Bharat Road Network Limited: Best Infrastructure Project Manager India 2019

Indian infrastructure giant Bharat Road Network Limited is classified as a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) company, but unlike its competitors, its skillset is fortified with over three decades of financial expertise. Bharat Road Network Limited (BRNL) was an early mover in the infrastructure sector — and one of the few organisations with a focus on asset management as well as Public Private Partnerships (PPPs). Capital investment forms an integral part of its vision, as BRNL takes an “investor approach” to its projects, with a sharp focus on funding and asset management. The company’s breadth of experience has made it particularly aware of the potential pitfalls of projects, and that aptitude has resulted in healthy growth in earnings per share (EPS) over recent years. At Bharat Road Network Limited, leadership plays the long game for the long-term good of the community and the country. Short-term, quarter-by-quarter profits are secondary to the goal of steady asset development over 15 to 20 years. BRNL’s portfolio comprises five operational BOT projects — with 1,645 lane kms of meticulously maintained highway infrastructure, including major and minor bridges — and its latest project under development will add 400 lane kms of road to the network. The CFI.co judging panel is pleased to recognise a BOT business with the expertise of a capital investor, and names Bharat Road Network Limited as the winner of the 2019 award for Best Infrastructure Project Manager (India).


BAWAG Group AG: Best Banking Group Governance DACH 2019

Austria-based banking conglomerate BAWAG Group AG – its roots date back to 1883 – has been a major contributor to the stable economy of the DACH region (Switzerland, Austria and Germany). DACH has benefited from good governance and efficient operations — two areas of specialisation for BAWAG Group. It underwent a fundamental bottom-up analysis to pinpoint transformation strategies that would improve customer service, maximise cost efficiency, and strengthen its commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR). BAWAG Group views CSR as an ethical framework to support and guide its business pursuits. It has developed a comprehensive plan to unlock organic growth, balanced with economic, environmental and social objectives. BAWAG Group follows a four-pillar growth strategy that focuses on expanding core markets, driving efficiency through operational excellence, maintaining a safe and secure risk profile, and easing the lives of its customers. Throughout the group’s subsidiaries — including one of Austria’s largest banks, with 2.5m customers — the employees abide by the company’s exacting code of conduct and support the UN’s Global Compact Principles, Women’s Empowerment Principles, and Sustainable Development Goals. The group sets the bar high for corporate governance as well as for performance, and 2018 profit before tax increased by 14 percent compared to 2017. The CFI.co judging panel believes the group’s focus on efficiency has been crucial to its impressive shareholder returns and customer service, and has benefited the environment. The judges congratulate BAWAG Group AG, winner of the 2019 award for Best Banking Group Governance (DACH).


Athelney Trust: Best Small-Cap Equity Investor United Kingdom 2019

The small-cap space continues to be a prodigious hunting ground for investors seeking attractive long-term returns. UK firm Athelney Trust provides shareholders with prospects of long-term capital growth, focusing on high-quality small companies. Dr Manny Pohl, as the Athelney Trust Managing Director, is responsible for managing the investment portfolio. He is also Chairman of ECP Asset Management, the powerhouse investment firm that has ranked among the top four fund managers in Australia — often securing top place — over the past decade. Athelney serves as a UK investment vehicle for the ECP group of companies, fortified by a team of fund managers with a shared ethos that starts with a long-term vision and responsible stock selection. As a closed-ended equity mutual fund, Athelney Trust invests in companies across diversified sectors in the public equity markets of Britain. Athelney’s stock portfolio includes small-cap companies with a market capitalisation of less than £300m and a listing on the London Stock Exchange or an AIM or ISDX trading facility. The stock portfolio is benchmarked against the FTSE Small Cap Index.

The firm’s investment strategy focuses on finding quality companies which have a proven track record of earnings and dividend growth over time, while trading at an attractive valuation. Active investing is a key focus at Athelney and ECP and the entire team is encouraged to contribute to the local community. The CFI.co judging panel notes that Athelney executives lead by example, with Managing Director Dr Manny Pohl recently awarded The Order of Australia, which is the Queen's Australian Honours list for contribution to the financial industry and his philanthropic efforts to the community. The judges are pleased to present Athelney Trust with the 2019 award for Best Small-Cap Equity Investor (United Kingdom).


Invest Durban (DIPA): Best City Investment Promotion Team Africa 2019

[caption id="attachment_6811" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Russell Curtis, left, accepting an award from CFI.co[/caption]

The South African coastal city of Durban has that “wow” factor. It has received accolades for its infrastructure, low cost of living, and high quality of life — and Invest Durban has played a crucial role in that success. The company, previously known as the Durban Investment Promotion Authority (DIPA), was founded in 2002 to stimulate economic growth and attract investment. Invest Durban is the perfect first step for those considering the city as an investment destination. The company provides free advisory services, as well as investment marketing and project management, in-line with its goal of attracting new — and retaining existing — foreign investors. The free services range from local market analysis and sector-specific research to networking introductions and assistance in establishing businesses. Invest Durban liaises with consulting firms to outsource certain services, such as accommodation assistance, immigration visas, third-party billing and expatriate taxation. Clients receive up to 20 work-hours, free-of-charge, to get them started. The company is geared for growth, and serves the private and public sectors with passion, pride, and speed. Invest Durban builds relationships with all investment stakeholders, and forges alliances with a long-term view and a value-added edge. Challenges are willingly met at Invest Durban, because the company has full confidence in its adaptable and dedicated team, which has a proven record of turning problems into progress. The CFI.co judging panel is delighted to present Invest Durban (DIPA) with the 2019 award for Best City Investment Promotion Team (Africa).


B2B GAMING SERVICES: Best Online Gaming Platform Solutions Europe 2019

Malta — based B2B GAMING SERVICES was founded some 20 years ago as betting and gaming migrated to a dynamic new frontier — the world wide web. The impetus was the need to establish a revolutionary business model that would provide end-customers with an entertaining gaming experience and safeguard their interests. The industry-leading company achieved its mission, and now boasts a lengthy and loyal list of top-tier clients, who adopted B2B’s best-of-breed platform, world-class sportsbook, and unparalleled in-play betting. B2B GAMING SERVICES approaches corporate social responsibility from an ethical perspective. It has developed a 360-degree preventative and proactive model to address responsible gambling and protect players. The system processes large volumes of data history to effectively detect and address irresponsible gambling and minimise security risks. B2B GAMING SERVICES understands the power of big data to deliver relevant insights, and sees technology as a means of cultivating valid pathways for development and effecting positive change. The company is a powerhouse of possibilities, offering modular and scalable solutions for flexible and sustainable business growth. B2B Gaming Services foresaw a shift in the gaming landscape — with the line between business providers, aggregators, and operators blurring — and it has strategically positioned itself to capitalise upon that evolution. B2B operations are centred across the gaming spectrum as a platform provider, diversified aggregator, and licensed operator. In the future, B2B anticipates a rise in social gaming, with players eager to share experiences in the increasingly overlapping worlds of “online” and “offline”. The CFI.co judging panel is willing to bet on that future, and declares B2B Gaming Services the winner of the 2019 award for Best Online Gaming Platform Solutions (Europe).


Petro Rio: Best Energy Acquisitions Team Latin America & Caribbean 2019

When Petro Rio acquired the Chevron Brasil Upstream Frade in March 2019, it also acquired a nearly 52 percent stake in the Frade Field, which added to the 18 percent it has agreed to purchase from the Japanese companies Inpex and Sojitz Corporation five months earlier. The takeover represented a considerable step in the execution of the company´s growth strategy, which is to acquire and redevelop oil fields that are already producing. Petro Rio´s output, now that it has successfully completed this transaction, will rise by 11,000 barrels a day and an impressive 43 million barrels will be added to 2P (Proven and Probable) reserves. Economies of scale inevitably means that costs will come down and that will enable the company to plan for the redevelopment of Frade, including drilling campaigns and water injections; it has proved particularly successful in drilling activity over the last 15 months with 66% of its drilling bearing fruit (the average rate in the oil industry being between 35 and 40). Petro Rio has a preference for producing fields that generate cash and maintains a healthy balance sheet . The company is now the largest Brazil-based independent oil producer in the country and fully expects to replicate the success of the neighbouring Polvo Field, extending its economic life by more than ten years. This investment means that Petro Rio is now a participant in the Brazilian pre-salt oil region and the company already has new drilling initiatives planned for 2020. The cfi.co judging panel applauds Petro Rio´s growth strategy and its implementation and is delighted to present the company with the award for Best Energy Acquisitions Team – Latin America & Caribbean 2019.


Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM): Best International Financial Centre EMEA 2019

Short-term solutions and hasty strategies are of little interest to the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) — it has far-reaching vision. Situated on Al Maryah Island of the Emirates’ capital city, ADGM has transformed the financial ecosystem and capital markets in the region with new market-driven initiatives and financial innovations in its three years of inception. ADGM has established an internationally recognised and well-regulated business environment that continues to unlock liquidity, accelerate FinTech practice, and encourage local and global trade and financial collaborations.  ADGM is a key pillar of Abu Dhabi’s 2030 Economic Vision Plan: a financial free zone that serves as a catalyst of growth and progress. It’s a nurturing ground that fosters long-term partnerships, inspires tech innovation, and bolsters competitiveness. Three authorities ensure that operations run smoothly at ADGM. The Registration Authority is the first point of contact for businesses seeking to enter ADGM, boasting a straightforward and simple online registration process and attentive customer service. The Financial Services Regulatory Authority has developed a best-in-class regulatory framework to create a financial system with efficient infrastructure, fair market access, and high levels of transparency. A robust system of safeguards, including Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing guidelines, provides a safe environment to protect the free flow of commerce. ADGM Courts serve as an independent judicial system to adjudicate civil and corporate disputes. ADGM adheres to a policy of fiscal responsibility that drives innovative advancements, supports business formulation, and spurs economic growth in both the region and abroad. The CFI.co judging panel points to the financial free zone’s enviable location — at the gateway of Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia — as the final tipping point in the awards decision. The judges declare Abu Dhabi Global Market as the 2019 winner of the Best International Financial Centre (EMEA) award.

For further information, please visit: www.adgm.com


Vodacom RDC: Best Mobile Network Operator DR Congo 2019

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (RDC), there are few companies with guiding principles to match those of Vodacom RDC. The telecom provider is driven by a mission to help communities by improving life today, and building a brighter tomorrow. To achieve this, Vodacom RDC seeks the highest calibre of professionals to recruit – and invites only those who embody the company ethos to join the team. Vodacom RDC boasts a staff retention rate of 98%, and is considered one of the country’s best employers. It offers month-long internship opportunities, introducing university students to the diverse sectors and skills of the telecom world – from engineering and computer sciences to marketing and finance. As a subsidiary of Vodacom in South Africa, the company enjoys strong brand recognition, and has claimed a healthy portion of the market share. Vodacom RDC has invested more than $1bn in infrastructure to connect communities countrywide with a high-quality, reliable network at competitive pricing. It takes pride in being the most innovative telecom in the Congo, and was first operator to launch 4G services, with connection speeds upwards of 20Mb/s. The company aims to enhance the lives of its clients by committing to international best-practice, giving outstanding customer service, and maintaining a proactive corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme. Vodacom RDC excels in its corporate civic duty, supporting Congolese communities with educational programmes and healthcare initiatives. It encourages sustainable environmental solutions by providing solar panels to disadvantaged societies in rural areas. The CFI.co judging panel cites the company’s spirit of innovation and inclusion as the deciding factors in naming Vodacom RDC winner of the 2019 award for Best Mobile Network Operator (DR Congo).


Etihad Airways Technical Training: Best Aviation Technical Training Middle East 2019

Etihad Airways Technical Training (EYTT) part of Etihad Aviation Training (EAT) is at the forefront of using the world’s leading training systems in Abu Dhabi.

The company is part of the Etihad Aviation Group, a global aviation and travel organisation divided into seven business divisions: operations, commercial, MRO, human resources, finance, support services, and transformation. Its position adjacent to the Abu Dhabi International Airport puts it at the centre of key aviation markets, and has allowed it to expand its capabilities and establish strategic partnerships with other industry leaders. Etihad has had a pioneering spirit since its inception, achieving many regional firsts. Boeing 787 training is carried out on Boeing’s state-of-the-art Desk Top Simulator (DTS) and A380 training uses the Airbus A380 Competency Trainer (ACT) system. EYTT can leverage from the group’s access to real aircraft via Etihad Engineering and Full Flight Simulators within EAT.

All this combines to make EYTT the ideal training ground for tomorrow’s aviation engineers and experts. The CFI.co judging panel believes the company’s comprehensive knowledge and experience within aviation training make it an ideal educator. Etihad Airways Technical Training is the 2019 winner of the award for Best Aviation Technical Training (Middle East).


Euro Exim Bank: Best Global Trade Services Bank 2019

Global financial institution Euro Exim Bank Ltd has a focus on facilitating international trade. The bank, headquartered in St Lucia with an office in London, holds a "Class A" international banking license, affording it global reach and authorisation. The bank employs the latest technology and the brightest minds to ensure Euro Exim and its clients are protected from illegal activities. It has earned an enviable reputation for its comprehensive compliance policies, with around 40 percent of staff specialised in Anti-Money Laundering and Know Your Customer processes. Euro Exim clients include small and medium enterprises as well as larger corporations and private individuals. With its aim of facilitating global trade flows, it offers trade-related banking services from international funds transfers to letters of guarantee. The latest addition to Euro Exim’s financial arsenal comes from a strategic partnership with the XRP cryptocurrency developer Ripple. As the first regulated bank to join the Ripple network, Euro Exim can offer friction-free trade solutions to make money move as information does in the 21st Century — instantly. The partnership strengthens Euro Exim’s strong compliance process with enhanced authentication capabilities, as well as ramping-up speed and efficiency. The CFI.co judging panel has recognised the bank in the past for its trade-tailored solutions and strong due diligence. This year the judges praise the bank’s bold and savvy partnership move, enabling swift transactions, reduced liquidity and credit risks, and minimised fund transactions. For 2019, and the second year running, the judges name Euro Exim Bank as the winner of the award for Best Global Trade Services Bank.


Masthaven Bank: Most Innovative Digital Retail Bank UK 2019

Masthaven Bank steers clear of a one-size-fits-all approach to embrace the diversity of the financial ecosystem, from customers to colleagues. The online bank prefers an organic approach to growth, with a mission to deliver what each client needs. Masthaven’s strategy of superior customer service and tailored solutions has proven successful, and its customer base more than doubled from 2017 to 2018. Customer satisfaction at Masthaven is high, with praise for its effective blend of “old and new, innovative and traditional”. Opening a personal or business savings account at Masthaven is a simple and straightforward process with convenient online tools to compare rates and customise terms. The bank has developed an innovative approach to financing, moving beyond tick-box underwriting to consider each lending request on its own merits to provide a more personal service. It offers flexible mortgage options, including first- and second-charge mortgages for residential and buy-to-let properties. Masthaven is proud to be a different kind of bank, providing financing solutions for even those developers and homeowners blocked from traditional lending avenues. Masthaven offers access to property development loans as well as short-term bridging finance. An influx of funding — a £60 million equity investment by Värde Partners — has enabled Masthaven to increase its customer base and fuel innovative advances. The London-based bank has hired fresh talent to attend to the needs of its growing client list, necessitating a move to new offices in Covent Garden. The CFI.co judging panel declares Masthaven Bank as the 2019 winner of the award for Most Innovative Digital Retail Bank (UK) — its second consecutive win for the category.


Moody's De Mexico SA De CV: Best Credit Rating Agency Mexico 2019

[caption id="attachment_6856" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Alberto Jones Tamayo, Lilia Lopez, Carlos Diaz de la Garza[/caption]

Moody’s Investors Service ranks as one of the world’s top three credit rating agencies, and is a household name synonymous with credible credit ratings, research and risk analysis expertise. Moody’s has continued to strengthen its presence in Mexico, employing a team of dedicated local analysts to monitor local credit trends and produce forward-looking, independent and transparent opinions. Moody’s de Mexico publishes ratings on the country’s corporate sector, financial institutions, local governments, insurance and investment companies, public projects, and structured finance providers. With more than 7001 published ratings available, Moody’s de Mexico provides local insights that are broadly used by market participants worldwide. The regional subsidiary operates under the umbrella of the Moody’s Corporation, a global enterprise with a revenue of $4.4bn and a presence in 42 countries. Moody’s derives its leading global position in large part from the thoroughness of its research and the transparency of its opinions. Worldwide, the company monitors financial instruments worth trillions – a status it uses to advocate for better ESG standards. Understanding and measuring ESG factors is crucial for conscientious investing, and recent acquisitions at Moody’s underscore its commitment to the industry. Moody’s acquired a majority stake in Vigeo Eiris, a company specializing in ESG research and assessments. For the second year running, the CFI.co judging panel felt that the company deserves recognition. The panel declares Moody’s de Mexico SA De CV as the winner of the 2019 award for Best Credit Rating Agency (Mexico).


First Ally Capital: Most Innovative Financial Solutions Team Nigeria 2019

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First Ally Capital has a sharp eye for identifying, and creating, opportunities to foster economic growth across Nigeria. It was founded in 2014 as a fully licensed Nigerian financial advisory firm and issuing house to serve the country’s growing finance needs. First Ally Capital has made progress towards sustainable growth goals by focusing on value-creation and customer service. The firm ensures that its team is armed with the necessary resources and tools to provide clients with effective financial solutions. Team members have proven expertise in mergers and acquisitions, raising equity capital, bond issuance, and financial advisory services. Technology plays an integral role in the drive for continuous improvement, and fintech industry advances are used to benefit all stakeholders. In the digital world, knowledge is power, and First Ally Capital deploys seasoned analysts, economists and strategists to manage its research database. The firm keeps a watchful eye on market trends and provides clients with macroeconomic forecasts that are timely, well-researched, and relevant. Diversification strategies led First Ally Capital to claim lateral market shares through its three subsidiaries: an asset management firm, a microfinance bank, and a foreign exchange service. The CFI.co judging panel is impressed by First Ally Capital’s determination and drive, and declares the firm the 2019 winner of the award for Most Innovative Financial Solutions Team (Nigeria).


Société Centrale de Réassurance: Best Regional Reinsurance with Arab Capital Middle East and Africa 2019

Moroccan insurance company Société Centrale de Réassurance (SCR) has been driving the development and resilience of the region’s insurance and reinsurance markets for almost 60 years. SCR has maintained its position as the foremost reinsurer in Morocco, and a reliable partner in the Middle East and Africa. Two years ago, the company launched a transformation plan that unlocked potential and has proven a sure path to sustainable growth. It focuses on integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues into the decision-making process. Sustainable business strategies enhance performance, deliver better results, and attract new customers — a win-win tactic for confronting challenges, with the bonus of a feel-good competitive edge. Collaboration is crucial to reducing climate-change risks, and SCR aims for long-term relationships with governments, regulators, and NGOs to incorporate its proactive ESG policies. The transformation plan was designed to strengthen and consolidate the company’s gains, and to focus on value creation. Its four-pillar approach is: future growth and visibility; technical expertise and risk management; operational excellence and customer satisfaction; and an improved corporate culture and management style. SCR recruits committed and experienced team members, and all new employees undergo comprehensive training to ensure awareness and understanding of the corporate ethos. The CFI.co judging panel applauds the socially responsible bent of the company and its commitment to all stakeholders. The judges announce Société Centrale de Réassurance as the winner of the 2019 award for Best Regional Reinsurance with Arab Capital (Middle East and Africa).


JM Finn: Best Wealth Management Advisory Firm UK 2019

UK wealth management firm JM Finn contradicts the “bigger is better” philosophy; it aims to be the best — not the biggest. JM Finn focuses on structuring and managing portfolios to meet each investor’s needs, and delivering solid long-term performance allowing for adaptability and responsiveness. Continuity is a key theme for the firm, and the low turnover and long tenure of staff has enabled it to cultivate client relationships that have endured generations. Even the CEO, who has been with the company since 1997, is considered a newbie in an establishment that has a 70-year-plus history of employee engagement and retention. Each JM Finn investment manager takes personal responsibility for client wealth strategies, soliciting regular feedback to determine direction and deliver rapid response and execution times. JM Finn has invested in infrastructure and technology over the years to give the firm, and its clients, a stable footing in the world’s constantly evolving financial markets. Its roots lie in private client broking, with expert investment managers delivering superior service and building relationships built on trust. Families have relied on JM Finn over generations to manage investment portfolios. Trust and success invariably translate to good word-of-mouth references, and JM Finn clients have reliably recommended the firm to others. The CFI.co judging panel cites the firm’s history of stability and expertise, and welcomes JM Finn as winner of the 2019 award for Best Wealth Management Advisory Firm (UK).


Radtac: Most Innovative Business Transformation Consultancy UK 2019

Digitise or die — that’s the dilemma facing companies as the Fourth Industrial Revolution hits its stride. But for British business transformation consultant Radtac, it’s about evolution, not revolution. The company was founded in 1998, and has team bases in countries as diverse as America, Portugal, Pakistan and Finland. Radtac chooses its team members for brilliance and balance. It seeks capability and experience, and empowers its staff to act for the shared benefit of client, company, and community. Radtac differentiates itself from other global players by choosing bite-sized contracts over long-term commitments. Larger corporations tend to require two-year commitments for transformation services, but Radtac presents more nimble three-month plans that allow customers to measure and monitor progress. It tailors’ solutions for each client’s goals through its four practices areas addressing innovation, team and scaling agility and a wider business agility. For Radtac, agility and stability are not mutually exclusive. With mastery of both principles, companies can achieve a solid footing without losing that dynamic spark. The company unites thought-leaders, change-makers, and experts from around the world to push the boundaries of business transformation. The knowledge it has amassed through its research and experience is available via its website and blogs. Radtac also offers training courses, coaching and consulting services, and personnel sourcing. The firm’s clients report faster innovation and reduced time-to-market, plus improved customer experience, product quality, and employee morale. Radtac faced highly competent competitors for this award, but the CFI.co judging panel ultimately decided that the company’s nimble approach set it apart. Radtac is the winner of the 2019 award for Most Innovative Business Transformation Consultancy (UK).


Nordea Life Assurance Finland: Most Sustainable Assurance Nordics 2019

The Nordea Group derives its name from the words “Nordic ideas”, underscoring its mission to develop superior solutions that reflect the Nordic values of openness, equality, and environmental responsibility. As a subsidiary of the group, Nordea Life Assurance Finland upholds the same corporate ethos, where respect and care for people and the planet are guiding principles. The company has made strategic investments in long-term employee engagement and wellbeing programmes, shoring up its status as one of the best workplaces in Finland — jumping 10 places in the overall list, and maintaining its top position in the Finnish financial sector. Open lines of communication ensure Nordea Life keeps a pulse on the needs of its workforce as well as those of its client base. The consensus from clients: simplicity is key. This is an area where Nordea Life excels, with a streamlined single core insurance system that improves agility and gives a competitive market edge. The system is a result of Nordea Life’s continued digitalisation goals to simplify processes, enhance efficiency, and improve quality. Nordea Life private and corporate clients can access insurance products and investment services through the online system or at any Nordea Bank branch. The company factors sustainability into its saving and investment decisions, and it offers a range of options, including the recently launched Nordea Globe Baskets. The baskets offer customers a chance to make a positive contribution to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues — without compromising long-term return targets. The CFI.co judging panel is no stranger to Nordea Life, and is pleased to see the company continue with shrewd investment strategies that mitigate risks through careful ESG consideration. For the second consecutive year, the judges declare Nordea Life Assurance Finland as a winner, this time for the Most Sustainable Assurance award (Nordics) 2019.


Delen Private Bank: Best Digital Private Bank Belgium 2019

Belgium-based Delen Private Bank has a reputation as a trailblazer of digital banking, although its roots stretch back 80 years. Delen capitalises on fintech advances to improve operational efficiency and support existing client services. Technology streamlines operations and enables its investment managers and staff to dedicate more time to personal contact with clients. Delen has handled its IT needs in-house since the 1980s, tailor-making client databases and websites, and introducing a banking app that serves as a pocket-sized private banker and family wealth planner. Continuous improvement of digital services is the Delen way, and ease-of-use is prioritised in its product line-up. Some of the milestones reached this year include fresh features for the current app, including camera-phone document uploads, and the creation of a new app allowing prospective clients to explore the Delen environment. New clients can set up an account with Delen’s digital onboarding process, requiring little more than an ID card and a digital signature. To safeguard clients’ personal data, Delen focuses strongly on security to elevate trust with the clients. The CFI.co judging panel has recognised Delen in the past for its perfect pairing of technology and tailor-made services, and for 2019 Delen Private Bank takes the award for Best Digital Private Bank (Belgium).


Bedrock Group: Best Investment Portfolio Manager United Kingdom 2019

The Bedrock Group is the brainchild of three very old friends with years of shared experience in the financial sector. The firm was founded in 2004 with the goal of providing a more holistic approach to investing. Relationships anchored in customised services and sound ethical practices form its foundations, and the group has grown through successful strategies and word-of-mouth referrals. The firm serves ultra-high-net-worth families, investment professionals, endowments, foundations, and institutions worldwide via its Geneva headquarters and offices in London and Monaco. It has maintained a sense of comradery and mutual respect that gives clients confidence and stability, fostering a strong team spirit. Open communication encourages team members to formulate innovative solutions to cater for clients’ sometimes complex needs. The firm hires and retains top talent, and prides itself on its by-the-book policies and principles. The founders and investment advisors at Bedrock have an active interest, investing personal resources along with customer capital. This has earned the group a reputation for keen risk-assessment and exemplary asset management. In an evolving financial environment with constantly changing regulations, families rely on Bedrock’s unbiased financial advice and commitment to preserve and grow their wealth. The CFI.co judging panel acknowledges Bedrock’s consistent efforts to present clients with original investment opportunities — including its own private equity tech funds — its dogged pursuit of investment objectives, and meticulous attention to detail. The judges had no hesitation in declaring the Bedrock Group winner of the 2019 award for Best Investment Portfolio Manager (United Kingdom).


ExxAfrica: Best Geo-Political Risk Consultancy Africa 2019

Those keen to claim their share of Africa’s bounty would be wise to first chart the environment for rapidly evolving risks and opportunities — or to seek a guide familiar with the terrain. Specialist intelligence firm ExxAfrica has drawn a detailed map to help clients mitigate their risks when doing business in Africa. In less than five years, ExxAfrica has garnered a reputation for the depth of its analytical research on political, security, and economic risks across the continent. Quality intelligence leads to better decision-making, and ExxAfrica’s well-researched insights and forecasts are trusted by clients worldwide, from direct foreign investors and banks to governments and military forces. ExxAfrica’s subscription service entitles clients to comprehensive country-specific reports, geo-coded maps of risk events, and daily bulletins of curated news and analyst briefings. ExxAfrica has developed a quantitative scoring system that enables clients to compare business operating environments across 54 African countries over past two decades. Subscribers also benefit from frequently updated and individually tailored datasets based on economic, financial, and social indicators from local and international sources. For clients with more complex needs, ExxAfrica offers a range of bespoke advisory services, ranging from political risk insurance support to socio-economic impact assessment. ExxAfrica provides intelligence of commercial and risk relevance with an element of surprise, always endeavouring to present clients with insights that are fresh and striking. The CFI.co judging panel declares ExxAfrica as the worthy winner of the 2019 Best Geo-Political Risk Consultancy (Africa) award.


UnionBank of the Philippines: Best Universal Bank Philippines 2019

UnionBank of the Philippines is more than a top-tier financial institution — it’s a universal bank on a mission. Digital innovation drives the company’s transformation strategy and ensures performance targets are met. With an emphasis on bolstering capacity, the bank has a fintech backbone fortified by a network of 45 branches. UnionBank has expanded its customer base by a million over the past 12 months and now reaches five million clients — and anticipates an additional 500,000 by the end of 2019. This surge came without the expected spike in operating expenses thanks to an energy-efficient infrastructure that embraces AI and promotes eco-friendly initiatives such as paperless branches. UnionBank is a trailblazer of the Asian financial markets as the only bank to enable Filipinos to directly transfer digital funds between accounts. The bank understands that the future of banking is digital, and it is committed to arming today’s workers with tomorrow’s skills. UnionBank recently completed a training programme in which 100 students — most of whom had worked for the bank as tellers, sales staff, or auditors — enhanced their skills in blockchain. The bank will invite 60 students to its Data Science and AI Institute to take advantage of other professional development opportunities. Upcoming developments include blockchain programmes and partnerships with foreign monetary authorities to facilitate digital fund transfers between Singapore and rural banks in the Philippines. The judging panel declares UnionBank of the Philippines — a previous CFI.co award winner — as the worthy recipient of the 2019 award for Best Universal Bank (Philippines).


Credit Direct Limited: Best Social Impact Finance Partner Nigeria 2019

Credit Direct pioneered the structured non-bank unsecured lending market in Nigeria, serving a previously neglected segment of the population with loan and investment products. The company entered the market more than a decade ago, providing clients of limited means with micro-loans for education, emergencies, business start-ups or purchases. Credit Direct introduced the concept of unsecured consumer finance to Nigeria, at the time considered a risky venture, but its success over the years has encouraged others to follow its lead. Credit Direct welcomes the competition; its goal has always gone beyond the profit motive. It seeks to positively impact the lives of their customers and host communities by filling a huge socio-economic need. The Company’s values which include CARE distinguish it from others in the field and go to the core of its Corporate Social Responsibility plan. Credit Direct upgrades schools and donates educational supplies, provides free health checks and training courses on entrepreneurial skills and service, and grants scholarships to high-achieving students. It sponsors community events to raise financial literacy, and partners with other organisations to support disabled citizens. Credit Direct sees its team as its greatest asset and is proud that its staff are united behind a common purpose. The CFI.co judging panel applauds the company’s willingness and ability to ease the struggles of many — and remain profitable. The judges declare Credit Direct Limited the winner of the 2019 award for Best Social Impact Finance Partner (Nigeria).


United Waters International AG: Most Innovative Water Purification Technology Global 2019

Water, water everywhere, and not that many drops to drink… but Swiss-based United Waters International AG is striding towards a solution. The company was founded in 2005 to address the growing global water crisis, with the backing of scientists from the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm. Less than one percent of the Earth’s water is potable, making it a luxury item in underdeveloped or water-scarce regions. With headquarters in Switzerland and subsidiaries in China, India and Sweden, United Waters is well positioned to launch its innovative BioGreen water purification system. The system is the result of 40 years of research and development by some of the brightest minds in the business, from academics and scientists to technical experts and water specialists. The BioGreen system is a sustainable water purification solution that uses no chemicals and creates no harmful by-products. It consumes just one percent of the energy that conventional systems require, and features a biological process that removes all metals, bacteria, viruses and microbes. It fits in a single shipping container, yet is capable of purifying 2,500 m³ water per day. And, typical of a Swiss-made product, it comes with rapid delivery and a 30-year guarantee. United Waters has registered on the CFI.co radar for some time for its life-saving efforts. The judging panel is happy to reaffirm its admiration for the company. United Waters International AG, a CFI.co winner in 2017 and 2018, is now presented with the 2019 award for Most Innovative Water Purification Technology (Global).


Osiris Asset Management AG: Best Value Investor Liechtenstein 2019

Fostering a culture based on discipline, fundamental research and the highest ethical standards has enabled Osiris Asset Management to produce consistently attractive long-term rates of return. The firm has a long-term, minimum-risk strategy achieved through diligent, well-researched portfolio allocation into global equities, and fixed-income instruments in euros and US dollars. By fine-tuning the balance between equities and bonds, including convertible bonds, its flagship Mistral Value Fund manages to achieve capital preservation and appreciation. Performance has gone from strength-to-strength since the present Osiris team took over all the fund management activities in 2012. A great deal of time is spent researching, then selecting, companies it believes are under-priced relative to their value, ensuring satisfactory returns. It does this by investing in companies with a strong franchise, good business qualities and shareholder-oriented management. It frequently seeks to hedge its equity investments with short positions in stock market indices or long-put options to mitigate “tail risks”. Osiris employs a contrarian approach to investments: just because a stock is cheap doesn’t mean it represents good value. By rigidly sticking to its investment principles, the company has reaped impressive results. Its policy is to globally study companies listed on stock exchanges or other regulated markets. Osiris is fully owned by its partners, and this gives it the ability to act swiftly in its mid- to long-term strategy. Close teamwork has also enabled Osiris to offer a range of wealth management and family office services based on accurate tax and estate planning, again with outstanding attention to detail. It is this indefatigable search for value on behalf of its clients, while always maintaining a close working relationship with them, that has so impressed the CFI.co judging panel. The judges decided that Osiris Asset Management AG is the worthy recipient of the 2019 award for Best Value Investor (Liechtenstein).


Fideicomiso Hipotecario (FHipo): Best Social Impact Mortgage Provider Mexico 2019

Fideicomiso Hipotecario — FHipo for short — is Mexico’s first investment vehicle offering institutional and individual investors access to the country’s attractive real estate market. Founded in 2014, FHipo is a mortgage REIT (real estate investment trust) that acquires, originates, co-participates, services, and manages mortgage loan portfolios. The firm follows a business strategy that prioritises partnerships and synergy among stakeholders. FHipo partners with Mexico’s two largest mortgage originators, Infonavit and Fovissste, to provide home loans and mortgage financing, particularly for borrowers without access to traditional banks. Alliances with fintech companies have opened digital channels to attract new clients and help the firm hone its innovative edge. New government policies targeting social impact dovetail with FHipo’s own corporate awareness, which aims to improve customers’ quality of life and contribute to national development. Since its inception, FHipo has amassed a diversified portfolio which amounted to more than $1.5 billion USD as of the second quarter of 2019 and contributed to the creation of 100,000 homes. FHipo is listed on the Mexican Stock Exchange and offers investors — whether institutional or individual, in Mexico or abroad —attractive returns fuelled by steady cashflows from mortgage interest and amortisation. Workers registered with Mexico’s Retirement Funds Administrators (AFORES) form part of FHipo’s stakeholder network — as investors and as borrowers. Mortgage repayments can be made through direct payroll deductions, cementing FHipo’s status as a low-risk, high social impact investment opportunity. The firm first attracted the attention of the CFI.co judging panel in 2017 for its contribution to creating a more competitive and accessible mortgage industry. The judges congratulate Fideicomiso Hipotecario on its continued growth, and name FHipo winner of the 2019 award for Best Social Impact Mortgage Provider (Mexico).


Arbah Capital: Best Shariah-Compliant Fund Manager Saudi Arabia 2019

According to Shariah principles, wealth is one of the five fundamentals of human existence that must be preserved and protected. Islamic wealth management (IWM) has become increasingly popular with investors worldwide, Muslim and non-Muslim. Over the past decade, Saudi Arabian boutique investment firm Arbah Capital has committed to realising clients’ financial ambitions through careful consideration of each investment profile, with strict adherence to IWM processes. Arbah Capital takes the time to thoroughly understand clients’ circumstances and investment goals, and to create solutions designed to deliver long-term, risk-adjusted returns. The firm establishes enduring relationships with clients ranging from large corporates to high-net-worth individuals, providing discretionary and advisory investment services geared to creating a financially secure future. Arbah Capital offers a spectrum of investment services: wealth and asset management, real estate investment, private equity and corporate finance, as well as brokerage, custody, and advisory services. The firm manages two Shariah-compliant funds. The GCC Liquidity Fund aims for consistent short- to medium-term capital growth, and allows for daily liquidity requests; the Arbah Saudi Equity Fund seeks medium to long-term capital growth through Saudi equities investments. Arbah Capital started out with a focus on traditional Saudi financial markets, and expanded business internationally — most recently with the $76m acquisition of the UK’s historic Sauchiehall building. The CFI.co judging panel applauds the firm’s blend of traditional values, market expertise and client focus, and declares Arbah Capital the winner of the 2019 award for Best Shariah-Compliant Fund Manager (Saudi Arabia).


King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC): Best Logistics Hub Red Sea 2019

King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) is one of the key players advancing the economic diversification vision of Saudi Arabia. KAEC is a port city located along the Red Sea, a busy maritime nexus of trade routes to some the world’s fastest developing economies. KAEC furthers Saudi Vision 2030 in its role as a regional and global hub of trade and industry, bolstering the Kingdom’s status as a gateway to new markets by strategically developing a commercial corridor connecting three continents. KAEC has attracted $15bn in investments and established itself as the largest logistics hub of the region — with aims to become the biggest in the world. The KAEC Industrial Valley houses the manufacturing and logistics facilities, which achieved 50 percent growth of port container handling in 2018. Inaugurated in 2013, the King Abdullah Port now handles around three million shipping containers, and it’s only scratching the surface of capacity; with just 55 percent currently utilised, there’s plenty of room to grow. The port features state-of-the-art equipment and advanced infrastructure, including the deepest water berths and largest and most advanced cranes in the world, to ensure that trade flows smoothly. The pro-business regulatory environment contributes to its increasing popularity amongst public-private partnerships from near and far. KAEC encourages synergies across the city’s sectors, with manufacturing businesses feeding product through the logistics facilities, boosting the nation’s export and import capacity and fuelling maritime and freight transport industries. The CFI.co judging panel declares KAEC winner of the 2019 Best Logistics Hub (Red Sea) award.


My Clinic: Best Clinical Patient Outcome KSA 2019

Before launching in 2017, Saudi Arabian healthcare provider My Clinic canvassed hospitals at home and abroad to learn the most common patient complaints about their care. It was determined to learn from others’ errors to improve patient outcomes and experiences. My Clinic offers a full range of clinical care, minus the operating theatre, and specialities in women’s and children’s health, family medicine and chronic disease management. It started out with just 30 patients and now has more than 1,000 — a figure expected to double by the end of the year. The centre recognises stress as a barrier to healing and focuses on putting patients at their ease. Its fertility clinic features sofas and soft lighting, and appointments allow adequate time for patients to voice concerns and for doctors to give advice. The children’s department uses decoration to brighten the day for young patients, with lively colours, games and toys. My Clinic’s home services include morning visits to collect samples for blood work, because who wants to face a hospital visit before coffee? The team of internationally certified doctors and consultants is united behind the mission to provide top-level clinical care and the best possible experience. Digital advancements enable greater patient engagement, with automated appointment reminders and test results available by app or email. Patients can book appointments online or via the app with a guaranteed rendezvous within five days. Customer satisfaction is a priority and guiding force for My Clinic, and it solicits and analyses patient feedback after each visit to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. The CFI.co judges present My Clinic with the 2019 award for Best Clinical Patient Outcome (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia).


McKinsey & Company: Best Management Consultancy Spain 2019

Professionals — globally, and across industries — trust McKinsey & Company to provide thought-provoking and change-inspiring research. The firm has established regional offices to help private and public organisations tackle local challenges with a precise focus. McKinsey Spain was founded to extend the reach of the global firm, fuel the country’s reform and boost the economy. McKinsey has established a strong presence in Spain over the past four decades, undertaking upwards of 2,000 projects and serving more than half of the nation’s largest companies. McKinsey Spain clients come from a range of sectors, including finance, telecommunications, energy and consumer goods. McKinsey’s Madrid and Barcelona offices employ 160 consultants and 220 staff, conducting management research to develop long-term perspectives and influence public debate on the most critical economic challenges facing today’s businesses and economies. McKinsey Spain puts itself in the co-pilot’s seat for clients’ transformational journeys, turning ideas into reality and creating change that has a lasting impact. The CFI.co judging panel has seen McKinsey & Company intelligently steer public debate with its insightful research publications, and finds that its locally tailored client services are of equally high calibre. The judges declare McKinsey as the winner of the 2019 award for Best Management Consultancy (Spain).


NICE Actimize: Best Compliance RegTech Global 2019

Today’s competitive business environment has risks and regulations in a state of constant flux, and this change has had a huge impact in elevating the importance of compliance monitoring and communications surveillance technology.  Leading the industry and addressing these requirements, NICE Actimize embraces artificial intelligence, machine learning, natural language processing and other advanced advanced technologies into its financial crime compliance and holistic surveillance solutions.

The NICE Actimize eComms Surveillance solution reduces risk and cost by using Natural-Language Understanding (NLU) driven analytics and models tuned for financial markets to pinpoint suspicious e-communications and automating the investigative process. The solution analyzes 100 per cent of a trader’s conversations, reduces false positives up to 93 per cent and boosts compliance analyst productivity.

NICE Actimize, which focuses on financial crime, risk and financial markets compliance solutions, is a business of NICE (Nasdaq: NICE), a global firm with $1,463M in revenue.

The CFI.co judging panel last year commended the company for its contribution to economic transparency and trust and is once again impressed by its performance in providing cutting edge solutions that transform the compliance landscape. The judges congratulate NICE Actimize on winning the 2019 award for Best Compliance RegTech (Global).


Mack International: Best Investment Manager Executive Search Firm United States 2019

Providing experienced executive investment talent to family offices and family investment firms for over seventeen years, Mack International dominates its area of specialisation providing executive search solutions and consultancy services across the global investment industry. The firm’s clients include family offices, wealth and investment management firms, financial institutions and philanthropic foundations. Renowned for its reputation for excellence, unique specialisation and utmost discretion and confidentiality, the firm’s name carries considerable weight in spearheading searches for executive leadership and providing in depth business counsel.

Established in 2002 Mack International has established a long, successful track record in finding the right candidate through a combination of creativity and commitment to “getting it right the first time, every time... on-time and on-target.” The firm takes great care in engaging with each client and their culture to fully understand—and often help define—their unique ethos and vision. Executive search engagements are led by a dedicated, senior-level team using a proprietary process and approach helping family offices and family enterprises hire leadership talent with the requisite skill, experience and “culture fit” to meet key business objectives for the long term. Mack International’s personalised approach carries through to the boutique firm’s consultancy services where it tailors solutions to overcome business, human capital, marketplace or industry challenges.

The CFI.co judging panel have been impressed by the comprehensive nature of Mack International’s services. Mack International is a repeat winner of the Best Investment Manager Executive Search Team United States Award and the judges are pleased to add 2019 to the firm’s accolades.


Etihad Engineering: Best MRO Services Provider Middle East 2019

Etihad Engineering is a nexus of aviation activity and expertise, located at the centre of the world's key aviation markets. As the largest commercial provider of maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) services in the Middle East, Etihad Engineering spearheads the UAE's burgeoning role as a global aerospace hub and its efforts are delivering results. Etihad Engineering has demonstrated a surge of growth with reports of its MRO operations exceeding financial targets in 2018. The company strengthened its market presence globally with its customer portfolio growing steadily across continents in Asia, Africa, Europe and Latin America, maintaining a consistently high rate of customer satisfaction throughout the year. The team logged more than 1.6 million man-hours, servicing around 300 aircraft and 32,000 aircraft components with third-party customers contributing a major part of the revenue. Etihad Engineering maintains its strong market position by consistently expanding its capabilities and geographical reach, increasing third-party business, building strategic partnerships, and streamlining its systems and processes. The company has been setting new benchmarks in the industry with many firsts to its credit. Etihad Engineering is the first organisation in the Middle East to be granted an EASA Part 21J Major Approval and Part21G Production Organisation Approval (POA). It is the first MRO in the world outside the Boeing network to fully strip and paint a Boeing 787 and the first MRO in the Middle East to carry out a heavy maintenance check on a Boeing 787. Etihad Engineering is also at the forefront in terms of innovation and adoption of new technologies, being the first airline MRO with EASA approval to design, certify and fly 3D printed parts. The CFI.co judging panel applauds the company for its high quality standards, reliable performance, high levels of customer satisfaction and relentless commitment to excellence. Etihad Engineering wins the 2019 award for Best MRO Services Provider (Middle East).


Standard Chartered World Elite Mastercard: Best Credit Card Middle East 2019

Standard Chartered Bank, Bahrain is the country’s leading financial institution, boasting a 100-year legacy as an industry trend-setter. Standard Chartered has a strong international presence with operations in Singapore, Hongkong, Korea, and the United Arab Emirates. That global network enables a free flow of best practices, learning opportunities, technological innovation, and human capital. Standard Chartered offers a full suite of financial products tailored to meet clients’ needs, but it leads the Bahrain market in terms of credit cards and motor vehicle loans. Of all the cards issued by the bank, the World Elite Mastercard is the most prestigious consumer variant available. The card marks another pioneering moment for Standard Chartered as the first card in the market to introduce the tap-and-go ease of contactless transactions. This sleek black card entitles holders to VIP treatment and exclusive privileges with premium providers at home and abroad. The card creates added value for the most affluent of clients. A key feature is the exceptional rewards programme, which offers maximum points per purchase and affords holders unparalleled benefits on luxury travel, dining, shopping, and lifestyle experiences. World Elite Mastercard acts as a privileged pass, granting holders access to over 800 airport lounges and gold-status service at more than 500 hotels around the world. The CFI.co judging panel was especially intrigued by the World Elite Mastercard 24/7 concierge service, which helps clients with anytime, anywhere assistance for planning trips, booking tickets, and making reservations, amongst others. The judges declare the Standard Chartered World Elite Mastercard as the Best Credit Card in the Middle East for 2019.


e-Channelling Plc: Best Healthcare ICT Services Provider Sri Lanka 2019

Founded in 2001, when the World Wide Web was first gaining momentum, Sri Lanka-based e-Channelling has become a specialist in leveraging the power of the Internet. It pioneered digitally enabled healthcare, beating the US and UK to the punch for widespread implementation. The company has become a digital bridge between doctors, hospitals, and patients in Sri Lanka. Before its launch, patients seeking a medical appointment faced long waits and backed-up queues. With e-Channelling’s streamlined system, patients choose the medical care provider that best suits their needs — via convenient phone, app, or web access. e-Channelling boasts a network of hundreds of hospitals, and thousands of doctors and specialists, for easy and painless scheduling. e-Channelling also develops ICT solutions for the healthcare industry. It recently designed its own integrated information system for one of the country’s largest private hospitals — and is now marketing it to hospitals, clinics, pharmacies and laboratories across Sri Lanka. e-Channelling develops solutions that facilitate productivity, enhance healthcare services, and contribute to the modernisation of the country’s medical care. e-Channelling PLC is a subsidiary of Sri Lanka`s national mobile phone service provider, Mobitel, and is listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange. For the company’s pivotal role in the transformation of the medical care industry, the CFI.co judging panel names e-Channelling Plc as winner of the 2019 award for Best Healthcare ICT Services Provider (Sri Lanka).


Wey Education: Best Online Educator Global 2019

Wey Education develops online learning platforms that cover the full gamut of teaching and learning. The UK company established the first online school in the country, providing an attractive — and accredited — alternative to the classroom. InterHigh is one of the company’s flagship products, an online fee-paying primary school, secondary school, and sixth form college providing an accredited UK curriculum for students near and far. About 30 percent of InterHigh pupils are taking courses from outside the UK. Wey Education supports students with special learning needs through Academy21, working with 1,000 students each year to fulfil personalised Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) mandates through alternative educational provision. Although Wey Education has achieved great success as a for-profit enterprise, it holds education to be an essential public service and creates learning platforms that are accessible, engaging, and effective. Wey Education established an independent academic advisory board to cut through the noise of commercial concerns and make recommendations based exclusively on the pursuit of educational excellence. It challenges the outdated educational system of brick-and-mortar buildings and mandatory physical attendance with the flexibility and autonomy of online learning. Wey Education has recently collaborated with the Department of Education to develop an online teacher certification programme, immersing the next generation of educators in both the technology and methodology of online learning. For a class act that prioritises children’s learning experience — while also outperforming market expectations — the CFI.co judging panel declares Wey Education as the 2019 winner of the Best Online Educator (Global) award.


Exxaro Resources: Most Responsible Mining Leadership South Africa 2019

Exxaro Resources' purpose is "to power better lives in Africa and beyond". The diversified group is based in South Africa, with mining operations in coal, iron ore, zinc, and titanium dioxide spread across Europe, America and Australia. Exxaro has established itself as a global industry leader on the FTSE Russell ESG index, averaging nearly twice the points in corporate peer comparisons of overall ESG rating and environmental and social metrics. The group off sets the environmental impact of mining through comprehensive programmes that set ESG guidelines for operations and a plan for the land's eventual rehabilitation. Exxaro recognises the global threat that climate change represents and has pledged to be a catalyst for a cleaner future. In 2012, Exxaro bought a partnership stake in two wind farms in South Africa, and this year took full ownership of the assets with a $105m investment. The group aspires to safeguard the planet for generations to come and empower people through educational outreach. Exxaro counts its team as its greatest resource, and it has invested over $26m in socio-economic development initiatives designed to create communities of competitively skilled professionals. Exxaro is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and included in the FTSE/ JSE Responsible Investment Index. The CFl.co judging panel presents Exxaro Resources with the 2019 award for Most Responsible Mining Leadership (South Africa).


Banchile Inversiones: Best Stock Brokerage Chile 2019

Banchile Inversiones has made its mark on the Chilean economy as the country’s leading brokerage house and the preferred stockbroker of international investors. The investment firm is a subsidiary of Banco de Chile, the country’s largest bank with over 125 years of history, two million clients, and $55m in assets under management. For the past 38 years, Banchile Inversiones has maintained a leadership position in the Chilean investment sector, serving more than 300,000 retail, public sector, and institutional clients via a nationwide network of 295 branches. Operations are divided between the firm’s two subsidiaries: Banchile Administradora General de Fondos handles investment management, while Banchile Corredores de Bolsa serves as the brokerage house. Through a joint venture with global financial conglomerate Citi, Banchile leverages its local knowledge to provide clients with expert research analysis of publicly traded Chilean corporations. The agreement also gives Banchile’s local clients access to Citi’s global investment markets in 100 countries. Banchile helps companies throughout Latin America seize the opportunities presented by the integration of regional markets into a more competitive collective. The firm has launched a digital investment platform — the first of its kind in Chile — that has increased efficiency, decreased risk, and enhanced customer service. Clients can digitally sign contracts and manage their portfolios — whether trading stocks or investing and divesting funds —through Banchile’s apps. The CFI.co judging panel has recognised Banchile in past award programmes for bolstering the country’s capital markets and stimulating economic growth throughout the nation. The judges announce Banchile Inversiones as the worthy winner of the 2019 award for Best Stock Brokerage (Chile).


Valores Unión S.A. Agencia de Bolsa: Best Sustainable Securities Brokerage Bolivia 2019

Bolivian brokerage house Valores Unión has been in operation for a quarter of a century, developing a wide portfolio of clients and providing committed customer care. The broker aims to fuel the country´s economic and social development by democratising financial service access. Valores Unión provides clients with sound fiduciary advice and money management services, including the structuring, registration and placement of securities as well as stock market intermediation. The talented and dedicated Valores Unión team works to craft optimal investment strategies that advance client objectives, assess market performance, and meet regulatory compliance. Valores Unión offers clients the discretionary and non-discretionary accounts that best suit their needs, managing liquidity surpluses to maximise portfolio performance and leveraging through the stock market if necessary. Valores Unión welcomes individual and institutional investors alike to explore its full range of financial products and services. In March 2017, the company pioneered the use of participative bonds in the stock market as a new financial instrument to support SMEs. The brokerage house has been ranked for three consecutive years by the Bolivian Stock Market as the Best Stock Market Agency in Secondary Market. Valores Union is a part of the Grupo Financiero Unión family and a subsidiary of Banco Unión, one of the country’s leading banks. The CFI.co judging panel declares Valores Unión as the worthy winner of the 2019 award for Best Sustainable Securities Brokerage (Bolivia).


Grupo Interbrok: Best Independent Insurance Broker Brazil 2019

Brazilian insurance broker Grupo Interbrok is a company with a long history of prioritising quality. The group has been in operation for over a century, proving that committed and individualised customer service wins through. Grupo Interbrok serves companies throughout the country via a nationwide network of offices in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and São Bernardo do Campo. A team of 130 professionals of unrivalled experience in domestic and international insurance dedicate the necessary time to fully understand — and tailor solutions to — each client’s unique insurance needs. Interbrok insurance offerings include corporate coverage, reinsurance, and personal products. Corporate coverage exemplifies Interbrok’s tailor-made concept, providing companies with differentiated and exclusive services to create the best insurance plan possible. The focus on quality, dedication and individual treatment are factors that guide all our efforts. Besides P&C lines Interbrok also offers benefit products such as life, health, and dental insurance, and affords clients access to international reinsurance markets. As part of its long-term growth strategy, the group also specialises in mergers and acquisitions. Grupo Interbrok came to the attention of the CFI.co judging panel last year as a story of long-enduring success, built upon ethical and transparent practices and driven by a well-integrated and high-tech back office. For a company that has shown great consistency and commitment over the years, the judges are delighted to present the repeat winner, Grupo Interbrok, with the 2019 award for Best Independent Insurance Broker (Brazil).


Containers Printers: Best Sustainable Packaging Technology Southeast Asia 2019

Containers Printers is a progressive company with a forward-looking business plan that addresses the megatrends associated with climate change action and the fourth industrial revolution. Founded in 1981, the Singapore company develops packaging solutions that never compromise on quality or the environment. Containers Printers specialises in the printing and production of metal and flexible packaging products and invests considerable effort and funding into R&D initiatives. The company deploys cutting-edge technology and skilled technicians to custom-craft packaging solutions with precision and efficiency. Advances in big data promise to transform the industry, providing crucial insights into customer trends and the optimisation of production and logistics. The company works with clients from 30 countries across Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Australia and New Zealand, providing bespoke packaging solutions that are visually stimulating, responsibly sourced and of the highest quality and safety standards. Containers Printers welcomes client challenges as an opportunity for innovation and collaboration. The company is successful in sourcing difficult types of substrates for industries requiring specific manufacturing capabilities through agreements with multinational corporations and institutions. The CFI.co judging panel has recognised the company in previous years for its innovative packaging, and the judges are now delighted to focus praise on its environmental stewardship. Congratulations to Containers Printers, the 2019 winner of the Best Sustainable Packaging Technology (Southeast Asia) award.


Krungthai Bank: Best Social Impact Bank Thailand 2019

With the Thai government as a majority stakeholder, Krungthai Bank is fulfilling its mission of economic growth for the country and its citizens. Krungthai Bank has been instrumental in implementing governmental initiatives, including the National e-Payment and Cashless Society schemes. It has also brought in Thailand’s 4.0 initiative, a digital transformation to boost innovation and competitiveness. The bank contributes to the sustainable growth of the Thai economy and an improved quality of life for the Thai people by digitalising financial services across five ecosystems: mass transit, healthcare, education, government, and payments. As a commercial government bank, Krungthai Bank aims to deliver competitive shareholder returns while respecting its responsibilities to Thai society and the environment. One of the bank’s flagship products, the government welfare card, provides low-income earners with digital financial services. In the project’s second phase, Krungthai Bank distributed around 14.6 million welfare cards to underprivileged groups of the population — including the elderly, disabled people, and bed-ridden patients — for purchasing power at more than 35,000 Blue Flag shops and 24,000 nationwide vendors of the Thung Ngern Pracharat app. The app makes it easier for store owners to collect money from social welfare card holders. Recent government efforts to boost the economy “from the grassroots up” have taken advantage of Krungthai Bank’s infrastructure to facilitate government-allotted incentives for domestic travel, as well as to provide subsidies to low-income earners nationwide. The CFI.co judging panel has followed the bank’s progress for several years and has found it be a model of integrity and responsibility. The judges present Krungthai Bank, a third-year repeat winner, with the 2019 award for Best Social Impact Bank (Thailand).


Megalabs: Best Healthcare Rebrand Latin America 2019

Over the past 25 years, Latin American pharmaceutical titan Megalabs has built an empire by adapting well, driving innovation, honouring commitments, and prioritising people. Megalabs’ operations are at the Science Park of Uruguay’s Free Trade Zone and feature a chic corporate headquarters, cutting-edge pharmaceutical plant, R&D centre, and a logistical specialist. Previously known as Mega Pharma, the company is undergoing a rebrand and consolidating production and R&D under the new, unified Megalabs identity. The company considers its production plant as the emblem of its innovative vision. The Megalabs plant, which inspired the new corporate denomination, is the most advanced pharmaceutical producer in Latin America. The 22,000m2 facility is the result of a $110m investment, combining modern technology with precise industrial practices to produce more than 75 million units annually. The R&D Centre transforms ideas into action, deploying a team of chemical and pharmacological experts that lead, manage, and develop as many as 20 initiatives each year. The centre was meticulously planned according to the concept of Quality by Design (QbD), which aims to improve the performance of the final product — ensuring consumers receive the safest and most effective medical products. This is achieved by structuring production processes according to pre-defined objectives based on solid science, management, and risk control. The Megalabs campus was designed to self-manage energy and water resources and comply with international WHO, BMP, and Leed’s standards — an investment of over $90m. The company, which enjoys a leading market position in Latin America and a growing foothold in international markets, anticipates biomedicine becoming big business any time soon. The CFI.co judging panel applauds the company’s innovation and vision and presents Megalabs with the 2019 award for Best Healthcare Rebrand (Latin America).


Unity: Best Sustainable Insurance Solutions Team Central America 2019

As the only insurance broker spanning the entirety of the Central American regional corridor, Unity’s name is particularly fitting: its branches are united in ensuring the best possible level of customer care. That is no small feat with a presence stretching from Panama and Costa Rica in the south to Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala. Unity was founded in 2008, and has established a reputation for excellence that is strengthened by its teams of local talent. Each adheres to country-specific best-practice while at the same time upholding an integrated corporate system of standardised processes and technologies. Unity serves private and corporate clients with a range of risk-management solutions. The company offers cover for home, health, life, and vehicles to its private customers, while corporate clients trust Unity to provide skilled risk advisory, management, and insurance services covering everything from property and bonds to civil liability and cargo insurance. Unity also offers group policies for collective employee health and life plans. All clients benefit from the company’s convenient mobile app, enabling around-the-clock communication and access to policy information, payments and claim support. The company shows just as much dedication to making sure its employees feel appreciated as it does to caring for clients. The CFI.co judging panel is familiar with the company’s track record of upright corporate governance and good citizenship, and Unity is a repeat winner in the awards programme. The judges are delighted to present Unity with the 2019 award for the Best Sustainable Insurance Solutions Team in Central America.


Banchile Inversiones: Best Institutional Investment Services Chile 2019

Over its 38-year history in the investment industry, Banchile Inversiones has established itself as a leader in Chilean financial markets. Its professional teams have earned their spurs in finance and investment management, and take pride in their enduring client relationships. The firm works with pension funds, family offices, private banking customers, and other institutional investors to sustainably manage wealth, through the collaborative efforts of its subsidiaries: brokerage house, Banchile Corredores de Bolsa, and investment management arm, Banchile Administradora General de Fondos. More than 300,000 retail, public sector, and institu-tional clients in Chile trust the firm to manage their investments, and as a subsidiary of Banco de Chile, Banchile Inversiones benefits from an expanded market reach of a customer base two million strong. An affiliation with global financial group Citi pairs Banchile’s local expertise with Citi’s international reach to bring foreign in-vestment to regional companies. Banchile Inversiones manages $21.8m in assets on local and international markets, and has the largest domestic share — a 20 per-cent leadership position. Growth in Banchile’s Real Asset Investment Funds, specifically rental properties, infrastructure, and real estate development, enables cli-ents to customise their portfolios for added diversification and dividend yield steadiness. Digitalisation and automation are transforming clients’ investment experi-ence, cutting time spent on manual tasks with the automatic rebalancing of portfolios, while an automated database of up-to-date market information strengthens and simplifies due diligence processes. The CFI.co judging panel is familiar with the firm’s merits, as it has warranted recognition in previous award programmes. The judges this year present Banchile Inversiones with the 2019 award for Best Institutional Investment Services (Chile).


KORTA: Best Turnkey Payment Services Europe 2019

Icelandic company KORTA is one of Europe’s most preferred payment partners. The company was founded in 2002 to develop debit and credit-card-acquiring ser-vices with a focus to minimise transactional costs and cater to customer needs. KORTA is more than a software house, handling the complete payment service cycle. Its expertise covers technical setups and connections, data delivery, authorisations and merchant service, as well as billing and settlements. As a licensed Icelandic payment institution and member of Mastercard International and Visa Europe, KORTA is a trusted ally of European merchants of all scales and sizes, providing online payment services that are simple and secure. KORTA became the first Icelandic company to be certified as conforming to Visa and Mastercard’s exacting data security standard, the PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard). This framework provides a strict, established protection system to protect clients’ data. Addi-tional security features supported by KORTA include 3D Secure, Verified By VISA, and Mastercard SecureCode. By partnering with KORTA, clients can avoid the hassle and headaches of setting-up and maintaining their own payment systems and security certifications. With that stress out of the way, they can concentrate on pushing their businesses forward. The firm impressed the CFI.co judging panel by delivering competitive terms — without sacrificing on security — and providing payment processing and settlement services that are nimble and flexible. The judges announce KORTA as the winner of the 2019 award for Best Turnkey Payment Services (Europe).


Intesa Sanpaolo Bank Albania: Best Bank Governance Albania 2019

Intesa Sanpaolo Bank Albania is a financial institution that abides by strong ethical codes and uncompromising standards of corporate conduct. There are 35 bank branches strategically spread across Albania, providing clients with a suite of financial services and solutions. The bank’s improvement initiatives are dictated by cus-tomer demand, monitored via a programme entitled Listening 100%, customer surveys, and Instant Feedback Platform. The bank has identified key contributors to economic growth, including female entrepreneurism, agricultural business and eco-tourism, and offers special-rate lending to strengthen these sectors. Intesa Sanpaolo Bank Albania approved subsidised loans worth €2m in the last years through its Women in Business programme; in 2019, the credit line has been raised to €5m to be disbursed in the next 5 years. Internet and mobile banking services provide real-time account information and facilitate payments, even in foreign curren-cies. Customers can also opt for multi-term deposit accounts in Lek, Euros or US Dollars. The bank offers its staff flexible working options to boost motivation and productivity. Intesa Sanpaolo Bank Albania has come to the attention of the CFI.co judging panel in the past for its role in driving national economic development. The judges are pleased to see the trend continue, and Intesa Sanpaolo Bank Albania wins the 2019 award for Best Bank Governance (Albania).


AIICO Capital Limited: Best Multi-Asset Fund Manager West Africa 2019

AIICO Capital urges Nigerians to aim higher and reach further when considering their financial health and future. The firm is a subsidiary of parent company AIICO Insurance plc, which was founded in 1963. It manages investments for AIICO as well as for over 13,000 institutional and retail clients across several industries, and has assets valued at more than US$350 million under management. The firm’s research-backed investment approach and astute risk-management skills have delivered client returns that exceed portfolio benchmarks. AIICO Capital claims the lion’s share of the fixed income investment market in Nigeria, and its steady stewardship of equity has produced healthy returns in a market that has recorded a 40% decline over the past five years. AIICO Capital offers investment management services through its SEC-registered mutual funds – the A+ rated AIICO Money Market Fund and the AIICO Balanced Fund, which has diversified investments in equities, gov-ernment securities, and money market securities. It offers fixed income investments via Nigerian and USD-denominated guaranteed treasury notes, Nigerian Federal Government Treasury Bills and Bonds, United States Treasuries, and Eurobonds. AIICO Capital plans to launch an investments platform to increase financial inclusion by targeting middle, and bottom-of-the-pyramid mass of the Nigerian market. The CFI.co judging panel commends the firm’s research-based and results-driven ap-proach to fund management, and declares AIICO Capital Ltd as the winner of the 2019 award for Best Multi-Asset Fund Manager (West Africa).


Powergas Africa Ltd: Best Natural Gas Value Creation Africa 2019

Taking the steps towards sustainability and making the switch from oil (Liquid Fuels – Diesel & Low-Pour Fuel Oil, LPFO) to Natural Gas is not an overnight process, but Nigerian Powergas Africa has spent the past 20 years working to change mindsets and develop the country’s abundant reserves of clean energy. Nigeria ranks amongst the top 10 countries, with rich natural gas reserves, and Powergas has made immense investments in developing the Clean Energy Infrastructure particularly in “Virtual Gas Pipeline” for Industrial Processes & Power Generation, while also contributing towards flare-gas elimination. Challenges such as unreliable energy grids and limited gas pipeline infrastructure led Powergas to pioneer the “Gas on Wheel” Model, supplying Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) solutions to Commercial & Industrial Clients. Lean Natural Gas is firstly treated for impurities, and then compressed into high-pressure gas Tankers (skids) for delivery to power generation companies, heavy industries, commercial complexes, and residential estates. With this unique “gas-on-wheels” supply-chain model, Powergas is expanding its service across the Nigerian landscape, and hopefully soon into other African geographies. The first Powergas plant was inaugurated in 2009 and with a fifth facility under construction — slated to be the biggest in the continent and push the company’s daily production capacity to over a million standard cubic metres. The company supports the nation’s economic recovery through the creation of jobs, the provision of clean energy solutions based on domestically available Natural Gas (contrib-uting to import substitution & saving in foreign exchange reserves), and the responsible management of resources. Natural Gas based Clean Energy Solutions is the fundamental ethos of the company’s DNA, and the Powergas management team possesses extensive expert knowledge of the local market & business environment. The company drives local capacity building through constant training & technology transfer. With Nigerians making up to 90 percent of the workforce, including key executive positions in finance, technology and environmental social governance (ESG), technology transfer is retained locally. Over the years, Powergas has main-tained a steady track record of recruiting, retaining, and developing top local talent, and ensuring that the local communities are part of the company’s success. Based on the foregoing, the CFI.co judging panel declares Powergas Africa as the winner of the 2019 Best Natural Gas Value Creation (Africa) award.


eBSI Export Academy: Best Online Trade Finance Accredited Courses Global 2019

The highly successful often share one trait: they’re life-long learners. The drive to improve oneself, hone skills and expand knowledge, is crucial now that societies and economies are evolving at record pace. eBSI Export Academy was founded in 2002 to provide accredited trade and finance courses to a worldwide audience through a digital learning platform. Since its launch, the academy has delivered certification-conferring courses to thousands in over 70 countries. It also develops bespoke e-Learning programmes and portals for Trade Finance Banks and Export Promotion Organisations. All eBSI courses encourage the constant development of professional competencies and are accredited by the CPD (Continuing Professional Development Certification Service) in the UK. eBSI Export Academy specialises in trade certifications and has established strategic partnerships to offer professionals around the world certifications through the Institute of Export & International Trade in the UK, the Institute of Supply Chain Management, and the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers. It has partnered with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to deliver an e-Learning based International Trade Finance certification that has reached over 1000 graduates in 25 countries in around the world. Through its SME Export Capacity Building programme – the International Trade Specialist programme, eBSI Export Academy asserts that anyone with gumption and grit can go from zero to hero in the export-import industry with its on-point CPD courses. The CFI.co judging panel is convinced that with eBSI, no professional is left behind. The judges name eBSI Export Academy as the worthy winner of the 2019 Best Online Trade Finance Accredited Courses (Global) award.


Perstorp Holding AB: Most Innovative Speciality Chemicals Solutions Sweden 2019

Perstorp Holding understands that powerful forces often come in small packages. Founded in Sweden in 1881, Perstorp draws upon these years of experience to provide a full suite of specialised solutions in organic chemistry, process technology, and application development. The group has developed a proprietary “thoughtful chemsitry” underpinned by a value set that demands responsibility, reliability, and focused innovation. Whether at home, work, or play, Perstorp aims to improve essential and everyday products to better serve people and planet. Around 1,350 employees work in Perstorp production plants and research facilities in Asia, Europe, and North America, all striving to follow a clear sustainability agenda while delivering a competitive edge for the company and its clients. Perstorp has pioneered a line of Pro-Environment Solutions that offer drop-in products created from full or partly renewable sources. These products help businesses reduce their carbon footprint — and distinguish themselves as an environmentally conscientious corporate citizen. The Pro-Environment sub-portfolios include Polyols and Specialty Products and meet the requirements for the independently assessed International Sustainability and Carbon Certification. The Pro-Environment portfolio underscores Perstorp’s ambition to begin the transition towards Finite Material Neutrality. Perstorp’s R&D department relentlessly searches for ways to improve, and some of its more notable contributions include super-soft phthalate-free plasticisers, making steel structures more fire resistant, and increasing grain and feed preservation. The CFI.co judging panel admires the company’s springboard strategy for sustainable growth and presents Perstorp Holding with the 2019 Most Innovative Speciality Chemicals Solutions (Sweden) award.


Ostec: Best IT Infrastructure Solutions West Africa 2019

Ostec is a front-runner of Ghana’s IT sector, and offers infrastructure solutions, managed services and consulting sessions to help clients extract the biggest bang from their tech investment buck. Ostec applies an industry focus to a comprehensive portfolio that targets banking and finance, telecoms, consumer and government products and services, and resources. It delivers industry-tailored solutions that are flexible, scalable, and crafted with a thorough understanding of the evolution and applicable technologies of each sector. Ostec urges clients to resist tech fads and instead take a more measured approach with a process of continuous tech updates. Ostec gives clients space and freedom to grow within the scope of their needs, scaling tech services as required. The company builds and operates data centres that clients trust for the protection, processing, and storage of their data. Ostec helps companies overcome crises with its Disaster Recovery Solutions operation, equipped with technology, connectivity, and a specialised support crew. Over the past two decades, the company has been key to Ghana’s growing reputation for top class tech infrastructure and has enabled its clients — from SME to blue-chip — consolidate their IT performance. As the company continues to fulfil its leadership role in the Ghanaian market, it envisions expansion into neighbouring countries such as Nigeria and Cameroon over the next five years. The CFI.co judging panel is pleased to present Ostec with the 2019 award for Best IT Infrastructure Solutions (West Africa).


Charterhouse Middle East: Best Talent Acquisition GCC 2019

At Charterhouse, ensuring candidates and clients receive the best service is the first priority Charterhouse understands that clients and candidates don’t just want to work with a Recruiter that has strong market knowledge but instead a Recruiter that shows passion and pride.

After the successful launch of Charterhouse in Australia in 2003, Charterhouse Middle East opened its door in April 2004, following offices opening in Hong Kong, Singapore and the UK.  The Charterhouse Middle East team has in-depth knowledge of the region and across numerous disciplines which include; Finance & Accountancy, Financial Services, Legal, Sales & Marketing, Information Technology, Hospitality & Retail, Professional Services, Human Resources, Supply Chain and Manufacturing and Real Estate.  Whatever the sector coverage, the Charterhouse Middle East team specializes in high-quality recruitment services that provides a more consultative approach rather than a transactional approach to both client and candidate relationships.

At Charterhouse, people placement is the top priority and there is recognition in finding that right opportunity for that right person who can then unlock their potential and hopefully make a change to their life.

Charterhouse Middle East has always been committed to growth and has developed a business that is able to tailor to market needs for both clients and candidates.  This shines through with their sister brand Charterhouse Labour Solutions which provides outsourced HR, Payroll and Visas services to further help clients grow their business in the UAE and adapt their hiring to best suit their commercial needs. The CFI.co judging panel points to Charterhouse Labour solution as a turnkey ticket. The judges declare Charterhouse Middle East as a worthy winner of the 2019 Best Talent Acquisition (GCC) Award.


Accendo Banco: Best Fintech Bank Mexico 2019

Accendo Banco started out 20 years ago as a subsidiary of two reputable international banks. In 2014, ownership and operation were assumed by a group of Mexican investors with a focus on the country’s business sector. Accendo Banco stands upon a bedrock of international best practices, including conscientious governance and a customer-centric model. Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) is a key component to open banking, in which banks open up their systems and allow third parties to access their data to enhance their own services. This growing market is transforming banking, reshaping incumbents' relationships with customers, and easing entry for fintechs. Accendo Banco has embraced this trend early on and has made significant investments in human capital and technology, including application programming interfaces (APIs) for third parties to develop new services. By actively partnering with fintech companies, Accendo Banco has shown that it can compete with the biggest banks in Mexico. White-label banking is a key strategy, where corporate clients partner with the bank to create their own financial products under their own name using Accendo Banco’s APIs. As such, Accendo Banco helps accelerate the growth of Mexican companies that often offer their financial products and services to Mexico’s under-banked population. Accendo Banco also has a proven track-record in offering solutions to other specific business sectors, such as the mining sector and the agriculture sector where it offers foreign exchange, fiduciary, and credit services, thereby fuelling the growth of individual organisations as well as the national economy. For its sterling role as a true business partner that is at the forefront of banking-as-a-service in Mexico, the CFI.co judging panel presents Accendo Banco with the 2019 Best Fintech Bank Mexico award.


Simba Group: Best Diversified Socio-Economic Value Creation Nigeria 2019

[caption id="attachment_7244" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] MD: Chief Vinay Grover[/caption]

To run a successful and sustainable business, profits must be balanced with social impacts. It’s a formula that Nigerian conglomerate Simba Group has been applying over the past three decades for the progress and prosperity of its clients and the country. Simba Group is a diversified corporation comprising five companies across industries crucial to Nigerian development: agriculture, alternative energy, backup power-supply systems, commercial vehicle sales and servicing, ICT infrastructure development, and networking and data transmission. The quality of the group’s products, and its commitment to service, unite the diversified companies. With a customer-centric focus, Simba Group fills the role of service provider and problem-solver, tackling the population’s most pressing challenges: power supply and transport. Simba’s transport division showcases the company’s contribution to the national economy. It can trace its roots to a bicycle business, but now also produces motorcycles and three-wheeled vehicles. These are products that help Nigerians meet their “last-mile” transport needs — and augment their earning potential. Each vehicle creates opportunities for riders, drivers, mechanics, dealers and parts distributors, making the sector one of the country’s biggest employment generators. Simba takes pride in providing clients with seamless power solutions, such as its Luminous “always-on” power inverter, the most advanced of which now comes with an in-built Lithium-Ion battery – a first for Nigeria. The newly launched, Luminous Regalia range are compact wall-mounted units which regulate and store energy to ensure safe and on-demand access to electricity. Meanwhile, on the other end of the spectrum, the Luminous DeLite provides an ultra-affordable entry range of inverters suitable for lighter loads, yet backed by the same level of quality and service that customers have come to expect from Simba. The CFI.co judging panel is pleased to present Simba Group, a repeat awards programme winner, with the 2019 award for Best Diversified Socio-Economic Value Creation (Nigeria).


Brockhaus Capital Management: Best Technology Strategic Investment Partner DACH 2019

Marco Brockhaus has devoted the past two decades to fast-tracking the growth potential of technology companies. He founded Brockhaus Private Equity in 2000, achieving impressive portfolio growth and healthy investor returns over the course of three private equity fund generations. Brockhaus Capital Management (BCM) was launched to deploy the same successful strategy, but over a longer timeframe — and with a focus on majority acquisitions. BCM is an acquisitions and holdings company targeting innovation- and technology-driven companies in German markets which differentiate themselves from their competitors. BCM acts as a strategic partner to assist the companies in business-scaling operations to speed expansion and boost profits. It helps entrepreneurs structure growth-capable organisations and optimises their management. BCM invests in innovation and technology leaders, and champions them to achieve their full potential. It has carved a niche in German-speaking markets for investments focussing on companies valued at €20m - €100m — with better results than small or medium-sized private equity firms. BCM invites investors to share in the spirit of innovation, as well as the profits. It plans to launch an IPO, bringing fungibility to a traditionally illiquid asset class. The CFI.co judging panel applauds the company’s active strategy and names Brockhaus Capital Management as the 2019 winner of the award for Best Technology Strategic Investment Partner (DACH).