Co-op Legal Services: Best Estate Administration & Probate Services Provider UK 2022

Co-op Legal Services, founded in 2006, continues to build on its strengths to best meet client needs and market trends. The company specialises in probate, family law, personal injury claims, will writing, employment law and conveyancing. The public can peruse its website for cross-linked information on legal processes, which the Co-op hopes will prevent any “nasty” surprises, particularly in times of bereavement. It explains what the services entail — and who might need them — providing digital tools for anytime assessment and free preliminary guidance. For clients, it promises straightforward legal advice and fixed-quote pricing. The Co-op’s focus on superior client services and hybrid digital markets is fuelling substantial business growth. The digital transition is delivering results, allowing prospective clients to browse at all hours and working interactively with existing clients. Co-op Legal Services has integrated tech capabilities across the operational system, optimising human-touch priorities with digital hybrid services. Market research and customer feedback are driving the Co-op to realign services towards more consolidated life solutions. The company elicits consistently high customer satisfaction scores on Trustpilot — currently averaging 4.7 out of five stars. It has also been praised for its role in charitable legacies, recognised as the first corporate organisation to raise £15m through will writing. For the fourth consecutive year, the CFI.co judging panel affirms Co-op Legal Services as the award winner for Best Estate Administration & Probate Services Provider (UK 2022).


Eden McCallum: Best Management Consultancy Team Europe 2022

Eden McCallum is a European management consultancy launched by Liann Eden and Dena McCallum over 20 years ago. The cofounders, who shared North American upbringings and European careers at McKinsey, wanted to introduce more flexibility into the consultancy process without compromising on calibre. The firm works with more than 2,300 independent consultants and 500 clients worldwide, including a third of the FTSE 100 and 60 of the global Fortune 500. An experienced in-house team of partners, managers, analysts and client directors — around 70 in total — collaborate across Eden McCallum’s offices in London and Amsterdam. Eden McCallum has been praised by clients and partners alike, and repeat business accounts for 85 percent of its work. Positive word-of-mouth and Statistica surveys helped the firm to claim top bragging rights in the Financial Times 2022 ranking of leading management consultants in the UK. Eden McCallum has also been featured in The Economist and cited by academics at Harvard Business School and London Business School for pioneering a consultancy approach that prioritises results, value and client ownership. Eden McCallum assembles teams of in-house staff and independent consultants according to each project’s needs, from strategy to transformation. These teams work closely alongside clients to set out and achieve their goals, with the highest strategic impact. The CFI.co judging panel announces Eden McCallum as the 2022 award winner for Best Management Consultancy Team (Europe).


Deutsche Oppenheim Family Office: Best Strategic Asset Allocation Team Germany 2022

Deutsche Oppenheim Family Office has grown in strength and scope through a series of successful mergers and acquisitions. It’s the largest family office in Germany and the asset management arm of the country’s largest lender, Deutsche Bank. The firm benefits from the global network of its parent group and a seasoned team with decades of capital market experience. Deutsche Oppenheim Family Office offers a full suite of services tailored to the needs of high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, churches, foundations, and institutional investors. It takes the time to understand each client’s circumstances and objectives, then the strategic asset allocation (SAA) team works within those parameters to quantify opportunities and risks across asset classes. Deutsche Oppenheim Family Office relies on research-backed and practically proven concepts in a proprietary and award-winning Monte Carlo simulation model. The SAA team uses the model to identify the best investment strategies for each client, factoring for complex market relationships including return smoothing and unpredictable events like “black swans”. It applies a “PassivPlus” approach that favours exchange-traded funds (ETFs) over actively managed funds, with a strict data-driven selection process that seeks to remove emotion and human error from the equation. It prioritises alpha generation, multi-dimensional risk management, peer-group analysis and realistic fund benchmarks. The CFI.co judging panel has unanimously voted for Deutsche Oppenheim Family Office in the award category for the Best Strategic Asset Allocation Team in Germany — for the fourth consecutive year in 2022.


Localiza: Best Mobility Solutions Leadership LATAM 2022

[caption id="attachment_10738" align="aligncenter" width="900"] CEO Localiza: Bruno Lasansky[/caption]

Brazilian mobility specialist Localiza began operations 49 years ago with a fleet of six used Beetles, purchased on credit. Now, it has over 12,200 employees, 620 car rental agencies, 127 used car stores and 289,796 cars in the fleet. More than half the fleet is connected by telemetry, which has contributed to IoT-enabled cost reductions. Localiza serves some 13 million customers across Latin America. It operates in 366 cities in Brazil and has a presence in Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay and Argentina. The group marked several milestones in 2021. Localiza achieved the highest net income in its history, exceeding $377.8m (2bn Brazilian reais). It launched Zarp, a car rental solution for Brazilian app drivers offering exclusive payment options and feedback on driving performance in traffic. The previous year, Localiza introduced MEOO, a subscription car rental service where the company donates a percentage of every car rented to local education projects. In 2021, the group conducted a materiality study to define priority themes linked to good sustainability practices, then grouped them under the pillars of sustainable mobility, education and entrepreneurship for social transformation, and world-class culture and governance. This framework helps Localiza to map the best route to generate increasing value for its stakeholders and society at large. The group provided over 196,000 hours of training to women and young people in vulnerable situations through Instituto Localiza. The CFI.co judging panel announces Localiza as the 2022 award winner for Best Mobility Solutions Leadership (LATAM).


Nepal SBI Bank Ltd.: Best Corporate Banking Solutions Nepal 2022

Nepal SBI Bank Ltd. (NSBL), a subsidiary of State Bank of India (SBI) which was established in July 1993 is one of the leading ‘A Class’ banks of Nepal. SBI holds 55% of ownership, Nepal Employee Provident Fund (Karmachari Sanchaya Kosh) holds 15% and the balance 30% shares are held by the General Public. NSBL has established its footprint in Nepal with its 910 employees at 129 outlets across 51 districts. Clients appreciate the convenience of NSBL’s ATM network and multichannel banking (SMS, internet and mobile applications). NSBL is known for introducing new initiatives/technology in Nepal. This year, the bank has introduced acquiring of RuPay card in Nepal and is the only bank in Nepal to accept RuPay cards in ATMs and point of sales (POS). Likewise, NSBL is in process to launch its own integrated digital banking application i.e., YONO Nepal SBI. YONO (You Only Need One) is a flagship app of SBI and is also recognised as a super app. NSBL strives to provide personal and corporate banking clients with high-quality, reliable financial solutions. It offers a range of remittance services, deposit accounts and credit solutions. The Bank has consistently been able to put a special focus on productive sector lending to mid and large sized corporates to align itself with expansionary fiscal and monetary policy goals of Government and Central Bank. NSBL has been catering to the financial needs of Corporate Houses with convenient loan products, easy processing, competitive interest rates and personalized service. As part of State Bank Group, corporate customers of NSBL have access to a wide network of more than 22,000 SBI branches in India and 233 offices in 32 countries. Besides, there is seamless remittance arrangement with more than 75,000 branch offices of 106 banks in India which has facilitated cross border trade as well as complemented mobility of labour between India, Nepal and Gulf countries. NSBL is thus able to leverage its status as part of a wider SBI Group network to provide better credit terms to its corporate customers in trade finance operations providing better opportunities in terms of LC advising, discounting, negotiation and counter-guarantee facilities across the region. Corporate Borrowers, besides availing loan limits from the Bank, also enjoy other value-added facilities like fund management in their accounts, disbursement of employee salary, demand loans to employees against corporate guarantee, retail loans to the employees at preferential terms, etc. The Bank provides advisory services to its corporate customers in areas like management of working capital, profit maximization, regularization of statutory obligations, review of product lines, adoption of new technologies, etc. The CFI.co judging panel presents Nepal SBI Bank Limited – a repeat programme winner – with the 2022 Best Corporate Banking Solutions (Nepal) award.


ACCENTRO Real Estate AG: Best Residential Real Estate Strategy Germany 2022

[caption id="attachment_10601" align="aligncenter" width="873"] ACCENTRO CEO: Lars Schriewer[/caption]

ACCENTRO Real Estate AG is a specialist of property privatization and residential real estate in Germany. Over the past 20 years, ACCENTRO has sold around 18.000 properties – several thousands of which in Berlin where the company is headquartered. ACCENTRO currently has around 5.000 units in the portfolio, which is centered around strategic cities and metropolitan areas. It has solidified a market-leading position in Germany as a responsible investor and preferred property manager. ACCENTRO works with private investors and owner-occupiers to make tenant-oriented sales of apartments. The company has found tenant proximity to improve asset management. ACCENTRO provides institutional investors with real estate portfolios that deliver stable long-term returns. It also helps with the development management services and management of real estate portfolios and the marketing of properties. Over its subsidiary Proprate ACCENTRO is also running a matching market for private users. The digital Service was developed together with Samsung-subsidiary Cheil and scans the biggest real estate platforms for offers and gives you the opportunity to rate those using a digital tool.

Covid caused tough challenges in the real estate market adding to the challenges of political regulation in the privatization of residential real estate in Germany, but ACCENTRO found creative ways to overcome.

On one hand, the Executive Board around CEO Lars Schriewer diversified the business model and, in addition to the heavily regulated privatisation of residential property, established a businessline for real estate management-services for third parties and developed its own property portfolio for rental. This ensured a secure cash flow throughout regulatory changes and the Covid-pandemic.

During Covid Brokers began using smart phones to showcase properties safely, and ACCENTRO introduced a purchase guarantee scheme in cooperation with ImmoScout24, europe’s largest property portal, for property developers to smooth complications caused by rising interest rates and construction costs. ACCENTRO publishes an annual report highlighting home ownership data across all major German cities. The report underscores the scope of the company’s daily work and serves as a decision-making aid for customers. ACCENTRO is the only real estate privatization company in Germany to be listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. The CFI.co judging panel announces ACCENTRO Real Estate AG and the ACCENTRO Real Estate AG CEO Lars Schriewer as the 2022 award winner for Best Residential Real Estate Strategy (Germany).


CANPACK Group: Best Sustainable Packaging Solutions CEE 2022

CANPACK has been an EcoVadis gold medallist for two consecutive years, ranking among the top two percent of socially responsible companies. It was just shy of winning the platinum medal, but feels confident — looking at a track record of consistent and continuous improvement — that it will level-up next year. CANPACK aligns operations in accordance with the Science-Based Targets initiative and the Paris Agreement. It measures environmental impacts and takes the necessary steps to curb emissions. CANPACK has already managed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 13.5 percent across its supply chain. CANPACK’s global plant network, spread across 19 countries, runs entirely off renewable energy. Geopolitical factors made this feat more difficult in some countries, but CANPACK persevered until each plant qualified as a sustainability champion. It’s the only one of the big packaging specialists to have reached this level of renewable-powered production. CANPACK conducts quarterly meetings with plants to incorporate resource usage — electricity, thermal, water, waste, recycling — into 2025 and 2030 targets. The group commits to realistic goals, careful never to over-promise and under-deliver. It works to bring suppliers on board with the sustainability agenda and collaborates with industry partners to amplify impacts. It created a zero-carbon can through a B2B partnership with Budweiser. CANPACK companies develop country-specific ESG initiatives, like promoting recycling in Brazil and sponsoring a green film festival in Poland. The CFI.co judging panel presents CANPACK Group — a repeat programme winner — with the 2022 award for Best Sustainable Packaging Solutions (CEE).


Camlife: Best Micro Insurance Company Cambodia 2022

Camlife was founded in 2012 as the first life insurance company of Cambodia. Neak Oknha Kith Meng, the Cambodian business mogul who owns the company, also serves as Chairman and CEO of The Royal Group, president of the Cambodian Chamber of Commerce and Chairman of the Royal Group Phnom Penh SEZ Plc. Camlife is led by CEO Johnson Chai, a seasoned professional with experience at top international life insurance companies. In embracing women leadership, Ms Leang Sovandy and Ms Leng Chenda are two key management staff that oversee Camlife’s sales and finance departments. The company hosted a gala in celebration of its 10th anniversary this year. Camlife leadership commemorated the event by thanking stakeholders — clients, partners and regulators — for a decade of unwavering support and trust. The company credited its sustainable growth to a commitment to provide affordable and accessible financial protection to all Cambodians. Camlife registered record growth of 91.5 percent in gross premium in the first half of 2022, which it attributed to the launch of bancassurance and leverages on the resources of Royal Group companies. Camlife began offering micro insurance products almost two years ago and is now recognised as a specialised, fully regulated micro insurer. Camlife promotes women in enterprise and help SMEs thrive. It also invests considerable resources to raise awareness about the benefits insurance can provide. The CFI.co judging panel presents repeat winner Camlife with the 2022 Best Micro Insurance Company (Cambodia) award.


Copernicus Wealth Management: Best Wealth Management Team Switzerland 2022

Copernicus Wealth Management was established six years ago in Ticino, the southern-most canton and largest Italian-speaking region in Switzerland. The group headquarters are located in Lugano, the third-largest financial centre in Switzerland. The group aims to position itself within the country’s top three financial hubs and it opened an office last year in the heart of Zurich’s central business district. Copernicus personalises solutions for private and corporate clients in the areas of asset and wealth management, risk management, legal support and regulatory compliance. The company is driven by a team with experience managing complex portfolios and creating long-term value for all stakeholders. The team talks of the Copernican revolution, which puts the client at the centre of the business. It takes a holistic and entrepreneurial approach to develop solutions that support the real economy. The company has done remarkably well in the relatively short period since its launch. Copernicus CEO Marco Boldrin expects the upcoming year to bring difficult challenges, but feels confident in the team’s capacity to secure its position and protect its clients by recognising and capitalising on changes across the financial industry and beyond. Copernicus Wealth Management operates under the auspices of the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority and is licensed to administer funds in Liechtenstein, Luxembourg and Ireland. The CFI.co judging panel presents Copernicus Wealth Management — a repeat programme winner — with the 2022 Best Wealth Management Team (Switzerland) award.


Generali Investments CEE: Best Asset Management Services Czech Republic 2022

[caption id="attachment_10620" align="aligncenter" width="873"] Michal Toufar: Member of the Board of Directors & Chief Portfolio Manager, Generali Investments CEE[/caption]

Generali Investments CEE is the biggest asset management company in the Czech Republic, with €16bn in AUM and over 120,000 clients. The company has been contributing to the development of the market over the past three decades and forms part of a global insurance group with a 190-year history. Generali Investments CEE pulls from group resources and local expertise to deliver in terms of client service and fund management. It works for some of the largest institutional clients and biggest portfolios. Generali Investments CEE has managed a steady increase in AUM over the years — and proven itself a reliable partner in moments of crisis. The company experienced high outflows in the early days of the Covid pandemic, but the business made a speedy recovery and soon reported higher inflows than pre-pandemic levels. Generali Investments CEE has garnered public praise for its social responsibility and sizable donation to a seniors’ support fund, ensuring those most vulnerable to the virus weren’t left isolated without food, medicines or health assistance. It also backed a charity challenge benefitting pulmonary departments of regional hospitals. Participants strengthened their lungs through sporting activities and pledged donations — the company then matched the amount collected. Regional conflict has complicated the investment landscape in 2022. But Generali Investments CEE has launched new products and achieved twice the expected results, contributing to its confidence about future growth and international expansion. Generali Investments CEE claims the 2022 award for Best Asset Management Services (Czech Republic).


JP Morgan: Best Wealth Planning Services United States 2022

There’s no broad-brush approach to wealth management, which is why JP Morgan experts pay attention to one-on-one relationships, creating bespoke strategies with each customer’s requirements in mind. The New York-based multinational investment bank prides itself on its ability to tailor specific wealth planning schemes, drawn up using the expertise of staff, and the company’s long experience in the field, serving some of the country’s wealthiest individuals and families. The company’s wealth planning experts take a 360 degree view of each client’s finances, understanding that their needs are likely to evolve. JP Morgan specialists are skilled in helping customers navigate major events, no matter how quickly they arise. One area - sustainable investing, involving Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) criteria - is currently soaring in popularity. Some sceptics suggest that investors risk sacrificing returns by investing sustainably. JP Morgan disagrees - the company believes sustainable investing has the power to both drive long term growth, and have a positive environmental impact. The company’s experts judge that sustainable investing helps identify businesses which display quality growth and offer higher profitability. JP Morgan insight teams report many examples of this trend. More companies, for instance, are tying executive compensation to ESG initiatives. JP Morgan monitoring teams also note that shareholders are increasingly forcing climate change issues up the agenda, demanding that environmental issues are tackled. Adding to the company’s impressive CFI.co awards tally, the judging panel in 2022 is pleased to present JP Morgan with the award, Best Wealth Planning Services United States.


Slaughter & May: Best Corporate & Commercial Legal Team United Kingdom 2022

Great minds think differently – a phrase which neatly describes the ethos at Slaughter & May, one of the UK’s most forward-thinking legal firms, regarded by many as among the most prestigious in the world. Based in the heart of the City of London, the company employs some of the planet’s brightest legal minds, with a depth of expertise and experience, offering first-class legal service across a range of subjects. The company, founded in 1889, has an impressive corporate and commercial track record – it was heavily involved in the iconic privatisations of British Airways, British Gas and British Steel in the 1980s and 90s, and is regularly called upon by the UK government to provide vital services. In 2021 Slaughter & May was appointed to the Cabinet Office panel responsible for strategically important projects, providing legal advice aimed at benefiting not only the public sector in terms of procurement policy, but also increasing savings for taxpayer. The company demonstrates its focus on lateral thought by publishing regular blogs which examine the issues of the day, delivering insights into complex areas of the law. A recent 2022 blog on corporate tax, for instance, examined the question of how businesses approach Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors, specifically the thorny topic of how companies square the desire to implement solutions on sustainability grounds at the expense, potentially, of profit. In 2022 the CFI.co judging panel has no hesitation in presenting the company with the award, Best Corporate & Commercial Legal Team United Kingdom.


Arca Fondi SGR: Best Emerging Markets Debt Manager Europe 2022

Arca Fondi SGR is one of Italy’s leading asset management companies. The firm has developed a range of value-added savings and investment solutions since its launch 1983. Arca Fondi SGR adheres to the highest standards of professionalism, good governance and operational excellence. The independent company has an extensive distribution network of 100 placement agencies and more than 8,000 branches. All Arca collaborators, whether internal or external, are united under a set of ethical principles of business conduct. Arca Fondi SGR has pioneered many firsts in the Italian market, always with the aim to add value, seize opportunities and mitigate risks. Arca Fondi SGR has built filter tools into its website, allowing visitors to sort the multitude of available investment products according to their interests and needs. Prospective subscribers can see at a glance information on share values, ratings and term periods — or which funds offer the best tax benefits or ESG performance. Arca Fondi SGR is trusted by 820,000 subscribers and 190,000 pension fund members. It manages portfolios with high levels of transparency and diversification across securities, markets, issuers, currencies and product sectors. The CFI.co judging panel has followed the firm’s progress over the past seven years, first commenting on its high client retention rates, long-term relationships, multi-manager solutions and consistent portfolio performance. The panel is pleased to find Arca Fondi SGR continuing to build on the momentum — and reaffirms its bragging rights with the 2022 award for Best Emerging Markets Debt Manager (Europe).


Arca Fondi SGR: Best SME Equity Fund Italy 2022

Arca Fondi SGR is an Italian asset manager with over €36bn in AUM and upwards of 820,000 subscribers. The independent company launched its first funds in 1984 — and that portfolio of assets now exceeds €4bn in value. Arca Fondi SGR closed 2021 with a record net profit of €78.6m, up 39 percent year-over-year. It pushes for continuous innovation in product development to help clients start saving smarter. It launched the Arca Economia Reale funds in 2015, giving investors access to SME equity opportunities in Italy’s manufacturing and service industries. It targets small- and mid-cap companies with industrial ingenuity and diversifies across sectors to ensure the most balanced exposure. These smaller enterprises tend to be less affected by global market trends, but Arca Fondi SGR has managed to preserve the value of the SME equity portfolio throughout the most turbulent market phases. It credits strong sector diversification and a hands-on management approach. Arca Fondi SGR believes these funds — and the companies they represent — will go far in supporting Italy's recovery and resilience plan. The Italian economy has shown good GDP growth entering 2022, with increasing confidence from businesses and consumers, and Arca expects the recovery and resilience reforms will amplify these trends. Arca Fondi SGR is a long-running titleholder in the CFI.co awards programme, first registering on the judging panel’s radar in 2015. In 2022, Arca was selected for the second consecutive year as the Best SME Equity Fund (Italy) award winner.


Baluarte: Best Investment Management Team Portugal 2022

Multi-family office Baluarte provides independent investment advisory to private, corporate and institutional clients across Portugal, Italy and Spain. The firm is led by managing partner Pedro Silveira Assis, a seasoned veteran of the investment industry since 1993. Baluarte partner Miguel Cordovil combines years of experience in banking, business development and risk management to help private clients preserve their wealth. Rita González, the Baluarte partner who oversees investment strategy, has worked in capital markets for two decades. Over the past year, she has solidified her reputation as a thought leader of investment management. She has been featured in Iberian publications, where she shared analysis and insight on evolving market situations. Baluarte partners collaborate to ensure client needs remain at the front and centre of the business. The firm operates among the top five percent of national SMEs. The team analyses each client’s financial situation to define their goals and risk profile. They suggest the best investment strategy according to risk profiles and market conditions, then prepare all necessary trade information for transmission upon clients’ approval. They monitor portfolios and propose preventive or corrective measures whenever necessary. Each client has a dedicated financial advisor, and institutional clients can request a team member to accompany investment committee meetings. The CFI.co judging panel was impressed by Baluarte’s progress over the past year — and its development plans for the next twelve months. Baluarte, a repeat programme winner, claims the 2022 award for the Best Investment Management Team in Portugal.


Wells Fargo Best Small Business Banking Services United States 2022

Wells Fargo provides small businesses with access to the largest branch network in the US with over 4,900 branches and 12,000 ATMs. They can be found in 37 states including Washington DC. Across this network, small businesses have access to dedicated bankers who develop a deep understanding of their businesses. The bankers can support and tailor products and services to the needs of each small business. This includes a range of checking account options, business credit cards, domestic and international payment services, payroll services, and merchant services. Wells Fargo’s merchant services allow businesses to take payments in-person, online, and on the go. Wells Fargo also provides businesses with a range of flexible funding options including lines of credit, SBA loans, and commercial real estate financing. Businesses can manage and monitor all their services using their online account and mobile banking applications. Wells Fargo’s strong commitment to small businesses is also demonstrated by their $420m “Open for Business Fund” which was set up in 2020 to support small businesses through the COVID-19 crisis. The fund provides microloans, grants, and favourable financial terms to small businesses that were severely hit by the pandemic and who traditionally struggle for funding. In February, the fund announced $20m in funding to help diverse-led small businesses in Los Angeles to acquire property and equipment. Given its deep commitment to its customers, the CFI.co judging panel is proud to award Wells Fargo with the 2022 award for Best Small Business Banking Services (United States).


CORDET: Best Alternative Credit Investor UK 2022

Since its 2013 launch, CORDET has focused with laser precision on Northern Europe’s alternative credit market. CORDET tailors private debt and direct lending solutions for mid-market companies with a stable record of cash flow. It makes select-few investments per year, taking the time to thoroughly vet prospects and establish longstanding relationships with all stakeholders. CORDET targets companies with annual revenue under €250m and EBITDA between €2m and €15m. It only invests in sectors where it has demonstrated all-weather experience across credit cycles. CORDET’s lending activity fills a gap in the market — and offers attractive risk-adjusted core income-focused returns for institutional investors. CORDET has assembled a team of finance, risk and investment specialists to collaborate with investors and company executives to nurture mutual growth. People-centric policies drive internal development and external engagement. CORDET operates according to Nordic standards and has been cited as a best-in-class employer with indiscriminatory benefits, including generous parental leave. CORDET aligns decision-making with the Principles for Responsible Investment, Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures and Paris Agreement — and receives top ESG marks from external ratings agencies. It celebrates the sustainability progress made by portfolio companies, like automotive supplier FLABEG transitioning to renewable energies or Trust Payment seeking B-Corp certification and pushing for equality with a 42-percent-female workforce. The CFI.co jury points to CORDET’s reliable past performance, particularly throughout the pandemic, combined with a growing pipeline of partners as justification for claiming the Best Alternative Credit Investor (UK) award — for the third consecutive year in 2022.


BlueRock Group: Best Boutique Real Estate Investment Solutions DACH 2022

Since its launch in 2011, BlueRock Group has executed more than €1.5bn in transaction volume. The Zurich-headquartered real-estate investment boutique has established a strategic network with offices in Berlin, Gibraltar, Manchester and Luxembourg. BlueRock’s strong European presence allows the group to deploy a cherry-picking strategy and capitalise on opportunities with decisive speed and without compromising on due diligence. BlueRock investors benefit from the group’s value-based investment philosophy, which is underpinned by transparency, adaptability and enhanced returns. It offers investors access to off-market deals in the €20-100m range via fully regulated, transparent and bankable investment vehicles. It optimises tax structures and maintains compliance across all relevant jurisdictions. BlueRock investors receive quarterly reporting on their investments, and returns are distributed on a quarterly or bi-annual basis. BlueRock continues to scale up operations. It has recruited two new team members to assist with the boom in business: a portfolio manager and an investment manager. BlueRock recently closed on a portfolio of 22 properties in Berlin. The group elevates property management to modern standards, including in-depth analyses and reporting on ESG performance. Residential properties make up 78 percent of the BlueRock portfolio and account for nearly half of AUM. Meanwhile, its office properties represent only 15 percent of the portfolio yet 44 percent of AUM. Retail and healthcare properties round out the portfolio. The CFI.co judging panel presents BlueRock Group — a repeat programme winner — with the 2022 award for Best Boutique Real Estate Investment Solutions (DACH).


TEB Private Banking: Best Private Banking Services Turkey 2022

Established in Izmit in 1927, Türk Ekonomi Bankası (TEB) is one of Turkey’s oldest and proudest banks. In 1989, it began providing exclusive services to high-net worth individuals becoming the first Turkish bank to offer private banking services. Today it remains a pioneer in the segment with the development of new services and investment products including in alternative investments. Its 11 Private Banking Centres and four in-branch facilities provides access throughout the country while its strategic partnership with BNP Paribas provides clients with a global investment reach and a physical presence in 19 countries. Its wealth management services are available to clients who hold TRY 15m or more with TEB Private Banking. Tailored investment products and insurance are provided by Wealth Management Sales Managers (with 25 years of industry experience) and Private Investment Advisors. TEB is also a pioneer in creating the TEB Private Angel Investment Platform and the TEB Private Investor Society. Both platforms help clients to invest in promising Turkish startups and in developing the local entrepreneurship ecosystem. TEB has also developed its Digital Museum service to help educate and inspire clients interested in collecting art. TEB has also developed TEB Affluent Banking to provide its clients with exclusive products and services that go beyond banking to discounts and privileges at restaurants, shops, and travel services. The CFI.co judging panel is pleased to award TEB Private Banking with the 2022 award for Best Private Banking Services (Turkey).


CSOB Private Banking: Best Private Banking Services Czech Republic 2022

CSOB is the leading private bank in the Czech Republic and as member of the KBC Group its presence and expertise extend beyond Europe to the Asian and American markets. It began working with clients with a net worth over CZK 10m in 2002 and in 2015 it opened its Wealth Office for clients with a net worth over CZK 100m. It has 15 specialised Private Banking branches throughout the country. Further, every Private Banking officer has years of experience and services a set number of clients so that every client gets the personal attention they deserve. Personalisation is key. Every client’s portfolio is individually designed with help from CBOS’s unique Global Portfolio Management software. During the pandemic not only did CSOB adjust client’s portfolios to benefit from the rally in equity, but it also adjusted how it interacted with clients: pushing new digital tools to the fore. Now as restrictions are relaxed, CBOS will deploy a hybrid model tailored to the personal preference of each client. CFI.co is impressed by CBOS’s move into private equity and venture capital but is even more impressed to see the development of its ESG commitments including the education of investors as to the importance of sustainable investing. CSOB is developing a full suite of investment products and is poised for even more growth. The CFI.co judging panel is proud to award CSOB Private Banking with the 2022 award for Best Private Banking Services (Czech Republic).


BTG Pactual: Best Investment Bank Colombia 2022

BTG Pactual is the largest investment bank in South America and has experienced four years of record growth in its investment banking business. It has been working in Colombia since 2012 when it purchased Bolsa y Renta, a proud local company with over 50 years of experience in the Colombian market. BTG Pactual is a local and regional leader in M&A, debt, and equity operations. It thrives with a culture of meritocratic partnership and entrepreneurship. It also prides itself on its client-centric approach. In Colombia, it has a strong specialisation in asset management for corporate clients and has over $5bn in assets under management. It also specialises in private banking, financing for infrastructure projects, and capital markets including IPOs and M&As. The CFI.co judging panels notes that the bank has continued to bolster its local reach and now has offices in Barranquilla in addition to Bogota and Medellin. It is also to be commended for its commitment to innovation. Its BoostLAB startup hub has been recognised as one of the best financial innovation centres in the world. It provides mentorship, networking, and potential financing to successful startups. In November, it also began operations in Colombia under its new banking license, echoing a similar push in other regional markets. This will allow BTG Pactual Colombia to provide the full suite of banking services for its clients. The CFI.co judging panel is delighted to award BTG Pactual with the 2022 award for Best Investment Bank (Colombia).


Hewlett Packard Enterprise: Best Governance Team United States 2022

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) was among the first global IT companies to sever ties with Russia following its invasion of Ukraine - no surprise for a company built on solid ethical principles. HPE, one of the world’s largest IT companies, insists that employees, partners and suppliers engage in ethical practices, and it responds quickly to violations. HPE will not tolerate corruption, and carries out regular “ethics roadshows” to business leaders worldwide and uses Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index to identify countries at risk of corrupt activity. HPE, formed in 2015 as a result of the splitting of the Hewlett-Packard group, constantly monitors its performance against ESG goals. The Texas-based company is driving digital transformation towards a carbon neutral future for itself and its customers, helping protect human rights, and supporting communities through global catastrophes like the Covid-19 pandemic. HPE helps businesses to achieve environmental goals through the use of more efficient hardware. It also offers to collect “retired” technology, to be repurposed by HPE Technology Renewal Centres. In terms of its human rights goals, the company is top of the KnowTheChain’s (KTC) Information and Communication Technology benchmark. KTC, an international organisation dedicated to the eradication of forced labour, helps businesses adapt their global supply chains. HPE is also at the forefront of change in terms of diversity and inclusion, setting goals which have made it a world leader. For the second year running, the judging panel is pleased to present HPE with the 2022 award, Best Governance Team United States.


CentralNic Group: Best Domain Registry Platform Global 2022

Domain registry platforms, as master databases of all the web, play a key role in Internet infrastructure. CentralNic Group launched its first commercial registry platform in the 90s, back when it was more the province of universities and governments. Its platform now supports over a dozen national country codes and dominates in new top-level domain names. CentralNic’s market share of new top-level domain names rivals that of all its 38 competitors combined. Continuous improvements and future-proofing keep the platform relevant and adaptable. CentralNic works with governments and businesses worldwide, presenting registry platforms as toolsets for developing national digital economies. CentralNic wants everyone to make their mark on the Internet — register a domain name, launch a webpage, publish information, open an e-commerce store. It views registry platforms as crucial to overcoming the traditional geopolitical limitations on trade, commerce and communication. CentralNic sells one set of online presence tools (domain names, hosting and email) to online retailers and direct customers, and another set of online marketing tools for acquiring customers. CentralNic takes pride in a blemish-free record of uninterrupted service continuity. With offices in 12 countries, it operates multiple backup facilities around the world, with smooth and immediate transitions, to ensure clients can keep using email and websites — even if some disaster took out CentralNic’s UK headquarters. Over the past 12 years, CEO Ben Crawford has taken CentralNic from 12 to 650 employees and $2m to $410m in revenue. The CFI.co judging panel announces CentralNic Group as the 2022 global award winner for Best Domain Registry Platform.


General Mediterranean Holding: Best Hospitality & Leisure Portfolio EMEA 2022

Over the past four decades, General Mediterranean Holding (GMH) has built a diversified business with a presence in 22 countries. GMH is headquartered in Luxembourg with a representative office in London. The group has 130 companies in its portfolio and 11,000 people among staff — and strives to show each one that they’re a valued member of the family. GMH engages in various sectors and activities: banking and finance, real estate, construction, hotel and leisure, industrial, trading, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, information technology and aviation. The group now has more than $3bn in consolidated assets. GMH first ventured into the hospitality business with the inauguration of Le Royal Hotels & Resorts. Located in the heart of Luxembourg’s financial centre, it’s now ranked among the world’s top 50 hotels. Some of the group’s other flagship developments include residential holiday apartments in the French Côte d’Azur, a luxurious hotel in the Spanish capital and a private resort overlooking the Dead Sea. It has several properties around the Sinai Peninsula, a land bridge between Africa and Asia with the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Red Sea to the south. GMH is also involved with a ground-breaking 62-acre regeneration project on the Southside of Chicago, which will become the city’s 78th neighbourhood — and generate upwards of $7bn in economic activity. The CFI.co judging panel presents General Mediterranean Holding with the 2022 award for Best Hospitality & Leisure Portfolio in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.


Capital Bank of Jordan: Most Innovative Digital Bank & Best Bank Jordan 2022

Over the past three decades, Capital Bank Group has evolved into one of the most trusted financial partners in Jordan and the region. The group has strengthened its national network of branches and fuelled regional expansion through a series of successful acquisitions, majority shareholder stakes and subsidiaries. The group acquired two banks in less than one year— Bank Audi in Jordan and Iraq in 2021 and Société Générale de Banque Jordanie in 2022 — and became the majority shareholder of the National Bank of Iraq in 2005. Capital Bank has also launched wholly owned subsidiaries in Iraq, Dubai and Saudi Arabia. Early this year, the group introduced a new digital bank, Blink, that meshes seamlessly with the always-on mindset of modern Jordanian society. Blink operates through an intuitive, secure platform and offers a credit card with lower limits (from 200 to 1000 Jordanian dinars) and longer repayment terms (60 days versus the typical month). The digital bank is expected to further financial inclusion, with a focus on helping individuals, home-based business owners, women and university students to achieve financial independence. Capital Bank has taken decisive steps to foster positive growth, sustainable development and resilience. The bank has over $9bn in assets, while the total equity of its shareholders is $845m. It reported a record 100 percent increase in after-tax net profit increase from 2020 to 2021. The CFI.co judging panel is pleased to announce Capital Bank of Jordan as the 2022 dual-award winner for Most Innovative Digital Bank & Best Bank of Jordan.


Old Mutual Investment Group: Best ESG Responsible Investor Africa 2022

[caption id="attachment_10735" align="aligncenter" width="900"] Nicole Martens (Senior Stewardship Professional), Rob Lewenson (Head of Responsible Investing), Gomolemo Seete (ESG Analyst), Waleed Hendricks (ESG Investment Analyst & Quantitative Research Manager), Janine Thomas (Admin Support), Safiya Karjiker (ESG Analyst)[/caption]

Old Mutual Investment Group believes in investing for a future that matters. The pandemic has proven that economic, environmental and social systems are interconnected. Old Mutual Investment Group aims to deliver sustainable long-term risk-adjusted returns for clients while also creating positive impacts on communities and ecosystems. It integrates material ESG issues across the investment process, using quantitative and qualitative analysis from internal and external sources to conduct a proprietary assessment. The company has five dedicated responsible investment professionals and two ESG research analysts collaborating on 161 actively managed portfolios. Old Mutual Investment Group is committed to helping clients build wealth while also building for a better future. Old Mutual Investment Group has spearheaded the development of ESG-focused investment products in South Africa. It offers a selection of investment products designed to deliver green economy outcomes. South Africa is a carbon-intensive country, still heavily dependent on coal. Old Mutual Investment Group has begun to explore cleaner alternatives to power the country, and the infrastructure is already prepared to switch from fossil fuels to renewables. The company forms part of Old Mutual Limited, a group with a 177-year history in South Africa. Its growing reputation as an ESG champion has attracted new talent: young professionals with a passion for positive change and the drive to make a difference. The CFI.co judging panel congratulates Old Mutual Investment Group — a repeat programme winner — on claiming the 2022 award for Best ESG Responsible Investor (Africa).


First Registrars & Investor Services: Best Registrar Services Nigeria 2022

[caption id="attachment_10896" align="aligncenter" width="873"] Award presentation by CFI.co's Chairman Lord Waverley (JD) to Managing Director/CEO of First Registrars, Dr Bayo Olugbemi at the House of Lords, London[/caption]

First Registrars & Investor Services has been entrusted to look after the shareholder needs of more than 70 conglomerates, investment managers and SMEs across Nigeria. The company provided share register administration services for over 30 years as part of First Bank of Nigeria before becoming incorporated as an independent company in 1999. The bank divested in 2012 and First Registrars adopted its new identity in 2015. First Registrars & Investor Services registered on the CFI.co radar around this time, due in part to the pioneering leadership of chief executive Bayo Olugbemi. The company has remained at the forefront of registrar innovation and introduced a range of value-adding digital capabilities. Shareholders and client companies can manage and monitor accounts with 24/7 online access. Electronic dividend warrants can be credited directly into shareholders’ bank account. It supports financial inclusion by distributing dividends via prepaid cards for shareholders without a bank account. It promotes active shareholder participation at annual general meetings and pioneered the use of e-voting devices — far more accurate than a show of raised hands. It keeps investors informed on share transactions with real-time SMS alerts. Core data management services ensure information stays up to date, dividends are paid promptly and regulatory reports are filed correctly. It can also assist with private placements, bank mandates, M&As, probate and rights issues. The CFI.co judging panel announces First Registrars & Investor Services as the 2022 winner in the award category for Best Registrar Services (Nigeria).


I&M Bank (Rwanda) Plc: Best Bank Rwanda 2022

I&M Bank (Rwanda) Plc is the oldest operational bank in the country, incorporated in 1963 and listed on the stock exchange in 2017. The bank spurs socio-economic growth at the national level by developing a range of financial products for individuals, businesses, institutions and corporations. I&M Bank (Rwanda) has developed a digital platform that is delivering results in terms of financial inclusion and poverty reduction across the country and the Diaspora. Automated loan applications bring a new level of convenience and efficiency. It has introduced a new loan programme promising zero interest if repaid within two weeks. It also collaborated with KfW Development Bank to distribute Investing for Employment grants — and helped 141 MSMEs sustain 2,026 jobs throughout the Covid pandemic. The bank is polishing its payments system to capture more of the point-of-sale market and has become a regional pioneer of cardless transactions. I&M Bank (Rwanda) benefits from a solid reputation and strong capital position, including a liquidity coverage ratio at 504 percent. Targeted marketing and proactive engagement have helped the bank to increase the customer base, 19 percent in retail banking and 11 percent in corporate compared to the previous year — and 70 percent year-on-year growth in MSMEs. Loans are up across all segments, while improvement in assets quality brought net impairment losses down 69 percent. The CFI.co judging panel presents I&M Bank (Rwanda) Plc — a repeat programme winner — with the 2022 Best Bank (Rwanda) award.


ThirdWay Partners: Best ESG Merchant Banking Team Africa 2022

ThirdWay Partners strives to deliver shared benefits and sustainable growth to businesses, communities and ecosystems worldwide. It aims to challenge the status quo, moving beyond sustainability as a check-box exercise to an integrated framework for responsible business practices and positive impacts for all stakeholders. ThirdWay Partners aligns advisory and asset management services according to the SDGs and Principles for Responsible Investment. The firm monitors investments and measures impacts of its activities to ensure ESG targets are meet — and exceeded. ThirdWay Partners continues to build on the substantial foothold it has established across the African continent while simultaneously shifting towards more global opportunities. It has advised on more than $500m in transactions across 25 countries and four continents. A recent rebranding — changing from ThirdWay Africa to ThirdWay Partners —underscores the expanded focus. It’s launching a new location in the capital of Kenya this year, adding to a network with offices in Mozambique, the UK and Spain. ThirdWay was founded by entrepreneurs and investors with deep industry experience and a shared desire to make a difference. The team continues to grow along with the business, with new advisory associates recently recruited to support the increasingly international client base. The CFI.co judging panel has followed the firm’s trajectory for several years and continues to be impressed with its track record of fostering sustainable development cooperation among capital markets, companies, governments and communities. ThirdWay Partners wins the 2022 award for Best ESG Merchant Banking Team (Africa).


Bank One Limited: Best International Banking Services Indian Ocean 2022

Mauritian-based Bank One is uniquely positioned as a strong and reliable banking partner “from Africa, for Africa”. Bank One was formed as a joint venture between CIEL Finance, the finance arm of Mauritian conglomerate CIEL Group and Kenya-based I&M Group PLC. The combined footprint of its shareholders in SSA provides Bank One with a physical presence in sub-Saharan Africa, which no other local bank currently has. It serves more than 50,000 domestic and international customers, developing customised services in the areas of international banking, corporate banking, private banking, treasury operations, and personal financial services. In line with its strategy to extend its footprint in Africa, Bank One has increased its coverage and credit appetite in key African markets over the past couple of years. The Bank, has namely, successfully deepened its relationships with Central Banks in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) to provide currency swap solutions for their liquidity management needs. The Bank has also on-boarded several banks in Southern, Central and West Africa. In June 2022, Fitch, one of the world’s largest ratings agencies, has assigned Bank One a long-term rating (IDR) of BB- with a Stable Outlook. The new rating places Bank One in the top 15 most highly rated commercial banks in SSA. The CFI.co judging panel presents Bank One — a repeat programme winner — with the 2022 award for Best International Banking Services (Indian Ocean).


XM: Most Reliable Broker & Most Transparent Broker Global 2022

Few online brokers can match the experience and liquidity coverage afforded by digital disruptor XM. The CySEC-regulated and UK-registered broker has opened up trading for more than five million clients from over 190 countries. Traders can choose between 1,000-plus trading instruments and 16 trading platforms. They can sharpen trading skills with unlimited access to XM’s video tutorials as well as daily forex webinars, market research, trading signals, market outlook and technical analysis. XM takes pride in a blemish-free record of never once giving clients requotes in the company’s 13-year history. “No requotes” is one of XM’s fundamental promises, along with zero fees or commissions on deposits or withdrawals (excluding bank wire transfers under $200). XM invests to maintain a modern tech infrastructure capable of blazing-fast trade executions and speedy withdrawal processing. It has implemented automated safeguards to monitor transactions and prevent client account balances from dipping into the negative balance, ensuring they never sustain losses larger than their original investments. XM maintains some of the healthiest capital requirement ratios in the industry. It protects clients’ funds by keeping them in segregated accounts with tier-one EU financial institutions. XM first registered on the CFI.co radar in 2017, with the judging panel praising the level playing field created by the platform’s trading conditions, ethics compliance and educational outreach. The company has won bragging rights in the awards programme ever since — this time for Most Reliable Broker and Most Transparent Broker (Global 2022).


ING Bank: Best Wholesale Banking Services Philippines 2022

ING Bank in the Philippines has an enviable record in the provision of wholesale banking services. The Amsterdam-based organisation, which opened its first branch in Manila in 1990, was the first foreign-owned bank to be awarded a universal banking licence in the Philippines, and has a proven track record, especially in wholesale banking services. It offers a range of products to both foreign and domestic businesses, including currency financing, corporate lending, mergers and acquisitions, and trade finance transactions. The ING Philippine franchise has won numerous awards for banking excellence since inception. ING prides itself on its client focus approach, and will tailor solutions to an individual business’s needs. This includes provision of a single point of contact at the bank to advise on a range of products, and organise industry specialists to provide further guidance when required. ING Philippines is also leading the way in all-digital banking, providing a retail banking platform app which includes features such as facial recognition, digital cheque deposits, and instant money transfers. ING Philippines is signed up to the parent company’s extensive environmental strategy, and was heavily involved in the development of the country’s Burgos Wind Project – a major initiative in the Philippines’ renewable energy drive. ING is an acknowledged expert in the field of renewable energy project financing, and used its sector expertise to help successfully develop the ambitious scheme. In 2022, for the second consecutive year, the CFI.co judging panel is pleased to present ING with the award, Best Wholesale Banking Services Philippines.


Containers Printers: Best Sustainable Packaging Technology & Most Innovative Packaging Team Southeast Asia 2022

Founded in 1981, Containers Printers has evolved from a Singaporean producer of square tins into a diversified packaging partner of nutrition, food and medical brands in over 30 countries. The company keeps pace with changing market winds to maintain a competitive edge. Containers Printers has weathered the past few challenging years by focusing on sustainability and scaling up digital capacities. The company established data-driven processes to track energy usage and monitor performance. It collaborated with the National Environment Agency and energy service partners to implement sustainability projects that have been delivering considerable gains in energy savings and environmental impacts. Industrial IoT technologies are helping the company to transition analogue and manual methods to a fully digitised system with extended analysis capabilities, including real-time monitoring and reporting. Containers Printers cites the strength of its staff as a key factor to its success. It hires people with proven potential and gives them the training, support and space to achieve significant professional growth. It promotes from within whenever possible and has established an in-house training programme to help employees develop the technical, leadership and project management skills required for upper-level roles. Continuous investments to build the team and tech infrastructure have led to increased revenue and corporate credibility. For the sixth consecutive year, Containers Printers has found favour with the CFI.co judging panel and claimed 2022 awards for Best Sustainable Packaging Technology and Most Innovative Packaging Team in Southeast Asia.


Air Austral: Best Airline Financial Management Team Indian Ocean 2022

Air Austral has implemented a Covid recovery plan that’s fuelled by the momentum of strategic partnerships and conscientious fiscal management. The company has established itself as an aeronautical jewel of the Indian Ocean with operations that contribute significantly to the economic and political sustainability of the island. The airline, which is headquartered in the French overseas department and region of Reunion Island, offers direct flights to mainland France (European connection via code share agreement with Air France), Asia and the Indian Ocean. It adds another 100 destinations through codeshare partnerships and aviation alliances. The airline commenced operations in 1990, with the island's regional council as a shareholder. Air Austral’s longstanding CEO Marie-Joseph Malé, who has driven the company’s financial management strategy over the past decade, left the airline in June 2022. Mr. Malé spearheaded the airline’s financial recovery in 2012, regaining balance within a year. In 2017, he implemented a profitable differentiating strategy to address the rise in undercutting offers from budget airlines. The departing CEO leaves the company with the necessary assets to face whatever challenges may arise. He passes the reins to incoming CEO Joseph Bréma, who has served as Air Austral’s deputy general manager of economic and financial affairs for three decades. Air Austral is reaping the rewards of a digital transformation journey that began two years ago, from streamlined internal processes to an enhanced customer experience. The CFI.co judging panel recognises Air Austral — a repeat programme winner — with the 2022 award for Best Airline Financial Management Team (Indian Ocean).


Janashakthi Life: Best Insurance Services Sri Lanka 2022

[caption id="attachment_10932" align="aligncenter" width="873"] Ravi Liyanage, CEO of Janashakthi Insurance PLC receiving the award from Capital Finance International’s Chairman Lord Waverley[/caption]

Janashakthi Life is reaping the benefits of a growth strategy implemented in 2020 by incoming CEO Ravi Liyanage, a former senior manager at the company. Liyanage set out to remodel the organisation with a customer-centric focus — and ignited an impressive turnaround for the Sri Lankan insurer. Janashakthi is among the top 10 fastest growing brands in Sri Lanka. Its Regular First Year Premium (New business) was up by 115 percent within twelve months of the turnaround. Janashakthi also jumped 33 points in the corporate ranking from 2020 to 2021 in the Most Respected Entities of Sri Lanka, conducted by leading business ranking magazine LMD (Lanka Monthly Digest). It’s a historic achievement that an organisation has moved 33 ranking points within a year. The company’s sales force, nicknamed the Janashakthi Lion Force for their strength and heart, increased more than threefold in channel distribution structure within a year of the turnaround. Continuous training and professional development ensured that the team operated at a high global level thereby reaching a status of international repute and producing 108 sales personnel to join the prestigious Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), USA. Janashakthi met the challenges of the pandemic head-on and was the first to develop an insurance product for Covid-19 coverage. The CFI.co judging panel believes that Janashakthi Life will come to be regarded as a leader — for the innovation, quality and success of innovative, and timely developed product portfolio — among the top insurers of the world. Some other highlights from its transformation include enhanced customer onboarding, initiating KYC diligence via video chat, a fully digital self-service app and a global health passport reflecting the need to be international in nature to best serve consumers’ health insurance requirements. The jury presents Janashakthi Life with the 2022 award for Best Insurance Services (Sri Lanka).


Air Austral: Best Airline Strategic Partnership Africa & the Indian Ocean 2022

Optimism is brewing across the pandemic-stricken tourism industry, as the travellers take to the skies again. Air Austral and its partners are happy to see passengers taking advantage of relaxed travel restrictions after what the UN World Tourism Organisation has deemed “the worst year in tourism history”. Air Austral is an airline headquartered in the French overseas department and region of Reunion Island. It offers direct flights to mainland France with connections in Europe via a code share agreement with Air France. Codeshare partnerships and aviation alliances open additional destinations across Asia, Africa and the Indian Ocean. Travellers can fly to Tanzania through the group’s subsidiary network in Mayotte. Air Austral operates direct flights to Johannesburg from Reunion. Through a partnership, the passengers can also to explore other South African destinations on a single ticket. As a partner of the Les Iles Vanille association, Air Austral promotes the development of tourism in the Indian Ocean with special offers encouraging ticketholders from Paris to organise combined visits across a wide choice of destinations. Air Austral benefits from a dedicated workforce of 800 employees, all working to strengthen the group’s competitiveness, resiliency and sustainable growth. All signs point towards positive progress in the company’s Covid recovery plan. Air Austral has resumed 95 percent of its pre-pandemic activity and anticipates a full schedule for the summer. The CFI.co judging panel presents repeat programme winner Air Austral with the 2022 award for Best Airline Strategic Partnership (Africa and the Indian Ocean).


IBM: Best Shareholder Engagement United States 2022

IBM was an early adopter of the principle of shareholder engagement. As early as 2005, long before the term was in general use, the world’s longest-established tech company had developed sophisticated and ground-breaking proxy season engagement strategies. In the following years the company turned its attention to developing its off-season engagement approach. Teams regularly meet with investors across the whole year, and feedback from these meetings is carefully scrutinised to ensure response is up-to-the-minute. IBM teams constantly monitor investor trends, seeking out developments across a range of topics. An illustration of the company’s determination to stay at the cutting edge is its focus on the transformational importance of 21st century technologies – hybrid cloud and AI. IBM has updated its client engagement model to ensure opportunities in these areas are understood by clients and staff alike. The company, which employs 350,000 people across 170 countries, places significant emphasis on the continual training of staff to ensure all are up-to-date with latest developments. The company’s aim is to embed a client-centric culture, using its range of hardware, software and consulting experience to find solutions to business challenges. In its 111 years in business IBM has come a long way from the production of time clocks and punch card machines, but its focus on reinvention has remained constant. The company has picked up five separate CFI.co awards since 2019, including in this category in 2021. The judges have no hesitation in presenting the company with the 2022 award, Best Shareholder Engagement United States.


MAS Equity Partners: Best ESG Private Equity Strategy Colombia 2022

MAS Equity Partners (MEP) is a pioneer Colombian private equity firm, with 18 years of successful investments in mid-size companies in the Andean region. The firm specialises in hands-on private equity investments in high performing, innovative and scalable companies. The firm manages three funds, including seven active investments and nine that have been successfully exited. As of 2021, the portfolio companies represent 8,320 jobs, of which 50.3 percent are filled by women. La Fazenda, Colombia’s largest integrated meat-producing company, is a star of the MEP portfolio. The asset has proven profitable for the firm, delivering an internal rate of return of 50 percent in less than two years. It’s also contributing to the country’s food security, self-reliance and sustainable agricultural development. La Fazenda cultivates wheat, soy and corn on 42,000 hectares of farmland in an integrated pork production agrobusiness that now claims 15 percent of the Colombian market. Like all MEP investees, the agrobusiness has adopted ambitious ESG targets. MEP builds trust among stakeholders by pursuing the triple-impact results associated with the principles of responsible investing. MEP believes this strategy will help maintain the track record of continuous growth that the firm has enjoyed over the years — and safeguard it against future economic challenges. MEP is one of few private equity investors in the region focused on supporting SMEs. Women make up nearly half of the MEP workforce, and the firm funds community acceleration programmes to prepare more females to join the team. The CFI.co judging panel announces MAS Equity Partners as the 2022 award winner for Best ESG Private Equity Strategy (Colombia).


Humana: Most Sustainable Healthcare Brand Nordics 2022

Healthcare has begun to shift to a more holistic patient approach. Humana, a leading Nordic care brand, focuses on providing individual and family care, personal assistance, elderly care and housing with special services. Humana was founded in 2001 and listed on the Nasdaq Stockholm in 2016. Two decades of organic growth and strategic acquisitions have fuelled the company’s regional expansion, from its home market of Sweden into Norway, Finland and Denmark. Humana believes everyone has the right to a good life and works with clients to develop care plans for a range of psychosocial problems, mental illnesses and functional impairments. The company has been named by Sustainability Brand Index as the most sustainable health and care brand in Sweden for the third consecutive year. Humana operations, including many small-cap acquisitions with long histories, are united under a sustainable strategy centred around service quality, attractiveness as an employer, profitable growth and social responsibility. Humana is one of largest care companies in Sweden and a preferred provider across the Nordic region. It has built a diversified workforce of nearly 20,000 people. The onboarding process is well-structured, and each recruit undergoes extensive training on sustainability expectations. Throughout the pandemic, Humana has prioritised the health and safety of its people — residents and staff.  In 2021, it closed the deal on important acquisitions and opened five new nursing homes and six group homes. The CFI.co judging panel unanimously voted for Humana as the 2022 award winner for Most Sustainable Healthcare Brand (Nordics).


Learn Capital: Most Innovative Global EdTech Investor US 2022

Learn Capital believes in the vast — and often untapped — potential of human beings. Founded in 2009, the VC firm backs and builds tech-driven companies helping humans to flourish. The firm views learning as both the bedrock and a key building block of thriving societies. Education and training are major factors in determining a person’s future — or a country’s economy. It’s one of the more significant factors separating developed and developing countries. Learn manages over $1bn in assets and has a portfolio of almost 200 companies, focusing on catalytic areas of daily life: health and wellness, education, finance and community. The mission-driven firm is based in Austin, Texas, and has deployed five funds over the past 13 years. Some of its portfolio superstars include Armenia’s SoloLearn, providing free digital courses and a global community to learn coding, and Croatia’s Photomath, the digital math tutor app that secured $23m in funding and exceeded 220 million downloads in February 2021. Merlyn, the first AI classroom assistant, joined the Learn incubator in 2018. According to a study co-authored by Nobel-Prize-winning economist, Professor Michael Kremer, the highly standardised methodology used by Learn investee NewGlobe, headquartered in Kenya, was found to produce dramatic learning gains at scale. Learn has undergone a partial rebranding to enhance the platform, expand the team and establish Austin as an innovation hub. The CFI.co judging panel presents Learn Capital — a repeat programme winner —with the 2022 Most Innovative Global EdTech Investor (US) award.


Crown Jewels Consultants: Best Financial Market Data Services UK 2022

Crown Jewels Consultants (CJC) understands data and is dedicated to helping the global financial services sector harness its potential. The company has established a presence in four key financial hubs — including London headquarters and offices in New York, Hong Kong and Singapore — to manage and support the complex, real-time, market data distribution technologies used in the global trade cycle. CJC credits its top-of-class status to a stellar team driven by professionals with deep industry experience and talented young recruits. The company has created an academy to train the next generation in the holistic skills needed to maximise clients’ operational efficiency. It continues to develop marketing data services for the cloud and has brought on people with strong capabilities in IT and engineering. CJC has focused on the financial services sector for over 20 years and has earned the trust — and repeat business — of many financial institutions worldwide. It offers consultancy, professional services and cloud-based tools to optimise and support the efficient distribution and commercial management of market data, helping clients reduce enterprise cost and mitigate risk. No two projects or clients are the same, so CJC tailors services according to need, whether that requires a one-off review or a fully managed service plan. CJC pioneered market data platform hosting and is now championing the technologies of future data ecosystems. The CFI.co judging panel announces Crown Jewels Consultants as the winner of the 2022 award for Best Financial Market Data Services (UK).


Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions: Best Export Promotion Agency Southeast Asia 2022

The Tagalog word malasakit has no direct translation in English, but an approximate definition might be to “care for something (someone) as if it were one’s own.” The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) works primarily — 99 percent — with micro and small businesses across the Philippines. Malasakit is a common concept at CITEM, where team members focus on creating a superior user experience and empowering customers to reach a wider audience. CITEM offers handholding support to businesses, assisting with content creation, protocol development and technology evaluation. The heart of CITEM is its people: employees, business partners and community stakeholders. When Covid shut down in-person conferences, CITEM turned to digitalisation to showcase local talents. The Philippines is considered one of the social media capitals of the world, giving CITEM a direct pipeline to a well-developed creative industry. CITEM aims to put the Philippines on the global map as a creative hub with a reputation for digital skills as well as artisanal and bespoke workmanship. It has brought Manila FAME — the home, fashion, and lifestyle trade show running since 1983 — into the digital sphere with FAME+. There Philippine MSMEs and artisans will find virtual versions of the networking and capacity-building support provided at the bi-annual trade show. CITEM initiated a conference promoting the Philippine creative industries in June 2021, a food industry forum and expo in September 2021, and a digital exhibition and conference on sustainability solutions in March 2022. The agency also launched dedicated online platforms promoting the country’s food, creatives, and sustainable solutions industries. The CFI.co jury presents CITEM with the 2022 Best Export Promotion Agency (Southeast Asia) award.


XM: Best Customer Support Global 2022

XM is a big online broker that favours fairness and real human interaction. The company is well-established, boasting 13 years’ experience in an industry where online brokers tend to come and go. XM encourages users to sign up for a demo account, where they can trade with a virtual balance of $100,000. XM sees its users as people, never just numbers on a spreadsheet. It invests considerable resources in the development of human potential. XM employees receive three to six months of training, while XM users can peruse an extensive collection of educational materials, video tutorials and market insights. It opens forex and CFD (contract for difference) trading for more than five million clients from 190 countries. The XM dealing desk in Cyprus runs from late Sunday until late Friday night, giving traders access to the full cycle of forex markets opening and closing every workday worldwide. The XM support team is available around the clock via email or live chat. Support services are localised to the country, and users can set XM’s website to display in 25 languages. The company regularly schedules face-to-face meetings with clients and partners in 120 cities worldwide. The CFI.co judging panel has followed XM’s progress for several years, first noting the company’s efforts to educate, train and increase knowledge-sharing in the trading community. The panel points to XM’s consistently positive user reviews and high client retention rates as final justification for reaffirming the win for Best Customer Support (Global 2022).


UniCredit: Best Social Impact Bank Europe 2022

UniCredit is a prominent pan-European collection of 13 banks in 13 geographies. The group pulls together the entire team under the mandate of exceptional ESG performance. Shared principles and strong collaboration have allowed UniCredit to reap the benefits of groupwide synergies. UniCredit launched its first-ever green bond and retail social bond in 2021. This year, it published a sustainability report detailing how the funds were allocated to finance and boost renewable energy, education, health and social services projects. Around 20 percent of UniCredit’s impact stories take place in Italy, where the group is headquartered, and the remainder are spread across its main markets in Western, Central and Eastern Europe. Since the beginning of 2017, UniCredit has collected groupwide data on €405.3m worth of funding. The group organised their impact data around the UN’s SDGs: €149.3m went to health and wellbeing, €140.5m to decent work and economic growth, €56m and €23.4m to the reduction of poverty and inequality, respectively, €19m to sustainable cities and communities and €17.1m to quality education. The group disbursed €180.2m in loans in 2021: €32.9m in microcredit and €147.3m in impact financing. Last year, UniCredit launched 53 financial education and awareness initiatives that benefited 123,522 young people, women, vulnerable people, small businesses, start-ups and social organisations in 11 countries. Another 206,111 beneficiaries — mostly women — were reached through eight financial awareness and ESG initiatives in five countries. The CFI.co jury presents repeat winner UniCredit with the 2022 Best Social Impact Bank (Europe) award.


Octopus Energy Generation: Best Renewable Energy Investment Team UK 2022

Octopus Energy Generation is one of Europe’s largest investors in renewable energy. Its fund management team launched in 2010 with a mission to accelerate the transition to a future powered by green energy. Being a fund manager which is also part of integrated energy tech business Octopus Energy Group, means it has unrivalled insight into the full energy supply chain. This makes the team fundamentally different and uniquely positioned to shape a green energy system fit for the future - improving outcomes for consumers, the planet and investors. They take a consumer-centric and tech-driven approach to rapidly expanding the roll-out of green energy. The large team of renewable energy specialists manage £4.4bn worth of renewable generation assets, spanning more than 300 projects across 10 countries. These renewable energy assets generate enough green energy to power over two million homes every year. This comes as demand for investing in renewables from institutional investors like pension funds continues to grow, with more and more looking to make a positive impact with pension savers’ money on people and the planet. The more investment made in renewable energy, the faster the shift to a greener, cleaner future. The CFI.co judging panel presents Octopus Energy Generation with the 2022 award for Best Renewable Energy Investment Team (UK).


Murdoch Asset Management: Best Investment Management Solutions UK 2022

Murdoch Asset Management was one of the first firms to join Independent Wealth Planners UK (IWP), a long-term investor dedicated to building and providing scale to Britain’s independent financial advisory (IFA) firms. Murdoch celebrated its 30-year anniversary shortly after the IWP acquisition. Murdoch’s managing director, Chris Birch, says the IWP partnership has delivered numerous benefits, including improved tech infrastructure, an advisor academy and an HR function helping to promote from within. IWP provides the support; firms retain their autonomy. Three new IFA firms — Custodian Wealth Management, Encompass Financial Management and Omnium Wealth Management — have joined the IWP family, with Murdoch heading the Hampshire and Surrey operations. Murdoch envisions the region as a hub with three fully integrated spokes. They’re in the process of merging investment committees and routing the planning through Murdoch, but the firms will maintain their own brand, advisors and clients. Murdoch has grown the funds under its management from £30.3m in 1991 to £619.8m in 2021. The firm achieved strong recovery in 2021 from the pandemic slump. But team members aren’t resting on their laurels — they’re gearing up for a big brand push and a full season of seminars. Murdoch has 12 advisory seminars planned, four each in autumn, spring and summer. The firm has also redesigned its website to simplify the visitor journey and highlight the personal contact available through multiple offices. The CFI.co judging panel presents repeat programme winner Murdoch Asset Management with the 2022 award for Best Investment Management Solutions (UK).


Zambia National Building Society: Best Mortgage Provider Zambia 2022

Zambia National Building Society (ZNBS) was established by the Building Societies Actin 1968. Since its inception, ZNBS has grown into the largest Building Society in Zambia, with a nationwide network of 21 branches and 15 properties. ZNBS is wholly owned by the Zambian Government and regulated by the Central Bank. It promotes financial inclusion and property ownership with a specialised service suite centred around mortgage financing and banking. The Society has also developed a complementary product to support the journey of buying a home. The company prioritises innovation as a catalyst for sustainable growth and has set strategic development plans for the next three years. ZNBS has over the last year assisted over 1800 families with incremental construction and home purchase financing loans, continuing to tackle the challenge of Affordable Housing Finance in Zambia. ZNBS has continued to offer innovative Mortgage solutions on the market which now includes, Equity Release, Bare Land Financing and Diaspora Mortgages.

 The Society has also made significant progress on its digital transformation strategy introducing mobile, internet banking and agency banking channels to its client base. Over 1.3 million transactions have been processed over the institutions alternative channels in the last one year signalling a shift in client preferences around the mode of access to financial services... The CFI.co judging panel is pleased to present Zambia National Building Society with the 2022 award for the Best Mortgage Provider in Zambia.


Argentina Investment and Trade Promotion Agency: Best Trade Promotion Agency Latin America 2022

Argentina Investment and Trade Promotion Agency (AAICI) was established in 1993 with the aim to strengthen the country’s commercial competitiveness on a global stage. The agency focuses on boosting the nation’s share of FDI and facilitating the expansion of local businesses into international markets. It has identified public-private partnerships as the key to unlocking shared successes for the nation, its entrepreneurs and foreign investors. After nearly three decades of accumulated experience, AAICI has established an extensive diplomatic network at home and abroad. The agency seeks to deepen collaboration between the public and private sectors. It pursues opportunities and cultivates connections with professionalism, efficiency and agility. AAICI travels the circuit of international expos to bolster Argentina’s reputation. It encourages potential foreign business partners to make contact with local companies using the “ExportArgentina” portal, which is the largest directory of exportable supply in Argentina. AAICI continues to finetune its “Exporting Challenge” programme to increase access and ease the process for first-time exporters. AAICI organises daily free training courses, both online and in person, for companies and entrepreneurs that are looking to start or expand their export journey. AAICI intends to promote the equal participation of Argentine women in international business with a series of training programmes, trade fairs, business workshops and entrepreneurial advisory scheduled over the next few years. The CFI.co judging panel announces AAICI as the 2022 award winner for Best Trade Promotion Agency (Latin America).


NLB d.d. (Nova Ljubljanska banka): Best Sustainable Banking Solutions Slovenia 2022

NLB d.d. (Nova Ljubljanska banka) is a public Slovenian company and a main entity of the NLB Group, a leading banking and financial group with headquarters and an exclusive strategic interest in Southeast Europe. In addition to NLB d.d., the group is comprised of seven subsidiary banks, most of which hold systemically important positions in their respective markets. The bank aims to drive the economic development of Southeast Europe, which it calls home. That sentiment is underscored by the bank’s commitment to shape society and improve the quality of life for all its people. The group’s latest advertising campaign — #FrameOfHelp — calls for optimism in the face of uncertainty and pays homage to national heroes who pioneered space exploration and laid the foundations for modern electricity. The campaign aims to inspire regional dreamers to innovate and build a better future together, with emphasis on sustainable solutions. NLB’s sustainability strategy is centred around three pillars: responsible financing, business ethics and social responsibility. NLB was the first bank from Slovenia to commit to the UN Principles for Responsible Banking and has embedded sustainability material concerns throughout its operations. In the spring of 2022, the bank has also joined the United Nations Net Zero Banking Alliance. While other institutions are setting far-off targets for emissions reduction, NLB has committed itself to stop investing in coal after 2020. It offers competitive green credit lines for customers undertaking an energy renovation or passive house certification. In the first half of 2022, the group achieved a 25 percent increase in recurring profit before impairments and provisions, compared to the same period the previous year. The CFI.co judging panel announces NLB as the 2022 award winner for Best Sustainable Banking Solutions (Slovenia).


STS PayOne: Best Digital Payment Transformation Partner GCC 2022

One of the stand-out providers in the payment gateway service field is STS PayOne, a leading fintech company which is helping to revolutionise the sector. The business has proven specialism in digital payment acceptance, and is enterprise-centric. Based in the Jordanian capital Amman, with offices in Istanbul, Riyadh and Dubai, the company follows a unique business model making its operations more agile and cost-effective in a highly competitive sector.

STS PayOne has built a reseller network and a broad client base across the Middle East and Africa, helping businesses to boost sales, offering a fast and secure online payment experience. It utilised technology which has been developed in-house, to cater for the specific needs of clients and launch products at the right time. The company is providing cutting-edge solutions for merchants who need to accept digital payments across eCommerce websites, mobile applications, POS machines and the pay-by-link mechanism.

The CFI.co judging panel is pleased to present the company with the 2022 award, Best Digital Payment Transformation Partner GCC.


APG-Neuros: Best Water Treatment Leadership Global 2022

There are few better examples of how innovation and technological advancement can transform ageing industrial processes than the performance of APG-Neuros, the Canadian technology firm which is revolutionising traditional industry. The company was founded in 2005 with the single-minded aim of modernising wastewater treatment. Its headquarters are in Quebec, with manufacturing and testing facilities in New York State. The company’s products are now used in a variety of industrial applications, with more than 6,500 units installed across the world. APG-Neuros is constantly innovating, creating technologically advanced products to achieve maximum energy efficiency and operational flexibility. It describes itself as an environment innovator. Built into the company’s culture is a determination to change the world for the better, working with like-minded partners to develop tailored solutions, product knowledge and mission advice. The APG-Neuros specialists work with individual companies to map out their requirements from drawing board to completion. Included in the equation is artificial intelligence (AI). The company’s products are self-learning, using highly sophisticated simulations to find the most sustainable and efficient answers. During the Covid-19 hiatus, its technicians were able to concentrate on developing new products which are now in operation. The company is determined to maintain a focus on innovation, constantly looking to the next level, listening to customers and the challenges they face, and dealing with issues “beyond the machine”. The CFI.co judging panel, recognising APG-Neuros leadership in the field, has no hesitation in presenting the company with the 2022 award, Best Water Treatment Leadership Global.


Supernovae Labs: Best FinTech Accelerator Italy 2022

Supernovae Labs is accelerating business by partnering with the brightest innovators of Italy’s start-up and financial services sectors. Supernovae Labs, founded in 2016, is the country’s first accelerator for fintech start-ups dedicated to banking, insurance and financial services. The company sees itself as a fintech matchmaker, promoting promising ventures across a well-established international network. Italy was among the 10 countries hardest hit by Covid, with banks under pressure and lending slowed to a trickle. Supernovae Labs persevered by focusing more on consultancy services — and regained much of its pandemic-halted momentum in 2021. The world is settling into a new sense of normal, where digital reigns supreme and services have reached unprecedented levels of convenience and customer centricity. Supernovae Labs credits its success to the calibre of its workforce and ecosystem. It has assembled a multicultural team, comprising nine nationalities, many talents and one common language. Each member strives to bring value to partners through open innovation, creativity, teamwork and entrepreneurship. Supernovae Labs is proud to work with industry-leading institutions - including Intesa San Paolo, Gruppo Bancario Iccrea, Widiba, Societe Generale and Efma - and partners - including Kirey, S2E, Startupbootcamp, Swiss Insurtech Hub, Startup Wise Guys — and is in the process of establishing new partnerships for 2022. The company assists financial institutions in defining and executing digitalisation strategies, offering a range of open banking and open innovation services. It walks with partners at every stage of development and supports their journey using inhouse research. The CFI.co judging panel presents Supernovae Labs — a repeat programme winner — with the 2022 award for Best FinTech Accelerator in Italy.


AccountAbility: Best ESG Strategy Development Partner Global 2022

AccountAbility is a trusted global consulting and standards firm, and an award-winning thought leader within the ESG ecosystem. It is a values-driven organization exclusively focused on working with business, governments, and organizations to advance responsible business practices and improve their long-term performance. With this, AccountAbility has attracted top talent and built a partnership network rooted in collaboration, innovation, and measurable impact. The company has established multiple alliances with like-minded organizations globally, including prominent universities and research departments, public accounting industries, and international data and analytics providers. Recent noteworthy AccountAbility client projects include guiding a Fortune 50 company to link corporate ESG targets and performance with C-suite compensation, developing ESG disclosure guidelines for a prominent stock exchange with a US$3tn market cap, designing ESG key performance indicators for a Top-10 GCC bank, and developing a global citizenship strategy for one of the world's largest companies.

Led by CEO and ESG pioneer Sunil (Sunny) A. Misser, AccountAbility's projects are designed to deliver practical and relevant solutions that advance the business performance of its clients with objective ESG counsel. The company pioneered the application of double materiality in the alignment of standards and is now working with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the development of a sustainable procurement framework and updating their GHG Inventory Management Protocols. AccountAbility is also working with a Fortune 10 company to translate their ESG strategies into actionable programmes in areas such as biodiversity, energy access and STE(A)M education for women in developing countries. As an outcome, this shows bigger enterprises how to scale socioeconomic and environmental impacts with global citizenship strategies in areas of critical need. Since the CFI.co judging panel last assessed AccountAbility, the company has successfully completed the Public Benefit Corporation (PBC) certification process, and with this PBC status is recognized for its commitment to prioritizing social benefits alongside traditional financial objectives. The CFI.co judging panel is pleased to reaffirm AccountAbility as the 2022 global award winner for Best ESG Strategy Development Partner.

To learn more about AccountAbility visit accountability.org


Energean: Best ESG Energy Growth Strategy Europe 2022

Since its launch in 2007, Energean has been driving the energy transition in the Mediterranean. The company runs exploration, development and production projects across the region: Egypt, Italy, Greece, Croatia, Montenegro, and Israel.

Energean believes natural gas is the foundation of and catalyst for a more sustainable energy system, replacing more pollutive fuels like oil and coal with a cleaner, affordable and secure energy source. The company seeks to create value under its ESG framework, based on the UN SDG goals. Energean makes ambitious climate commitments — and follows through on them. It was the first exploration and production company to announce a 2050 net-zero target and has already made measurable progress towards that goal – it has achieved a 74% reduction in scope 1 & 2 emissions since 2019.

It recycles 95 percent of withdrawn water, spearheads beach cleaning initiatives and supports biodiversity programmes. Executive pay is linked to ESG performance. Energean shares are listed on the stock exchanges of London and Tel Aviv as well as the FTSE 250 Index. Energean production sites are ISO certified, and its Carbon Disclosure Project ratings were recently upgraded. The CFI.co judging panel congratulates Energean — a repeat programme winner — on claiming the 2022 award for Best ESG Energy Growth Strategy (Europe).


Verdant Capital: Best FinTech Capital Raising Team Africa 2022

Established in 2013, Verdant Capital levers extensive investment experience and deep relationships to fuel pan-African fintech development. It stays in close contact with investors and entrepreneurs via offices in Mauritius, South Africa, Ghana, Zimbabwe, the Congo and Germany. Verdant Capital handled the second-largest deal in Nigeria’s electronic payments sector in 2021: the sale of Baxi, one of the country’s largest digital payment networks, to MFS Africa, which simplifies cross-border payments through an integrated hub. In 2021, it advised Zeepay, a Ghanian mobile financial services business, on an $8m series-A capital raise and the acquisition of Mangwee Zambia. In August 2022 it raised a further $10m for Zeepay in debt funding. The firm helped WIOCC, a leading wholesale telecoms company, to raise funds to develop an interconnected pan-African network of open-access, carrier-neutral datacentres. The lead investor was from Nigeria, attracted by WIOCC’s expansion into the country. Verdant Capital helped Tugende with debt and mezzanine funding to expand its asset finance business in East Africa and helped Planet42 grow its rent-to-own car business for the underbanked. In 2022, in addition to advising clients in its investment banking business, Verdant Capital invested in fintechs through its own funds, the Verdant Capital Specialist Funds business. These included Watu Uganda and Pezesha. In the future, Verdant Capital Specialist Funds expects significant growth. Verdant Capital is IMAP partner firm for its region; IMAP or the International M&A Partnership ranks in the top 10 in the global league tables for middle market M&A. The CFI.co judging panel presents Verdant Capital — a repeat programme winner — with the 2022 award for Best FinTech Capital Raising Team (Africa).


Raiffeisen Centrobank AG: Best Structured Products Bank CEE 2022

Over the past 25 years, Raiffeisen Centrobank (RCB) has distinguished itself among the top certificates houses in Austria and Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). The Vienna-based investment bank has solidified its position as the regional competence centre for structured products and equity trading. RCB takes care in explaining the opportunities and risks involved in securities investments. It highlights structured products as an ideal complement to a traditional investment portfolio, providing customised access to hard-to-reach asset classes. RCB presents potential investors with thousands of products organised by category and currency, including 357 new issues and nine currently in subscription. Conscientious investors appreciate RCB’s range of sustainable investment products, which provide customers with the means to shore up their own prosperity, future-proof their portfolio and play a hand in the design of a better future. Clients can invest in certificates covering specific topics, technologies, industries and trends. Some products offer potential returns up to eight percent. Others feature safety mechanisms that protect 100 percent of the investment. The bank, a subsidiary or Raiffeisen Bank International, is constantly strengthening its position in core markets such as the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary as well as in the Balkan region. The certificates business of RCB will be integrated into RBI in December 2022 to further develop and grow the business in the CEE region as well as in Austria. The CFI.co judging panel has followed the bank’s progress over the past five years — and is pleased to reaffirm RCB’s champion status in the award category for Best Structured Products Bank (CEE 2022).