in the 2020 Leaders Group published by the UN Principles of Responsible Investment. The CFI.co judging panel presents ESG Portfolio Management with the 2020 Best Green Finance Expert (Germany) award.


Linklease: Most Innovative SME Equipment Leasing Solutions UAE 2020

Linklease, the Middle East’s leading equipment leasing company for SMEs, has earned an enviable reputation in its six-year history. From the Dubai headquarters, a leadership team with 25 years of SME financing experience works with regional companies to facilitate the procurement of equipment, and with investors seeking global fixed income opportunities. Linklease provides new and used equipment and sale and lease-back agreements, along with equipment management services. The company’s innovative outlook has served it well. As the UAE went into lockdown, Linklease took proactive steps to draft new agreements to help struggling customers to weather the storm. Systems were put in place to help maintain business continuity, and the agile response ensured that no clients defaulted on their agreements. The firm’s strong financial standing has enabled it to capitalise on the few silver-lining investment opportunities to come from Covid-19. Linklease was able to offer employment to selected recruits at a time when many companies were forced to downsize. It bought back equipment from hard-hit customers and bridged a widening gap in SME financing. Businesses have begun to see the benefits of leasing, and Linklease operations are booming. The company performs due diligence checks to ensure it maintains its zero-default streak, and is opening new operations in the Sub-Saharan region of Africa. The CFI.co judging panel congratulates Linklease on claiming the award for Most Innovative SME Equipment Leasing Solutions (UAE) — for the second consecutive year.


Berkeley Energia Plc: Outstanding Contribution to Sustainable Mining Europe 2020

Berkeley Energia Plc is a mining company with a world-class uranium project that will help deliver low carbon energy. The company says the Salamanca Project near Madrid will guarantee Spain and the European Union an internal supply of four million pounds of uranium a year. That equates to 10 percent of Europe’s total consumption, or more than 30 percent of the energy generated in Spain. The firm started developing its projects in Spain in 2012 with sustainability as a main pillar. The company has achieved ISO 14,001 and a certificate from a Spanish government body for sustainable mining systems — UNE 22470-80 — making it the first in the country. The focus is on the environment and CSR, and all activities are carried out according to best practice to maintain sustainability. Berkeley Energia is developing a project to re-use sewage water and waste from local villages for the industrial process and to create topsoil for rehabilitation purposes. It also works hand-in-hand with local communities to create jobs. A training centre has been set up to teach new skills. The company works with schools, pharmacies and retirement homes and observes strict guidelines and policies on health & safety, environment & sustainability, ethics, use of water, social & community, etc. It has acquired 600 hectares of local land — but allows local farmers to continue using it. The company strives to comply with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals — and is in-line with 14 of the 17. The CFI judges believe that nuclear industry run to the highest standards has a part to play in delivering zero carbon targets declare Berkeley Energia Plc winner of the 2020 award for Outstanding Contribution to Sustainable Mining (Europe).


CICERO Shades of Green: Best Green Bond Evaluation Expert Global 2020

CICERO Shades of Green allows investors to see the wood and the trees, with a triple-colour ranking system for green and sustainable bonds. The rankings are based on climate-change effectiveness and contribution to a low-carbon future. Shades of Green was launched in 2018 as a subsidiary of Norway’s CICERO Centre for International Climate Research, one of the world’s foremost institutes for interdisciplinary study. It seeks to accelerate the transition towards greener investment and improved transparency across global bond markets. The guidelines for green bonds outline expected behaviour, but CICERO Shades of Green takes it to the next level by connecting climate change science with financial markets. By accurately determining the veracity of green solutions, the company differentiates itself from the competition, using an assessment methodology that cuts to the chase on carbon emissions and adaptation to climate change. Each assessment is based on every scrap of available knowledge at the time of issuance. A comprehensive, month-long process begins with a desk-review of documentation, including issuer-submitted sustainability reports. CICERO Shades of Green factors governance and transparency considerations into the investment framework to gauge an issuer’s capacity to implement green solutions. It finds inspiration in the momentum of the green finance wave — and encourages more investors and issuers to try the waters. The CFI.co judging panel declares CICERO Shades of Green winner of the 2020 global award for Best Green Bond Evaluation Expert.


Red & White Consulting Partners LLP: Best Business Transformation Consultancy Boutique Singapore 2020

Got a business problem? Red & White Consulting Partners, a boutique firm based in Singapore, can probably solve it. The firm was established by veteran bankers Eric Sandosham and Sally Taher seven years ago. The partners have a knack for solving problems based on their data-driven mindset, and dozens of international companies have trusted their well-crafted analytical solutions. Red & White Consulting's boutique size allows it the flexibility to unlock cost efficiencies and customise services. The firm has developed a set of solutions covering talent, financial, and business analytics, providing clients with insights that lead to better decision-making across the board for human resources, finance or strategic objectives. The Covid-19 crisis has caused unprecedented challenges worldwide, and during these times, the Red & White Consulting has delivered data and analytics oriented upskilling and advisory to help their clients survive these trying times and thrive in the New Normal. The CFl.co judging panel congratulates Red & White Consulting Partners, a repeat programme winner, on claiming the 2020 award for Best Business Transformation Consultancy Boutique (Singapore).


The Cyprus Investment and Securities Corporation: Best International Investment Banking Team Cyprus 2020

The Cyprus Investment and Securities Corporation (CISCO) is the oldest investment firm on the Mediterranean island. CISCO was established by the World Bank in 1982 and acquired by the Bank of Cyprus in 1988 to serve as its investment banking arm. Over the past four decades, CISCO has played a significant role in the island’s development of its capital markets and through its capital-raising role has assisted and facilitated major island projects and contributed towards the efforts of diversifying the country’s economy in becoming a vibrant financial hub, with tourism appeal and a burgeoning financial services sector in place. Being a subsidiary of the largest banking institution on the island, and having an  excellent reputation and talented team have made the firm a major player, virtually the sole actor at such a scale. It offers a suite of brokerage and investment banking services and will be reintroducing discretionary asset management as part of the offering in 2021. CISCO is the number one broker in the Cyprus Stock Exchange and a top-20 remote member of the Athens Stock Exchange. The firm has assembled a dynamic team with international experience to serve a customer base that comprises mostly large Cyprus-based corporates, both listed and private. Brokerage services focus at large on retail clients, while asset management will be geared towards institutional investors. CISCO’s online trading platform can be accessed from a mobile app, and is continuously being developed to match customer needs. The CFI.co judging panel applauds this strategic focus on future growth, and declares CISCO the Best International Investment Banking Team (Cyprus) for 2020.


Kuber Ventures: Best Alternative Investment Platform UK 2020

Kuber Ventures believes in the power of platforms. It facilitates investing administration while affording clients the levels of service and information available for traditional investments. But, as Kuber warns, those platforms must be underpinned by hard data and anecdotal observations for the insights to hold water. Kuber Ventures was launched seven years ago, working with investment advisors as clients and asset managers as stakeholders. Kuber’s easy-to-use online systems provide advisors and clients with the tools to compare tax-efficient investments and build portfolios across multiple products for venture capital trust, enterprise and seed investment schemes and business relief investments. Alternative markets are often marred by high minimums, but Kuber Ventures is a specialist in the area. Its platform allows for lower investment levels, which promotes diversification and allows smaller investors to enter the market. Kuber assumes the burden of production selection, due diligence, reporting and monitoring to arm advisors with regulation-standard investment advice. Kuber Ventures frees financial advisors from the burden of researching and preparing reports, which are often commissioned and paid-for by the companies under review. It has helped to raise £53m in funding to date, with £48m going back to some 500 companies. The CFI.co judging panel approves of the tech-enhanced approach to boost service, as well as inclusive policies. The judges announce Kuber Ventures as the winner of the 2020 award for Best Alternative Investment Platform (UK).


SAIL Ventures: Best ESG Emerging Markets Investor Team Netherlands 2020

SAIL Ventures premiered as a forward-looking, catalytic investment company in early 2017. It partners with clients to set clear impact targets along the lifespan of the financing plan, aiming to influence global supply chain actors and combat climate change through innovative financial tools with attractive conditions. With AUM of some $125m, the boutique investment firm believes ESG integration to be the best path for positive impacts. SAIL has offices in The Hague, Singapore and Sao Paolo, and has assembled a well-rounded team of financial, environmental, social and operational professionals with more than 200 years of emerging market investment experience. SAIL deploys a team of ESG experts to combine blended finance and donor capital to support companies with transformative projects and meticulous management of environmental and social risks. The team’s deep market expertise has led to a comprehensive understanding of the sector, and it takes the time to share that knowledge to edify clients’ sustainability commitments. SAIL tracks how impacts are generated on both the finance and ESG sides. The company has weathered the choppy investment environment of 2020 with steely resolve and made headway on its goal to invest up to $100m of its green fund in four portfolio companies before the start of 2021. The CFI.co judging panel applauds the team’s values — integrity, humility, entrepreneurship, curiosity and empathy — and its unified commitment to sustainable actions. The judges declare SAIL Ventures winner of the 2020 award for Best ESG Emerging Markets Investor Team (Netherlands).


NOW: Pensions: Best Employee Pensions Provider UK 2020

One UK multi-employer Master Trust underscores the urgency of saving for the future with its punchy moniker — NOW: Pensions established in 2012 and forms part of the Cardano Group, a privately-owned, purpose-built risk and investment specialist serving UK and Dutch markets. The upper-case title practically shouts the message, and the firm takes seriously its mission to spread word: planning for the future is vital. It partnered with Condé Nast in a six-week programme to field questions on money matters in Glamour magazine. It had to scrap the annual face-to-face action of the annual Pension Awareness Week, when it would normally engage with the public on British high streets. It hosted virtual events instead, including a bespoke employer forum, which have resonated well. A collaboration with Charity Debate Mate and 5,000 UK schools will focus on encouraging youngsters to establish formative savings behaviours. NOW: Pensions is the UK’s third-largest workplace pension provider, serving tens of thousands of employers and millions of members from a wide range of industry sectors. Employers appreciate the hands-on approach NOW: Pensions takes to ensure strong client relationships, stress-free enrolment and seamless integration. It offers employers assistance and advice — particularly during the pandemic — and provides targeted sessions to address the gender pensions gap and will introduce on-site training soon. Service charges are open, transparent and fair, with no hidden extras. The CFI.co judging panel declares NOW: Pensions winner of the 2020 award for Best Employee Pensions Provider (UK).


La Trobe Financial Asset Management Limited: Best Investment Management Team Australia 2020

La Trobe Financial Asset Management is a premium non-bank wealth manager and credit specialist. It views the prudent stewardship of client assets as a sacrosanct fiduciary duty, and counts its people and reputation as its greatest assets. The Australian firm’s account managers forge lasting relationships with clients and tailor strategies to fit their needs. Over the past 68 years, La Trobe Financial has served over 180,000 clients and covered $18.4bn ($26bn AUD) of institutional and retail investment mandates. Clients place their trust and investments with La Trobe Financial — it has AUM of $7.8bn ($11bn AUD). While interest rates may fluctuate, clients’ original capital investments are mortgage-secured. In addition to wealth management, La Trobe Financial offers insurance services, as well as property loans and fixed-interest and investment-grade credit. It has also opened new areas in retail and industrial investing. This diverse range of services and funding solutions is put together by a workforce of more than 400 employees. The La Trobe Financial team serves the needs of global clients from its headquarters in Melbourne, with offices in Sydney, Shanghai and Hong Kong. Blackstone, the world’s leading investment firm with $584bn in AUM, holds an 80 percent stake in the company. La Trobe Financial president and CEO Greg O'Neill, who was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2019, holds the remaining 20 percent share. The CFI.co judging panel declares La Trobe Financial Asset Management winner of the 2020 award for Best Investment Management Team (Australia).


SUEZ UK: Best Sustainable Management Solutions United Kingdom 2020

There’s an air of optimism in the offices of SUEZ recycling and recovery UK. SUEZ Group is a worldwide leader of sustainable water and waste solutions with a 150-year history and a presence on five continents. UK operations are spread across over 300 facilities specialising in energy-from-waste and water treatment solutions. In the UK, the SUEZ team — more than 5,000 professionals from diverse backgrounds — are a key asset in advancing the circular economy movement and partners with clients to close loops in production and operational processes for the efficient and sustainable management of resources.

The company collaborates with international research centres and pioneering start-ups to foster innovation and sustainable growth. SUEZ sees circular economies as the norm of the future, as they have been proven to create true social value and environmental benefits.

The company has developed innovative technologies to purify water and to transform waste into valuable secondary raw materials. It supports climate action with a product portfolio that can reduce clients’ greenhouse gas emissions by optimising energy consumption and expanding the use of renewables. It provides digital tools to maximise resource management and collaboration among treatment facilities. Customers trust SUEZ to advance their sustainability agenda, because this company practices what it preaches. It prioritises sustainability at every level and leads by example.

The CFI.co judging panel presents SUEZ recycling and recovery UK with the 2020 award for Best Sustainable Management Solutions.


AcouSort: Best Healthcare IR Value Creation Nordics 2020

AcouSort has grown from academic roots to commercial heights — using sound to save lives. AcouSort aims to revolutionise modern healthcare by enabling a new generation of analytical and diagnostic point-of-care devices designed to save time, money and — most importantly — lives. When it comes to life-threatening illnesses, the devil is often in the diagnostics. Traditional lab processes rely on laborious centrifuge separation, forcing doctors to wait hours or days to receive the results. AcouSort’s products can streamline the workflow by integrating the separation directly into diagnostic instruments, allowing point-of-care doctors and nurses to get immediate results. Interest in the acoustofluidic technology has exploded over the past few years. It uses ultrasound waves to separate blood into components, to isolate and purify cells and extracellular vesicles and to induce rapid biochemical reactions. AcouSort’s product line is the result of more than 20 years of R&D at Sweden’s Lund University. The company has developed automated benchtop research systems — the AcouTrap and AcouWash — with customisable parameters for acoustic separation or trapping of particles from fluid. AcouPlasma, the company’s first OEM component, has a small footprint allowing for easy integration of the technology into existing systems and consumables. AcouSort was founded in 2010 and recently listed on the Nasdaq First North Growth Market. The company continues to advance the technology through proactive collaboration with academic and commercial partners. It’s making waves, literally and figuratively, and the CFI.co judging panel presents AcouSort with the 2020 award for Best Healthcare IR Value Creation (Nordics).


Pavilion Global Markets: Best Transition Management Team North America 2020

Pavilion Global Markets (PGM) recently celebrated its 50th anniversary and attributes its enduring success to a steadfast intention to create a credible and sustainable business. PGM is an agency and institutional-only focused firm with a strong and stable team offering three specialised services: portfolio transition management, global research, and an equity execution platform covering 50 international markets. The Canadian firm has begun to make inroads into the Middle East. PGM has visited the region to research market opportunities and establish new customer relationships.

The firm assists institutional investors and financial intermediaries to streamline their portfolio structures, transition between investment managers, alter asset allocations and rebalance their portfolios. Transition management benefits clients through lower commission rates and a well-planned execution strategy. It is a core part of the firm and represents about a quarter of PGM’s business.

The transition management business is supported by PGM’s global trading that operates 24-hours during the working week and successfully deals in all asset classes. To satisfy complex trading needs and achieve best execution for our clients, we use a combination of cutting-edge technology and sophisticated trading algorithms.

Over the past 12 months, Pavilion Global Markets (PGM) has achieved growth in the transition management business line with a revenue increase and important reputational advances. It has also advanced its digital transition plan in response to Covid-19 to strengthen remote working capabilities. The CFI.co judging panel declares PGM — a repeat programme winner — as the Best Transition Management Team (North America) for 2020.


East Africa Metals Inc: Most Responsible Miner Africa 2020

Legend has it that EAM’s Adyabo gold project sits on the site of the legendary mines of King Solomon, and EAM management looks to the Arabian-Nubian Shield as a highly prospective region for exploration. Over the past 15 years, Vancouver-based East Africa Metals (EAM) has made significant prospecting discoveries in Tanzania and Ethiopia. EAM founder and CEO Andrew Smith refers to that moment of discovery as a feeling of spine-tingling excitement. News of a discovery is likely to cause a similar reaction in community stakeholders, considering the profit-sharing scheme established with villages in Tanzania. EAM connects with community leaders at the start of exploration projects to co-create initiatives that address local needs. The company knows the value of corporate social responsibility, and focuses the brunt of its efforts towards reforestation and encouraging women’s education and entrepreneurship. It has built schools and established a co-op for female entrepreneurs, and engages with shareholders to spread the word on the importance of CSR. EAM understands that it is a guest in the countries where it operates, and its committed CSR plan seeks to preserve natural spaces while advancing socio-economic progress. The company has been honoured with a Tanzanian Presidential Citation for contributions made to local communities. The CFI.co judging panel presents East Africa Metals with another honour — the 2020 award for Most Responsible Miner (Africa).


Pavilion Global Markets: Best Global Portfolio Strategy Team North America 2020

Pavilion Global Markets (PGM) traces its origins to 1968 and has an unchanged goal: to deliver best execution trading to its institutional clients. In 2020, the Canadian firm’s service suite includes equity execution, transition management and global macro research. The portfolio strategy team is a cornerstone of PGM operations and produces detailed, laser-sharp reports on targeted topics. These dossiers are excellent tools for client engagement and provide actionable insights for institutional investors, plan sponsors, sector analysts and quantitative fund managers. The aim is for integrated analysis over a medium-term horizon of nine to 12 months. PGM crunches numbers, then digs deeper to uncover investment opportunities — and risks. It explores the impacts of macro events on asset classes (equities, fixed income, commodities and currencies) across a wide range of developed and emerging market economies. Research notes are published throughout the week and unshared material is collated into a Friday publication entitled Out of Focus. PGM has created upwards of 10,000 charts which are updated in real time and widely recognised as reliable reference tools. They also offers bespoke research services, which have proven useful for pension funds. As an independent organisation, PGM is not afraid to challenge the consensus. The CFI.co judging panel declares Pavilion Global Markets winner of the 2020 award for Best Global Portfolio Strategy Team (North America).


Polifarma SpA: Best Healthcare Corporate Strategy Italy 2020

Polifarma celebrated its centenary in 2019 with the slogan, “a hundred years spent in the future”. The company’s commitment to specialized skills and the search for innovative, effective solutions have seen it become a benchmark of excellence in the Italian pharmaceutical sector. Polifarma’s story has been a personal and ethical one, leading up to its acquisition by Luisa Angelini 21 years ago. In the 2000s, pharmaceutical companies were hard-hit by the explosion of generic drugs on the market and – faced with the loss of a product patent – Polifarma realized it needed a new corporate strategy. Turnover had plummeted from €40m to €18m – but the company had prepared for this. It acquired Polifarma Benessere, an OTC and cosmetic company, cementing its presence in the sector. Since 2010, it has released 10 new products and projects and trebled turnover to €55m. It has identified digitalisation as a strategic key to the future of healthcare and developed a digital revolution program thanks to a cultural change management that has led to the engagement of the whole company in a future-orientated strategic plan. Moreover, its strengthened ophthalmology offering now accounts for 42% of turnover. This was made possible by a flexible internal organizational structure in which every employee knows his role and feels valued. Polifarma this year inaugurated its Hospital Business Unit, targeting private clinics and hospital markets and strengthened the Foreign Business Unit in order to broaden its presence in the international markets. CEO Dr. Andrea Bracci has been appointed vice-president of the pharmaceutical section of the Lazio regional industrial and business organization and member of the Digital Transformation Group, in recognition of his service. The CFI.co judges name Polifarma SpA as winner of the 2020 award for Best Healthcare Corporate Strategy (Italy).


Manulife Investment Management: Best ESG Team, Investment Management North America 2020

Headquartered in Toronto, Manulife Investment Management deploys 525 investment professionals across 17 locations in support of clients’ financial and ESG goals. It is the global wealth and asset management arm of Manulife Financial Corporation, drawing on a 130-year heritage of research, risk-management and outcome-focused investing. Manulife Investment Management tailors solutions for individuals, institutions and retirement plan members worldwide, with more than $421 billion in assets under management and administration. In September, it received an A+ rating for ESG strategy and governance — for the second consecutive year — from the UN-supported Principles for Responsible Investment report. It also received top marks in the screening, integration and engagements modules for listed equities and direct fixed-income SSA (sovereign, supranational and agency). Manulife Investment Management sees responsible investing as an opportunity for more efficient allocation of capital and better risk-adjusted returns. The firm tracks its performance using guidelines published by the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures. It publishes annual progress reports with full transparency and a widening range of data inclusion. Manulife Investment Management engages with the companies in which it invests to support their sustainability goals. Global engagement interactions in 2019 rose to 940 from 276 the previous year, and its Sustainable Investing Committee meets monthly to monitor the evolution of ESG strategies. The CFI.co judging panel announces Manulife Investment Management — a repeat programme winner — as 2020’s Best ESG Team, Investment Management (North America).


BVI Finance: Best Offshore Financial Services Provider Global 2020

With over 350,000 active companies on its register, BVI Finance represents the financial services industry of the British Virgin Islands (BVI). The platform promotes the Caribbean archipelago globally through trade events and conferences, amongst others.

Enjoying a solid and long-standing reputation for regulatory innovation and excellence, the BVI boasts a business-friendly climate with a full ensemble of expert services offered by highly experienced professional practitioners. As such, the BVI offers the convenience of a ‘one-stop-shop’ unmatched by other international financial centres (IFCs).

BVI Finance emphasises the key role – not always recognised – of IFCs as purveyors of expertise on the near friction-free cross-border flow of investments. As the world struggles to emerge from the Corona Pandemic, well-established and reputable IFCs such as the British Virgin Island can provide a resilient and trusted foundation on which to build and rebuild businesses that seek to grow and diversify.

BVI Finance has been particularly active in Asia. About 40% of the companies registered in the islands are located in China, including Hong Kong and Macau. Over three-quarters of the companies included in Asia’s bellwether Hang Seng Index have direct links to the BVI.

BVI Finance has done a stellar job in drawing global attention to the Caribbean jurisdiction and its competitive advantages such as its legal system based on English common law, a regulatory framework that meets the highest international standards, and tax neutrality.

The CFI.co judging panel agrees that, as the post-pandemic recovery gathers steam, companies will need to unlock growth opportunities whilst mitigating risk. A trustworthy IFC such as the one found in the BVI can help – and work wonders. The judges declare BVI Finance winner of the 2020 Best Offshore Financial Services Provider Global Award.


Camarco: Best Corporate Communication Advisory UK 2020

Camarco is a British employee-owned advisory whose Partners have on average more than 20 years’ experience focusing on the financial services, energy, industrial, consumer, real estate and media sectors. The firm has attracted top talent from day one, including senior management from FTI Consulting and Citigate. Sector-focused teams work together for Camarco clients, which include a number of FTSE 100 and some of the world’s most prestigious companies. An engagement committee conducts due diligence on prospective partners. Camarco is never pressured to meet new client quotas: it follows an organic growth strategy and is quick to decline an offer if the ethics don’t align. Clients that “fit” are won over with transparent communication, professional service and a personal touch. They benefit from the firm’s long-standing affiliation with US-based Stanton Public Relations and Marketing. The two companies share a similar work culture and mindset, and their long-standing relationship is fortified by a six-month employee-swap programme. Camarco’s business is mainly based on retained contracts, which are supplemented by project fees, both of which have grown impressively, with total annual turnover of some £7m for the past three years. Camarco earns the loyalty of its clients and has assembled a crack team of specialists to look after them. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Camarco has retained its complete client roster and kept all staff on payroll. The firm invests in its team members to ensure their security, opportunity to contribute, and room to grow. The CFI.co judging panel declares Camarco winner of the 2020 award for Best Corporate Communication Advisory (UK).


Krungthai Bank: Best Social Impact Bank Thailand 2020

Krungthai Bank (KTB) is a majority state-owned enterprise bank on a threefold mission: to facilitate sustainable economic growth, boost financial inclusion, and enhance quality of life in Thailand. The bank’s 54-year legacy of stability has contributed to the development of the country’s business landscape. In 1989, it became the first state enterprise to float shares on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. The bank unites five ecosystems — government, education, payments, healthcare and mass transit — by combining next-level fintech solutions with strong tech infrastructure. It creates positive social impacts with products, services and support programmes addressing the needs of more than 40 million people. KTB clients can apply for student loans, streamline hospital visits and make contactless payments. The bank has collaborated with the government to develop digital platforms to register, screen and deliver relief measures during the coronavirus pandemic. It implemented measures to mitigate the financial hardship experienced by individual and corporate clients, such as loan “payment holidays” at the beginning of the crisis, and reductions in interest rates, fees and penalties from August onwards. The CFI.co judging panel has praised KTB in past awards programmes for its steadfast advancement of the Thailand 4.0 strategy, which aims to build a cashless society while reducing social inequalities and narrowing the income gap. The judges applaud the bank’s swift crisis response and declare Krungthai Bank as winner of the 2020 award for Best Social Impact Bank (Thailand).


Quantedge Capital: Best Diversified Investment Strategy Asia 2020

Quantedge Capital is a Singapore-based investment management firm that runs a systematic quantitative investment strategy that harvests risk premia across a broad range of asset classes, including equities, bonds, commodities, currencies and insurance-linked securities. The investment strategy requires a long-term investment horizon and patience to persevere through short-term market volatility. The asset manager began operations in Singapore in 2006 and opened a  New York office a few years later, but the firm continues to run only a single investment portfolio via its product, Quantedge Global Fund. The fund dynamically allocates capital across more than 200 different markets and instruments, making it one of the most  diversified investment funds globally. The fund’s AUM stands at approximately $2.5bn at the start of 2021 with a track record of delivering over 20 percent net annualised returns since inception. All indicators point to a well-run and profitable enterprise, but Quantedge doesn’t rest on its laurels. It implements a process of continuous improvement focused on areas such as further diversification of the investment portfolio, investment and operational robustness and building a deep bench of talent within the firm. Employees collaborate as a unified team — and collectively represent the largest investor in the fund. This creates an iron-clad alignment of interests between the firm and external investors. Quantedge is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore and holds a Capital Markets Services license for fund management. The CFI.co judging panel is pleased to present Quantedge with the 2020 award for the Best Diversified Investment Strategy in Asia.


Hamraa Insurance: Best Insurance Company Iraq 2020

Hamraa Insurance extends a reassuring hand during trying times with reliable, modern and accessible insurance solutions fine-tuned for different segments of Iraqi society. The company benefits from a strong governance structure and a seasoned team of professionals at the helm. It has become the country’s leading health insurer through a process of continuous improvement over the past two decades. Hamraa Insurance is a company with strong values that is listed on the Iraq Stock Exchange and works in close collaboration with the world’s largest reinsurers. In addition to healthcare cover, the company offers policies for automobiles, cargo transport, life, travel, energy, property and accidents. Hamraa representatives assist clients —individual, NGO or corporate — to select a policy that best fits their needs. The team is committed to making the claims procedure as quick and painless as possible. Hamraa Insurance is a diligent and well-positioned partner, capable of safeguarding client interests regardless of the circumstances — even in an environment as challenging and inconsistent as Iraq’s. Hamraa Insurance participates in the Frontier Alliance Party initiative to unite insurers in conflict zones and provide them with the heft required to negotiate better terms with re-insurers. The company stays ahead of the competition with a diverse range of products and services that provide peace-of-mind and keep pace with evolving customer needs. The CFI.co judging panel announces Hamraa Insurance winner of the 2020 Best Insurance Company (Iraq) award.


Insurance Corporation of Afghanistan: Best Insurance Company Afghanistan 2020

The Insurance Corporation of Afghanistan (ICA) has for more than a decade been the largest in the country’s sector. ICA continues to operate at peak performance despite the challenges of the pandemic and political unrest. Net revenues have doubled over the past two years. Employee Benefits (Health, Group Personal Accidents & Life) has become ICA’s champion product, recently redefined and realigned to suit the needs of international NGOs. The overhaul has allowed ICA to gain a foothold in that market, serving a sizable growing population. The company is continuously investing in top-tier IT infrastructure and is currently upgrading its health insurance software, streamlining it’s TPA arm Interhealth Asia (IHA). Employers can select from a range of coverage plans that will be tailor-made to suit coverage and budgetary requirements. To support the growth, ICA has expanded the health insurance team and placed patient co-ordinators at hospitals to offer unmatched quality standards. But healthcare coverage represents only a fraction of ICA’s product portfolio. It also provides unrivalled insurance and risk management solutions to suit various commercial lines through supporting leading corporation that drives the economy offering numerous solutions such as Property, Political Violence, Engineering, Liabilities and Motor fleet insurance. ICA also initiated The Frontier Alliance to leverage its relationship to create mutual value for alliance members operating in Frontier zones. ICA aims to extend its reach with a new subsidiary in Uzbekistan and fuels growth with continuous improvement of products and services. The CFI.co judging panel presents ICA, a repeat programme winner, with the 2020 award for Best Insurance Company (Afghanistan).


Aristo Developers: Best Property Development Team Cyprus 2020

The island nation of Cyprus is known as the Jewel of the Mediterranean. It sits at the crossroads of three continents and has hosted visitors from the days of ancient empires to 21st century tourists and expats. Aristo Developers was founded shortly after the island achieved independence, and over its 40-year history has established itself as a preferred partner for residential and commercial projects. It’s one of the largest private landowners on the island, and the first Cyprus developer to build and own golf resorts, educational institutions, shopping centres and theme parks. Aristo Developers promotes the attractive investment opportunities Cyprus offers to local home-buyers and international entrepreneurs. A property purchase in Cyprus of €300,000 or more opens a path to permanent residency for investors and their families (including parents). One visit every two years is required to maintain that residency: a small ask, as Cyprus is known for its landscapes and rich cultural history. It also offers excellent access to mainland Europe and the EU. The company specialises in working with foreign investors and has handed the keys to thousands of satisfied homeowners. It has built autonomous teams and established a global network of more than 1,500 international associates. Aristo Developers has shaped the history of Cyprus real estate — and is committed to the future. The CFI.co judging panel congratulates Aristo Developers, winner of the 2020 award for Best Property Development Team (Cyprus).