Amazon: Most Disruptive Retail Operations Global 2020

In Lockdown 2020, one of our most frequent visitors has been the delivery man for serial innovator Amazon. And we are pleased to see him: usually in good time, with the products we ordered and on the understanding that if things go wrong, they are quickly put right. If we signed up for Amazon Prime that would be a two-day service with other benefits too. Founded in 1994 by Jeff Bezos – now the world’s richest man – Amazon is the biggest brand around. It started with books, challenging publishers, and booksellers to change or risk disappearing. It worked very nicely with the stock price increasing five-fold a couple of years after the 1997 IPO. It has been tough on brick and mortar grocery stores, but Amazon is more of a corrector than a killer. Target and Walmart are catching up, even if it did cost them billions. Casualties include Toys R Us who mentioned Amazon in their bankruptcy papers: saying that they just could not compete. During recent years, Amazon has acquired Wholefoods, entered the healthcare industry with Berkshire Hathaway and JP Morgan, and given traditional retailers countless sleepless nights. Amazon’s strategy was always to build its model efficiently before worrying about short-term profits, and it is now able to grow fast and acquire market share in the blink of an eye. And Q3 profits were at a record $6.3 billion this year. Without question, the judging panel names Amazon winner of the 2020 award: Most Disruptive Retail Operations Global.


NatWest: Best Mortgage Provider UK 2020

Established in 1968, following the merger of the National Provincial Bank and Westminster Bank, the NatWest became a member of the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) group twenty years ago. The RBS Group was renamed the NatWest Group this year and is led by CEO Alison Rose. NatWest is celebrated for its mortgage offerings and related activities in this critical field. It is an attractive destination for first-time buyers and NatWest offers high loan-to-value (LTV) mortgages (although it is not presently going as high as 95 percent). Customers can take advantage of cash back mortgages at LTV levels that can be higher than much of the competition). Mortgagors are encouraged to aim for energy efficiency and get a discount for going green. In 2021, the UK is hosting the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow and NatWest is the banking sponsor. NatWest aims to be the leading bank to address climate change and is committed to becoming climate positive by 2025. NatWest is to be congratulated on using a simple and easily navigated website to communicate with existing and potential clients regarding mortgages. The site is currently offering reassurance to clients that risk falling behind on their mortgages after the coronavirus pandemic payments holiday. The judging panel finds its tone of voice to be pleasant, kind, and sympathetic and is very pleased to congratulate NatWest on its 2020 award Best Mortgage Provider UK.


Kommunalkredit Austria AG: Best ESG Infrastructure Finance Europe 2020

Specialist bank Kommunalkredit Austria AG connects infrastructure with investment via funds focused on energy, environment, communications, digitalisation, transport, and natural resources. Sustainability principles are applied throughout the company’s daily operations and stakeholder collaborations. Kommunalkredit’s commitment to ESG performance is a cornerstone of its corporate culture. The goal is to facilitate the development of projects that bring community benefits, improve quality of life — and generate healthy returns. Kommunalkredit has remained steadfast during these challenging times, and its commitment to sustainable development has proven profitable, bringing consistent growth. Year-on-year EBIT increased by 25 percent, while the cost-income ratio dropped to 59.8 percent. Contrary to market trends during the pandemic, Kommunalkredit achieved a rating upgrade from DBRS Morningstar, with a stable outlook and a boost in its long- and short-term ratings. Kommunalkredit takes an “originate and collaborate” approach to infrastructure fund management, drawing on a well-established network of associated syndicates and institutional investors. It makes investments in parallel with the fund to present itself as a strong partner with aligned interests. Kommunalkredit’s most recent investment deals have benefited communities and contribute towards the UN’s Social Development Goals by creating jobs, advancing the transition to clean energy and improving rural communications. Kommunalkredit became the first Austrian financial institution to be admitted to the European Clean Hydrogen Alliance, which was established by the EU Commission earlier this year. This accomplishment underlines the bank’s focus on sustainable infrastructure projects that support key challenges such as economic growth, strengthening regions, job creation and, above all, climate protection measures. The CFI.co judging panel presents Kommunalkredit Austria AG, a repeat programme winner, with the 2020 award for Best ESG Infrastructure Finance (Europe).


Pragmatic Play Limited: Most Responsible iGaming Content Provider Europe 2020

Pragmatic Play believes the online gaming sector must strive for higher standards. The company is a B2B provider with a product portfolio of digital games including slots, live casino, bingo and more. It works with online gaming operators, resellers and platform providers across major regulated markets worldwide. Pragmatic Play can customise games according to client needs, and integration is a breeze with its easy-to-use API (application programming interface). Although Pragmatic Play has limited contact with the end user, it is committed to promoting responsible gaming habits. The company is certified and licensed in 20 jurisdictions and fully compliant with all regulatory requirements. All Pragmatic Play games come with player protection software and are reviewed by independent auditors to certify their randomness and fairness. Pragmatic Play forges partnerships to help online gaming companies grow within a burgeoning industry, focusing on sustainability and data protection. The digital stewardship of users’ personal data is of paramount importance, and privacy protection is integrated in the system’s design. Pragmatic Play supports the GambleAware programme which promotes responsible gaming, and was part of a cross-industry initiative to encourage safer gambling in the UK and Ireland. Pragmatic Play has a proactive CSR strategy that is driven by teams in eight countries. The CFI.co judging panel recognises Pragmatic Play with the 2020 award for Most Responsible iGaming Content Provider (Europe).


Commerzbank: Best Universal Banking Services Germany 2020

Commerzbank, presently led by CEO Martin Zielke, and headquartered in Frankfurt am Main was established 150 years ago. It has the second largest balance sheet of the German banks. This is a world class player with a substantially wider variety of services than its competitors. It is a leading provider of capital markets products and provides finance for 30 percent of the country’s foreign trade. This is a highly respected corporate banking market leader with around 70,000 clients. Commerzbank has 800 branches in its network and around 11.6 million private and SME customers. The bank’s digital strategy is convincing but, according to the judging panel, it operates with a human touch too: hands-on advisers ensure outstanding personal services. Third quarter results for 2020 show stable revenues despite the Covid-19 challenges. In October it was announced that EIB Group securitisation would allow Commerzbank to lend up to 500m euros to SMEs on favourable terms – to help soften the economic effect of the pandemic. Operating expenses are continuing to fall according to plan. In September, the bank named Manfred Knof, retail head of Deutsche Bank as successor (1 Jan 2021) to Zielke. Commerzbank is a member of the Cash Group and 15 percent of its shares are held by the Federal Republic. CFI.co once again names Commerzbank, this time as 2020 winner of the award Best Universal Banking Services Germany.


Aston Martin Lagonda: Best ESG Manufacturing Strategy United Kingdom 2020

James Bond drove one: what more do you need to know? Since Bond’s DB5, and way before that, Aston Martin was known for creating sportsters that smack of prestige, with just a hint of intrigue. The company — Aston Martin Lagonda, today — created a British motoring icon, a luxury brand, but moved forward with a conscience. The firm has implemented a strategy prioritising sustainable practices across its operations and throughout its supply chain. Comprehensive ESG commitments fuel the company’s sustainable growth plans. Its much anticipated DBX model started production in July, and orders are stacking up for the brand’s first SUV —assembled at the repurposed St Athan Royal Air Force hangars in Wales. The facility is one of three Aston Martin Lagonda production plants in the UK — and all measure-up to scrutiny on an environmental level. The company publishes the Responsible Procurement Guide detailing its social, environmental, and ethical responsibilities; suppliers are expected to follow the Aston Martin lead. The first in its hybrid line, the Rapide E, was unveiled at the Monaco ePrix in May 2019. The company sees hybrid hydrogen technology as the future for zero-emissions performance cars. The CFI.co judging panel knows this contender well and is pleased that its consistent and responsible progress has not diminished the untamed charm of its vehicles. The panel declares Aston Martin Lagonda a repeat winner, taking the 2020 award for Best ESG Manufacturing Strategy (UK).


Rokel Commercial Bank: Best Bank Governance Sierra Leone 2020

Rokel Commercial Bank serves as the principal gateway to finance and business in Sierra Leone. It creates opportunities not only for its stakeholders, but for the nation as well. Rokel’s corporate mission has become even more relevant as the country’s economy suffers the devastating effects of the Corona Pandemic. A testament to its institutional strength and resilience, the bank has deftly navigated these choppy waters, keeping its nationwide branch network up and running whilst fully meeting the operational targets set before the healthcare emergency erupted. By doggedly standing by its customers, Rokel has earned the appreciation of the nation and improved its already sizeable market share. Customer acquisition surpassed expectations by a considerable margin. The results may be ascribed to the bank’s solid governance structure. Rokel Commercial Bank offers accountholders a comprehensive suite of modern banking products through various distribution channels, including a state-of-the-art device independent mobile platform. To extend its reach, the bank maintains a network of correspondents that covers the world’s main financial centres and allows customers easy access to cross-border financial services. The CFI.co judging panel appreciates Rokel’s drive to further develop Sierra Leone’s budding financial services industry through innovation and dedication to operational excellence and client satisfaction. The bank has raised the bar considerably and, by so doing, provides a welcome competitive edge to the sector. The judges are pleased to offer Rokel Commercial Bank the 2020 Best Bank Governance Sierra Leone Award.


Multiply Marketing Consultancy: Best Digital Communicator GCC 2020

Multiply Marketing Consultancy adheres to the “think global, act local” mindset; it cares about its clients, its people, communities and the planet. From its Abu Dhabi headquarters, Multiply has extended its reach into seven international markets — Egypt, Lebanon, Pakistan, France, the UK, the US and Asia Pacific. It has established active investment partnerships with international companies to source efficient storytelling, research and design technologies. The highlights of its investment portfolio include a mobile advertising platform powered by machine learning, using language-analysis software with target-audience adjustments and analytical technology to track eye movement and emotion. Multiply executes content campaigns for clients that aim to optimise their digital presence and maximise returns on investment. Within a matter of months it helped to boost the social media presence of a certain client, pushing up account impressions by 320 percent, engagement by 137 percent, and followers by 236 percent. A tight-knit team of marketing professionals, creatives and researchers collaborate to ensure client content is relevant and useful. Multiply recruits life-long learners with a playful streak and a desire to build human connections. It creates content that is often contagiously fun — as evidenced by the many Multiply posts that have gone viral — but strikes a more serious tone when the situation calls for it. It has undertaken projects to highlight Covid-19 initiatives and to campaign against food waste. The CFI.co judging panel is pleased to present Multiply Marketing Consultancy with the 2020 award for Best Digital Communicator (GCC).


ABA - Invest in Austria: Best Destination for Investment in Innovation Europe 2020

A gateway to both west and east, and with an exceptionally rich cultural heritage, Austria has long exerted an irresistible pull on innovators, disruptors, out-of-the-box thinkers, and others determined to leave their mark on human progress. Today, Austria is one of Europe’s most attractive start-up hotspots with a highly dynamic and creative scene of budding entrepreneurs pushing boundaries, envelopes, and the limits of convention. ABA – Invest in Austria is the national investment promotion department of the Austrian Business Agency (ABA) owned by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Economic Affairs. With its three departments, ABA – Invest in Austria, ABA – Work in Austria und Location Austria, Austria’s business promotion agency promotes Austria abroad as a business and research location, an attractive labour market for skilled workers and a location for international film productions.

By rolling out the red carpet for businesses of all sizes to leverage Austria’s ensemble of competitive advantages, ABA has stoked the fires of innovation. Agile and efficient, the agency was set up by the state to provide a single touchpoint for those considering Austria as their next business destination. The agency offers its services free of charge and helps clients make full use of the country’s peerless facilities: From tapping its vast pool of highly educated and motivated professionals to rallying its network of early-stage investors, incubators, accelerators, angels, and venture capitalists. ABA fits seamlessly in a national ecosystem that fosters innovation and attracts those businesses seeking a welcoming and inspiring home. The agency is nimble yet sustains a vast network that plugs into all major economic actors. The panel has been following ABA for some years and wishes to recognise its superior approach to investment promotion by confirming the 2020 Best Destination for Investment in Innovation Europe Award.


3VC: Best VC Technology Firm CEE 2020

Just three years after its launch, 3VC — formerly capital300 — is proving the case for Central Eastern Europe (CEE) as a challenger to Silicon Valley’s long reign as the world’s hottest tech incubator. The firm was founded by entrepreneurs who are passionate about technology and seasoned in start-up experiences. 3VC launched with a three-person team and a first fund of $50m USD. It now has a passionate team of diverse talent from the CEE and GSA (Germany, Switzerland and Austria) regions, noted for gender balance, business-friendly governments and skilled STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) graduates. 3VC seeks out game-changing ideas that drive humanity forward, then connects entrepreneurs with growth capital and knowledge. The firm unites three groups of like-minded stakeholders — European founders, global VCs and regional fund investors — with the goal of advancing the start-up ecosystem and generating positive returns. 3VC aims to be a catalyst for change and partners with forward-thinking organisations. It works only with top-tier funds and takes a quality-over-quantity approach to portfolio investments, primarily focusing on opportunities at Series A and growth stages. Short maturity terms have permitted two exits and several up rounds so far. 3VC won’t submit to a single label; it is an advocate and ambassador, entrepreneur and investor. The CFI.co judging panel announces 3VC as winner of the 2020 award for Best VC Technology Firm (CEE).


Kathrein Privatbank: Best Private Banking Solutions Austria 2020

Inserted into Raiffeisen Bank International, part of one of Austria’s largest banking groups, Kathrein Privatbank enjoys the benefits of scale whilst remaining true to its roots as the traditional and highly exclusive private bank envisioned by its founder Carl Kathrein in 1924.

Discrete, independent, and agile, Kathrein Privatbank is counted amongst the leading private banks of the German-speaking world. The bank draws its custom from high net-worth entrepreneurs, family offices, and private foundations. As an integral part of its services palette, Kathrein Privatbank maintains a finely meshed experts’ network to source individually tailored solutions to legal and fiscal matters, including those that stretch across multiple jurisdictions.

The private bank, housed in a Viennese fin de siècle building as understated as stately, is justifiably proud of its reputation for cultivating an exceptionally close bond with its customers in order to ensure excellence in the delivery of both bespoke services and outcomes that dovetails with the exacting demands placed upon the institution. At this level of distinction, flukes are not tolerated, and superior performance must match consistency in its provision.

Kathrein Privatbank’s proprietary quantitative investment style is defined as a rigorously methodical approach to asset allocation and seeks to unearth opportunities through analytical craftsmanship as opposed to the opportunistic perusal of possibilities.

The judging panel values the bank’s relentless pursuit of operational perfection, a hallmark of Kathrein Privatbank since its inception. The judges also note the bank’s exemplary commitment to integrity and confidentiality. The judging panel is therefore pleased to offer Kathrein Privatbank the 2020 Best Private Banking Solutions Austria Award.


DeepMind: Most Innovative AI Research Team Global 2020

Working closely with Google, and acquired by Alphabet Inc. in 2015, DeepMind believes that many fundamental scientific questions, can be answered through the problem-solving systems of artificial general intelligence. The DeepMind research team, in collaboration with Moorfields Eye Hospital, has made much progress in the understanding of eye disease. The company is helping to improve Google products which now benefit from the DeepMind voice synthesiser WaveNet. A few years ago, DeepMind’s AlphaZero taught itself mastery of chess, shogi (the Chinese version) and Go and beat world champions. The chess community acknowledged that this development was unlike any earlier chess playing engine. According to Garry Kasparov, AlphaZero plays “with a very dynamic style much like my own”. AlphaGo is probably the most powerful Go player in history. There have been hundreds of peer-reviewed papers in top journals that show the wonderfully innovative solutions of this winner. DeepMind is concerned that AI initiatives should proceed safely and ethically, behaving reliably and in ways that we want. After the acquisition, the company established an artificial intelligence ethics board. DeepMind, along with Amazon, Google, Facebook, IBM and Microsoft, is a founding member of the Partnership on AI (which considers the society-AI interface). DeepMind scholarships support smart under-represented students and address geographic as well as social imbalances. DeepMind announced on 30 November this year, that its AlphaFold programme had solved the “protein folding problem”. This will fundamentally change biological research, unlocking protein that cause disease. According to Nature magazine: “It will change everything.” The CFI.co judging panel is pleased to recognise DeepMind as the Most Innovative AI Research Team Global 2020.


Varun Beverages Ltd: Best FMCG Corporate Governance India 2020

Varun Beverages is one the world’s largest PepsiCo franchisees outside the US. The Indian company, which forms part of the diversified business conglomerate RJ Corp, has consolidated its PepsiCo engagement into a business empire with near-complete national coverage (excluding the states of Ladakh, Andhra Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir), as well as franchisee rights in Nepal, Sri Lanka, Morocco, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Over the past decade, Varun has seen its share of PepsiCo beverage sales (by volume) in India increase from 24 percent (in 2011) to over 80 percent. The growth-driven company is supported by a leadership team with decades of combined industry expertise and degrees from reputed universities. Varun’s founding chairman, Ravi Kant Jaipuria, has been praised for his entrepreneurial leadership and business acumen. He was named by PepsiCo as the International Bottler of the Year in 1997 — the only Indian to have ever received this honour. Varun’s manufacturing network includes 31 domestic and six international plants, with two in Nepal and one in each of its other markets. High standards and strong governance ensure operational efficiencies throughout the network. Varun aims to please its consumers and its staff, and the company regularly ranks as a preferred employer. It fosters relationships rooted in respect and provides employees with ample opportunities for growth. It seeks to create long-term value for all stakeholders through operational excellence and socio-environmental responsibility. Varun Beverages is a repeat winner of the CFI.co awards programme, claiming the title of Best FMCG Corporate Governance (India) for the second consecutive year.


The Washington Post: Most Innovative News Outlet Global 2020

Founded in 1877, the Post has won 69 Pulitzer prizes, just trailing behind the New York Times. In 1950, the term McCarthyism was first coined in an unfavourable Post editorial cartoon. In the late 60s, Editor-in-chief Ben Bradlee encouraged the forensic reporting of the Pentagon Papers and Watergate scandals. Considered to be left-leaning, the Post is occasionally referred to as “Pravada of the Potomac” – but significantly, these cries come from both ends of the political spectrum. Truth be told, right- as well as left-wing editorial views are often to be found within its pages. Recent critics have included Bernie Sanders as well as Donald Trump. The judging panel points to the paper’s keenness to implement technical innovations, and experiment bravely in the new media environment. Its transition to a technology-first media company is to be applauded. Jeff Bezos (who is a hands-off proprietor by all accounts), acquired the paper seven years ago and has encouraged speedy adaption to the new age. Digital-only subscriber numbers soared, and the company has powered into the software space. Its in-house publishing platform, Arc, has proved attractive to the Los Angeles Times, the New Zealand Herald and others. Sites running on Arc have more than 200 million readers worldwide. Happily, this innovation provided a financial boost to hold back the decline in readership of the print journal. The Washington Post out-innovates its competition and CFI.co confirms this repeat winner as recipient of the 2020 award for Most Innovative News Outlet Global.


MRV Engenharia: Best ESG Responsible Development Leadership Brazil 2020

Over the past four decades, MRV Engenharia has built over 400,000 high-quality, low-cost homes, housing more than a million people. The Brazilian construction company is dedicated to creating accessible housing for low-income families. MRV is the largest residential developer in Latin America, with a presence in 160 cities and 22 states. One in every 150 Brazilians call an MRV property home, and the company helps first-time buyers claim government subsidies to facilitate their dream of home ownership. It targets sustainability throughout its project portfolio, achieving high levels of ISO certification and industry recognition. MRV has taken a stance on climate action; over the past decade, it has planted nearly 1.5 million trees in green spaces and public areas. It aims to set an industry benchmark by prioritising people and planet, citing its large market capitalisation and expansive operations as advantages in making positive community impacts. It follows-through on a commitment to transparency, with annual reports highlighting progress towards the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on the eight where it can best contribute. It established the MRV Institute 10 years ago and invests one percent of annual income to support education, culture and sports programmes. The company has opened 170 schools, combatting illiteracy and benefiting employees. MRV is proud of its accomplishments and energised by future possibilities. The CFI.co judging panel unanimously declares MRV Engenharia as winner of the 2020 award for Best ESG Responsible Development Leadership (Brazil).


ICBC Dubai: Best International Bank Bond Issuer EMEA 2020

The Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) has distinguished itself with 36-years of steady progress and innovation. The group serves millions of clients, corporate and individual, via a global network including more than 400 branches and subsidiaries across 49 countries. ICBC has been active in the Middle East since 2008, and its DIFC operation in Dubai is a crucial part of that five-branch regional network. It is a reliable regional issuer of medium-term notes (MTNs) and certificates of deposit (CDs). Highlights from recent activity include a $1bn MTN with three-year and five-year $500m tranches that has been twice oversubscribed, and an $8bn CD programme that has seen a 71 percent increase from 2019 to 2020. ICBC Dubai collaborates with regional governments, sovereign institutions and corporate partners to drive strategic infrastructure investment, economic diversification and green development. In 2020, ICBC Dubai acted as co-manager on the Samba Bank bond issuance, as joint lead manager on the Emirates NBD PJSC senior unsecured bond issuance, and in a passive role on the Dubai Islamic Bank sukuk issuance. ICBC Dubai is ever alert for opportunities to support economic development and strengthen relationships within the GCC region. It focuses on providing financial services that serve the real economy. The CFI.co judging panel presents ICBC Dubai (DIFC) Branch, a repeat programme winner, with the 2020 award for Best International Bank Bond Issuer (EMEA).


Kuwait International Bank: Fastest Growing Islamic Bank and Best Sharia-Compliant Bank MENA 2020

The publicly quoted Kuwait International Bank (KIB) was incorporated in 1973 and has been operating according to Islamic principles for the past 13 years. KIB offers a comprehensive suite of Sharia-compliant services and products coupled with digital advances. KIB has introduced services that free clients from making in-person visits, and updated its queue booking app, in part for customer convenience but also as a safety measure during the pandemic. Over the past eight months, KIB has launched a live chat function on its website and seven new services via its contact centre. Another major milestone was the launch of the 89 Mall branch, which was designed to traverse the boundaries between the digital and physical to provide full self-service solutions across most operational levels. This addition complements the first digitally focused branch at the E-mall. The ATMs in these branches are reminiscent of smartphones, allowing customers to navigate by swiping and tapping instead of inserting a card. Staff roam the open-plan branches with iPads to answer client questions. The bank has also launched a mobile app feature allowing digital registration with the Kuwait clearing company to receive direct-deposit dividends in their accounts instead of having to come in and pick up a cheque. The CFI.co judging panel presents Kuwait International Bank — a repeat programme winner — with the 2020 awards for Fastest Growing Islamic Bank and Best Sharia-Compliant Bank (MENA).


Trojan Holding: Most Innovative Infrastructure Leadership UAE 2020

Trojan Holding was launched in 2012 as a one-stop-shop for construction projects in the UAE and beyond. The eight subsidiaries in the Trojan Holding portfolio are industry-leading companies which work seamlessly together to offer turnkey solutions for even the most challenging projects. The group accomplishes this with a dedicated workforce of more than 22,500 multinationals. Trojan Holding, one of the fastest-growing construction firms in the UAE, lists that skilled team as its greatest competitive advantage. It invests considerable resources in recruiting and retaining the best people, providing them with the encouragement, support and stimulus for continued professional development. The Abu Dhabi-based company’s support for its employees fuels the company’s upward trajectory. Trojan Holding has built an impressive portfolio of property developments, including educational and medical facilities, luxury resorts and business hotels, mass housing complexes, industrial projects and government buildings. Its crowning achievements include Mira Oasis and Mudon, two exclusive residential developments in Dubai, as well as villas of Ain Al Faydah and Al Falah. Trojan Holding has completed a dozen infrastructure projects in the UAE — on time and within budget — and has nearly as many under way. The company is looking forward to expanding its reach abroad and bringing in more business for regional suppliers and vendors. The CFI.co judging panel announces Trojan Holding as winner of the 2020 award for Most Innovative Infrastructure Leadership (UAE).


Sustainability Accounting Standards Board: Outstanding Contribution to ESG Responsible Transparency Global 2020

The Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) believes that what gets measured gets managed. Responsible investing and transparent reporting go hand-in-hand, so the San Francisco non-profit has developed — with the support of donors and the input of companies, industry associations and institutional investors — a set of industry-specific standards that are used by companies and investors worldwide to track and communicate ESG performance. SASB standards are tailored for 77 industries across 11 sectors, helping companies to understand the sustainability issues most likely to affect their bottom line. SASB holds financial materiality as its north star to fine-tune industry metrics under the rubrics of environment, human capital, social capital, business model and innovation, leadership and governance. The standards provide a roadmap to manage environmental and social issues and generate benefit for company, shareholders and society. Hundreds of companies use SASB solutions to identify and quantify the financially material sustainability information that guides development and decision-making. The standards are supported by 170 institutional investors in 19 countries, representing investor support of $55tn. The non-profit has a resilient business model that consists of philanthropic donations, market-support grants and income from products, membership fees and licensing agreements. SASB also offers a credential-conferring course on the Fundamentals of Sustainability Accounting. For its evidence-based research and solid stakeholder engagement, the CFI.co judging panel presents SASB with the 2020 global award for Outstanding Contribution to ESG Responsible Transparency.


Victor Buck Services: Best Business Process Outsourcing Services Luxembourg 2020

The global financial industry continues to consolidate to an ever-smaller handful of multi-talented players. Victor Buck Services began as a Luxembourg print shop 20 years ago and has evolved into a specialist global network also offering physical delivery solutions in Europe and Asia. Its offer covers every aspect of data processing, from creation, translation and distribution through to archival and disposal. Data is collected and compiled in a compatible format for use across various client systems. Victor Buck Services customers include large companies in the financial sector, mainly investment funds, but also public utilities, telecommunications providers, insurance companies, healthcare providers, and other major organisations from the public and private sectors. Security and control of the dissemination and accessibility of data are key in an increasingly connected world. The firm pledges to create long-term value for its customers, by constantly improving their understanding of their business environment and their strengths. Victor Buck Services responds proactively to changing market trends and customer needs. The CFI.co judging panel presents Victor Buck Services with the 2020 award for Best Business Process Outsourcing Services (Luxembourg).


Eccelsa Aviation: Best Private Aviation Terminal Operator Europe 2020

Eccelsa Aviation considers itself privileged to call the Mediterranean island of Sardinia home — and it does everything within its power to make the travellers who pass through its terminal feel just as special. The handling company has operated a private and business aviation terminal at Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport since 2003. Eccelsa Aviation wins people over with its willingness to accommodate individual requests and its attention to detail in service delivery. Travellers are escorted between aircraft and terminal in a sleek, recently renewed fleet of cars. Porter service takes care of luggage, and complimentary valet parking is available. Visitors can sample the region’s wines and culinary specialities in the terminal, while Eccelsa’s catering service takes airline food to fine-dining level. Concierge services connect travellers with indulgences such as Italian sportscar rentals, chartered yachts and island-hopping by helicopter. Eccelsa Aviation tempts visitors with premium shopping opportunities for Italian fashion, eyewear and jewellery. Passengers can even peruse personalised corporate jets at the terminal’s Bombardier boutique. Eccelsa Aviation has designed the terminal for passengers and crew, dedicating a lounge and outdoor space for each and providing a snooze room for crew to relax and reboot. A team of certified technicians is on-hand to carry out maintenance checks or routine repairs. The CFI.co judging panel is pleased to present Eccelsa Aviation — a repeat winner in the awards programme — with the 2020 award for Best Private Aviation Terminal Operator (Europe).


Fitch Ratings: Best Credit Services Global 2021

A leading global provider of credit ratings, commentary and research for global capital markets, Fitch Ratings is considered by many the tiebreaker amongst the major credit agencies. Often the first to spot the potential for trouble or, indeed, early signs of improvement, Fitch Ratings deploys 106 years of institutional experience – and its deep knowledge of markets and their protagonists – to consistently hit the right note when documenting the fundamentals of credit. Fitch is renowned for providing thorough analysis, independent perspective, transparent methodology and ongoing surveillance.

One of the top statistical ratings organisations recognised by the US Securities and Exchange Commission, and with dual headquarters in New York and London, Fitch Ratings canvasses global markets with a vast network that ensures an on-the-ground presence in thirty countries and teams roaming every region of the world. The company and its more than 1,500 expert analysts, which bring diverse viewpoints together to render objective and forward-looking assessments, regularly rate over 20,000 entities, ranging from sovereigns to businesses and investment products, amongst others.

Fitch has extensive emerging market coverage spanning entities across all the major asset classes. It rates local currency bonds in more countries than any other credit rating agency. Fitch Ratings acknowledges that both its longevity and success are owed to a consistent investment in people and the prioritising of ongoing skill development, as well as a transparent and inclusive human resources policy that sets out clear career paths.

The CFI.co judging panel is, of course, aware that the ratings industry has perhaps received more than its fair share of criticism in years past. Yet, without credit rating agencies money would simply stop flowing and economic life would come to a standstill. Moreover, Fitch Ratings possesses a number of key differentiators – people, processes, and presence – that, together, push the iconic company up a few crucial notches. The judges unanimously agree to declare Fitch Ratings winner of the 2021 Best Credit Services Global Award.


VEON: Best International Telecoms Services Partner Global 2020

Amsterdam-based VEON operates globally through brand partnerships to connect and technologically empower more than 200 million customers across nine markets spanning three continents. Russia is VEON’s largest market, and its massive size and sophisticated development offer impressive opportunities. VEON considers Pakistan, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to be high-growth markets in the “sweet-spot of rapid services adoption”. The company has established a dominant presence in early-stage markets — such as Bangladesh and Algeria — with highly favourable long-term demographics. Despite divergent revenue streams because of global lockdowns, VEON has managed to bring 4G subscription to 73 million customers — and generate quarterly Group revenues of some $2bn. It rolled out country-specific plans in response to the pandemic, offering free access to emergency hotlines, healthcare websites and educational platforms. VEON has provided free data-roaming for stranded citizens and perks for frontline workers. It has also contributed more than $3.5m to support Covid-19 programmes. The company invests in best-in-class technology and network infrastructure to provide customers in developing countries with the connectivity needed for individual empowerment and opportunity, often overcoming physical and socioeconomic barriers with offerings like digital financial services. It deploys predictive, cognitive technologies and big data analytics to anticipate, and meet, evolving customer demands. VEON is not so much client-centric as customer-obsessed. Business operations are aligned with its core values of entrepreneurism, transparency, collaboration and innovation. For helping communities and governments to bridge the digital divide towards more inclusive prosperity, the CFI.co judging panel presents VEON with the 2020 global award for Best International Telecoms Services Partner.


Al Hilal Life: Best Life Insurance Provider Middle East 2020

Al Hilal Life began as a mission-driven start-up over a decade ago. Today it protects and preserves the financial security of thousands of individual and business clients across the Gulf. Al Hilal Life has yet again achieved positive financial results despite a challenging year due to the covid-19 pandemic and the overall market conditions. The company has launched an innovative suite of insurance and savings solutions to help customers weather any storm. It offers several savings and protection plans, as well as a selective range of corporate insurance solutions. The plans from Al Hilal Takaful (100% subsidiary of Al Hilal Life) are vetted by a Shariah supervisory board to ensure compliance with Islamic principles. Al Hilal Life has entered the first stage of a digital overhaul, affording convenient and secure access for online product purchases apart from a fully enabled digital customer touch point. In the next phase, which will begin at the end of Q2 2021, customers will gain access to a new digital signatures feature. From offices in Bahrain and Kuwait, Al Hilal Life has made strides in accomplishing its goal of becoming the benchmark for excellence in service among financial protection and savings providers across the Middle East. The company has registered on the radar of the CFI.co judging panel in past award programmes for its sage leadership, collaborative team and ethical operations. The judges have also been impressed by the company’s financial strength and prosperous shareholder relationships. Al Hilal Life wins the 2020 award for Best Life Insurance Provider (Middle East).


ICBC Dubai: Most Innovative International Bank EMEA 2020

Since its 1984 launch, the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) has established a strong global presence with 400 branches and subsidiaries in 49 international markets. The financial giant planted roots in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) seven years ago, with the inauguration of ICBC Dubai (DIFC) Branch. It has become the leading Chinese bank in the region through steadfast adherence to core values of integrity, humanity, prudence, innovation and excellence. ICBC Dubai’s product portfolio covers a broad area of financial business, including private, investment and e-banking, as well as deposit acceptance and loans and investments. It supports regional socio-economic development by investing in key business areas and infrastructure projects. ICBC Dubai (DIFC) Branch prioritises projects that advance the transition towards clean energy and green economies. It has facilitated the world’s largest solar project, Mohamed bin Rashid Solar Park, which combines power generation and photovoltaic technology. The project, which has set record low energy costs for consumers, will feature a 900-megawatt capacity upon completion. ICBC Dubai (DIFC) Branch has embraced technology to stay connected and go contactless. It organises digital events to introduce services to prospective clients, forums to help GCC investors seize opportunities in Chinese financial markets, and cloud-based models of interaction for internal team-building. The CFI.co judging panel recognises the pioneering achievements of ICBC Dubai (DIFC) Branch once more, with the 2020 award for Most Innovative International Bank (EMEA).


Trojan Holding: Best Mass Housing Construction Solutions GCC 2020

Trojan Holding is a regional construction powerhouse that delivers quality products and services by embedding cost-control functions and flexibility into the business model. It aims to become one of the world’s leading construction companies, and ranks as one of the fastest-growing in the UAE and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. Trojan Holding, launched in 2012, is Abu Dhabi-based and has a workforce of 22,500 multinational professionals, interest in eight subsidiaries, and assets valued at over $204.2m. The holding company differentiates itself from the competition as a veritable one-stop operation with little need for outsourcing. Client satisfaction is the foundational pillar and unifying focus of daily operations. The firm focuses on advancing company, community and nation through efficient and agile business practices. Others would do well to emulate the crisis management skills that Trojan Holdings has exhibited during the pandemic. The company counts its staff as its main asset, and is proud to have maintained a full complement of workers and a pipeline of projects in motion. It recruits top talent to tackle developmental challenges and make concrete impacts in communities. Some of its noteworthy accomplishments include the Al Samha project (250 villas spread over 520,000 square metres of land), Water’s Edge (contract value of $353.9m), Emirati Housing Development (3,000 villas in Jebel Hafeet, Al Ain) and The Palm Tower (contract value of $222.9m). The CFI.co judging panel declares Trojan Holding winner of the Best Mass Housing Construction Solutions (GCC) award for 2020.


Union Iron & Steel: Best Sustainable Steel Manufacturer GCC 2020

Steel gives form and stability to roads, bridges and skyrises. Union Iron & Steel (UIS) was established in 2006 to fulfil the growing need for steel in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. The UIS plant boasts a strategic location in the Abu Dhabi Industrial Zone with cutting-edge facilities capable of producing 350,000 tonnes per year of locally made, high-quality steel reinforcement bar, or rebar. UIS products are certified by the UK’s Certification Authority for Reinforcing Steels as well as Dubai Central Laboratory. UIS differentiates itself from the competition with agile adaptation to client needs, proactive internal management and a focus on sustainable governance. UIS optimises resources across its operations, from raw material usage to manufacturing processes. The company aims for maximum efficiency and full capacity, with machines running around the clock and an impressive economy of scale. It recruits motivated candidates and invests in comprehensive personnel training. Employee safety is of paramount importance at all times, and workplace wellbeing has been paid extra attention throughout the pandemic. UIS promotes knowledge sharing among its people as well as its peers, encouraging an open exchange of experience and expertise for the betterment of the region. The company’s collaborative mindset and market adaptability have seen it through a tough year and left it well-positioned to respond to an evolving customer portfolio. Its next move will be to search for capital investments to fuel diversification plans. The CFI.co judging panel presents Union Iron & Steel with the 2020 award for Best Sustainable Steel Manufacturer (GCC).


IDFC FIRST Bank: Most Transformed New Bank India 2020

A new player has emerged in the Indian banking sector. IDFC FIRST Bank was born from the merger of two financial institutions with strong legacies. The 2018 merger paired IDFC Bank — which brought a banking license and infrastructure financing experience to the deal — with Capital First, which had proven to be a retail growth machine. The combined network comprises 523 branches and 509 ATMs across the country. The newly formed entity took immediate steps to address structural issues and reported tremendous progress with the diversification of loans and deposits as well as increases in net interest margin and core pre-provision operating profit. IDFC FIRST Bank made proactive provisions for legacy infrastructure and troubled accounts. It turned up the focus on lending to MSMEs, entrepreneurs, rural customers and consumers. All these efforts have contributed to customer confidence and strong inflows: retail deposits have grown by 157 percent (FY 20) and show no signs of stopping — even in the face of the pandemic. IDFC FIRST Bank registered an uptick during the “Covid quarter” (Q4-FY20), and the same trend appears to be continuing into the 20-21 fiscal year. IDFC FIRST Bank has implemented strong corporate governance policies aligned with international best practice and focused on transparent client engagement. The CFI.co judging panel recognises the high-growth performance and prospects of IDFC FIRST Bank with the 2020 award for Most Transformed New Bank (India).


Investment House: Best Investment Banking Solutions (Middle East) and Best Asset Management (Qatar) 2020

Investment House celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, and is proud to be recognised as one of the fastest-growing investment banks in the Middle East. Investment House was acquired by a consortium of Qatari businessmen in late 2018, and that injection of capital and new blood has helped the firm to outpace the competition. It provides clients with a suite of effective services and a mindset that seeks to maximise value and minimise risk. Investment House is an innovative partner with an offering split between investment banking (stocks and capital markets, M&A, IPOs, real estate, private equity and financial advisory) and asset management (creation and maintenance of investment funds and portfolios, financial planning and global market trading). Investment House’s solutions and services were engineered to guide clients towards long-term prosperity. It has assembled a talented global team and distinguishes itself with a multitude of products launched over the past year — and a healthy pipeline of new ones for 2021. It has developed a range of logistics solutions, mainly focusing on transport, and launched 10 new funds over the past 12 months. The CFI.co judging panel is heartened to see a company responding to pandemic challenges with intelligence, agility and flair. The judges declare Investment House as winner of the 2020 dual awards for Best Investment Banking Solutions (Middle East) and Best Asset Management (Qatar).


Atlas Mara Bank Zambia: Best Commercial Bank Zambia 2020

Atlas Mara is a financial services group listed on the London Stock Exchange with presence in seven sub-Saharan countries. Atlas Mara Zambia joined the group as an amalgamation of Finance Bank Zambia and African Banking Corporation Zambia in 2016. Atlas Mara Zambia is a full-service commercial bank with a network of 65 branches, 23 agencies and 176 ATMs across the country. It ranks among the top Zambian banks for revenue and branch footprint, pairing global experience and local insights to drive innovation and financial inclusion. Atlas Mara Zambia is a reliable financial partner for individuals and families, corporates and SMEs, governments and non-profit agencies. Digital banking services are extended through the wallet app, with interest-free salary advances, emergency loans, and a suite of payments, transfers and top-ups. The digital group savings scheme — a form of “village banking”, where deposits and withdrawals come from a communal pot — has proven particularly popular with women. Atlas Mara Zambia supports government initiatives and helps with the procurement and distribution of subsidies for low-income farmers. It has delivered 100,000 solar power kits to off-grid areas, bringing major community benefits to rural schools and hospitals. It also partners with non-profits to increase financial literacy and support at-risk youth. The CFI.co judging panel declares Atlas Mara Bank Zambia winner of the 2020 award for Best Commercial Bank (Zambia).


Image Nation: Outstanding Contribution to Regional Media UAE 2020

Watch out, Hollywood: the Abu Dhabi media and entertinament industry is on the rise. Image Nation Abu Dhabi, the award winning film and television studio continues to lead Abu Dhabi's move from a resource-based to a knowledge-based economy, with media and entertainment being a major focus of the future ecosystem. Image Nation was launched in 2008, and its productions have been circulating the globe ever since. It has premiered content at over 450 film festivals worldwide and claimed some of the industry’s highest accolades, including two Academy Awards, a BAFTA and an Emmy. The company creates barrier-breaking, cross-cultural content and was the first company in the UAE to feature productions on global streaming service Netflix. Image Nation has helped to solidify Abu Dhabi’s status as a regional creative hub for content and is preparing the next generation of storytellers to carry the torch. The company established the AFS (Arab Film Studio) to guide and mentor young enthusiasts, offering workshops, educational programmes and internships to gain hands-on experience and build a professional portfolio of work samples. Image Nation benefits from a diverse team of dedicated personnel with good gender balance. It creates world-class films, TV series and documentaries, as well as multi-media campaigns for commercial and government entities. In collaboration with efforts from across Abu Dhabi, Image Nation was a major component in keeping over $100m of productions continuing in the UAE throughout the pandemic — making the UAE one of a handful of countries in the world able to keep productions going throughout lockdown. This included an international feature film and the region’s first Arab soap opera. It released two local feature films in 2020. Bloodline, the region’s first Arabic-language vampire thriller, is currently streaming on MBC’s leading platform Shahid, while the international film festival favourite Scales, which won the Club Verona award for most innovative film at Venice international Film festival, was released in Saudi Arabian cinemas in November 2020. Image Nation has announced new productions to include the first Emirati feature length animation, Catsaway, as well as an animated children’s TV series based around the regional fruit dates. The CFI.co judging panel recognises Image Nation as a repeat winner in the awards programme, this time taking the 2020 laurels for Outstanding Contribution to Regional Media (UAE).


Walmart: Most Innovative Retailer United States 2020

Walmart has become the largest retailer in the world by giving customers what they are looking for at low, low prices. It is also the largest private employer, and as of mid-July 2020 had taken on 400,000 extra staff in response to heightened sales demand during lockdown and as a bridge between jobs to help people working in heavily hit industries. In partnership with Apple’s Siri, the firm makes online shopping easier with Walmart Voice Order. The company’s e-commerce business has been developing well and in 2019, when Walmart acquired a majority stake in India’s Flipkart, the division saw growth of 40 percent. Selling from brick and mortar facilities can also improve online customer experience. The notion of physical stores acting in online fulfilment is new to retail and worthy of note. Another recent innovation is Walmart2World, a money transfer service that drives down prices further. To empower staff, more than 200 Walmart academies offer a path to career advancement and have attracted tens of thousands of associates. Walmart harnesses cutting edge technology to free manager’s time to better focus on finding solutions and helping employees meet their goals. Customer preferences and demands are changing and Walmart shop services are adapting in the best way possible. Operating in a highly competitive space, the company was established by Sam Walmart in 1962 and has its corporate headquarters in Arkansas. The CFI.co judging panel recognises Walmart as the 2020 winner of the award Most Innovative Retailer United States.


Vancity: Most Innovative Women Entrepreneurs Programme Canada 2020

Countless studies have shown women to be profitable entrepreneurs, yet they still only claim a fraction of available global funding. Despite the record-breaking numbers of female-founded unicorns in 2019 and the all-time highs for worldwide corporate capital-raising in 2020, women’s share of the pie has dropped even lower. Vancity, a Canada-based finance provider, is committed to changing this. In partnership with the non-profit Women’s Enterprise Centre, Vancity supports female entrepreneurs in British Columbia via a $5m loan fund. Vancity’s Unity Women Entrepreneurs Loan programme provides established female-led businesses with up to $150,000 in financing, with interest-free and interest-only payment options over the first year as well as a five-year waiver on fees. Participants receive professional support services, including networking opportunities and educational resources covering topics like financial management, leadership and marketing. The pandemic continues to threaten the progress of female entrepreneurs. Vancity has responded with swiftness and solidarity. It launched a $200m term-deposit fund to provide an investment vehicle that supports those impacted by Covid-19. It introduced a “bridge” loan for the self-employed as well as a “pivot” loan for small businesses adapting to support the Covid response. Vancity offered loan deferral options, lowered credit card interest rates and waived fees for online and phone banking transactions. It set-up dedicated telephone banking lines for small businesses and another for clients requiring additional support, including senior citizens and people with disabilities. The CFI.co judging panel applauds the company’s strong community engagement and declares Vancity winner of the 2020 Most Innovative Women Entrepreneurs Programme (Canada) award.


Mitheridge: Best Real Estate Private Equity Firm UK 2020

Alternative investment company Mitheridge is a private equity firm dedicated to maximising stakeholder wealth and adding value to client portfolios. The London-based firm approaches real estate as a long-term investment capable of delivering positive impacts for community stakeholders and investors. It combines micro and macro analyses of demographic trends to identify opportunities with promising risk-adjusted returns and pursues responsible investment strategies. Mitheridge builds resilience into portfolios, incorporating ESG and climate-change considerations across the investment lifecycle. It engages with community stakeholders and has a number of regeneration projects in the pipeline. With its wholly owned property development company Mitheridge can control projects and ensure all practices measure up to its high standards of quality construction, environmental efficiency and financial management. The firm stakes its own money with like-minded institutional investors, and puts a priority on capital preservation. Mitheridge is selective when it comes to prospective partners: they must share the same passion for sustainability, and the same commitment to integrity. Mitheridge recognises the importance of the societal role it plays, providing the spaces where communities are built and where people live, work and congregate. Mitheridge is a good corporate neighbour and has established a foundation to support CSR initiatives in the areas of housing, homelessness, education and mental health. The CFI.co judging panel declares Mitheridge winner of the 2020 award for Best Real Estate Private Equity Firm (UK).


Wellstreet: Best Entrepreneur Support Team (Nordics) 2020

Founded in 2016, Wellstreet operates with a forever-forward mentality. The group has established an ecosystem of support for entrepreneurs who are making a difference — and making money in the process. Wellstreet takes great ideas and helps make them a sustainable reality. It takes great start-ups and makes them better. Wellstreet is an investment firm that has in its ecosystem everything an early-stage start-up might need, which includes physical space, strategic advisory and two venture building programs, to which the start-ups have access once they become part of the portfolio. Wellstreet employees are an international skilled team with expertise spanning over 20+ years of entrepreneurship and fundraising projects. Their operational hands-on approach means that the entire staff works seamlessly together to help promising companies reach their full potential. The group has served as a bridge to market scalability for over 30 companies since its launch. The Wellstreet team takes the time to vet prospective portfolio companies and only invests when, beyond money, the startup will benefit from the Wellstreet’s particular set of experiences. In addition, they must have the right mindset and bright leadership. Wellstreet measures success, not in portfolio size or profits earned, but in the calibre of the businesses it has helped build. Wellstreet recently inaugurated the biggest innovation and tech hub in the Nordics: The Factory by Wellstreet, a glittering glass building outside of Stockholm totalling more than 14,000 square metres. A special “Makerzone” encourages people of all ages to set their imaginations free and start creating. In partnership with 140 teachers, some 12,000 people have access to services, ranging from Lego projects to programming courses. CFl.co recognises a company moving the needle on sustainability, one start-up at a time. The judges present Wellstreet with the 2020 award for Best Entrepreneur Support Team (Nordics).


Trillium Asset Management: Best ESG Investment Integration United States 2020

Trillium Asset Management was launched in 1982 by the late Joan Bavaria, heralded as the founding mother of ESG investing. After studying the investment system — and finding flaws — Bavaria started Trillium to provide clients with options better aligned with their values. Trillium put socially responsible investing on the map. Today it has $4.0bn in AUM, and ranks among the world’s top 150 Positive Impact companies. Of the 14 investment vehicles on offer, half are designated as FFF, or free of fossil fuels. The firm’s philosophy and primary goals create a guidance structure for decision-making and daily operations at every level. Research is ongoing at Trillium, and companies’ ESG performance is subjected to rigorous, risk-based screening. It seeks verification that companies are actively trying to curb emissions by using renewable energy, managing raw materials responsibly, and limiting the use of harmful substances. Companies must pay fair living wages, operate an ethical supply chain, and follow a human capital management strategy that supports diversity and inclusion. Good governance is in the hands of a diverse board, which believes in reasonable executive wages and full corporate transparency. Trillium has appointed an independent supervisory board to conduct due-diligence to protect the mission, and an engagement committee to collaborate with companies for positive change. The CFI.co judging panel presents Trillium Asset Management with the 2020 award for Best ESG Investment Integration (United States).


BNY Mellon: Best Cash Management System Global

Boosted by investor interest after registering a solid 9% increase of its year-on-year revenue in Q1 2018, Bank of New York Mellon Corp (BNY Mellon) has amply demonstrated its ability to grow organically, exceeding the expectations of even the most bullish analysts. That was enough to convince Warren Buffet to significantly up his stake in the bank.

BNY Mellon has made waves with a series of successfully executed efficiency drives which streamlined procedures and further improved the bank’s operational performance as evidenced by the boost to its bottom line. BNY Mellon has invested considerable resources in a new technological platform which is expected to help drive growth both from internal proficiencies and externally through improving the client experience.

BNY Mellon’s treasury services offers international corporate clients premier cash management services based on their global treasury technology platform. Servicing 36 countries and 120 currency markets has forced BNY Mellon to think global when digitally innovating – to the benefit of their clients relying on business-critical payments across borders.

BNY Mellon’s role as the frist payment originator on The Clearing House’s Real-Time Payments (RTP) network means it is capable of processing payment transactions with better liquidity, transparency and tracking agility. Speeding up the value chains by enabling swifter payments results in value-add for commerce.

The value creation enhancements of the cash management system benefit also other financial institutions as it is part of the private label treasury services solutions on offer.

The CFI.co judging panel commends BNY Mellon on its proactive approach to the cash management and its overall treasury services business, particularly the company’s continued dedication to precisely tailoring its services to keep up with demands such as real time transparency. The judges are pleased to offer BNY Mellon the 2018 Best Cash Management System Global Award.


Higher Colleges of Technology: Best Technology Educator Middle East 2020

Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) is the largest applied higher education institution in the UAE, with 23,000 students spread across 16 campuses. The institution builds on a 30-year legacy with its new HCT 4.0 strategy, which aims to ensure that graduates have the technical skills to thrive in a globally competitive and increasingly tech-based world. HCT students — 63 percent of them female — have a track record of turning college projects into successful start-ups. The College stresses the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship: there are more open labs than classrooms, and students are connected to professional networks to find the necessary funding to convert their projects into products. Innovation fuels the action at HCT. Steady investments to strengthen IT structure over the past decade have given the institution a head-start in the race to adapt classrooms and curricula to accommodate Covid-19 safety measures. Certified e-teachers work with students in online educational platforms using digital tools, simulations and interactive modules to keep classes connected and learning. The College has taken precautions to protect student and faculty during the pandemic, accommodating 80 percent of courses online and limiting campus attendance. HCT challenges students to view disruption as an opportunity to innovate and accelerate new ideas. The CFI.co judging panel believes that to be sound advice and declares HCT as the 2020 winner of the Best Technology Educator (Middle East) award.


Norsad Finance: Best Impact Investor Africa 2020

Norsad Finance celebrated its 30th anniversary, reflecting a legacy of purpose-driven work alongside like-minded partners for the co-creation of a more resilient and sustainable Africa. Norsad’s purpose is to build a better Africa. The company provides tailored long-term financing solutions of between USD5m and USD10m to companies that are profit-oriented and contribute to the SDG’s in the region. The company is backed by a balanced mix of Nordic and African institutional investors. Norsad's international shareholders — European Development Finance Institutions: Finnfund, IFU, Norfund, and Swedfund — are ahead of the curve in ESG and responsible investing, and Norsad has benefitted from their industry knowledge and mentorship. Norsad's African shareholders provide strong support in commercially viable regional projects with desirable ESG impacts. Norsad has provided total financing in excess of $400m to over 140 businesses and projects across 12 Southern Africa countries. Norsad invests in impact projects — focused on clean and renewable energy, food and agribusiness, education, financial accessibility, and inclusion — and tracks such impact. In 2019, companies financed by Norsad employed more than 11,000 people, 30 percent of which were women and 14 percent youth. Norsad is a signatory of the UN-supported Principles for Responsible Investment (UNPRI) and reports its impact in line with PRI reporting requirements. In the 2020 PRI reporting and assessment cycle, Norsad outperformed peers in all categories and achieved the highest possible rating (A+) for strategy and governance. CFI.co also declared Norsad Finance as the worthy winner of the 2020 award for Best Impact Investor (Africa).

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Reckitt Benckiser Group: Best Sustainable Healthcare Product Innovator Global 2020

[caption id="attachment_8808" align="aligncenter" width="434"] SVP Corporate Affairs & Sustainability: Miguel Veiga-Pestana[/caption]

Reckitt Benckiser Group (RB) has a corporate compass that compels it to do the right thing. The RB team strives always to fulfil its mission of creating a cleaner, healthier world. The group has a portfolio of leading brands trusted the world over and a work force of sustainability professionals. RB understands the challenges ahead and has been advocating for social responsibility for over 200 years. This commitment to sustainability has enabled RB to attract a global network of over 40,000 purpose-driven people. RB aims to protect, heal and nurture with a product portfolio covering a wide spectrum of health and hygiene solutions. It has been recognised for its responsible operations, science-based sustainability and continuous innovation. RB’s business strategy is rooted in sustainability, with product innovation, climate change and social impact identified as the key issues for the group and its stakeholders. RB levers its hefty position in the global supply chain to engage and encourage responsible behaviours at the individual and collective levels. It has reached nearly a billion people through educational campaigns. The group has pledged to become carbon neutral by 2040 and is making good headway, cutting greenhouse emissions by 42 percent and water usage by 37 percent since 2012. RB has contributed to the global pandemic response with its product portfolio as well as generous donations to relief efforts. The CFI.co judging panel applauds this candidate and announces Reckitt Benckiser Group as the 2020 global winner of the Best Sustainable Healthcare Product Innovator award.


Manila Doctors Hospital: Best International Patient Care Philippines 2020

Manila Doctors Hospital (MDH) was founded in 1956 and has grown into a leading holistic healthcare centre. It has received international recognition for its commitment to patient care, investment in technology and strong accreditation history. MDH has several RovingMed vans as part of its CARES (convenient, affordable, reliable and efficient services) programme. It facilitates at-home patient care with services ranging from lab work and electrocardiogram to vaccinations and  Covid-19 testing. MDH has also introduced telemedicine diagnostics for those who are housebound. It has for years been advocating for the rights of deaf people, and it has been recognized by the International Hospital Federation (IHF) for providing video and Filipino Sign Language (FSL) telemedicine services and continuous consultations throughout the pandemic. MDH has invested heavily to ensure that high safety standards are maintained despite extraordinary challenges. It has dedicated separate floors and areas for Covid-19 cases and follows strict protocols to keep patients segregated and spaces sterilized. MDH is the hospital of choice for Manila-based embassies. It takes pride in the caliber of its medical staff and specialists, with a cardiovascular centre, an oncology unit and a wellness hub. The hospital runs an extensive training programme with 131 residents currently enrolled. It is also known for the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) work which aims to create positive impacts for community and environment. The CFI.co judging panel congratulates Manila Doctors Hospital on winning the 2020 award for Best International Patient Care (Philippines).


Wyldecrest Parks: Best Autodidact Value Creator UK 2020

Alfie Best is a relentless force, who rose from humble beginnings to become a successful business tycoon. He grew up in a caravan in the Traveller community and his first business was selling cars at age 14. Best went on to acquire a bankrupt mobile home company in 2001 and turned it into a business with a net profit of £1.1m in 2020. This self-made millionaire is the owner and CEO of Wyldecrest Parks, the largest residential park operator in Europe with around 450 employees and over 80 parks across Britain. Wyldecrest is home to some 13,000 retired and semi-retired residents. They appreciate the safety and pleasant surroundings of the gated community and take pride in the ownership of their homes. The move to Wyldecrest is a hassle-free experience with a removal service and part-exchange scheme for existing property. The company has software solutions that allow potential customers to virtually explore the various home models and parks. It maintains excellent relationships across the home manufacturing industry and delivers quality products at affordable prices. Customers get an energy-efficient, custom-ordered home for half the cost of a conventional brick-and-mortar building. Best presents Wyldecrest Parks as an attractive affordable-housing solution. The philanthropist has long supported educational and youth initiatives and has set up a charity whereby Wyldecrest Parks absorbs all administrative costs. The CFI.co judging panel celebrates the inspiring story of Alfie Best, CEO of Wyldecrest Parks, with the 2020 award for Best Autodidact Value Creator (UK).


FIA Asset Management SA: Best Portfolio Management Team Luxembourg 2020

FIA Asset Management SA is driven by a seasoned team with more than a decade of experience in financial markets. FIA AM forms part of the FARAD Group, a prominent financial services platform based in Luxembourg. The cornerstone of the FIA mission statement is to generate positive impacts for society and the environment. Respect, delivery and diversity are embedded in the company’s DNA, and the FIA team has been encouraging sustainable and responsible investing since long before its current buzzword status. FIA launched one of the first funds to be marketed on the Luxembourg Green Exchange, the Best of SRI Balanced fund. FARAD Group is one of only three companies in Luxembourg to have been awarded B-Corporation certification. The independent, non-profit Luxembourg Finance Labelling Agency (LuxFLAG) designated FIA among its premier ESG-label recipients. FIA champions the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and has developed an internal set of “GreenEthica” guidelines that opens a vast array of solutions for sustainable investing, wealth planning and insurance brokerage. FIA’s inhouse governance reflects its strong SDG ambitions: it has gone paperless, banned plastics and supported public transport. FIA celebrates diversity and has created an inclusive work environment where employees are respected, their contributions rewarded, and their ideas welcomed. It plans to double ranks over the next 24 months. The CFI.co judging panel appreciates FIA’s approach to sustainability and presents FIA Asset Management with the 2020 award Best Portfolio Management Team (Luxembourg).


Charah Solutions: Best Sustainable Environmental Management Solutions USA 2020

Charah Solutions’ management and employees are committed to environmental responsibility as the company provides mission-critical environmental services and byproduct sales to the U.S. power generation industry. Charah Solutions assists utilities to sustainably manage and recycle ash byproducts generated from the combustion of coal in the production of electricity. The Company also designs and implements solutions for ash pond management and closure, landfill construction, fly ash sales, and structural fill projects. Charah Solutions is the partner of choice for solving customers’ most complex environmental challenges, and as an industry leader in quality, safety, and compliance, the company is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions for a cleaner energy future.

Charah Solutions sustainability efforts conserve virgin resources and water, reduce greenhouse gases, and decrease landfill disposal, all while providing essential recycled products that contribute to the growth of the economy. The company’s recovery of coal ash provides environmental recycling, which is beneficially used in the production of concrete and cement to satisfy the growing infrastructure demands that utilize millions of tons of coal ash every year, thus preserving natural resources while dramatically reducing the need for landfill space. In addition, the beneficial recycling of ash in concrete production replaces Portland cement, a significant contributor to CO2 emissions, thus significantly decreasing CO2 and other greenhouse gases that would otherwise be emitted into the atmosphere. The company also invests in propriety technology for the benefit of the environment such as its MP618® beneficiation technology which improves fly ash quality so that significantly more tons can be recycled for use in concrete and cement production further reducing the overall carbon footprint and use of natural resources. Its use of ash in environmentally-sound structural fill projects returns the land to the community for recreational or commercial and allows for thousands of acres of land to be reclaimed. Charah Solutions also beneficially uses gypsum byproduct from the power plants which is recycled and used in the production of drywall and agricultural fertilizer, further reducing landfill space as well as water and energy consumption and preserving natural resources. Finally, Charah Solutions is an industry leader in providing Environmental Risk Transfer (ERT) services to the power generation industry which includes the shutdown, decommissioning and demolishing existing coal-fired power plants, remediation of onsite ash ponds and landfills, beneficial recycling of the ash, recycling of steel and other metals through the demolition of the plant and restoration of the land upon project completion for public or commercial use.

The CFI.co judging panel was impressed with the ways in which the company is fully committed to supporting its customers while enhancing the environment through its commitment to sustainability. The judges declare Charah Solutions 2020 winner of the award of the Best Sustainable Environmental Management Solutions (USA).


JC Law: Best Legal Team Jordan 2020

JC Law is a boutique firm of Jordanian lawyers and legal counsellors that leverages the synergies of partners for the benefit of clients. Founded in 2007, the practice has been fortified by the partners’ in-depth knowledge and years of experience in the field. JC Law offers legal aid to Jordanian and international clients with the promise of top-shelf representation, committed care, and a guarantee of objective and on-point advice. The firm covers a broad range of legal sectors: banking and finance, securities and capital markets, corporate and commercial, litigation, foreclosures and arbitration. The list doesn’t stop there; JC Law casts a wide net. It also tackles privatisation, public and private partnerships, public policy, ICT, intellectual property, project finance and construction. With such a broad focus, the firm continuously monitors the legal sphere to ensure its services remain current and relevant in a globally evolving environment. JC Law operates according to a strict code of conduct with an emphasis on ethics, integrity, and excellence. The firm received strong nominations from within Jordan and internationally. The CFI.co Judging Panel was impressed by the firm’s focus on detail and the personal attention given to clients – noting that this has not wavered during the current crisis. The panel is delighted to declare JC Law as winner of the 2020 award for Best Legal Team (Jordan).


Huddlestock: Best FinTech IPO Nordics 2020

Huddlestock began as a university incubator project in 2014 and operates in Norway, Germany, Lithuania and Malaysia. It counts some of the world’s most prominent financial brands as customers and has a pipeline of projects for continued global growth. Huddlestock has developed an integrated white label solution for financial markets and proprietary Software as a Service (SaaS) for custody banks, asset managers, retail trading venues and regulatory companies. It partners with clients to digitalise operations and launch innovative products. Huddlestock is well positioned to capitalise on the shift in custody banking from commodity proposition to knowledge provider. It offers a suite of services that includes data management, analytics, compliance, liquidity, risk management and other fund-related services. Huddlestock systems are part of a scalable business model that enables users to move away from process-orientated client relationships and towards service-orientated partnerships. Huddlestock’s end-to-end tech solutions free financial professionals from tedious procedural tasks so that they can concentrate on returns. It has two flagship products: Apex and Bedrock. Apex is a single-platform B2B solution for custody banks that facilitates onboarding, communication, reporting, order execution and portfolio management. Bedrock is a connectivity platform providing access to international equities and fund products. The wealth tech company has raised $5.5m in funding since its launch, including a $1m round last November. Huddlestock is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange and regulated by BaFIN in Germany. The CFI.co judging panel congratulates Huddlestock, winner of the 2020 award for Best FinTech IPO (Nordics).


CRC Credit Bureau Ltd: Best Credit Bureau Nigeria 2021

The pandemic has brought unparalleled destruction of lives and livelihoods. Nigeria has been hit hard, with high economic impacts and little lending. CRC Credit Bureau helps lenders make informed decisions with a nationwide repository of consumer and corporate credit information that covers more than 95 percent of the domestic credit industry. CRC has weathered Covid with steely resolve, achieving returns on par with expectations and is anticipating continued improvement. The bureau is grateful for lessons learned in 2020 and for the impetus to propel its digital transformation. It now serves clients more through digital channels than face-to-face, which has created greater market access. CRC wants people to stay on top of their credit history — and offers one free credit report per year. Some products are on a subscription basis, including a credit overview notification plan to monitor changes and ensure accuracy. It has developed a range of membership products to assist credit-granting clients with monitoring of their credit portfolios in the phase of the challenges posed by covid-19 and the screening of prospective customers, investors and employees. CRC Credit Bureau operates in association with Dun & Bradstreet, a data, insights and analytics company with a 180-year legacy. CRC has become more data-focused with the ability to add value in multiple economic segments and drive markets with better products and stronger analytics. The CFI.co judging panel is pleased to present CRC Credit Bureau, a repeat winner, with the 2021 award for Best Credit Bureau (Nigeria).


Whitecroft Capital Management: Best Risk Sharing Investment Strategy UK 2021

[caption id="attachment_9048" align="aligncenter" width="900"] Founding Partner & Chief Investment Officer of Whitecroft Capital Management: Michael Sandigursky CFA[/caption]

Whitecroft Capital Management operates in a niche market as an asset manager focused on bank capital opportunities. It was founded in London in 2016 and has a presence in Copenhagen. Whitecroft leverages its expertise to execute large, complex transactions for institutional investors. It cultivates committed, long-term relationships with banks to gain access to opportunities and custom-craft solutions rather than pushing off-the-shelf products. Whitecroft has executed transactions with several banks, with their core business spread between trade finance, SMEs and large corporate lending. The scope has expanded to include green and renewable financing. The firm’s raison d’être is to afford institutional investors an efficient access to a diversified set of private risk sharing transactions. Whitecroft manages 18 portfolios, featuring thousands of companies and representing 77 countries across all geographical regions and 37 industry sectors. It employs active portfolio management and macro-hedging strategies to protect performance against market volatility. It specialises in risk—sharing investments and boasts strong originating and structuring capabilities. Risk-sharing investments are geared to create stable, attractive yields from exposure to diversified credit portfolios held on the balance sheets of major financial institutions. Whitecroft finds itself — at a moment when banks need access to capital more than ever — well positioned to deliver reliable, risk-adjusted returns across economic cycles. In recognition of the firm’s dedication to risk sharing and its contribution to the popularisation of the asset class among institutional investors over the last decade, the CFl.co judging panel presents Whitecroft Capital Management with the 2021 award for Best Risk Sharing Investment Strategy (UK).


Leroy Merlin Spain: Best ESG Retail Strategy Spain 2021

Leroy Merlin Spain is a trusted partner to building contractors, homeowners and garden enthusiasts. There are more than 14,000 employees in the Leroy Merlin Spain family — 96 percent of them shareholders — and each is dedicated to helping consumers realise their dream homes. The brand is famous for its warehouse-sized retail facilities, stocked with everything needed to convert a house into a home, including a wide range of eco-friendly products. It offers thousands of renewable energy products, with more than €453m in sustainable solution sales. The brand has contributed €315m to Spanish tax coffers and works on local CSR initiatives for the communities where it operates. During the pandemic it provided protection for frontline workers in health and law enforcement. Leroy Merlin recognises its influence in the global supply chain and engages with stakeholders to implement sustainable practices. It works with suppliers, 72 percent of whom are Spanish, to encourage innovation for a better future. Leroy Merlin Spain seeks to continuously raise the benchmark for SDG performance. It has increased recycling by five percent and reduced its refuse output by using circular-economy strategies for waste management. It regularly assesses operations to set ever-higher standards for corporate responsibility, and more sustainable targets in relation to clients, procurement and logistics. The CFI.co judging panel announces Leroy Merlin Spain as winner of the 2021 award for Best ESG Retail Strategy (Spain).


Amesto Global: Best International Expansion Services Europe 2021

Amesto Global is one of four divisions in a group that’s renowned as an early adaptor of technology — and as an investor always on the lookout for innovation. The Amesto Group was founded in 2002 by CEO Arild Spandow, who is also part owner of the Norwegian family-run parent company, Spabo Group. Amesto Global serves as the group specialist of international expansion. It partners with entrepreneurial companies and SMEs and takes charge of priorities such as tech development, HR requirements and administrative services. The aim is to foster business growth — domestic or international — and to facilitate business expansion between Europe and the US. Amesto Global has teams in Oslo, London, Limerick and New Jersey. Oonagh Hayes and Armin Kirchner are the leading partners, bringing more than six decades of multilingual and multicultural business experience with them. They cultivate long-term relationships with clients and create bespoke solutions that cover a range of complex issues. Amesto Global serves as a single point of contact for companies eyeing international expansion. It offers assistance with regulatory management, corporate governance and tax compliance, among other back-office functions, and provides advisory and corporate finance services for strategic growth and M&A. It works with companies to attract capital across funding rounds by offering consultancy and pre-due diligence services. The CFI.co judging panel is unanimous in awarding Amesto Global with the 2021 award for Best International Expansion Services (Europe).


24Storage AB: Best Organic Growth Strategy Nordics 2021

Lockdowns have forced people to convert living spaces into makeshift offices, and Swedish firm 24Storage has a space-making solution for customers in cramped quarters: Don’t toss it, store it! The company has 25 storage facilities in Sweden, most open around the clock. The units range in size from one to 40 square metres, and are protected by a video monitoring and an alert system. It’s convenient for individual and corporate clients, with online booking, contact-free entry and a no-hassle cancellation policy. 24Storage is pleased with its progress over the past year, with a 21 percent increase in revenue. The company floated an IPO in late 2019 and has made great strides on an ambitious expansion plan, with three new locations opened last year and three more scheduled for 2021. The company has an objective of three to five new facilities per year — something it has achieved every year since its inception in 2015. 24Storage is the second-largest self-storage operation in Sweden, a major player with a clear growth strategy. It targets high-growth metropolitan areas with positive demographics and strong purchasing power, such as Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö. 24Storage scouts for the best locations and secures building rights to construct new facilities according to its proven design. The CFI.co judging panel presents 24Storage AB, a repeat programme winner, with the 2021 award for Best Organic Growth Strategy (Nordics).


Canada Goose: Best ESG-Responsible Clothing Manufacturer Global 2020

Canada Goose was founded over 60 years in Toronto. Dani Reiss, the founder’s grandson, later joined the company and became President and CEO. He ignited the company’s growth and pledged to remain Made-in-Canada. Born in the North, the brand made parkas to conquer the extreme temperatures. They have a decades-long tradition of committing to sustainability, one of the most fundamental sustainable choices Canada Goose has made is producing the most premium and function-first product on the market underpinned with a lifetime warranty.

The brand recently announced their HUMANATURE philosophy, a purpose-based platform that unites their sustainability and values-based initiatives. Through HUMANATURE Canada Goose’s purpose is clear, they are committed to keeping the planet cold and the people on it warm.

Building on their promise to keep the planet cold, Canada Goose unveiled their first Sustainable Impact Strategy in April last year on Earth Day. Key initiatives include using only reclaimed fur in their supply chain from 2022, committing to net zero direct and indirect (Scope 1 and 2) greenhouse gas emissions by 2025 and increasing use of renewable energy. Another main goal is committing to have 90 per cent of Canada Goose fabrics as bluesign® approved for responsible and sustainable practices by 2025.

This January, the brand unveiled its most sustainable parka yet, The Standard Expedition Parka, with recycled and undyed fabrics for the lining and 100 percent responsibly sourced down and reclaimed fur.

Canada Goose keeps people warm by prioritizing philanthropic endeavours. The Resource Centre Program launched in 2009 is one example, where excess materials from production lines are redirected to fulfil needs of the Inuit communities in the remote North. To date more than 2 million meters of fabric has been donated.

For a luxury performance brand that provides warm fuzzies in all ways, the CFI.co judging panel recognises Canada Goose with the 2020 global award for Best ESG-Responsible Clothing Manufacturer.


NEC Payments B.S.C(c): Best Digital Banking Technology Innovator Middle East 2021

NEC Payments B.S.C(c) has spent the past seven years developing a robust technology and regulatory licensed fintech platform that enables it to now offer a regionally-unique digital banking-as-a-service solution.

Its wholly-owned cloud-native platform is the result of extensive development by the Bahrain-based business that has a presence in London, Saudi Arabia and California, USA. It has established a solid presence for its products and services with customers in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and has recently announced its entry to the US market through investment and partnership with a listed fintech company in Carlsbad, California.

NEC Payments offers a range of cloud-ready value-added digital banking, transaction processing and payment acceptance solutions, and has invested some $8m to develop technologies that deliver enhanced customer experiences in response to market trends and societal changes. It forges partnerships with leading industry players and is a principal member of the MasterCard and Visa payment schemes and a SWIFT member.

NEC Payments flexible and secure API enables its customers to rapidly develop seamless digital financial services products that ride upon the rails provided by its banking-as-a-service platform to facilitate secure real-time card scheme, bank-to-bank, and peer-to-peer transactions. The company is licensed and regulated by the Central Bank of Bahrain as a Payment Services Provider and Card Processor; it has achieved international security and business process certifications and is a trusted partner of clients and business partners alike. NEC Payments explains its expansion plans are being achieved organically, as new customers and partners plug into the platform and it grows into new markets in GCC, MENA and North America.

The CFI.co judging panel recognises NEC Payment BSC’s achievements with the 2021 award for Best Digital Banking Technology Innovator (Middle East).


Kirchhoff Consult AG: Best ESG Communications Team Germany 2021

Kirchhoff Consult has an impressive history of bringing ESG topics into the limelight. Since the publication of its first articles on the subject in 1994, it has established awards to recognise pioneers of sustainability and published a large number of studies. Kirchhoff’s specialist teams in capital markets, corporate communications and sustainability advise clients of all industries and sizes throughout their business development. The company pulls together the best combination of talent, and its 60 employees include consultants, CFA analysts, creative directors, web developers and sustainability experts. Kirchhoff provides materiality studies and helps clients to develop a holistic sustainability strategy with clear goals and measured progress, using key performance indicators. Kirchhoff trusts its professionals to work autonomously, using initiative and collaborative teamwork. The team arranges sustainability workshops and training courses for board members and executives. It assists clients with ongoing ESG management, setting up ESG Councils, analysing sustainability risks in supply chains, developing code of conducts and policies, and advising on due diligence in human rights. Kirchhoff considers all the stakeholders in its clients’ orbit — retaining that focus on ESG. It provides advice on the international reporting standards increasingly demanded by investors, such as the GRI, SDGs and UN Global Compact, and expands those benchmarks with <Integrated Reporting>, stakeholder-targeted communication campaigns and dialogue moderation. Kirchhoff advises on sustainable finance and green bond issues and helps companies to improve their ESG performance and ESG ratings respectively.
The CFI.co judging panel recognises a company that is exceeding expectations, and names Kirchhoff Consult as winner of the 2021 award for Best ESG Communications Team (Germany).


Pollen Street Capital: Best Responsible Alternative Investment Team UK 2021

Pollen Street Capital operates according to an ESG-driven ethos. The UK-based alternative investment firm is guided by ethical values and commitment. It backs transformational businesses with private equity and credit solutions. Pollen Street encourages responsible portfolio development and cares for its employees, partners and community. It has 70 people working in its London and New York offices, and the team takes a holistic approach to investing. It executes bold strategies to reinforce the model and increase engagement. The team talks with investors and takes the time to fully understand their ESG priorities. Most seek multi-layered, long-term impacts, and the firm applies lateral thinking to boost global capabilities. Pollen Street Capital has an overarching ESG focus that touches on every aspect of its operations. It strives for a transition to a carbon-neutral future through impact-led corporate responsibility, with special attention to diversity, crime reduction and governance. The scope continues to expand to allow increased support for environmental issues. The team prioritises efficiency for lasting impacts. Pollen Street Capital conducted a year-long audit to create its ESG programme — Ten Years’ Time — to forge partnerships that connect the firm’s expertise with projects beyond its portfolio. The CFI.co judging panel recognises a firm punching above its weight for ESG impacts. The judges present Pollen Street Capital with the 2021 award for Best Responsible Alternative Investment Team (UK).


Peabody: Best ESG-Responsible Mining Company Global 2020

Peabody makes a bold case for coal as a sustainable energy source. The NYSE-listed company understands that this is a controversial claim, but backs it with facts — and action. As a signatory of the UN Global Compact, it publicises its SDG objectives and performance in comprehensive annual reports. It presents a three-pillar case for coal’s sustainability: high-demand markets, advanced technology, and financial opportunity. Global coal usage totals some 7.5 billion tonnes annually, with more than 100 gigawatts of electricity to be brought online over the next two years. An increase in high-efficiency, low-emission (HELE) and carbon capture, use and storage (CCUS) technologies has enabled a transition towards more sustainable production — while continuing to meet rising global energy demands. Peabody argues against “symbolic but misguided divestment actions” that aim to end the entire fossil fuel industry. It believes that engagement and ESG-based investment should be used to shape the future of the industry, rewarding responsible players with financial backing for sustainable growth. It provides thermal and metallurgical coal products to the power and steel sectors in 25 countries on six continents. Peabody says its products provide economies and improve quality of life — and its ESG actions deliver meaningful benefits for stakeholders. The CFI.co judging panel presents Peabody, a repeat programme winner, with the 2020 global award for Best ESG-Responsible Mining Company.