XMTrading: Outstanding Forex Broker Asia 2025

XMTrading, established as a prominent brokerage, provides extensive access to global forex markets, catering to retail and institutional clients with precision and reliability. The company has cultivated a distinguished reputation by offering comprehensive trading services, including forex, commodities, indices, and equity CFDs, facilitated through advanced, user-friendly trading platforms. XMTrading places significant emphasis on client education, consistently delivering detailed resources such as webinars, market analyses, and tailored tutorials, empowering traders of all experience levels. Notably, it adheres stringently to transparent operational policies, implementing rigorous regulatory compliance standards to maintain investor confidence and safeguard client funds through segregated accounts with renowned financial institutions. XMTrading’s technology-driven infrastructure ensures rapid execution speeds and minimal latency, vital for traders seeking optimal trading conditions and efficient risk management. Furthermore, its multilingual customer support operates continuously, reflecting the company's commitment to client satisfaction and service excellence. Demonstrating strong market leadership, the company continues to innovate its trading instruments and enhance platform functionality, keeping pace with evolving market demands. With an unwavering focus on delivering superior service, robust trading infrastructure, and an exceptional client experience, XMTrading sets a benchmark within Asia’s competitive forex brokerage landscape. Its dynamic business model prioritises continuous improvement, reinforcing trust among a growing clientele and further cementing the brokerage’s established position as a reliable partner for traders across Asia’s increasingly sophisticated financial markets by consistently exceeding industry expectations and delivering measurable client outcomes. CFI.co Judging Panel congratulates XMTrading on winning the 2025 award for Outstanding Forex Broker Asia (Asia).


XMTrading: Most Transparent Broker Global 2025

XMTrading has distinguished itself internationally by championing transparency and ethical practices within the online brokerage sector. The company provides clients across the globe with unrestricted access to a diverse array of financial instruments, including currencies, commodities, stocks, and indices, underpinned by clear and straightforward trading conditions. XMTrading emphasises transparency through its robust operational frameworks, offering clients detailed insights into pricing structures, fee schedules, and execution speeds without hidden costs or ambiguous terms. It utilises advanced technological infrastructure to deliver real-time reporting, swift trade execution, and comprehensive transaction disclosures, enabling traders to operate with confidence and informed decision-making. Compliance with stringent regulatory standards further reinforces XMTrading's transparent reputation, promoting fairness and safeguarding investor interests. The company also actively engages in investor education, empowering clients with comprehensive resources and training materials designed to enhance financial literacy and transparency awareness. Its commitment to openness is reflected in rigorous internal audits and external certifications, ensuring continuous adherence to industry-leading transparency benchmarks. The brokerage's customer-centric ethos, combined with an uncompromising dedication to transparency, positions it as a trusted choice for both novice and experienced investors. XMTrading regularly solicits feedback from its client base, integrating constructive suggestions into practice, thus continually enhancing transparency and delivering superior client outcomes. Moreover, proactive communication strategies ensure information clarity and accountability throughout operations. The consistent reliability and clarity of XMTrading’s service provision affirm its status as an industry exemplar. CFI.co Judging Panel congratulates XMTrading on winning the 2025 award for Most Transparent Broker (Global).


Motion Equity Partners: Leader in Mid-Market Transformation Partnerships Europe 2025

Motion Equity Partners has built a reputation as a disciplined private equity firm with a clear and consistent strategy for delivering sustainable value creation. Established 14 years ago by experienced partners with more than two decades of track record, the firm focuses on majority investments in resilient French mid-market companies with global growth potential. With an entrepreneurial DNA and emphasis on selectivity, Motion has completed over 25 leveraged buyouts and more than 110 build-ups, achieving a 100 percent success rate in integration. Around 40 percent of acquisitions are in France, 30 percent across Europe and 30 percent worldwide, showcasing its ability to identify and execute cross-border strategies. The firm typically manages a concentrated portfolio of 12 to 14 assets, enabling close collaboration with management during early years. Motion is active in healthcare, agri-food, B2B services and smart industries, prioritising businesses with strong cash generation, pricing power and barriers to entry. By systematically reinforcing governance, financial and operational structures, and embedding dedicated M&A integration roles, the firm ensures synergies are captured and sustained. Its approach combines buy-and-build execution with investment in innovation, R&D and long-term positioning, resulting in exits delivering more than 3.5 times invested. With a commitment to nurturing internal talent, 80 percent of its team began as interns, reflecting the firm’s belief in continuity and operational understanding. The Capital Finance International (CFI.co) Judging Panel congratulates Motion Equity Partners on winning the 2025 Leader in Mid-Market Transformation Partnerships Award (Europe).


Banca d'Alba: Excellence in Financial Inclusivity and Impact Italy 2025

Banca d’Alba has established itself as Italy’s largest cooperative bank by membership and one of the most prominent cooperative institutions in Europe, distinguished by its commitment to financial inclusivity, community welfare, and growth. Founded 130 years ago, the bank now serves over 65,000 members and has experienced sustained expansion, with recent years marking its strongest performance. In a sector where thousands of branches have closed annually, Banca d’Alba has taken the opposite path, opening new branches in both urban centres such as Turin and Genova and in smaller towns and villages, ensuring access in communities. This approach underpins its mission of mutuality and responsibility, with inclusivity evident not only in branch expansion but also in the provision of low or zero-interest loans to disadvantaged groups, often in collaboration with municipalities. The bank has also pursued international cooperative initiatives, supporting development projects in Ecuador and Togo to promote livelihoods. Domestically, its focus on diversity and inclusion has been recognised through certifications, with women being more than men as a number of employees. Beyond financial services, Banca d’Alba has pioneered unique social programmes, including the operation of six owned medical centres providing free healthcare to members, which has delivered over three million treatments since 1994. Such initiatives exemplify the bank’s vision of combining financial stability with active citizenship, reinforcing trust and loyalty within its community. The Capital Finance International (CFI.co) Judging Panel congratulates Banca d’Alba on winning the 2025 Excellence in Financial Inclusivity and Impact Award (Italy).


ABF (An Binh Securities Investment Fund Management): Visionary in Capital Growth and Investor-Centric Solutions Vietnam 2025

ABF (An Binh Securities Investment Fund Management), headquartered in Vietnam, has become a notable force in the country's asset management industry. Although its private member fund ABEIF was established in 2017, ABF began focusing on fund management operations in 2020. Since then, it has achieved steady net asset value growth per certificate and scaled its presence, now ranking among the top five fund management entities in Vietnam. It operates the country’s largest private fund and the second-largest bond fund, a testament to strategic positioning and capital stewardship. ABF’s success is grounded in a strong understanding of its clientele and focus on under-served segments. It has helped broaden investor participation by tailoring educational efforts and investment products to audiences unfamiliar with structured offerings. Amid economic challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2022 bond market crisis, ABF showed resilience. Its funds weathered downturns and maintained stable performance. The firm credits this to its flexible investment style, investor engagement, and robust distribution network. Looking ahead, ABF plans to sustain growth through innovation. Following the launch of the ABFVN Diamond ETF in June 2024, it is preparing to introduce a stock mutual fund and pension fund to meet investor demand. With support from governmental reform and a shifting investor mindset towards professional fund management, ABF is well-positioned for expansion. CFI.co Judging Panel congratulates ABF on winning the 2025 award for Visionary in Capital Growth and Investor-Centric Solutions (Vietnam).


Berenberg: Best Strategic Asset Allocation & Asset Liability Management Team Germany & Austria 2025

Berenberg, Germany’s oldest privately owned bank, has cultivated a legacy of excellence in strategic investment consulting, leveraging over two decades of experience to support a diverse client base that includes institutional investors, corporate pension schemes, family offices, foundations, and ultra-high-net-worth individuals. Since 2019, its Investment Consulting team has overseen the development and execution of bespoke strategic asset allocation (SAA) and asset liability management (ALM) solutions across a platform with approximately €40bn in assets under management. At the core of Berenberg’s approach is a modular, high-performance consulting infrastructure that delivers tailored SAA and ALM studies with unrivalled speed and precision. This system is anchored by the team’s proprietary SAA & ALM Innovation Hub, an interactive, real-time dashboard enabling clients to collaborate with consultants while visualising forward-looking portfolio simulations. Recent enhancements to this hub include a dynamic risk factor analysis module, regulatory tools reflecting frameworks such as Solvency II and CRR III, and an advanced controlling section that facilitates proactive portfolio management. The team’s continuous dialogue with Berenberg’s central data and innovation unit ensures technological integration, driving efficiency, client retention, and strategic alignment. The result is a sophisticated OCIO offering that remains unmatched in the German-speaking market. CFI.co Judging Panel congratulates Berenberg on winning the 2025 award for Best Strategic Asset Allocation & Asset Liability Management Team (Germany & Austria).


SegurCaixa Adeslas: Best Insurer Spain 2025

SegurCaixa Adeslas has demonstrated exceptional resilience and strategic focus in a year marked by global uncertainty and shifting economic dynamics. As Spain’s leading health insurance company, it reinforced its dominance with revenue from premiums reaching €5.29bn in 2024, a growth of 8.1 percent over the previous year. This robust performance was further bolstered by the integration of the IMQ Group and a solid contribution to the growth of the Mutua Madrileña Group. A key strength lies in the company’s leadership in the health insurance segment, where it commands more than 30  percent market share—greater than its two nearest competitors combined. SegurCaixa Adeslas has continued to innovate its offering with advanced digital tools such as AI-powered chatbots and telehealth platforms, while enhancing customer experience through streamlined claims processes and personalised health plans. Strategic product development under the MyBox brand has fuelled significant growth across multirisks, accident, and car insurance segments, consistently outperforming market trends. The company’s commitment to quality is evidenced by improved service guarantees and extensive access to healthcare professionals and facilities. Brand strength has also surged, with Adeslas achieving top-of-mind recognition in a competitive advertising environment. Under its 2024–2026 Strategic Plan, SegurCaixa Adeslas is leveraging data-driven insights to enhance core products and client engagement, while deepening its strategic partnership with CaixaBank. Its dedication to sustainable, profitable growth continues to set a benchmark within the Spanish insurance market. CFI.co Judging Panel congratulates SegurCaixa Adeslas on winning the 2025 award for Best Insurer (Spain).


ABN AMRO MeesPierson: Innovator in Entrepreneurial Wealth Strategy Excellence Belgium 2025

ABN AMRO MeesPierson demonstrates a forward-thinking and holistic approach to private banking, placing the needs of entrepreneurs at the centre of its strategy. The bank recognises that entrepreneurial wealth management extends beyond a business exit, supporting clients at every milestone of their professional and personal journeys. By integrating corporate finance services into its wealth management offering, ABN AMRO MeesPierson provides guidance on mergers, succession planning, and company transfers, while also offering operational credit solutions to support businesses during growth. This ensures a seamless service in which one dedicated relationship manager coordinates private and professional aspects, working alongside specialist teams. Sustainability has been a core priority for more than two decades, underlining the bank’s commitment to helping clients navigate environmental, social, and governance challenges. Entrepreneurs benefit from tailored advice that highlights not only risks but also opportunities arising from sustainable transformation, with insights presented in a practical manner. The partnership with the Sustainability Centre of Vlerick Business School embodies the bank’s engagement in developing and sharing knowledge practical knowledge related to sustainable transition. The bank also recognises the significance of wealth transfer from baby boomers to the next generation, collaborating with Solvay Business School to prepare future leaders through education and networking. This balance of tradition, innovation, and responsibility positions the bank as a trusted partner for entrepreneurs in Belgium. The Capital Finance International (CFI.co) Judging Panel congratulates ABN AMRO MeesPierson on winning the 2025 Innovator in Entrepreneurial Wealth Strategy Excellence Award (Belgium).


Max Burger: Best Sustainable Restaurant Chain Europe 2025

Max Burger continues to set a pioneering example in the European restaurant industry through its deep-rooted commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. Operating across Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Poland, the company has sustained momentum in reducing its carbon footprint, achieving a further one percent reduction this year. In a significant stride towards a more climate-conscious menu, 50 of its 200 restaurants now ensure that every second meal served is meat-free. Alongside its environmental initiatives, Max Burger has broadened its internal engagement  and strengthened internal governance for sustainability . The company has notably reduced sugar content in its beverages and food offerings, reflecting a comprehensive approach to wellbeing and satisfaction. Leadership evolution has also marked the year, with Martin Oppenheimer assuming the role of Chief Executive Officer while Richard Bergfors, the former CEO, remains Executive Chairman, ensuring continuity of the brand’s founding ethos. Under its parent company Fair Distribution, Max Burger demonstrates a robust social conscience, with nine percent of profits directed to poverty alleviation programmes; the foundation has received a   SEK300m (approximately €30m) since it was founded in 2009. Max Burger first came to the CFI.co Judging Panel’s attention in 2018, and the panel believes it is this deep-rooted ethos—making sustainability and social responsibility part of Max Burger’s DNA—that helps the group continually thrive and achieve even greater impact. The Capital Finance International (CFI.co) Judging Panel congratulates Max Burger on winning the 2025 Best Sustainable Restaurant Chain Award (Europe).


Kay International AMEA Limited: Best Reinsurance Managing General Agent MENA 2025

Kay International AMEA Limited, headquartered in the Dubai International Financial Centre since 2016, has established itself as a trusted Managing General Agent with a reputation for underwriting excellence and operational integrity across complex and emerging markets. The company specialises in facultative and treaty reinsurance, providing tailored solutions that demonstrate depth and adaptability. Over the past decade, Kay has expanded its global footprint with offices in Miami and Singapore, enabling coverage across Latin America, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, Africa, Central Asia, the Middle East, and South Asia, while its Dubai operation continues to serve as a strategic hub. A defining feature of the firm’s model is its claims reserve fund, supported by reinsurance capacity providers, which allows Kay to settle claims directly and operate as a virtual reinsurer, ensuring efficiency and satisfaction. Kay has also built a diverse panel of highly rated reinsurers from multiple regions, mitigating concentration risk and fostering resilience in volatile environments. In 2025, it became the first MGA in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa to receive an AM Best Performance Assessment, achieving a PA-3 (Strong) rating, a milestone that underscores its financial strength, governance, and leadership. The company is equally committed to promoting awareness of the MGA model, engaging with regulators, and hosting industry discussions to encourage transparency and innovation in underdeveloped markets. The Capital Finance International (CFI.co) Judging Panel congratulates Kay International AMEA Limited on winning the 2025 award Best Reinsurance Managing General Agent (MENA).


QIC Group: Best Insurance Leadership GCC 2025

QIC Group continues to set the benchmark for insurance excellence, combining visionary leadership with a steadfast commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community engagement across the GCC and international markets. The Group’s impressive 2025 milestones reflect a holistic approach to growth — from sponsoring major cultural and sporting events such as the Katara International Arabian Horse Festival, S’hail 2025, and the Doha Marathon by Ooredoo, to strengthening Qatar’s reputation as a global centre for culture, sport, and innovation. QIC’s introduction of groundbreaking products such as School Fees Protection Insurance and Personal Cyber Insurance, alongside enhancements to its award-winning QIC App, demonstrates a deep understanding of evolving customer needs. Regionally, QIC has expanded its operational footprint through subsidiaries in Oman and Kuwait, celebrating OQIC’s 20th anniversary and doubling KQIC’s capital, while globally, QIC Asset Management earned distinction as a Top Investment House in Asian G3 Bonds. The Group's strategic investments in insurtech startups, its prominent participation in global events such as the Web Summit, and its role as host of the MENA Fintech and Insurtech Summits reaffirm its vital role as a digital innovator shaping the industry's future. Recognition at the MENA II Awards, the Insurance Asia Awards, and MSCI’s highest AAA ESG rating further underlines its excellence in governance, sustainability, and customer experience. Through continuous advancement in digitalisation, strategic partnerships, and market leadership, QIC Group exemplifies the values of Qatar National Vision 2030. The Capital Finance International (CFI.co) Judging Panel congratulates QIC Group on winning the 2025 Best Insurance Leadership Award (GCC).


IDFC First Bank: Best Digital Bank India 2025

IDFC FIRST Bank has redefined digital banking in India by blending advanced technologies with a deep-rooted commitment to customer-centricity. The bank’s digital strategy is anchored in accessibility, security, and inclusivity. This ensures that digital solutions are intuitive, empowering, and easy to use. Whether you're managing personal finances or running a business, you can access both accounts in one single mobile app, giving customers an unparalleled convenience. It caters to both high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) and rural customers. With over 250 thoughtfully designed features, the app simplifies banking by offering services right at customers’ fingertips. From 100% paperless instant savings account opening to personalized financial insights and superfast query resolution, every feature is designed to deliver a secure, seamless, and truly customer-first digital experience. Through strategic ecosystem partnerships and advanced digital infrastructure, IDFC FIRST Bank Mobile App empowers customers with a unified view of their finances, smart transaction filters, and personalized insights and maintain a strong competitive edge in today’s digital-first economy.

Innovation at IDFC FIRST Bank goes beyond banking services. IDFC FIRST Bank has launched the IDFC FIRST Academy, a digital literacy platform offering over 250 learning modules across 35 topics, in multiple vernacular languages. Accessible via mobile app, the curriculum is designed to promote financial literacy and inclusion at scale.

Through its forward-thinking approach, IDFC FIRST Bank continues to set new benchmarks in digital banking. It delivers equitable, secure, and transformative financial services to millions across India. The Capital Finance International (CFI.co) Judging Panel congratulates IDFC FIRST Bank on winning the 2025 Best Digital Bank Award (India).


Bank One Ltd: Best Custodian Bank Indian Ocean 2025

As a distinguished provider of securities services, Bank One leverages a robust open architecture model that ensures neutrality and eliminates product conflicts. This approach has enabled the bank to foster strong, enduring partnerships with external asset managers and regional banks across Africa. With a B2B-centric strategy, Bank One serves over 20+ financial institutions, delivering bespoke custodial solutions backed by direct and responsive client service. The bank has made significant investments in digital infrastructure, enabling a fully reconciled, near-instantaneous reporting environment and delivering real-time valuation reports via integrated market feeds, including Bloomberg. Beyond custody, Bank One offers a complementary suite of services, including treasury solutions and support for African currencies, creating added value for its institutional clients. Its deep presence across Africa, supported by its shareholders’ regional networks and on-the-ground teams in Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda, enhances both client proximity and market responsiveness. Bank One has a direct relationship with Euroclear, a unique capability, enabling cost-efficient and strengthening its competitive positioning. The bank’s growing assets under custody are a testament to its sustained growth and client trust. CFI.co congratulates Bank One Ltd on this remarkable achievement and its continued contribution to financial infrastructure development in the Indian Ocean region.


Banco Interatlântico: Visionary in Regional Economic Empowerment Cape Verde 2025

Banco Interatlântico plays a pivotal role in strengthening Cape Verde’s economy by focusing on financial inclusion, sustainable growth, and community empowerment. As the fourth largest bank in the country with around 11 to 12 percent market share in deposits, it has carved out a distinctive niche by concentrating on private individuals and household lending, where it ranks third in the market. The bank supports low-income citizens, women, and young entrepreneurs through tailored microcredit initiatives, including programmes co-developed with the Portuguese and Cape Verdean governments. These facilities, with maximum disbursements of 500 euros, are designed to encourage self-employment and foster resilience within communities. Banco Interatlântico recognises the lower credit risk presented by women-led ventures and offers preferential pricing to incentivise their pursuits. Beyond domestic operations, the bank supports the Cape Verdean diaspora by facilitating remittances and small-scale investments in housing and businesses, thereby sustaining livelihoods and strengthening ties. Partnerships with the IMF, World Bank, and IFC reinforce its credibility and enhance the impact of poverty-reduction initiatives. The institution is also advancing digital innovation, being the first in Cape Verde to implement qualified electronic signatures, enabling clients, particularly those abroad, to transact remotely. Sustainability is another strategic pillar, with the bank aligning with Caixa Geral de Depósitos’ objectives, hosting conferences, and pioneering initiatives to encourage corporate adoption of sustainable finance. The Capital Finance International (CFI.co) Judging Panel congratulates Banco Interatlântico on winning the 2025 Visionary in Regional Economic Empowerment Award (Cape Verde).


Cornerstone Insurance Plc: Leader in Insurance Growth & Profitability Nigeria 2025

Cornerstone Insurance Plc has established itself as a pioneering force within Nigeria’s insurance sector, setting new standards for growth, innovation, and client service. Guided by a strategy anchored in professionalism, integrity, and technological advancement, the company has distinguished itself through a commitment to improving insurance accessibility and penetration across Nigeria’s vast and diverse population. Its AI-enabled virtual assistant, Cici, represents a significant leap forward in customer engagement, providing real-time policy support, claims assistance, and enquiries handling for millions of clients simultaneously — a first in the Nigerian insurance industry. Cornerstone has successfully diversified its business through multiple channels, including agency distribution, bancassurance partnerships, and tailored product bundling. This expansion, supported by a culture of innovation, transparency, and strong corporate governance, has driven sustained profitability, with profits rising from ₦3bn three years ago to ₦17bn, and gross income reaching ₦29bn last year. The company’s prudent capital management ensures compliance with Nigeria’s evolving regulatory requirements, positioning it advantageously as the industry consolidates under new capital adequacy rules and emerging growth opportunities. Cornerstone’s subsidiaries, including Fin Insurance and Hilal Takaful Nigeria LTD, are fully capitalised, reinforcing its financial resilience and strategic agility across regional markets and beyond. The organisation’s progressive leadership philosophy — empowering motivated, skilled professionals who consistently deliver exceptional customer experiences — has cultivated a workplace of excellence, accountability, collaboration, and innovation. The Capital Finance International (CFI.co) Judging Panel congratulates Cornerstone Insurance Plc on winning the 2025 Leader in Insurance Growth & Profitability Award (Nigeria).


Hypo Vorarlberg: Innovator in Green Financing Solutions Austria 2025

Hypo Vorarlberg distinguishes itself by turning sustainability ambition into real-economy outcomes. A regionally anchored, mid-sized bank, it channels capital towards renewable generation and building renovations that lift energy efficiency, while maintaining long-standing exclusion policies covering coal, nuclear and human-rights-related exposures. The bank’s conservative risk posture, refined over more than a century, protects clients and communities through cycles and ensures that green lending remains resilient rather than trend-driven. Hypo Vorarlberg is also advancing an applied artificial intelligence agenda that augments, rather than replaces, its hallmark relationship advisory: AI tools are being deployed to surface client needs, strengthen suitability assessments and streamline processes, paired with a rigorous focus on cyber-resilience and regulatory compliance. This blend of prudence and innovation enables the bank to mobilise sustainable finance within its core markets of Vorarlberg, Austria and neighbouring German-speaking regions, including SMEs, real estate borrowers and supply-chain actors shifting towards electric mobility. The institution’s community ethos—evident in cultural sponsorships and service—reinforces a just transition approach, where environmental intent is matched by social responsibility and governance discipline. Judges noted strategic prioritisation of raising the green-finance share of the portfolio, a pathway to operationalise AI for internal and external processes to enhance efficiency and sustainability, and evidence of additionality in financing projects that reduce consumption as well as produce energy. Taken together, these features mark Hypo Vorarlberg as a capable catalyst of transformation. The Capital Finance International (CFI.co) Judging Panel congratulates Hypo Vorarlberg on winning the 2025 Innovator in Green Financing Solutions Award (Austria).


IBM: Superior Shareholder Engagement United States 2025

IBM has built a long-standing reputation for its strong governance framework and transparent communication with investors, setting a global benchmark for shareholder engagement. The company’s approach prioritises clarity, accountability, and long-term value creation, ensuring that every stakeholder is informed and involved in shaping its strategic direction. IBM’s investor relations programme integrates comprehensive reporting, open dialogue, and proactive outreach, enabling meaningful engagement with institutional and individual shareholders alike. Through consistent updates on financial performance, sustainability progress, and technological innovation, IBM fosters trust and reinforces confidence in its corporate vision. The company’s leadership maintains an active commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, aligning business objectives with sustainable growth and ethical responsibility. IBM’s annual meetings and continuous digital engagement platforms exemplify its dedication to transparency and inclusivity, allowing shareholders to provide valuable insights into governance and strategic decisions. Its efforts to strengthen communication channels have enhanced investor understanding of IBM’s transformation initiatives, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence, hybrid cloud solutions, and quantum computing. This open and collaborative approach underscores IBM’s recognition that engaged shareholders are essential to long-term corporate resilience and sustainable success. By cultivating mutual respect, trust, and accountability, the company continues to uphold its reputation as a leader in responsible business practice, sustainable innovation, and enduring stakeholder value creation across global industries and rapidly expanding international technology markets worldwide today. The Capital Finance International (CFI.co) Judging Panel proudly congratulates IBM on winning the 2025 Superior Shareholder Engagement Award (United States).


AccountAbility: Best ESG Strategy Development Partner Global 2025

AccountAbility is a global sustainability advisory, research, and standards firm that integrates thought leadership, frameworks, and board-level counsel to help organisations embed ESG principles and practices into corporate strategy, governance, performance, and impact for over 30 years.

Operating out of offices in London, New York, Riyadh, and Dubai as a Public Benefit Corporation, AccountAbility advances responsible business practices through its Advisory Services, Industry-based Research, and the AA1000 Series of Standards. Guided by a culture of decency, professionalism, and excellence, AccountAbility accentuates client service and delivers practical solutions across the broad range of existing and emergent sustainability challenges facing businesses.

Recognised by the World Economic Forum as an ESG Framework Developer and by Forbes and the Financial Times for its global consulting excellence, the firm combines rigour and pragmatism. Under Chief Executive Officer Mr Sunil (Sunny) A Misser, AccountAbility has reinforced its leadership bandwidth with an experienced Chief Operating Officer and other senior hires, enabling scalable delivery, strategic partnerships, and disciplined execution. The firm advises CEOs, Chairs, and Boards on the shift of sustainability “from sideline to bottom line”, aligning sustainability with the DNA of the business, and regularly convenes dialogues with global leaders on geopolitical business challenges, macro-economic trends and issues of corporate governance.

Recent client work includes a twelve-year programme supporting the International Monetary Fund on environmental data, reporting, and sustainable procurement, and the launch of the AccountAbility “S” Lab partnership with the Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership (City College of New York) to cultivate innovation and sustainability talent through accredited course-work, capstone projects, mentorship and professional fellowship experiences.

The firm is in the process of refreshing its AA1000 Stakeholder Engagement Standard (v3), in addition to recent updates to the Assurance Standard (AA1000 AS - v3) and AccountAbility Principles (AA1000 AP), to reflect current and future engagement needs, challenges, regulations and metrics.

The Capital Finance International (CFI.co) Judging Panel congratulates AccountAbility on winning the 2025 Best ESG Strategy Development Partner Award (Global).


Deem Finance: Visionary Leadership in Digital Transformation in Finance UAE 2025

Deem Finance is a UAE non-bank finance company with a purpose to serve underserved and underbanked segments through agile, partnership-led innovation. Founded in 2008–09 and now owned by Gargash Group, the institution has doubled down on inclusive finance by collaborating with fintechs to accelerate transformation without the delay of building everything in-house. It deploys alternative data and closed-loop designs to extend responsible credit to low-income workers and micro and small enterprises while reducing cash frictions and risk. Retail initiatives include a nano loan proposition and earned-wage access delivered through various fintech partners, providing short-term liquidity for blue-collar workers earning around $1000 monthly. On the SME side, Deem Finance is digitising FMCG supply payments by embedding a commercial credit capability within a beverages app, offering up to 50-day terms and removing costly cash collection. It is developing merchant lending embedded with payment networks at point of sale, using live transaction feeds to inform risk and repayment. Internally, the firm has driven cultural change, prioritising small proofs of concept, senior cross-functional sponsorship, and pragmatic use of AI to monitor call quality and escalate issues, improving service while building confidence in new tools. Strategic funding partnerships, including with J.P. Morgan, support scale as Deem Finance targets leadership among UAE non-bank lenders while maintaining a focus on purpose and prudence. The Capital Finance International (CFI.co) Judging Panel congratulates Deem Finance on winning the 2025 Visionary Leadership in Digital Transformation in Finance Award (UAE).


Solar Ventures: Excellence in Utility-Scale Solar Execution Europe 2025

Solar Ventures is recognised for its outstanding leadership and technical precision in the execution of utility-scale solar projects across Europe, combining deep industry foresight with disciplined, risk-managed delivery and a passion for sustainable innovation and measurable environmental impact. Founded by an entrepreneur with a background in venture capital and engineering, the company has consistently applied a strategic mindset rooted in competitiveness rather than subsidy dependence. Its evolution mirrors the broader trajectory of the solar industry, from early experimentation to today’s high-efficiency, data-driven deployment. Solar Ventures stands out for its disciplined approach to market entry, choosing jurisdictions such as Italy and Spain where it demonstrates exceptional understanding of regulatory frameworks and grid integration. Its projects, including pioneering developments in Jordan and large-scale portfolios exceeding 1GW in Spain, exemplify its ability to anticipate market shifts and seize opportunity in complex environments. The firm’s commitment to technological maturity — prioritising proven silicon-based systems while closely tracking next-generation materials and AI-enhanced plant management — underpins both performance reliability and investor confidence. In its next phase, Solar Ventures is expanding into distributed generation and behind-the-meter self-consumption, reflecting an agile adaptation to Europe’s decentralising energy landscape. Its unwavering belief in solar as the inevitable backbone of global energy transition, combined with operational excellence and an entrepreneurial spirit, positions the company at the forefront of Europe’s renewable energy future. The Capital Finance International (CFI.co) Judging Panel congratulates Solar Ventures on winning the 2025 Excellence in Utility-Scale Solar Execution Award (Europe).


Raiffeisen Bank International: Best Structured Products Bank CEE 2025

Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI) has demonstrated consistent leadership and innovation in the structured products landscape across Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) through its dedicated brand, Raiffeisen Certificates. With active distribution in ten CEE countries, including key markets such as Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Croatia and Poland, as well as recent momentum from Romania and the Western Balkans, the bank has successfully expanded its regional footprint. By tailoring structured bonds and certificates to specific customer needs and market conditions, RBI has positioned itself as a customer-centric and responsive issuer. The volume of structured products sold increased by 12.2 percent from 2023, reflecting strong market demand and growing client trust. As of May 2025, outstanding volumes reached a record high, marking a ten percent rise since the beginning of the year. The bank’s current offering encompasses around 6,000 certificates with diverse payoff profiles in multiple currencies, ranging from capital protection instruments to leverage products. Of particular note is its dominant position in Poland, where Raiffeisen Certificates has over 2,000 products listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange—making it the largest issuer by number of listings. This breadth and depth across markets illustrate RBI’s strategic focus, operational excellence and capacity to deliver sophisticated investment solutions that meet evolving demands of CEE investors. Strong local partnerships and digital capabilities further enhance distribution effectiveness and customer satisfaction. CFI.co Judging Panel congratulates Raiffeisen Bank International on winning the 2025 award for Best Structured Products Bank (CEE).


BAWAG Group AG: Best Banking Group Governance DACH 2025

BAWAG Group AG has demonstrated a disciplined and effective governance structure that has underpinned its strategic expansion and operational excellence across the DACH region. The company executed two major acquisitions—Knab Bank in the Netherlands, which brought with it a Dutch mortgage portfolio of €12.7bn, and Barclays Consumer Bank Europe in Hamburg, with both deals finalised in November and February respectively. These acquisitions, particularly Knab Bank’s focus on serving self-employed SMEs through digital-first solutions, have broadened BAWAG’s market reach and bolstered its customer base from 2.1 million to over 4 million globally. The bank remains steadfast in its emphasis on seamless integration, reflecting a prudent approach to growth and risk management. Financially, BAWAG reported €760mn in net profit, enabling a dividend increase from €5.00 to €5.50 per share—an indicator of sound capital management and shareholder value creation. Its strong governance framework is further evidenced by a return on tangible common equity that has increased to 26 percent, solidifying its status as one of the most profitable and resilient banks in the region. The company’s digital focus, robust capital position, and customer-centric acquisition strategy illustrate a comprehensive governance model that balances innovation with accountability and long-term sustainability goals and regulatory standards. These factors collectively affirm BAWAG Group AG’s leadership in banking governance, aligning stakeholder interests while navigating complex regulatory environments. CFI.co Judging Panel congratulates BAWAG Group AG on winning the 2025 award for Best Banking Group Governance (DACH).


AFC (Africa Finance Corporation): Champion of Strategic Economic Growth Financing Africa 2025

Since its inception in 2007, AFC has mobilised over US$15 billion in investments across 36 African countries, creating over 7 million jobs (direct and indirect) and driving industrialisation and sustainable development across the continent.

AFC leads with a solutions-focused approach, tackling market failures and driving industrialisation through strategic infrastructure investments. By addressing medium- to large-scale challenges, AFC develops scalable models that encourage broad participation and generate long-term economic impact. Its investment strategy centres on critical sectors like power, transport & logistics, natural resources, heavy industries, and telecommunications & technology, pioneering transformative projects such as independent power producers, railways, and industrial parks that foster sustainable growth across Africa.

Collaboration is core to AFC’s success, as evidenced by its partnerships with governments, private investors, and development finance institutions. This approach has unlocked significant opportunities, including green bond issuances and the mobilisation of African capital. AFC also supports intra-African trade integration and regional connectivity, driving landmark rail projects that link markets across borders. Its commitment to value addition, import substitution, and local resource mobilisation reflects AFC’s vision of self-sustaining African development.

AFC’s impact across Africa is clear through projects like Red Sea Power in Djibouti, which strengthens Vision 2030 and regional energy security. Its investments in Infinity Power Holdings and ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms are transforming energy and industrial sectors, with ARISE’s $1 billion carbon-neutral zone in Gabon generating $842 million in GDP and creating 34,000+ jobs. AFC is also driving the development of 10 GW of renewable energy capacity continent-wide. As lead developer of the Lobito Railway Corridor, AFC is enhancing trade routes, boosting mineral exports, and reducing transport costs, unlocking significant economic growth for southern Africa. Through partnerships with the U.S. Government, European Union, African Development Bank, and governments across the region, AFC is powering economic integration and growth across the continent.

CFI.co Judging Panel congratulates AFC (Africa Finance Corporation) on winning the 2025 award for Champion of Strategic Economic Growth Financing Africa.


Barrow Hanley: Best Global Value Investment Partner United States 2025

[caption id="attachment_13216" align="aligncenter" width="900"] CEO Cory Martin[/caption]

Barrow Hanley is a traditional, research-driven value investment firm with a stable culture and a disciplined process spanning US large and mid cap, global all cap, non-US developed markets and emerging markets. It seeks high-quality companies at reasonable valuations with identifiable catalysts, robust free cash flow and prudent balance sheets, emphasising operating leverage and downside protection. The firm has demonstrated resilience through shifting cycles, maintaining valuation discipline while finding pragmatic ways to participate in structural themes such as data-centre infrastructure and defence. Portfolio construction is rigorous, with position sizing, profit-taking and risk controls designed to preserve alpha and temper volatility. Client alignment is central: Barrow Hanley offers customised solutions to accommodate benchmark sensitivities, capacity needs and ESG requirements, exemplified by a dedicated ESG mandate for a leading Nordic institution that has scaled to 1.3bn in roughly eighteen months. The firm’s global insights are informed by sector coverage and engagement with management teams, focusing on clear strategic plans, capital allocation discipline and multiple avenues for value realisation. Recent product development includes a UK UCITS mid-cap strategy attracting early interest, reflecting demand for active value expertise. In a regime of normalised inflation and interest rates, Barrow Hanley argues that valuation is a decisive driver of returns, and its five-year records across US and ex-US strategies are competitive against global market indices. The Capital Finance International (CFI.co) Judging Panel congratulates Barrow Hanley on winning the 2025 Best Global Value Investment Partner (United States).


Tekcapital: Leadership in High-Value Intellectual Property Strategies Global 2025

Tekcapital plc, founded by Dr. Clifford Gross in 2014 following research he conducted during an Oxford MBA programme, was created with the mission of helping to unlock the vast commercial potential of university-developed intellectual property that often remains unutilised. The company identified that approximately 80 percent of academic discoveries never reach the market, representing a significant loss of valuable global intellectual capital. Tekcapital addressed this challenge by building the world’s most extensive specialised search engine, linked to more than 4,500 universities across 162 countries, enabling the identification of promising innovations. To help assess their viability, Tekcapital established a global science board of over 60 experts and acquired Invention Evaluator, an analytical service that assesses the market potential of new technologies, which it later enhanced with generative AI and spun out as a separate listed company (GENIP plc), which now supports over 250 universities and corporations worldwide including NASA and Hewlett-Packard. Recognising the opportunity to leverage its own methodologies, Tekcapital created and invested in five innovative portfolio companies founded on compelling intellectual property, four of which are already listed and a fifth which recently filed an S1, preparing it for public markets. From initial net assets of $1.7m in 2014, Tekcapital has grown to $77.4m in the first half of 2025, consistently achieving returns on invested capital of around 25 percent annually in a sector where 90 percent of start-ups fail and only one in 2,000 receive venture funding. Its model combines rigorous technology assessment, strategic intellectual property protection, and comprehensive support for entrepreneurial teams, demonstrating the effectiveness of its approach to bridging the gap between academia and market application. The Capital Finance International (CFI.co) Judging Panel congratulates Tekcapital on winning the 2025 Leadership in High-Value Intellectual Property Strategies Award (Global).


Norvestor: Best Sustainable Equity Investor Nordics 2025

Norvestor continues to demonstrate a maturing and dynamic commitment to sustainability, with its investment strategies and portfolio management increasingly shaped by robust environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. The firm has maintained momentum since its previous recognition, with clear progress in operational efficiency and optimisation across its funds. Strategic direction remains embedded in Norvestor’s annual Value Creation Plan, which mandates a structured sustainability reporting cycle and ESG workshops attended by senior management across portfolio companies. These sessions, lasting up to three hours, have fostered meaningful dialogue, accountability, and alignment between sustainability objectives and business strategy. Notably, the firm applies Double Materiality assessments to identify and prioritise ESG topics that are both financially and socially material. Norvestor’s approach ensures that sustainability is not an ancillary concern but a central pillar of each portfolio company’s business plan. Initiatives to enhance due diligence and streamline regulatory compliance—particularly in response to EU requirements—have been prioritised. The organisation has engaged sceptical leadership through ten strategic workshops, and deepened knowledge exchange through a hybrid ESG summit that supports sustainability professionals working in smaller or isolated teams. CFOs are now actively involved in shaping sustainability agendas, reflecting a linkage between financial stewardship and ESG performance. An expanding sustainability team underlines Norvestor’s commitment to continual improvement despite ongoing challenges. This evolving framework positions the firm as a leading advocate for sustainable value creation. CFI.co Judging Panel congratulates Norvestor on winning the 2025 award for Best Sustainable Equity Investor (Nordics).


QNB Egypt: Best SME Bank and Best Retail Bank Egypt 2025

QNB Egypt is a leading financial institution committed to delivering innovative banking solutions tailored to individuals and businesses. With a strong focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the bank provides a comprehensive suite of financial products, including tailored lending solutions, trade finance, and cash management services. It actively supports SMEs by offering advisory services and digital banking tools that enhance operational efficiency and growth potential. In retail banking, QNB Egypt has established itself as a trusted partner by delivering a wide range of personalised financial solutions, including savings and investment products, mortgage financing, and consumer lending. Its dedication to digital transformation is evident in the continuous development of secure and user-friendly mobile and online banking platforms, ensuring seamless transactions and enhanced accessibility. The bank prioritises customer satisfaction by integrating advanced technology with personalised service, fostering financial inclusion across diverse demographics. QNB Egypt also upholds strong corporate social responsibility values, actively contributing to economic development and community well-being through financial literacy initiatives and sustainable banking practices. Its forward-thinking approach and commitment to excellence have reinforced its reputation as a reliable and progressive financial services provider. By maintaining high standards of service, innovation, and inclusivity, the bank continues to play a crucial role in strengthening Egypt’s financial landscape and empowering future generations through accessible and customer-focused banking solutions. The CFI.co Judging Panel proudly congratulates QNB Egypt on winning the 2025 awards for Best SME Bank and Best Retail Bank (Egypt).


SilverCross Investment Management: Best ESG Global Small-Cap Fund Manager Netherlands 2025

SilverCross Investment Management has been recognised for its unwavering dedication to embedding Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles into every aspect of its investment philosophy, demonstrating a depth of conviction rarely seen in the global small-cap arena. Established in 2014 with a singular focus on global small-cap equities, the firm built its approach from a blank canvas, allowing ESG considerations to form an integral part of its investment DNA rather than a regulatory afterthought. Its disciplined four-phase ESG integration process-spanning screening, Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) mapping, proprietary scoring, transparent engagement and continuous improvement-ensures that sustainability is treated not as a marketing narrative but as a value-creating and risk-mitigating discipline. SilverCross stands apart in its granular analysis of SDG targets, its insistence on internal rather than outsourced ESG assessments, and its capacity to engage directly with executive management across its concentrated portfolio of approximately 30 companies. This deeply thoughtful approach has enabled the firm to encourage tangible behavioural and operational improvements among investee companies while maintaining a top-decile performance track record since inception. Its emphasis on high-quality businesses with strong balance sheets, sustainable competitive advantages and aligned ownership has proven remarkably resilient across market cycles. The result is a robust, performance-led demonstration that ESG integration and superior returns are not mutually exclusive but mutually reinforcing. The Capital Finance International (CFI.co) Judging Panel congratulates SilverCross Investment Management on winning the 2025 Best ESG Global Small-Cap Fund Manager Award (Netherlands).


Beyond Capital Partners: Innovator in Succession Solutions and Expansion Capital DACH 2025

Beyond Capital Partners (BCP) earns this distinction for its disciplined ability to guide mid-sized companies through succession and growth inflection points with strategic clarity, operational rigour, thoughtful stewardship, and measurable performance. In 2025, the investment firm advanced several executed buy-and-build strategies, enabling “Dr. Hoffmann Facility Services”, a leading facility services provider in Germany, to strengthen its footprint through the acquisition of ABRAXA Gebäudereinigung. The continued growth of “Ank-Kaiser Sanitätshaus” also stood out in 2025, as the company climbed into a top-five position in the medical supply store segment in Germany through the focused acquisition of Sanitätshaus blu and Sanitätshaus Hagenauer Orthopädietechnik. By BCP´s latest acquisition – “Klmed”, a leading contract staffing provider for medical healthcare facilities – it highlighted the firm’s aptitude for identifying resilient, strong-growth businesses as well in sectors that contribute to the public health service and will foster growth through this active partnership. The release of the BCP Sustainability Report 2024 demonstrated its commitment to transparent, data-led ESG integration, reinforced by membership in the Federal Initiative for Impact Investing and its position as a finalist in the Real Deals Sustainable Investment Award 2025. Beyond Capital Partners expanded its influence across the private equity ecosystem through contributions at leading domestic and international Private Equity conferences such as SuperReturn International 2025, 0100 Conference DACH, IPEM Cannes, and multiple Real Deals events, while amplifying thought leadership via its inaugural ”Beyond Capital Partners Women in M&A” scholarship at Frankfurt School of Finance & Management. Its philanthropic engagement, including an orphanage donation at the International Festhalle Riding Tournament Frankfurt for the third year in a row, underscored its philosophy and commitment to responsible entrepreneurship and a give-back contribution. The Capital Finance International (CFI.co) Judging Panel congratulates Beyond Capital Partners on winning the 2025 Innovator in Succession Solutions and Expansion Capital Award (DACH).


Universal Trustees (UTPL): Excellence in Structuring Generational Wealth India 2025

Universal Trustees (UTPL) earns recognition for its disciplined approach to designing long term wealth structures that unite legal precision with practical sensitivity to family dynamics. The company focuses on maintaining continuity, protecting beneficial ownership, and ensuring clarity of control as wealth transitions across generations and jurisdictions.

It differentiates itself through a client-centred methodology that prioritises education, consensus-building, and thoughtful evaluation of each family’s objectives before advising any structure. UTPL’s multidisciplinary Structuring Oversight adds depth by drawing on taxation, regulatory, and governance expertise to refine recommendations and deliver solutions capable of withstanding shifting domestic and cross-border requirements.

The company further strengthens its service through technology-enabled processes that support on boarding, workflow management, governance, and accounting, while preparing for a fully integrated platform designed to enhance transparency and operational discipline.

Strategic ambition underpins UTPL’s plans to extend its capabilities to global centres enabling it to serve internationally mobile families without compromising the coherence essential to long-lasting arrangements. Its commitment to innovation, coupled with an emphasis on emotional cohesion, allows UTPL to create structures that remain resilient as families evolve and diversify.

This forward-looking outlook reinforces the trust placed in the company by families seeking transparent, adaptive, and expertly governed solutions that can respond to complex regulatory expectations while safeguarding assets and relationships for many more future generations.

The Capital Finance International (CFI.co) Judging Panel congratulates Universal Trustees (UTPL) on winning the 2025 Excellence in Structuring Generational Wealth Award (India).


Paratus Energy: Leader In Capital-Efficient Offshore Energy Services Global 2025

Paratus Energy is honoured for demonstrating that capital discipline can deliver returns in an inherently cyclical offshore market. Since late 2022 it has executed a complex separation from Seadrill, assumed operations in Mexico, and built a capable organisation from a standing start, strengthening governance and financial control. It converted asset positioning into visibility by securing $2.5bn of Brazilian backlog, enabling refinancing through a $500m Nordic bond transaction, among the region’s largest offshore deals in more than a decade, and subsequently completing an Oslo IPO, advancing from Euronext Growth to the Oslo Stock Exchange main list in November 2024. Operational credibility is amplified by its Seagems joint venture, which has won Petrobras’ Best Suppliers Award for flexible pipeline installation several times, most recently in 2025, sustaining national leadership in a demanding niche. In Mexico, despite payment delays exceeding six months from a leveraged client, Paratus has remained proactive, including a $209m monetisation supported by a third-party international bank. Portfolio streamlining, including monetising the Archer stake, enhances focus and cash conversion, supporting six consecutive quarterly dividends at a steady level. Overall performance has also surpassed initial financial guidance in both 2024 and 2025. It prioritises high-quality reporting, prudent leverage, and reinvestment where returns are clear. The Capital Finance International (CFI.co) Judging Panel congratulates Paratus Energy on winning the 2025 Leader In Capital-Efficient Offshore Energy Services Award (Global).


Monte Bravo: Innovator in Private Client Ecosystem Structuring Excellence Brazil 2025

Monte Bravo earns recognition for redefining Brazil’s private-client landscape through an ecosystem that prioritises independence, transparency, and client-centric advice in a market long dominated by commission-based models. The company distinguishes itself by transitioning from a financial advisory firm into a full-service platform incorporating a broker-dealer, family office capabilities, wealth planning, succession and tax structuring, investment banking access, and corporate solutions. This evolution enables it to deliver elevated service standards across a four-tier segmentation model, ensuring that retail, advisory, affluent, and private clients receive tailored support. Monte Bravo’s commitment to transforming industry culture is most evident in its leadership of the fee-based advisory movement, where it has already converted 30percent of its client base and aims to reach 50percent next year, demonstrating momentum in shifting incentives towards long-term value creation. Client satisfaction metrics validate this direction, with ENPS scores reaching 95percent for private clients and 73percent for retail clients—exceptional results in the Brazilian market. The firm invests in advisor development, leveraging global expertise, enhanced data intelligence, and AI-supported processes to elevate advisory quality. Its partnerships with corporate education providers and training programmes reinforce a disciplined focus on client experience excellence. By importing global best practice and adapting it to local realities, Monte Bravo consistently positions itself as a catalyst for structural modernisation across Brazil’s wealth-management sector. The Capital Finance International (CFI.co) Judging Panel congratulates Monte Bravo on winning the 2025 Innovator in Private Client Ecosystem Structuring Excellence Award (Brazil).


BlueGem Capital Partners: Champion of Multichannel Consumer Investment Leadership Europe 2025

BlueGem Capital Partners earns this distinction for its disciplined specialisation in consumer staples and its ability to translate deep-sector conviction into consistent value creation across Western Europe. The firm articulates a clear thesis: in a polarising private-equity landscape dominated by global asset-management giants, sustainable success for mid-market specialists depends on agility, disruptive insight, and rigorous focus. BlueGem distinguishes itself by concentrating on essential, non-commodity consumer categories — including food and beverage, personal care, consumer health, baby care, and pet food — where demand stability allows transformation rather than economic cycles to drive returns. Its investment strategy is strengthened by advanced AI embedded across the value chain, enabling the firm to identify outperforming niches, conduct digital and brand due diligence, and accelerate innovation by pinpointing unmet demand with precision. BlueGem’s B2B and B2B2C orientation reflects an informed understanding of how digital disruption, evolving search behaviour, and fragmented consumer attention reshape competitive advantage. Its portfolio management model prioritises digitalisation, international expansion, and targeted product launches, supported by human-capital, operational, and financial enhancements. A disciplined buy-and-build approach further facilitates global scaling while preserving the stability inherent in consumer-staples exposure. Throughout, BlueGem demonstrates leadership in navigating rapid industry evolution with speed and clarity, using AI-enabled analysis and sector expertise to anticipate structural shifts and position its companies for sustained outperformance well beyond. The Capital Finance International (CFI.co) Judging Panel congratulates BlueGem Capital Partners on winning the 2025 Champion of Multichannel Consumer Investment Leadership Award (Europe).


Earth Active: Excellence in ESG Risk & Investment-Advisory UK 2025

Earth Active earns the 2025 Excellence in ESG Risk & Investment - Advisory Award (UK), recognising its leadership in transforming complex environmental and social risk considerations into rigorous, decision-grade insight that enables responsible and resilient capital deployment across emerging markets. This award further underscores the firm’s pivotal role in strengthening ESG performance in regions where robust advisory is essential.

This distinction reflects Earth Active’s ability to integrate global expertise, both in-house and through a trusted network of specialist associates, with deep, on-the-ground experience. Its multidisciplinary teams operate across the Middle East, Central and Southeast Asia, Africa, and Europe, delivering assessments that combine technical excellence with practical operational understanding. Through this approach, ESG considerations are embedded as core drivers of project viability, long-term performance, and investor confidence, reinforcing the firm’s reputation as a trusted leader in ESG advisory.

By identifying and mitigating environmental and social risks at the earliest stages of the project lifecycle, Earth Active strengthens governance and delivers enduring environmental outcomes. The company is widely recognised for supporting developers in structuring capital aligned with the IFC Performance Standards and the Equator Principles, ensuring best-practice improvements that extend well beyond individual transactions. Earth Active also plays a key role in screening prospective transactions on behalf of lenders, enabling early identification of material ESG risks and supporting informed credit and investment decisions at origination, a capability that has become increasingly valued as ESG expectations continue to evolve globally.

Earth Active has earned a distinguished reputation among leading lenders for consistently delivering focused, actionable ESG advice that safeguards value while enabling essential infrastructure development. Through this work, the firm plays a critical role in directing capital toward sustainable growth and responsible environmental stewardship in regions where robust ESG advisory is indispensable, positioning the company as an influential contributor to sustainable finance. The award also acknowledges Earth Active’s sustained commercial success, including consistent revenue growth of approximately 30%, underpinned by their disciplined analytical framework that isolates material ESG risks and translates them into practical, commercially relevant insights for financial institutions and project developers. This growth further reflects strong client confidence and the increasing demand for high quality ESG risk advisory.

The Capital Finance International (CFI.co) Judging Panel congratulates Earth Active on being named recipient of the 2025 Excellence in ESG Risk & Investment - Advisory Award (UK), affirming the confidence and trust placed in the firm by its clients, partners, and the wider investment community. The panel commends Earth Active’s ongoing contribution to advancing ESG standards and enabling responsible investment across global markets.


Eaglestone: Champion of Project Finance Excellence Sub-Saharan Africa 2025

Eaglestone earns this distinction for its sustained leadership in project finance and its ability to unite technical expertise, financial structuring capability and regional presence to advance infrastructure across Sub-Saharan Africa. With three decades of experience and teams established in Angola and South Africa, it maintains an understanding of regulatory environments, sponsor expectations and government priorities, enabling it to shape bankable projects in markets where transactions often require extensive groundwork before reaching investors. In Angola, its collaboration with public institutions has advanced transport and logistics concessions, supported by technical preparation and a commitment to working on the ground, even during periods of disruption. In South Africa, it supports private-sector energy and renewable initiatives by aligning project structures with the requirements of a mature financial sector and institutional investors. Eaglestone’s investment-banking heritage strengthens its ability to connect local project development with the standards demanded by international lenders, multilaterals and export credit agencies, ensuring contractual and financial frameworks are credible. Its work on cross-border transmission and railway corridors demonstrates its role in enabling infrastructure crucial for regional integration and economic progress. As governments place greater emphasis on private-sector participation to ease fiscal pressure and accelerate delivery, Eaglestone’s combination of technical capability, regional insight and structured execution positions it as a trusted partner to effectively guide projects from early development through to financial close. The Capital Finance International (CFI.co) Judging Panel congratulates Eaglestone on winning the 2025 Champion of Project Finance Excellence Award (Sub-Saharan Africa).


CABEI: Outstanding Contribution to Economic Development Latin America 2025

Founded 65 years ago by five Central American nations, the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) has evolved into a pivotal financial institution with 15 member countries across Latin America, Europe, and Asia. As a leading multilateral development bank, CABEI has demonstrated its relevance by contributing nearly 50 percent of all multilateral financing in the region over the past two decades. The bank’s interventions have enabled essential infrastructure development, including the Central American Electrical Interconnection System (SIEPAC), road networks, healthcare and education facilities, and sanitation systems. CABEI leverages its +AA credit rating — Latin America’s highest — to mobilise resources through the international capital markets and provide favourable financing terms to its member countries. Since 2019, CABEI has issued 34 ESG-labelled bonds totalling more than $8.2bn, encompassing social, green, blue, sustainability and thematic bonds, including the first Sports Bond and the first Mother Health bond. Under its strategic framework, CABEI focuses on transparency, financial rigour, operational excellence, and impact. It maintains a 75 percent project-based lending profile — uncommon among multilateral banks — ensuring tangible benefits across member states. Its climate adaptation and nature-based initiatives address environmental challenges in vulnerable regions, supported by partnerships with the EU, KfW, AfD, and the Green Climate Fund. CABEI also champions inclusive growth through SME support, public-private partnerships, and gender equity. With record net income in 2024 and an improved outlook, CABEI remains a cornerstone for sustainable development and regional integration. The CFI.co Judging Panel congratulates CABEI on winning the 2025 award for Outstanding Contribution to Economic Development (Latin America).


Onward Opportunities Ltd: Excellence in Small-Cap Value Investing & Return Generation UK 2025

Onward Opportunities Ltd is recognised for a disciplined, genuinely active approach to UK small-cap value investing that combines early idea generation, constructive engagement and clear return focus. The company differentiates itself by identifying mispriced businesses either before broader market recognition or after investor capitulation, targeting situations where neglect or misunderstanding has created compelling value. Its contrarian philosophy is matched by a hands-on, non-activist engagement style, working with management on strategy, operations, capital structure and governance to unlock intrinsic value and avoid value traps. Crucially, the company invests with a three-to-five-year horizon, seeking multiple, reinforcing catalysts rather than relying on single events, and grounding each investment in evidence of recoverable value and comparable transaction multiples. This patient, bottom-up discipline has delivered measurable results, with the fund generating 50.2% NAV growth and 48 percent growth since launch two and a half years ago and recording several successful corporate takeouts despite its early life. Asset growth from £12m at inception to £43.3m underscores investor confidence and positions the fund among a very small cohort of newly launched UK vehicles to achieve both scale and performance in a challenging market. The company’s forward-looking assessment of macro conditions, allied to situation-specific stock selection, demonstrates strategic clarity without compromising flexibility. Risk management, liquidity awareness and alignment with investors strengthen outcomes. The Capital Finance International (CFI.co) Judging Panel congratulates Onward Opportunities Ltd on winning the 2025 Excellence in Small-Cap Value Investing & Return Generation Award (UK).


KenGen: Excellence in Green Energy Infrastructure East Africa 2025

KenGen, East Africa's largest electricity producer earns recognition for converting national-scale assets into a consistently low-carbon, resilient platform that materially supports growth across East Africa. With 1,786MW of installed capacity, around 90 percent renewable output and roughly 60 percent domestic market share, it strengthens security of supply while cutting grid emissions. KenGen’s geothermal fleet is a principal reason Kenya sits among the world’s leading producers, ranking seventh globally and first in Africa, and it continues to deepen this advantage through disciplined expansion. Its Good to Great 2034 strategy is practical and measurable, targeting 1,500MW of new capacity over 10 years, supported by 500MW of storage to manage variable renewables and protect system stability. Execution is already visible in asset optimisation, including rehabilitation of Olkaria I that lifts output from 45MW to 63.5MW, and in cost-smart solar deployment, such as a 42.5MW plant co-located with hydropower infrastructure to optimise water use against evening demand peaks. KenGen also advances green industrialisation via the KenGen Green Energy Park special economic zone, attracting data centre, electric vehicle manufacturing and fertiliser investments enabled by geothermal steam, clean power and hydrogen-linked production. A clear $4.30bn resource mobilisation plan, innovative joint ventures, public–private partnerships and climate-finance access, complemented by a World Bank-backed geothermal training centre and regional consultancy, extends impact through skills, technology transfer, and replicable delivery. The Capital Finance International (CFI.co) Judging Panel congratulates KenGen on winning the 2025 Excellence in Green Energy Infrastructure Award (East Africa).


Servac: Excellence in Actuarial & Communication Services France 2025

Servac is recognised for an actuarial philosophy that places intellectual rigour, contextual intelligence and clarity of communication at the centre of pension scheme advisory work, enabling decision-makers to understand not only outcomes but the forces shaping them. The company distinguishes itself through an unwavering focus on real-world diversity, rejecting standardised solutions in favour of approaches grounded in demographic reality and local labour structures. By systematically uncovering and analysing often-overlooked data — particularly detailed demographic information — Servac builds dynamic models that project pension scheme evolution 10 to 15 years ahead, revealing hidden liabilities and long-term risks that conventional contribution-versus-expense views fail to capture. This forward-looking insight has proven decisive in preventing structural imbalances and safeguarding scheme sustainability across France and internationally. Servac’s capacity to address non-standard situations, such as hybrid or community-based labour forces, demonstrates rare adaptive expertise, translating actuarial theory into workable frameworks where orthodox models cannot operate. The company also contributes thought leadership by challenging ideological divides within actuarial science, offering credible analytical bridges between pay-as-you-go and funded systems, and restoring judgement where rule-based compliance has overtaken thinking. Through transparent modelling and clear explanation, Servac enables stakeholders to grasp future consequences and act responsibly in the present with confidence and foresight. This combination of technical excellence and communicative strength underpins Servac’s reputation as a trusted adviser in complex pension environments. The Capital Finance International (CFI.co) Judging Panel congratulates Servac on winning the 2025 Excellence in Actuarial & Communication Services Award (France).


Municipal Pension Plan: Excellence in Public Sector Pension Management Canada 2025

Municipal Pension Plan is recognised distinctively for exemplary stewardship of one of Canada’s largest defined benefit pension arrangements, demonstrating how purpose-led governance and disciplined innovation can safeguard member security while preparing for long-term systemic change. Serving approximately 470,000 members, the Plan anchors every strategic decision to its legislated mandate of paying pensions reliably, a focus reinforced by its fully funded status, consistent cost-of-living adjustments and continued access to post-retirement health and dental benefits. A defining differentiator is the Plan’s growth for generations strategy, which expands access to secure retirement income for British Columbians, strengthening communities and the broader economy while improving long-term risk pooling. The Judging Panel also recognises the Plan’s leadership in risk-aware responsible investment, notably its net zero goal, adopted as part of the Plan’s risk adjusted return investment policy and already achieving a 50percent reduction in portfolio emissions against a 55percent 2030 interim target as measured by the British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (BCI), alongside $4.4bn allocated to climate-related opportunities. Governance excellence is sustained through a long-standing joint trustee model, ensuring balanced oversight while enabling  strategic policy responses to emerging risks, from cybersecurity to geopolitical instability. Operational efficiency is further enhanced through close collaboration with its investment manager BCI, lowering costs through internal investment asset management , improving net returns for members. This approach underpins confidence, transparency and resilience across cycles, reinforcing trust among members, employers and stakeholders alike nationwide and over time. The Capital Finance International (CFI.co) Judging Panel congratulates Municipal Pension Plan on winning the 2025 Excellence in Public Sector Pension Management Award (Canada).


Western Development Commission: Leadership in Regional Innovation and Impact Investment Ireland 2025

The Western Development Commission (WDC) is recognised for its leadership in advancing regional innovation and impact investment across Western Ireland. Central to this success is the organisation’s unique ‘Evergreen’ fund model. By recycling investment returns into new ventures, the WDC demonstrates how patient, strategic capital can create a self-sustaining engine for economic and social value. The judging panel was impressed by the scale of outcomes achieved through this circular approach. The funds have underpinned tens of thousands of job years—specifically supporting 66,102 job years—while generating €4.8bn in turnover and €2.6bn in exports. This investment has catalysed innovation-led growth, particularly in life sciences, where focused risk tolerance has supported €639m in R&D expenditure, reinforcing the region’s global competitiveness in cardiovascular devices and diagnostics. Crucially, the Commission’s impact extends beyond financial metrics. In recent assessments, 96 per cent of SMEs and 100 per cent of social enterprises confirmed that WDC backing was significant to their survival and growth, effectively bridging early-stage funding gaps. By acting as a trusted, long-term partner, the organisation has fostered confidence and crowded in further private investment. This integrated approach to innovation and inclusion exemplifies best practice in regional development finance. The CFI.co Judging Panel congratulates the Western Development Commission on winning the 2025 Leadership in Regional Innovation and Impact Investment Award (Ireland).


Orcan Energy AG: Champion of Industrial Energy Efficiency Europe 2025

Orcan Energy AG earns this award for redefining industrial waste heat as a strategic resource that strengthens Europe’s competitiveness while accelerating global essential decarbonisation. The company’s partnership-led model enables rapid deployment across hard-to-abate sectors, with strong traction in cement, the marine industry and geothermal as well as conventional power plants. Based on a modular and standardized plug & play approach, the solutions can be easily adapted to varied operational needs. Addressing a major structural challenge, Orcan Energy targets a large market. A McKinsey study showed that the world consumes over 418 exajoules (EJ) - or 116,000 terawatt-hours (TWh) - of final energy each year, mainly by burning fossil fuels and generating heat. The majority of this heat is unused and released to the environment, an immediately available potential to turn the waste heat into clean, baseload capable and cost-effective electricity; representing one of the few technologies that drive energy transition without putting additional burdens on the grid infrastructure. This demonstrates that environmental progress and economic advantage can advance together. Orcan Energy’s solutions deliver resilient, baseload, on-site electricity, supporting industrial stability as demand rises from data centres and digital technologies. The company also shows strategic clarity in navigating Europe’s fragmented regulatory landscape, advocating more uniform conditions while offering energy-as-a-service models that secure cash-flow-positive outcomes from day one. Its modularity enhances resilience, enabling customers to scale, adapt or redeploy systems as operations evolve, ensuring a no-regret pathway to long-term competitiveness and emissions reduction. Beyond traditional hard-to-abate industries, the company improves efficiency in the marine sector and expands its footprint in the geothermal industry, offering essential value where affordable, green and stable electricity is required. Through its technology, strategic partnerships and uncompromising focus on practical decarbonisation, Orcan Energy demonstrates leadership in driving Europe’s industrial transition across the region. The Capital Finance International (CFI.co) Judging Panel congratulates Orcan Energy AG on winning the 2025 Champion of Industrial Energy Efficiency Award (Europe).


Vistra: Outstanding Contribution to Cross-Border Business Expansion Global 2025

Vistra is a leading provider of essential business services that helps organisations to invest, grow and operate efficiently and compliantly across the world. With a presence in over 50 markets and a network of trusted affiliates in other locations, Vistra provides expert guidance in tax, financial accounting, legal entity management,  payroll and other services related to cross-border expansion. The company’s approach is distinguished by its ability to deliver a streamlined client experience, integrating advanced technology platforms with deep in-market expertise. Its digital solutions, including its proprietary Global Expansion Platform and in-built global AI compliance advisor, launched in March 2025, enhance operational efficiency and compliance for clients operating across multiple jurisdictions. The company’s strategic expansion, including its 2023 combination with Tricor and 2024 acquisition of Phoenix American Fund Administration and Transfer Agency and 2025 acquisition of iiPay, has further strengthened its capabilities, particularly in the Asia-Pacific and Americas regions. Vistra’s mission is to become the global business operating system, removing administrative friction and allowing clients to focus on core objectives. By continuously investing in technology, people, and service optimisation, Vistra is redefining the industry standard for international business operations. Its commitment to innovation includes AI-powered compliance solutions and automation-driven process enhancements, ensuring clients receive proactive, data-driven insights to navigate complex regulatory landscapes. The firm also prioritises talent development, fostering a high-calibre team of professionals across key global markets to deliver unparalleled expertise and reliability. Vistra’s ability to simplify international expansion enables organisations to operate across borders with ease, making global business operations feel frictionless and efficient. The CFI.co Judging Panel congratulates Vistra on winning the 2025 award for Outstanding Contribution to Cross-Border Business Expansion (Global).


Sustainability Excellence Management Consulting Limited: Leader in Sustainability Reporting & Transparency Middle East 2025

Sustainability Excellence Management Consulting Limited is recognised as Leader in Sustainability Reporting & Transparency Middle East 2025 for its pivotal role in transforming sustainability disclosure into a strategic driver of performance, competitiveness and societal value across the region. The company has consistently demonstrated leadership by framing transparency as a mechanism for market differentiation, enabling organisations to understand not only what to report, but why it matters for long-term value creation. Its work reflects a deep understanding of the Middle East’s policy landscape, aligning corporate reporting with national development agendas such as Vision 2030, while reinforcing the business case for sustainability at board and executive levels. Through a distinctive three-pronged approach, Sustainability Excellence Management Consulting Limited has supported market leaders in achieving first-mover advantages, convened multi-stakeholder initiatives that have shifted entire sectors towards higher disclosure standards, and developed accessible platforms and tools that have driven mass adoption of ESG reporting. Its collaboration with stock exchanges, government and industry groups has delivered measurable increases in transparency and comparability, while its data-driven platforms have strengthened performance management and accountability. By combining regional insight, technical rigour and a mission-led ethos, Sustainability Excellence Management Consulting Limited has demonstrably accelerated the maturity and credibility of sustainability reporting in the Middle East. The Capital Finance International (CFI.co) Judging Panel congratulates Sustainability Excellence Management Consulting Limited on winning the 2025 Leader in Sustainability Reporting & Transparency Award (Middle East).


The Access Bank UK Ltd: Best Africa Trade Finance Bank 2026

[caption id="attachment_13368" align="aligncenter" width="1119"] Anthony Michael, Publisher at Capital Finance International and Jamie Simmonds, CEO/MD of The Access Bank UK Ltd[/caption]

The Access Bank UK Ltd is recognised for sustained leadership in Africa-focused trade finance, distinguished by strategic discipline, consistent execution and a clear commitment to customer-led value creation. Throughout the past year, the Bank has maintained strong momentum while preserving its relationship-driven operating model, ensuring expansion strengthens service quality rather than compromising it.

The AfrAsia Bank acquisition has materially enhanced international reach, balance sheet depth and connectivity across key trade corridors, allowing the Bank to support more complex cross-border flows while remaining agile and responsive. Importantly, the benefits of this broader platform are already evident within its international branches, where early investments are translating into commercial energy. These branches operate as integral contributors rather than satellites, reinforcing the Bank’s ability to structure, distribute and execute trade finance solutions close to the markets it serves.

The Judging Panel also noted the Bank’s disciplined focus on people, culture and infrastructure, with sustained investment in talent development, training and governance ensuring consistent standards across jurisdictions. Targeted technology enhancements have strengthened operational resilience and enabled seamless collaboration between teams in the UK, Europe and Asia, supporting reliable delivery at scale.

Collectively, these attributes reflect an institution growing responsibly, extracting strategic value from acquisition, and positioning itself for diversified growth while remaining aligned with Africa’s trade ambitions and development priorities. The Capital Finance International (CFI.co) Judging Panel congratulates The Access Bank UK Ltd on winning the 2026 Best Africa Trade Finance Bank Award.


Marginalen Bank: Specialist Consumer Finance Excellence Sweden 2025

Marginalen Bank earns this recognition for proving that specialist consumer finance can widen access without compromising prudence. Over almost 15 years, it has built a clear strategy around financial inclusion on fair terms, extending from near-prime consumers to SMEs and, increasingly, enterprise payments, while keeping products simple to understand and straightforward to access. Its underwriting differentiates it: rather than relying solely on out-of-the-box scorecards, the bank assesses a customer’s broader context, supporting responsible approvals and consistently sustaining credit losses of roughly 1–2 percent. Operationally, a major core-banking migration from a legacy monolith to a cloud-based platform was executed without customer disruption, and it now underpins a microservices architecture that accelerates digital servicing and improves customer dialogue. The modernised stack also strengthens resilience: scalable compute has lifted payment-processing capacity, reduced downtime and moved the bank towards the high-availability standards demanded by merchants and partners. Marginalen Bank’s ecosystem mindset is equally compelling. It is a significant enabler of Swedish instant payments, supporting Swish participation for 20–30 businesses and pioneering indirect access for other banks, alongside early launches of local account-to-account instant clearing. Through collaborations, including with a blockchain firm and an EIF-backed SME funding programme, it broadens access to rails and capital for underserved segments. This blend of inclusion, transparency-led culture and platform-led scalability positions it strongly for growth over the next 12–24 months. The Capital Finance International (CFI.co) Judging Panel congratulates Marginalen Bank on winning the 2025 Specialist Consumer Finance Excellence Award (Sweden).


enso GmbH: Best Hydro-Power and Renewable Energies Investment Partner Europe 2025

enso GmbH, headquartered in Austria, has established itself as a dynamic and technically proficient asset manager in the renewable energy sector, with a core focus on hydroelectric power. Since 2020, the firm has significantly diversified its portfolio to include solar, wind, hydrogen, and thermal storage solutions. A notable initiative includes its role in the world’s largest seasonal heat storage facility, designed to supply 30 percent of Graz’s district heating. In addition to managing operational hydropower plants in Albania and Turkey, enso GmbH successfully exited its Norwegian portfolio in 2022–2023, maximising investor returns during peak conditions. Demonstrating global ambition, the firm has spearheaded hydropower developments in Kazakhstan, Pakistan, and Nepal, and is currently advancing utility-scale battery projects in Italy and India. Its partnership with the African Union Development Agency and African pension fund associations marks a strategic push into the African continent, backed by the creation of a Green Transition Fund domiciled in Luxembourg. enso GmbH combines financial expertise with in-house technical capability, employing a team of seasoned engineers to oversee civil, mechanical, and electrical aspects of project development. This integrated approach enhances credibility as both project and asset manager. The firm's ventures and partnerships with major EPC contractors and institutional stakeholders further underscore its ability to handle infrastructure projects exceeding USD 1bn in value. The Capital Finance International (CFI.co) Judging Panel congratulates enso GmbH on winning the 2025 award for Best Hydro-Power and Renewable Energies Investment Partner (Europe).


Africa Merchant Capital: Most Impactful African Private Markets Advisory UK 2026

Africa Merchant Capital merits recognition for combining UK regulatory discipline with Africa-specific execution, reducing transaction risk for global capital providers while improving outcomes for African businesses. Founded in London in 2012, the firm's FCA-regulated positioning provides a credible governance anchor for cross-border mandates where AML and KYC assurance is decisive, and it applies this rigour without slowing deal momentum. The panel notes a differentiated advisory model shaped by principal investing and financing experience: the build-out of an Africa-focused public equities capability from 2013 and the launch of a specialist trade finance business in 2016 created proprietary market access, sharper credit judgement and more resilient origination than advisory-only peers. The subsequent demerger of the trade finance unit following a $6.5m investment in 2020 evidences strategic clarity and willingness to reshape the platform as conditions change, rather than defend legacy structures. Impact is demonstrated in complex, multi-jurisdictional execution, including a competitive global process that doubled valuation for a multi-generational East African business and delivered a nine-figure exit, while structuring continuity for family shareholders and aligning a strategic minority partner. The inclusion of leveraged elements, with Nedbank participating across the capital stack, shows sophistication in capital structuring within a market where such solutions remain scarce. Membership of CDI Global further strengthens process quality, knowledge transfer and international buyer reach, reinforcing consistent delivery standards. The Capital Finance International (CFI.co) Judging Panel congratulates Africa Merchant Capital on winning the Most Impactful African Private Markets Advisory 2026 Award (United Kingdom).


IrisGuard: Excellence in Biometric Identity Payment Solutions Global 2025

IrisGuard merits recognition for translating high-assurance iris biometrics into payment and entitlement outcomes that are operationally proven, ethically framed, and measurably material at scale. The company's distinguishing strength is not novelty alone, but disciplined execution of one-to-many identification in environments where cards, PINs, documents, and connectivity are unreliable. Its platform design shows strategic clarity: integrates with existing rails (ATMs, post offices, mobile cash-out agents, supermarkets and wallets) while keeping the beneficiary experience simple, contact-free and fast. Impact is evidenced by throughput and reach: IrisGuard reports processing over $1.3bn of aid assistance per year and serving over 5.8 million beneficiaries, demonstrating sustained delivery rather than pilot-stage promise. Governance and risk management are treated as core product features, with ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 27001:2013 certifications reinforcing quality discipline and information security. Innovation is validated externally through the 2021 GSMA GLOMO Award for their mobile iris payment solution. The company's UK headquarters in Milton Keynes, coupled with regional delivery capability, in Amman Jordan underpins resilience and responsiveness across multi-stakeholder deployments. The Capital Finance International (CFI.co) Judging Panel congratulates IrisGuard on winning the Excellence in Biometric Identity Payment Solutions Global 2025 Award.


Nigerian Petroleum Exchange (NipeX): Champions of Efficient Supply Chain Management Africa 2026

NipeX merits recognition for converting a structurally complex procurement environment into a disciplined, auditable supply-chain system that prioritises fairness, speed and control. As an industry platform used predominantly across Nigeria's upstream and midstream joint-venture procurement, it reduces duplication by centralising supplier pre-qualification through the Joint Qualification System and enabling transaction execution through its complementary eMarketplace, strengthening confidence in tendering outcomes. The judging panel notes the practical design choices that drive efficiency: integrated supplier data, standard industry templates, online approvals, secure document exchange, and evaluation tools that support RFXs and reverse auctions, together improving cycle times and decision traceability. Importantly, NipeX's approach shifts the market from repeated, tender-by-tender pre-qualification towards a maintained pool of eligible suppliers, raising consistency and lowering administrative burden for operators and vendors alike. Governance maturity is also evident in its candid acknowledgement of constraints arising from its current relationship with NNPC Limited, alongside a clear risk-management rationale for pursuing incorporation to reinforce neutrality and reduce perceived political interference. That strategic intent, paired with active stakeholder engagement at international oil and gas conferences and growing interest from other African national oil companies seeking to study the model, demonstrates resilience and exportable institutional capability. Overall, NipeX delivers measurable procurement integrity through process standardisation, transparency and scalable supplier management, warranting this award. The Capital Finance International (CFI.co) Judging Panel congratulates Nigerian Petroleum Exchange (NipeX) on winning the Champions of Efficient Supply Chain Management 2026 Award (Africa).