Moldova Agroindbank: Best Social Impact Bank Moldova 2017

Moldova Agroindbank, as a joint stock company, began its activity in 1991 – a period marked by radical restructuring of the society in general and of the economy in particular. Changes occurred in the society caused the bank to adopt new and clearly defined strategies that could meet the emerging market requirements. MAIB is now Moldova’s largest commercial bank. It maintains a network of over 180 points of sales that covers the entire nation.

Moldova Agroindbank conducts its business in line with corporate responsibility principles, making sure its impact on the community is managed with high responsibility. To MAIB, corporate social responsibility is a new business approach used to build relations with stakeholders.

Since 1994, MAIB partners with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to initiate and sustain programmes geared towards the capitalisation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in recognition of their crucial contribution to the economy.

MAIB builds Moldova from the bottom up. The bank enjoys a peerless reputation for underpinning national development drives and channelling funds to sectors and entities that most effectively combat poverty and want. In particular, MAIB has invested in education and public healthcare facilities. The bank also maintains a large corporate social responsibility programme focused on skills development and the creation of opportunities for young people. This way, MAIB hopes to help reduce the number of Moldovans who emigrate. MAIB wishes them to find a better future at home.

MAIB has pioneered a number of corporate best practices – including adherence to strict ESG (environmental, social, and governance) standards. The bank also helps spread awareness in the business community on sustainability principles in order to promote corporate excellence and increase competitiveness.

The CFI.co judging panel applauds the bank for its proactive approach and recognises its outsized impact on Moldovan development. The judges declare Moldova Agroindbank winner of the 2017 Best Social Impact Bank Moldova Award.


Auka: Best Mobile Payment Platform Europe 2017

The proposition is as simple as it is profitable: the Norwegian fintech company offers banks and other financial services providers a turnkey white-label mobile payment platform that can be implemented almost instantaneously at minimal cost. The cloud-based platform offers those implementing it a competitive edge with a clear potential to increase market share.

Don’t take Auka’s word for it either: the company’s tried and trusted technology stack has already been deployed by 17 banks and over 4,500 merchants to excellent results. Auka’s mobile payment platform is used by more banks in Scandinavia than any other.

Auka provides the integrated backbone, the apps, and – crucially – the knowhow. Clients, in turn, are left to do what they do best: conduct their business and enjoy technology that adds value instead of complexity. Auka’s stack is entirely built on the Google Cloud Platform. The Norwegian firm is the only one to offer a fully-regulated and compliant cloud-based financial solution using Google’s state-of-the-art cloud platform. The US tech giant actively supports Auka’s use of its technology and works in tandem with the firm to ensure performance excellence.

The CFI.co judging panel recognises Auka as a true fintech pioneer, driving innovation and simplifying life for both service providers and their clients. The judges declare Auka winner of the 2017 Best Mobile Payment Platform Europe Award.


GroFin: Best SME Social Impact Finance Africa 2017

[caption id="attachment_4547" align="aligncenter" width="400"] GroFin CEO Guido Boysen[/caption]

Mauritius-based SME finance company GroFin has raised well over US$500 million in funding and invested in some 600 small and medium-sized enterprises in Africa and the Middle East. The company provides both patient risk capital and business support to SMEs. Indeed, every GroFin investee has access to an international team of experts who provide a blend of financial and value adding business support.

As a trusted partner of more than 30 international development finance institutions, development organisations and other private funders, GroFin has been able to deliver its patient risk capital and specialised business support to SMEs across a wide spectrum of activities within 15 countries in Africa and the Middle East. More importantly, GroFin helps entrepreneurs improve their chances of success by providing access to business knowledge. The company brings over fifteen years of experience to the table and boasts a long track record of successful engagements.

Partnering with small and medium-sized businesses allows GroFin to stress the importance of regulatory compliance, adherence to ESG (environmental, social, and governance) standards, and proper accounting practices. These are considered key to attain sustainable growth and superior competitiveness. Taking such a long-term view has allowed GroFin to nurture businesses towards entrepreneurial success. Shying away from quick-fix financial solutions, GroFin helps entrepreneurs gain insights into markets, explore opportunities, and design strategic plans to sustain growth.

The CFI.co judging panel agrees with GroFin that SMEs are the engines of economic growth and, as such, contribute significantly towards improved living conditions in low and middle-income countries. The judges are unanimous in their decision to declare GroFin winner of the 2017 Best SME Social Impact Finance Africa Award.


Fibria: Best ESG Forestry Management South America 2017

World leader in the production of eucalyptus cellulose, Brazilian forestry company Fibria is dedicated to providing superior-quality products, manufactured in a sustainable fashion and in accordance to the strictest ESG (environmental, social, and governance) norms. The company maintains four wood pulp processing plants that are exclusively operated with renewable resources.

Spread over six different Brazilian states, Fibria possesses almost a million hectares (some 10,000km2) in forestry plantations. More than a third of the acreage is set aside for nature conservancy.

Partnering with a Japanese/Brazilian pulp producer has allowed Fibria to build and operate Portocel, Brazil’s only port dedicated to the shipment of cellulose, allowing for economies of scale and the attendant savings.

Fibria has now embarked, with a Canadian company, on a venture in the energy sector to produce fuel from wood and biomass. This is seen as a natural extension to the company’s operations, complementing a solid portfolio of renewable products.

Fibria is determined to push the envelope on sustainable forestry and energy production. Though founded in 2009, Fibria can trace its origins to 1967. In that year the company’s predecessor started the first eucalyptus plantations in Espirito Santo State.

The CFI.co judging panel acknowledges that, thanks to its long experience in the sector, Fibria is exceptionally well-equipped to prosper in an environmentally-aware marketplace. In fact, the company is recognised as an ESG pioneer. The judges are therefore pleased to offer Fibria the 2017 Best ESG Forestry Management South America Award.

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Societe Generale Bank – Cyprus: Best International Commercial Bank Cyprus 2017

A full-service bank, Societe Generale Bank – Cyprus (SGBCy) caters to residents and non-residents alike with a comprehensive suite of products designed to simplify life, maximise returns, and empower both private and corporate clients.

Making full use of Cyprus’ privileged position at the crossroads of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, the bank has proved instrumental in bringing international corporates to establish a presence in the island nation, helping to transform the country into the premier regional business hub. The SGBCy International Business Unit – one of the bank’s core departments alongside the Corporate Unit and Private Banking – works with other Societe Generale entities across the world to offer clients access to a wealth of global financial services and markets. The bank’s professionals are exceptionally knowledgeable in leveraging Cyprus’ welcoming corporate climate to cross border operations and ventures, building synergies and optimising efficiency.

A subsidiary of Société Générale de Banque au Liban, SGBCy draws on thirty years of accumulated experience in global banking. The bank pursues long-term relationships with its clients in order to better understand – and meet – their needs. The SGBCy branch network covers the most important cities on the island – Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos.

The CFI.co judging panel notes the holistic approach to banking implemented by SGBCy. The bank’s business units work in harmony to design best-in-class solutions. The judges are pleased to offer Societe Generale Bank – Cyprus the 2017 Best International Commercial Bank Cyprus Award.


TrustBond Mortgage Bank: Outstanding Contribution to Home Ownership Nigeria 2017

The promotion of home ownership is considered a shortcut to attaining sustainable economic growth, giving people a tangible stake in their country’s development and adding to overall societal stability. The emergence of a solid mortgage industry is, thus, a precursor of improved living standards and an indicator of a market’s ability to focus on the long-term.

In Nigeria, TrustBond Mortgage Bank is a pioneer in the development of home loan products that further financial inclusion. The bank has introduced a number of innovative mortgage and real estate finance solutions that unlock access to long-term capital. In particular, TrustBond developed innovative products that address specific financial and mortgage needs such as those of bereaved families facing eviction and the millennials – the future generation of Nigerians that accounts for over 70% of the country’s population. With collaborations and partnerships, this would go a long way in contributing to the achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria – the most populous country and largest economy in Africa.

The bank maintains an array of corporate social responsibility initiatives with a view to helping people gain stability through home ownership. TrustBond also supports the government in designing policies that help solidify the mortgage industry.

Thanks to its adherence to strict standards of corporate governance, the bank has been able to tap into long-term funds at reduced interest rates, driving down the price of its products. With a national housing deficit of over 17 million, TrustBond has ample room for growth.

The CFI.co judging panel agrees that accessible mortgage products are of crucial importance in countries such as Nigeria that have embarked on an accelerated development drive. The judges are pleased to offer TrustBond Mortgage Bank the 2017 Outstanding Contribution to Home Ownership Nigeria Award.


Innovia Security: Most Innovative Banknote Technology Global 2017

Cash is king and Innovia Security continues its long history of market disruption and leading-edge innovation. Cash is king and Innovia Security continues its long history of market disruption and leading-edge innovation.

The “home” of plastic money since banknotes were first printed on a polymer substrate in 1988 – Innovia Security remains the purveyor of choice of secure currency having issued more than 55 Billion polymer bills by the end of 2017.

Innovia Security – recently renamed CCL Secure after their acquisition by market behemoth CCL Industries – is trusted by some of the world’s most influential and respected central banks who have objectively assessed the benefits of polymer banknotes and selected Guardian™ polymer banknote substrate for the latest in fraud-resistant technology and proven durability.

Originally a joint-venture between Innovia Films and the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) to provide counterfeit-proof banknotes, Innovia Security was formed after the RBA exited the business in 2013 having succeeded in its goal to push the envelope of banknote technology.

Enjoying a head start, and determined to keep its edge, Innovia Security managed to stave off heavyweight competitors that repeatedly tried to enter its domain. While having 4% market share of the total banknote market, Guardian™ dominates the global plastic money market with use in excess of 99%. With the company widely recognised for its peerless technology and ability to deliver large volumes of high quality high-tech notes to some of the world’s largest banknote markets, the growth potential for this technology are eye-watering. Innovia Security is the first and only company to date to have presented a viable – and superior – alternative to paper-based money that at first shocked the 300 year-old industry but in recent years has transformed it by attracting others into the alternative-substrate banknote market.

By being an open platform for third party security features from across the banknote industry, Guardian™ polymer substrate has been a catalyst for innovation across the industry. Notably, a series of ground-breaking new banknote designs have been released on to the world market in the last 12 months from New Zealand, Australia, and the United Kingdom that are redefining banknote aesthetics and is the source of some serious national pride.

The recently released Fiver from the Bank of England is a case in point. In its paper days, the fiver was known as a ‘tatty’ note. The Bank put paid to that reputation by delivering a smaller, smarter more user-friendly note that offers greater security, durability and cleanliness.

The CFI.co judging panel agrees that with the cashless society but a distant mirage, plastic money is clearly a winner with Guardian™ poised for significant expansion worldwide. With that in mind, the judges are pleased to offer Innovia Security the 2017 Most Innovative Banknote Technology Award.


Fiduciaria de Occidente: Best Asset Management Team Colombia 2017

[caption id="attachment_4590" align="aligncenter" width="500"] President: Mario Estupiñán[/caption]

Thanks to a premier service model, a proprietary investment algorithm, and a well-balanced risk mitigation strategy, Fiduciaria de Occidente – Fiduoccidente – has claimed a spot amongst Colombia’s best-performing asset managers. The firm, founded in 1991, is part of Grupo Aval – one of the country’s largest financial services providers – and maintains its own nationwide branch network to ensure close proximity to investors. Thanks to a premier service model, a proprietary investment algorithm, and a well-balanced risk mitigation strategy, Fiduciaria de Occidente – Fiduoccidente – has claimed a spot amongst Colombia’s best-performing asset managers. The firm, founded in 1991, is part of Grupo Aval – one of the country’s largest financial services providers – and maintains its own nationwide branch network to ensure close proximity to investors.

Fiduciaria de Occidente focuses on four distinct markets: Persons, Enterprise sector, Financial institutions and Government. The firm manages a number of mutual funds, private equity and venture capital funds, and real estate investment trusts that offer clients a comprehensive array of vehicles to preserve and grow capital. Fiduciaria de Occidente also includes a wealth management division to design bespoke investment solutions that dovetail with individual risk profiles.

The firm has made significant investments in the upgrading of its technological backbone and now boasts one of Colombia’s most up-to-date IT platforms that ensures transactions are carried out swiftly and comply with relevant regulation. The firm is home to an experienced team of investment managers and analysts and has recently upgraded its financial management structure. In order to assist novice investors, Fiduciaria de Occidente has developed training programmes and outreach initiatives to improve financial literacy and help clients reach smart investment decisions that bring their personal goals and ambitions closer to realisation.

The CFI.co judging panel recognises the value of sound investment advice. Fiduciaria de Occidente shows that a prudent approach usually pays off over the long term. The judges commend the firm on its corporate philosophy and agree to declare Fiduciaria de Occidente winner of the 2017 Best Asset Management Team Colombia Award.


Tawuniya: Best Corporate Insurance Solutions Provider KSA 2017

Offering over forty insurance products in three distinct market segments – medical, motor, and property and casualty – Tawuniya boasts the largest range of insurance programmes available in Saudi Arabia. The publicly-traded company, founded in 1986 and now the kingdom’s premier insurer, maintains an exceptionally strong financial position with ample liquidity and the attendant top credit rating – sustained for over a decade.

Recognised for its technical expertise and prompt claims processing, Tawuniya preserves a leading edge over the competition thanks to its comprehensive training programmes that keep staff abreast of new developments and product innovations. Tawuniya, one of Saudi Arabia’s most admired brands, offers its products and services through a network of branches and claims centres that reaches all corners of the kingdom.

Tawuniya’s investment portfolio has been brought in line with the principles anchored in Sharia Law since 2014. Leveraging the power of a customer-centric approach, the company organises a number of special programmes that offer both corporate and individual user easy access to valuable information.

Tawuniya also offers insurance products tailored to the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Businessmen benefit from access to the company’s vast reservoir of risk mitigating strategies, policies, and initiatives.

The CFI.co judging panel commends Tawuniya on its dedication to excellence. A winner in 2015, the company has sustained its corporate performance. The judges agree that Tawuniya again merits recognition and declare the company winner of the 2017 Best Corporate Insurance Solutions Provider KSA Award.


FBS: Best FX IB Programme Global 2017 & Best FX Broker Indonesia 2017

Excellence in order execution and customer service has allowed online forex broker FBS to firmly establish itself as the preferred go-to place for investors looking to trade global markets. The company was founded in 2009 with a view to offering superior services, delivered via a single state-of-the-art platform, to novice and experienced traders alike. FBS adheres to a strict code of ethics to ensure full transparency. The firm also developed a network of partners to offer its products and services to clients across the globe. The FBS partnership programme is recognised for its generous terms and superior support.

Built on the back of client loyalty, FBS registered solid growth in its first years, signing up 100,000 traders by 2011. The firm has since expanded its worldwide client base to include over three million traders and 130,000 partners in 120 countries. In order to maintain in close touch with clients and partners, FBS organises, and participates in, numerous seminars and other events to showcase new trading technologies and discuss industry trends.

FBS offers clients a wide choice of account options, each tailored to meet the requirements of specific segments.

The CFI.co judging panel has followed the progress of FBS for well over three years and commends the firm on its achievements. The judges are pleased to offer FBS a twin win: the 2017 Best FX IB Programme Global Award and the 2017 Best FX Broker Indonesia Award.


Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina: Best Central Bank Governance CEE 2017

Operating a currency board arrangement that pegs the Bosnia and Herzegovina convertible mark to the euro, the country’s central bank has been instrumental in keeping inflation under tight control whilst setting the wider stage for sustainable economic growth and development.

The Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina (CBBH) maintains a presence throughout the entire country with its organizational Main units in Sarajevo, Banja Luka and Mostar, and Branch offices in Brčko and Pale.

Established in 1997 in accordance with the terms of the Dayton Peace Accord, the CBBH now celebrates its twentieth anniversary. The bank has managed to unify the country monetarily, replacing four different currencies with a single new one.

Acting as an independent entity has allowed CBBH to adhere to a strict currency board regime, ensuring monetary stability by maintaining full coverage in freely convertible currency assets. The bank is also charged with the maintenance of payment and settlement frameworks.

Recognised for its solid governance structure – which reflects the demographic make-up of the country – CBBH has adopted all relevant EU accounting and reporting standards, in the process becoming a valued partner to other central banks in the region.

The CFI.co judging panel commends CBBH on its achievements and recognises the contribution of the bank to the country’s enduring stability. The judges are pleased to offer the Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina the 2017 Best Central Bank Governance CEE Award.


Central Directorate of National Savings: Outstanding Contribution to Financial Inclusion Pakistan 2017

Administering the savings of over seven million individuals, Pakistan’s Central Directorate of National Savings (CDNS) is the country’s largest financial institution in terms of deposits with a balance in excess of $32bn. CDNS maintains a nationwide presence through a network of 376 branch offices.

National Savings – as the directorate is known – traces its history back to 1873 with the enactment of Government Savings Bank Act. Today, National Savings offers an exceptionally comprehensive array of products from saving accounts and certificates to prize bonds, ranges from 3 months to 10 years, from Youth/ Students to Senior Citizens, from Individuals to Employee Contributory Funds.. CDNS also offers a number of special purpose products that caters to the specific needs of senior citizens, widows, pensioners, etc.

The directorate adheres strictly to its long-time mission to further financial inclusion and strengthen social security by promoting thrift and mobilising the resulting savings for the common good. Almost half of CDNS clients are women. whereas in commercial banks, women represent barely 4% of depositors. National Savings emphasises the institution’s role in empowerment of women. CDNS also aims to help reduce the number of people outside the financial system.

The CFI.co judging panel commends National Savings on its proactive approach to its mission. The judges are pleased to offer the Central Directorate of National Savings the 2017 Outstanding Contribution to Financial Inclusion Pakistan Award.


Srei Infrastructure Finance: Best Infrastructure Investment Partner India 2017

Srei Infrastructure Finance (SIFL) as a conglomerate has been one of the catalysts towards transforming India’s infrastructure, rather than merely being a beneficiary of accelerated growth. SIFL is an entity which has always aimed to address India’s two most pertaining problems in the infrastructure space i.e. India’s deficient economic infrastructure and lack of financing options.

SIFL, founded 28 years ago, provides finance to many infrastructure projects in addition to a comprehensive range of other services to companies & entrepreneurs engaged in public works projects throughout the country. With well over 100,000 clients, SIFL empowers and enables entrepreneurs by providing financial and non-financial services in the infrastructure space to help the country in tackling the obstacles towards sustained economic growth.

A persistent infrastructure deficit restricted India’s development for decades which has now changed significantly. SIFL, present at all links in the infrastructure sector’s value chain, is one of the first Indian nonbanking financial companies (NBFC) to tap into the world’s major markets to fund infrastructure projects. SIFL has partnered with many multilateral entities across the globe such as International Finance Corporation (IFC, part of the World Bank Group) and Dutch Development Bank FMO to help finance various infrastructure projects in the country.

The CFI.co judging panel recognises that SIFL has contributed immensely to kick start crucial infrastructure projects off the ground with ease. The jury is honoured and proud to declare Srei Infrastructure Finance as winner of the 2017 Best Infrastructure Investment Partner Award.


AYA Bank: Best Regional Banking Partner Southeast Asia 2017

A solid brand that inspires trust, AYA Bank has claimed a top spot amongst financial services providers in Myanmar with an approach that promotes financial inclusion, pushes technological boundaries, and rewards excellence. Founded only six years ago, AYA Bank has proved an almost instant hit with depositors. Last year, the bank saw its balance sheet balloon by over 50%. AYA Bank doubled its capital over the past two years and expects growth to continue unabated, or even accelerated. Management is determined to triple the bank’s capital base over the next three years.

This remarkable growth trajectory is rooted in AYA Bank’s dedication to people – both its own staff and clients. The bank invested heavily in human resources, forging a tight and gender-balanced team (women represent a solid 60% of staff) in recognition of the truism that a bank is only as good as its staff. Taking on board young, talented, and tech-savvy staff has allowed AYA Bank to create a dynamic professional environment that encourages innovation.

AYA Bank is also mindful of its corporate social responsibility and adheres to ESG standards. It was the first Myanmar bank to voluntarily order a human rights audit of its operations. AYA Bank welcomes clients from across the country’s rich demographic spectrum.

The CFI.co judging panel congratulates the bank on its many achievements. The judges are pleased to recognise AYA Bank as winner of the 2017 Best Regional Banking Partner Southeast Asia Award.


Aluminium Bahrain: Most Innovative Aluminium Solutions GCC 2017

One of the largest industrial complexes in the Middle East and amongst the world’s top 10 smelters, Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba) is set to increase its production by 540,000 metric tonnes (mt) upon the completion of its Line 6 Expansion Project, thus bringing the Company’s total production capacity to 1.5 million mt per year by 2019. Line 6 Expansion Project, upon its full ramp-up, will make Alba the world’s largest single-site aluminium smelter.

Established as a Greenfield smelter - the first in the region - with 120,000 mt per annum in 1971, Alba ranks number 2 in GCC in terms of metal production with more than 971,000 million mt as of December 2016. Today, Alba product portfolio includes molten aluminium, standard and T-ingots, extrusion billets, rolling slabs and propertzi ingots. Close to 50 per cent of aluminium output is supplied to Bahrain’s downstream cluster while the rest is exported to regional and international clientele in the Middle East, Europe, Far East, South East Asia, Africa and North America.

From its corporate beginnings, the Company is renowned for its premium grade aluminium products, technological strength and innovative policies, strict environmental guidelines and prominent track record for safety. The Company has consistently implemented strict Environmental, Health and Safety standards and maintains a number of large-scale corporate social responsibility initiatives across the Kingdom.

One of the blue-chip assets in the Kingdom, Alba is part of Bahrain’s efforts to diversify its economy away from hydrocarbons and offer its nationals employment opportunities as well as large number of training programmes aimed to empower local youth. Known for being the Employer of Choice, close to 87% of its almost 2,700-strong workforce comprises Bahraini nationals.

The CFI.co judging panel recognises that Alba adheres to the highest ESG standards and has pioneered innovative ways to service and support a thriving downstream aluminium industry, both locally and overseas. The judges agree to declare Aluminium Bahrain winner of the 2017 Most Innovative Aluminium Solutions GCC Award.


Doha Bank: Best Bank Governance Qatar 2017

Corporate governance entails more than adherence to guidelines and codes; it requires the embrace of a full set of values, placed at the core of operations, that provides a solid and well-defined platform from which business is conducted in the interest of all stakeholders – owners, employees, clients, and people in surrounding communities.

For Doha Bank, founded in 1979 and now one of the leading financial services providers in Qatar, good governance underpins the company’s corporate success. Fielding its participative leadership philosophy, Doha Bank prides itself on an all-inclusive approach to business that meets the demands and requirements of all stakeholders. It also ensures Doha Bank is able to offer its clients consistently superior services.

Pursuing long-term value creation has allowed Doha Bank to avoid corporate pitfalls and stay clear of market fads. Instead, the bank, now operating in sixteen countries, focuses on the sustainability of its operations, gauging corporate performance against environmental, social, and governance (ESG) benchmarks.

Doha Bank has been recognised and praised for the transparency of its business dealings. This openness is also a key component of the bank’s drive towards innovation – Doha Bank aims to offer its clients a banking experience second to none in convenience.

The bank maintains a number of social outreach programmes and initiatives that promote, amongst others, financial inclusion and global citizenship. The CFI.co judging panel congratulates the bank on its achievements. The judges wish to offer Doha Bank the 2017 Best Bank Governance Award.


LBBW (Landesbank Baden-Württemberg): Best Debt Capital Markets Team Germany 2017

With a reach extending far beyond its home turf, Landesbank Baden-Württemberg (LBBW) has established a formidable reputation for offering superior access into the EUR fixed income markets.

LBBW being itself a regular issuer, its DCM set-up today serves FIG, SSA and corporate issuers alike. Based on broad distribution capabilities and an in-depth understanding of investor needs, trademark issuers like EIB, KfW, Rabobank, Nordea Bank, and Daimler have repeatedly entrusted LBBW with their benchmark business. The bank remains equally dedicated to developing the market further.

Numerous first-time issuers have relied on LBBW for their successful market entry or product innovations like sustainable bonds. And its leading corporate SSD business provides the essential link between LBBW’s corporate client base and Germany’s largest investor base.

More than anything else, LBBW has been recognised for providing reliable advice and distribution in often challenging market conditions. This has allowed the bank to steadily grow its market share and become a partner of choice for quality credits.

The CFI.co judging panel recognises the debt capital market expertise available at LBBW which represents real value to issuers. The judges are pleased to offer LBBW the 2017 Best Debt Capital Markets Team Germany Award.


Arab Financial Services Company: Best Payment Innovation of the Year Middle East 2017

For well over three decades, Arab Financial Services Company (AFS) has been the leading provider of payment solutions throughout the MENA Region. The company, headquartered in Bahrain, is jointly owned by forty banks and other financial services providers and offers a full suite of end-to-end payment processing products backed up by two state-of-the-art data centres.

AFS clients enjoy access to payment processing solutions that drive down costs whilst boosting revenues through improved and faster customer service. More than just a service provider, AFS partners with businesses in order to offer scalable products that dovetail with client needs. As such, AFS is a partner to its clients’ success, driving growth and optimising profitability.

AFS maintains a highly trained staff of seasoned professionals that allows the company to produce innovative solutions and keep its leading edge. AFS has put in place a sophisticated fraud detection system – Risknet – that mitigates risk by allowing clients to constantly monitor offline and online transactions and easily spot suspicious patterns. The company also offers a loyalty management system, advanced data analytics, SMS services, and charge back schemes, amongst others.

The CFI.co judging panel notes that AFS is a driver of mobile payment systems as well and a pioneer in the design and delivery of m-commerce services, allowing for on-the-go transactions. The judges are pleased to name Arab Financial Services Company winner of the 2017 Best Payment Innovation of the Year Middle East Award.


KGH Border Services: Best Border Management Consultancy Partner Global 2017

Whilst free trade reigns supreme, governments do wish to maintain control of their borders without obstructing the flow of goods. That, however, is easier said than done. Offering custom solutions to public sector clients around the world, Swedish KGH Border Services – part of KGH Customs Services specialised in customs and trade management – delivers operational excellence in even the most challenging environments.

The company is regularly called upon by the UN, European Union, World Bank, and other multilaterals to apply its knowledge in countries desirous of improving their border management system. KGH Border Services functions as a one-stop shop, offering end-to-end solutions that include not just border management, but risk assessment, single-window, paperless processing, and IT services as well. In fact, the company covers the entire field of cross border trade management up to and including the development of custom unions, transit and trade corridor setups, and educational programmes to help implement global best practices. KGH is also the global market leader in delivering AEO programmes for compliance management, a vital part of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement.

KGH Border Services bridges the divide between the public and private spheres working with all stakeholders to design and implement frameworks that deliver quick results, adding value to the entire process.

The CFI.co judging panel agrees that the desired smooth flow of trade may at times offer room for improvement. The judges applaud KGH Border Services for its sustained and successful efforts at streamlining border procedures and offer the company their 2017 Best Border Management Consultancy Partner Global Award.


Cedrus Invest Bank: Best Bank Governance Lebanon 2017

Excellence in corporate governance is key to sustained profitability. Whilst this is true in any industry, the financial services sector in particular benefits from transparency, communication, and adherence to the highest standards of governance. Taking the interests of all stakeholder into account helps create confidence which, in turn, establishes trust and builds long-term relationships that strengthen the bottom line.

Cedrus Invest Bank, successor to the commercial and retail operations of Standard & Chartered in Lebanon, has adopted a comprehensive corporate governance framework that is considered the new benchmark in the country. The bank’s governance code comprises a number of pillars: corporate discipline, independence, and social responsibility amongst others.

Founded in 2011 and the largest niche bank in Lebanon, Cedrus Invest Bank counts on the expertise of two seasoned and well-known Lebanese bankers who set out to create a financial services provider that is global in scope whilst serving the needs of regional clients. Their vision, now implemented, was to create a full-service bank offering clients an experience that stands out in quality and ethics.

Cedrus Invest Bank has become a premier boutique bank specialised in helping high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and corporates preserve and grow their capital. The bank offers one-stop access to global equity markets, and wealth management and investment banking services throughout the Middle East and North Africa.

Clients looking for a bank with an entrepreneurial spirit similar to their own will find in Cedrus Invest Bank a dependable and highly capable partner. The CFI.co judging panel is pleased to offer Cedrus Invest Bank the 2017 Best Bank Governance Lebanon Award.


Residences Dar Saada: Best Real Estate Developer Morocco 2017

Convinced that social housing and build quality should go hand in hand, Moroccan real estate developer Residences Dar Saada (RDS) – owner of the Espaces Saada brand – boasts no less than forty years of experience in the property market. RDS corporate footprint covers the entire country with projects delivered to all major cities – totalling over 32,000 homes, representing a 12% of the social housing market.

The company has pioneered a number of innovations such as the community-within-a-city design concept that forms the foundation of new undertakings and prioritises social cohesion, ensuring that the Espaces Saada formula dovetails with local requirements and custom.

RDS has caught the eye of investors who eagerly subscribe to the company’s bonds. In 2011, two international funds looking for long-term profitability, and three big local investors, entrusted the company with $90m to boost its ability to seize opportunities resulting from the country’s solid economic performance. Going public in 2014, RDS’ highly anticipated IPO was 3.5 times oversubscribed and raised over $100m in cash.

Run by a young, energetic, and highly capable management team, RDS has made a name for its corporate dynamics which are rooted in a solid business case. Determined to innovate the real estate sector, and deliver projects that meet environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards, RDS underpins its enduring success by embracing sustainability principles. The CFI.co judging panel is pleased to name Residences Dar Saada winner of the 2017 Best Real Estate Developer Morocco Award.


Ichor Systems: Best Engineering IPO United States 2016

Ichor Systems has market analysts raving – something that doesn’t always come natural to these professionals. The company went public in December 2016 with a listing on the tech-heavy NASDAQ. Investors snapped up shares in the fluid delivery company and saw their stakes double in value within weeks. Ichor Systems shares (ICHR) have since held their value.

Ichor Systems manufactures fluid delivery subsystems which are employed in the production of advanced semiconductors. The company’s gas delivery products are used in capital equipment which etches the microscopic trenches and deposits into these metallic conductors on a semiconductor wafer.

Ichor System’s high precision chemical delivery products are also used in chemical mechanical planarisation, a critical step in preparing the wafer for subsequent rounds of etching and deposition to produce the chips used in so many electrical devices today. Thus, the company’s expertise helps their customers develop better control and quality in the manufacture of semiconductor devices. Ichor System’s customers use their valuable engineering capability for clients seeking turnkey solutions.

The company’s proprietary knowledge of complex fluid delivery systems also finds numerous applications in other non-semiconductor industries like medical, research, oil and gas and energy. Ichor Systems, headquartered in California and with production facilities in California, Oregon, Texas, the UK, and Southeast Asia, is recognised for its sustained investment in product research and development. The company is a long-time partner to the semiconductor industry – evolving its product line in tandem with the advancement of technology.

The CFI.co judging panel is not surprised that Ichor Systems’ IPO delivered strong results – both to the company and to its investors. The judges declare Ichor Systems winner of the 2016 Best Engineering IPO United States Award.


CCRIF SPC: Best Sustainable Insurance Leadership Latin America & Caribbean 2017

Ten years in from its foundation, CCRIF SPC (formerly the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility) helps countries in the Caribbean and Central America pool their resources for a much more effective management of risks associated with natural phenomena such as hurricanes and earthquakes.

CCRIF SPC was set up in response to Hurricane Ivan which in 2004 caused damages in excess of $6 billion as it raged over nine countries. Losses in Grenada and the Cayman Islands equalled close to 200% of those countries’ GDP.

Since its inception, pay-outs to member governments have totalled close to $70 million, providing a welcome degree of financial succour in the immediate aftermath of catastrophic weather events. The multi-country risk pool – the first of its kind in the world and since emulated in Africa and elsewhere – adds a layer of resilience to its seventeen member states. Participating countries enjoy significantly broader insurance coverage, at lower premiums, than policies available from commercial parties. They also benefit from easier access to the reinsurance market.

CCRIF’s parametric insurance products dovetail with national disaster risk management strategies and economic development policies. Pay-outs are quickly disbursed, within two weeks, as the amounts are calculated based on the event’s intensity using a pre-agreed model to calculate losses due to that event. This approach dispenses with on-the-ground damage and loss assessments after the event.

In recognition of the supreme importance of pooled risk facilities, the judges agree to declare CCRIF SPC winner of the 2017 Best Sustainable Insurance Leadership Latin America & Caribbean Award.


Nostrum Oil & Gas: Best Value Creation Strategy Central Asia 2017

Nostrum Oil & Gas keeps it simple: the company explores, develops, and exploits hydrocarbon resources in the Pre-Caspian Basin, west of Kazakhstan’s Mugodzhary mountain range. Operating four fields, the publically-traded company has established a stellar reputation for efficiency and for consistently attaining its corporate objectives.

Listed on the London Stock Exchange, and a constituent of the broader FTSE 250 Index, Nostrum Oil & Gas (NOG) maintains offices in London, Brussels, and St Petersburg.

It is headquartered in Amsterdam. Founded in 1997, to pursue drilling opportunities in Kazakhstan, the company started production in 2000, acquiring additional fields soon after. It debuted on the stock exchange in 2014.

NOG has become one of the largest oil and gas producers in Kazakhstan and boasts a sizeable investment programme to further improve its infrastructure. Thanks to the company’s sustained research efforts, NOG offers investors long-term value creation. The company is expected to shortly complete its drilling programme in the Chinarevskoye field which should significantly boost production to around 70,000 BOE (barrels of oil equivalent) per day – up from the 2017 target of 44,000. Recently, NOG also finished a third gas treatment facility.

The CFI.co judging panel applauds the company’s no-nonsense approach to oil and gas production. By keeping its operations streamlined, NOG has tapped into a formula for sustained growth. The judges are pleased to offer Nostrum Oil & Gas the 2017 Best Value Creation Strategy Central Asia Award.


XM: Best Trading Support Europe 2017

XM, the official trading partner of the fastest man in the world, Usain Bolt has worked its way up to the Fintech premier league with over one million clients registered to date (in no less than 196 countries executing some 150 million trades annually). Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Cyprus, XM has gained an enviable reputation for the faultless execution of trades and has invested heavily in a superb team that delivers a truly client-centric operations model.

The firm offers its clients 24/7 support and guidance in thirty languages. A team of around 300 dedicated and experienced professionals ensures that the broker stays ahead of the curve by adapting the latest trading tools and instruments. It is this technologically advanced trading that ensures a competitive advantage for the company.

XM is devoted to ensuring optimum trading conditions that comply with its strict ethics code. The firm does not distinguish between clients based on the size of their portfolio and consistently delivers a level playing field. Up to 99.35% of all trades are executed in under a second. XM recognises that in forex trading, speed is of the essence.

The CFI.co judging panel is pleased to note that XM offers traders not only world class services, but also guidance and protection such as a negative balance protection and access to the Investor Compensation Fund. The judges are pleased to name XM winner of the 2017 Best Trading Support Europe Award.


Kaiserwetter Energy Asset Management: Best Renewable Energy Asset Managers Germany 2017

Small is beautiful. When it comes to renewable energy – and contributing towards the fight against climate change – it pays not to overlook the smaller projects that often carry the biggest impact. In order to meet the goals set out during the COP 21 summit, significant funds need to be mobilised for, and directed towards, renewable energy.

Based in Germany, Kaiserwetter Energy Asset Management leverages the Internet-of-Things to offer investors and operators unparalleled insight into the performance of their wind and solar power plants. The company generates, compiles, and disseminates vast amounts of data to produce a transparent picture that can underpin the streamlined and adaptable organisational structures required for optimum efficiency.

Kaiserwetter’s fourth dimensional approach to asset management also serves to mitigate risk which allows investors to broach markets not otherwise considered. Built around big data analytics, Kaiserwetter applies its formula to 28 wind parks and 23 solar power facilities – with a combined 470MW output – in Germany, Poland, France, and Spain. The company is currently expanding into North America and wants to establish a presence in South America and Asia as well.

The CFI.co judging panel is convinced that cloud-based big data is key to the development of the comprehensive management techniques that investors require to underwrite the global push towards a renewable energy future. The judges are happy to recognise the achievements of Kaiserwetter Energy Asset Management with the 2017 Best Renewable Energy Asset Managers Germany Award.


Mineworkers Provident Fund: Best Pension Fund Transparency South Africa 2017

Established in 1989 and with over 100,000 members and assets in excess of R26bn, the Mineworkers Provident Fund (MWPF) is one of South Africa’s oldest black retirement funds. With a committee established in each of the regions where it has members, the MWPF is steered by a number of bodies that complement its board of trustees and include both members and representatives of participating employers.

Regional advisory committees keep members abreast of developments within the fund and the environment in which it operates. Regular meetings are organised by each of the nine regional committees to explain decisions, provide context, offer explanations, and answer questions from members.

Placing its members central in all operations has allowed the MWPF to increase efficiency and lower overheads. In addition to mandatory statutory audits, the fund also regularly commissions independent reviews in order to gauge performance, determine adherence to its stated mission, and benchmark results against industry peers. MWPF consistently outperforms similar funds in South Africa.

Whilst most MWPF members belong to the National Union of Mineworkers, the fund is open to all workers of the sector whose employers participate in the scheme. Others may join after obtaining approval from the board of trustees.

The CFI.co judging panel commends MWPF on its dedication to operational excellence and adherence to the highest standards of governance. The judges are pleased to offer the Mineworkers Provident Fund the 2017 Best Pension Fund Transparency South Africa Award.


Intelligent Voice: Best Intelligent Voice Solutions United Kingdom 2017

Intelligent Voice has developed the world’s fastest speech to text engine for call search and analysis. Their team has tested the technology continuously and very rigorously over the past eight years and – having mastered a rather steep learning curve – are now to be congratulated on bringing a superb product to market. The prevalent attitude at the company is one of refusing to accept that anything is impossible. And they have been proved right more than once.Intelligent Voice has developed the world’s fastest speech to text engine for call search and analysis. Their team has tested the technology continuously and very rigorously over the past eight years and – having mastered a rather steep learning curve – are now to be congratulated on bringing a superb product to market. The prevalent attitude at the company is one of refusing to accept that anything is impossible. And they have been proved right more than once.

This award by CFI.co reflects the judging panel’s confidence in the cutting-edge technology that places Intelligent Voice way ahead of its competition. Satisfied users of the software include the Department of Justice in Washington DC.

The technology has obvious application in the financial community. Banks have incredible amounts of sensitive voice data that need to be processed. For reasons of confidentiality this cannot be sent directly to the Cloud. The beauty of what has been achieved by Intelligent Voice is that users can process as accurately on small devices as anything that goes on in the Cloud.

Supported by Innovate UK, the company has developed Privacy Preserved Processing so that users can harness the storage advantage of the Cloud but in doing so use encrypted data. Partnering with O2, Intelligent Voice’s Ivy Note picks out and emails key points from transcripts too. Critically, the company has identified how best to integrate with existing work flows and products thus offering highly advanced voice technology without the need for the user to start from scratch.

Without hesitation, the CFI.co judging panel confirms Intelligent Voice as recipient of the award Best Intelligent Voice Solutions United Kingdom 2017.


JenLab: Most Innovative Medical Diagnostics Systems Europe 2017

Switch off the ultrasound and stow away the microscope: femtosecond laser technology has arrived. Developed by German health-tech company JenLab, femtosecond laser offers, amongst others, a non-invasive way to detect skin cancer. The ground-breaking technology provides optical biopsies to a previously unthinkable resolution and can highlight details as small as a single cancer cell.

The technology has now also found use as a tool for the testing of anti-aging drugs. Femtosecond laser can be focused on elastin and collagen and gauge the skin’s condition. Some of the world’s foremost cosmetics companies such as Chanel, L’Oréal, and Shiseido now employ JenLab’s technology in their research labs.

At hospitals, surgeons employ femtosecond lasers for the precise mapping of brain tumours which allows them to only remove cancerous cells, thus minimising damage to adjacent healthy cells.

JenLab is working on a new generation of femtosecond laser devices that will have a significantly smaller footprint whilst maintaining the high resolution. The new version is also expected to be cheaper, allowing smaller hospitals access to the technology. Partnering with medical professionals, JenLab is continuously discovering new uses for the femtosecond laser.

The CFI.co judging panel acknowledges that JenLab has accomplished the rarest of feats: to introduce a new and versatile technology that not only pushes the boundary but also finds new applications as professionals in the field explore the possibilities. The judges are honoured to offer JenLab the 2017 Most Innovative Medical Diagnostics Systems Europe Award.


Ghazanfar Bank: Best Sharia-Compliant Commercial Bank Afghanistan 2017

The financial services arm of one of Afghanistan’s leading business conglomerates, Ghazanfar Bank was set up in 2009 to help underwrite the country’s corporate sector. As such, the bank has established deep roots in a number of key industries.The financial services arm of one of Afghanistan’s leading business conglomerates, Ghazanfar Bank was set up in 2009 to help underwrite the country’s corporate sector. As such, the bank has established deep roots in a number of key industries.

Ghazanfar Bank offers both conventional and Sharia-compliant financial services via its own network of branches which now covers most provinces of the country. The bank is particularly keen to help fledging Afghan businesses to succeed and offers entrepreneurs a number of programmes aimed at skills development and financial literacy.

The bank has also put in place a highly experienced management team with multidisciplinary professionals providing the oversight and risk management necessary to ensure sustained growth and profitability. Ghazanfar Bank boasts a full suite of commercial banking services, including foreign exchange, investment handling, cross-border trade, and corporate and retail banking.

In order to ensure compliance with Islamic Law, Ghazanfar Bank maintains a Sharia Committee comprised of well-known scholars and academics who offer their expert advice on internal and external processes. Ghazanfar Bank is widely recognised as a pioneer in Sharia-compliant banking and in corporate social responsibility. The bank initiated a number of out-reach programmes in support of charitable institutions.

The CFI.co judging panel is pleased to note that Ghazanfar Bank awards career opportunities to young Afghan professionals. Fully 98% of the bank’s growing workforce is recruited locally. The judges wish to offer Ghazanfar Bank the 2017 Best Sharia-Compliant Commercial Bank Afghanistan Award.


Bridgestone Firestone: Best CSR Manufacturer Asia Pacific 2017

Corporate social responsibility is at the heart of the Bridgestone ethos and the company sets its corporate sights according to the slogan coined by its founder: ‘’serving society with superior quality.” Shojiro Ishibashi established a business that two years ago was recognised as the world’s largest tyre manufacturer. Corporate social responsibility is at the heart of the Bridgestone ethos and the company sets its corporate sights according to the slogan coined by its founder: ‘’serving society with superior quality.” Shojiro Ishibashi established a business that two years ago was recognised as the world’s largest tyre manufacturer.

Highly focused corporate activity relating to CSR is complemented by generosity at the employee level. Bridgestone’s major initiatives concern mobility and the elimination of congestion problems. There have been impressed success stories in the Asia Pacific region. Keen to support the environment, Bridgestone is championing a recycling-oriented society and a waste-free tyre industry. The company has promised – as part of its Tyres4ward programme – to re-purpose an out-of-use tyre for each new tyre sold by Bridgestone in the United States. This worthy project was established in 2012.

The company has three key environmental objectives. The first is to be in harmony with nature and accordingly supports biodiversity protection. This involves an educational and research role which is highly commendable. Keen to identify opportunities for reducing waste in the manufacturing process and reducing the amount of natural resources consumed by its operations, Bridgestone shows that it takes its responsibilities very seriously. The company is working towards ambitious goals for the reduction of CO2 and other emissions not only in respect of its own footprint but also within the lifecycle of the products it produces.

The CFI.co judging panel commends Bridgestone Firestone as a second consecutive year winner of this award and are please to confirm the company as Best CSR Manufacturer Asia Pacific 2017.


Touch Bank: Most Innovative Retail Digital Bank Russia 2017

With a full palette of innovative products and services, just a few mouse clicks away, Touch Bank has moved to the leading edge of Russia’s financial services industry – challenging tradition, promoting inclusion, and pushing the entire sector towards service model that slashes costs whilst improving both operational efficiency and client experience.

Touch Bank proves that excellence in the delivery of services is not the exclusive domain of brick and mortar banks. Though clients interact with the bank via the internet, their experience is not devoid of human warmth: as its name implies, Touch Bank emphasises a human touch – applied to all its front office operations with a view to gaining a deeper understanding of account holders’ needs and establishing long-term mutually beneficial relationships.

Touch Bank is part of the Hungarian OTP Group, one of the largest financial services providers in Central and Eastern Europe with operations in nine countries and well over 36,000 employees serving around 13 million clients. In Russia, Touch Bank is operating under the license of OTP Bank. As part of a larger and well-established group, Touch Bank offers its clients convenient access to a wide range of financial products and PFM-services delivered via multiple channels.

The CFI.co judging panel recognises Touch Bank for its innovative and client-centric approach to banking, and its promotion of financial inclusion. The judges agree to name Touch Bank winner of the 2017 Most Innovative Retail Digital Bank Russia Award.


Assupol: Best Life Assurer Southern Africa 2017

Over a century in business and offering funeral, life, savings, and retirement annuity policies, Assupol Life has become a fixture in the South African insurance sector. The company originally offered its products to government employees only, but – responding to consumer demand – is now open to the general public.

Assupol maintains a 27% share of the market in the government sector. The company is determined to replicate its success in the broader market, taking on much larger competitors by focusing on customer care and its signatory no-nonsense processing of claims.

Assupol consistently processes claims in under 24 hours – in fact, the company is a trendsetter in speeding up processing times. To help less financially resilient policyholders, Assupol pioneered a model that offers near-instant cash advances on claims.

Assupol also leverages its network of branches and agents to put a human face – and apply a human touch – to its services. Policyholders do not need to navigate labyrinthine phone routines and can address their concerns at local offices. Maintaining close proximity with clients – and keeping policyholders abreast of developments – are key to Assupol’s enduring success. To that end, the company deployed four mobile offices to travel the country and offer assistance in areas not yet fully covered by its network of more than seventy branches.

The CFI.co judging panel is familiar with Assupol’s progress and has recognised the company on a number of previous occasions. The judges agree that Assupol’s continued dedication to operational excellence again merits a win and offer the company the 2017 Best Life Assurer Southern Africa Award.


National Bank of Greece: Best Corporate Governance Greece 2017

National Bank of Greece (NBG) is a global financial services provider established back in 1841, with a 176-years history. NBG leads one of the largest Greek financial groups, with international presence including activities in Southeastern Europe and elsewhere. With a branch network covering entire Greece and subsidiaries in Greece and abroad, NBG has a global presence and offers a broad range of financial products and services.

NBG is justifiably proud of its corporate governance record. Attaching great importance to transparency of both its operations and plans, NBG has established an approach that ensures enduring success. Throughout the years, NBG has consistently rose to challenges and proved the inestimable value of solid corporate governance.

NBG Group has sound and efficient corporate governance arrangements incorporating international best practices, and centered around ensuring transparency, probity and focus on sustainable success over the longer term. A set of rules and procedures are followed, like the Corporate Governance Code and a number of Charters and Policies, incorporating Directive 2013/36/EU (CRD IV) and principles and best practices the Group applies, like Basel Committee on Banking Supervision Corporate governance principles for banks and the G20/OECD Principles of Corporate Governance.

NBG corporate governance arrangements are mirrored, inter alia, in the pioneering process the Bank followed during 2016 by publicly advertising positions both in Greece and abroad seeking candidates at the level of its Board of Directors thus enforcing an open and transparent recruitment process. Further indicative actions in applying best practices include annual evaluations of the Board of Directors and its Committees including collective performance and evaluation of performance of individual Board members and their contribution to the efficient operation of the BoD.

Further, NBG has been traditionally oriented towards contributing to society and the economy and accordingly it has taken a number of initiatives, while it has in place certain measures enhancing its Socially Responsible role and its contribution. In this context, NBG, among others, participates in a number of Associations, Unions, Organizations and Indices, it supports initiatives towards sustainable development, offers products and services targeted to the protection of the environment, proceeds in donations, while it has received a number of awards for its Corporate Social Responsibility depicting a wider acknowledgement of the Bank’s initiatives in this respect.

The CFI.co judging panel has followed NBG for a number of years. The judges agree that National Bank of Greece again merits recognition for its dedication to excellence in governance. NBG is hereby declared winner of the 2017 Best Corporate Governance Greece Award.


Abana Enterprises Group Company: Best Cash Handling Solutions Middle East 2017

With three complementary business units providing a comprehensive array of integrated payment and cash handling solutions, Abana Enterprises Group Company provides the backbone to Saudi Arabia’s financial services and telecom industries, amongst others, supplying innovative high-tech and fully-automated resource management systems. The company, set up in 1977, is recognised for its state-of-the-art products that push the technological envelope.

Abana Enterprises Group maintains a kingdom-wide network of 21 service centres and fields over 700 highly-trained engineers, developers, and support staff to keep systems running smoothly. Partnering with leading tech companies in Europe and North America has allowed Abana to remain at the leading edge of the fast-moving fin-tech world, offering its clients access to world-class solutions. The company is particularly proud of its ability to implement its services with unmatched speed, enabling clients to swiftly respond to new market trends. Abana Enterprises Group comprises three business units covering banking, telecom, and cash management services. Together, Abana’s three-pronged approach offers holistic solutions that meet the demands of banks, telecoms, government entities, retailers, and others.

The CFI.co judging panel agrees that effective payment and cash handling solutions applicable across multiple platforms have become crucial to the success of business. With increased complexity, the demand for specialised services, such as those provided by Abana, has also grown exponentially. The judges commend the company on meeting the challenge and declare Abana Enterprises Group Company winner of the 2017 Best Cash Handling Solutions Middle East Award.


Abu Dhabi Commercial Properties (ADCP): Best Property Management Team UAE 2017

Professional real estate management services aim to remove the hassle of property ownership – saving time and money. The professionals of Abu Dhabi Commercial Properties (ADCP) ensure owners and investors need not worry about the day-to-day management of their real estate. Working to the highest standards, ADCP’s experts analyse each property entrusted to the firm in order to determine its optimum use and maximise long-term returns.

ADCP proactively engages with both owners and (prospective) tenants to identify areas for improvement. The company deploys its experience to extract superior performance from property portfolios. ADCP is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank which was charged by the government with the management of the Commercial Buildings Finance Scheme – formerly the Department of Commercial Buildings and Social Services. The bank created ADCP to handle this responsibility.

ADCP offers both construction and property management. The company currently maintains over 750 construction projects and manages in excess of five million square metres of real estate, including retail outlets, apartments, villas, offices, and industrial estates. In 2007, ADCP leveraged the branch network of its parent bank to deliver its services as part of an holistic approach to property management.

The CFI.co judging panel notes that ADCP enjoys a stellar reputation: tenants and landlords alike appreciate the company’s proactive approach and dedication to excellence. The judges agree that ADCP, a repeat winner, is a worthy recipient of the 2017 Best Property Management Team UAE Award.


Petroleum Development Oman (PDO): Outstanding Contribution to Management Excellence Middle East 2017

With a concession area covering almost a third of the sultanate, Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) is the country’s main producer of oil and natural gas. The company maintains 178 oil fields with around 10,000 active wellheads which account for around 70% of Oman’s total oil production. PDO also produces nearly all of the sultanate’s natural gas.

PDO, majority-owned by the government, works closely with many local companies as well as international partners in the efficient and safe exploration of Oman’s hydrocarbon reserves. The company’s history dates back to 1937 and since then Petroleum Development Oman has worked towards transforming the country into a net exporter of oil and natural gas. It boasts an enviable track record in locating and developing fields in complex geological formations. PDO has been instrumental in boosting Omani oil production towards the million barrels per day mark.

Recognised globally for driving down the cost of enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques, adopting lean continuous business improvements and furthering research into the development of sustainable exploitation practices, PDO invests heavily in education and training programmes aimed at developing skillsets and providing opportunities to all levels from school leavers through to PhD graduates. The company is currently working with its partner GlassPoint on constructing the 1GWth (gigawatt thermal heat) Miraah solar facility, slated to start production later this year and the largest of its kind in the world. The plant will produce the steam – 6,000 tonnes per day – needed for thermal EOR at the Amal field in southern Oman.

PDO is committed to the highest standards of corporate governance. Management has consistently kept the company streamlined and agile in order to ensure optimum returns from the country’s natural resources. The CFI.co judging panel commends PDO – a repeat winner – on its corporate performance. The judges are pleased to offer PDO the 2017 Outstanding Contribution to Management Excellence Middle East Award.


Rotana Hotel Management Corporation: Best Hotel Manager Global Emerging Markets 2017

Excellence always shines through and ensures success – sometimes almost immediately. Such it is that Rotana Hotel Management Corporation, just now celebrating its first quarter century in business, managed to claim a top spot amongst the world’s premier hospitality and leisure brands. The company debuted with the Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi, opened in 1993, and is now well underway to attain its corporate goal of reaching the one hundred properties milestone by 2020.

Though rooted in the Middle East and representative of the region’s hospitality heritage, Rotana is expanding its footprint to include premier hotels and resorts in Africa, South Asia, and Eastern Europe. With a highly experienced management team in place and a corporate philosophy that embraces excellence to the smallest of details, Rotana has consistently registered solid growth across its diverse property lines. Apart from Rotana Hotels & Resorts, the company maintains a suite of top brands including Rayhaan, Arjaan, Centro, and The Residences catering to different segments of the travel market.

The Rayhaan Hotel & Resorts provide oases of both elegance and luxury in an alcohol-free environment – veritable havens of tranquillity. In contrast, Centro Hotels aim to provide comfort and convenience to the always-on-the-go executive.

Offering its guests a superior experience has allowed Rotana to expand rapidly without diluting the brand’s dedication to quality. The CFI.co judging panel is pleased to declare Rotana Hotel Management Corporation winner of the 2017 Best Hotel Manager Global Emerging Markets Award.


AnandRathi: Best Wealth Manager India 2017

Canvassing India with a network of over 1,200 branch offices, sub-brokers, and representatives, AnandRathi employs more than 2,500 professionals helping clients nurture and grow wealth. As one of the country’s principal investment banks and securities brokers, AnandRathi boasts a stellar track record grounded in its dedication to research, due diligence, and risk mitigation strategies.Canvassing India with a network of over 1,200 branch offices, sub-brokers, and representatives, AnandRathi employs more than 2,500 professionals helping clients nurture and grow wealth. As one of the country’s principal investment banks and securities brokers, AnandRathi boasts a stellar track record grounded in its dedication to research, due diligence, and risk mitigation strategies.

Partnering with Citigroup Venture Capital International, which owns a sizeable stake in the firm, allows AnandRathi to offer seamless access to the world’s main financial markets. The company also maintains an office in Dubai to gain privileged access and exposure to the region’s buoyant markets.

AnandRathi is a fully-accredited member of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), as well as the newer Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), amongst others. This way, AnandRathi is able to offer clients direct access to all of the country’s major trading venues.

By emphasising the excellence of its research and customer care, the company has been able to maintain steady growth and successfully fend off competition from inferior low-cost brokers. With its client-centric approach to investment services, AnandRathi – in business since 1994 – is recognised for consistently outperforming the overall market.

The CFI.co judging panel has followed AnandRathi for a number of years. In 2015 and 2016, the judges found the company to be peerless in wealth management. This year, the judges feel AnandRathi is again entitled to receive recognition and declare the company winner of the 2017 Best Wealth Manager India Award.


State Bank of India (SBI): Best Bank Governance India 2017

Building on a legacy spanning 211 years, State Bank of India (SBI) serves more than 500 million customers. That is fully half a billion clients who conduct well over 700 million transactions every week. State Bank of India is a collection of superlatives from its network of over 24,000 branch offices – staffed by no less than 209,000 employees – and some 59,000 ATMs to the 100,000 or so new accounts opened every business day.

SBI is 61% government-owned with the remainder of the shares in the hands of private investors. The bank is listed on both the Bombay and National stock exchanges. The bank’s GDRs (global depository receipts) are listed on the London Stock Exchange.

As befits its size, SBI maintains a comprehensive sustainability programme and a sound governance framework to ensure the bank meets and exceeds the expectations of both its owners and the wider market. Moreover, SBI boasts a global presence with nearly 200 branches in 36 countries.

Committed to excellence, also in its nation-building mission, State Bank of India operates a green banking channel aimed at addressing environmental concerns. The bank’s sustainability programmes, including corporate social responsibility initiatives, ensure that SBI remains firmly rooted in Indian society and keeps close proximity with its clients.

The CFI.co judging panel agrees that SBI has set the benchmark for governance in India. The judges congratulate State Bank of India with its win of the 2017 Best Bank Governance India Award.


IBA Group: Best Aviation Advisory Firm United Kingdom 2017

If it flies, IBA handles it. The British firm supports the aviation market by advising on strategic investments, management of assets, aircraft appraisals, risk and freighter conversions. IBA possesses a vast proprietary fleet and valuable databases – IBA.iQ – allowing it to benchmark any deal, strategic investment, or policy against current and historic data.

Headquartered in the UK, IBA has been hired by the world’s leading banks, lessors, investors, airlines, and aircraft and engine manufacturers to help improve efficiency, and support strategic decisions.

The company has established a solid reputation and earned the trust of the industry’s major players thanks to its seasoned team of aviation professionals. As an independent full-service consultancy, IBA is able to offer its clients the combined benefits of sector expertise, a unique data platform, and hands-on management of aircraft. IBA advises the leasing community on all matters relating to aviation and currently has over one hundred aircraft under service management contract.

By allowing customers direct access to its vast pool of industry data and technical expertise, IBA is able to consistently deliver intelligence that adds value and promotes the sustainability of operations across the industry.

The CFI.co judging panel agrees that with Boeing and Airbus predicting a global skyline navigated by some ten thousand airlines, the need for independent data-based consultancy services is set to increase significantly. IBA is well poised to benefit from this surge in demand. The judges are pleased to offer IBA the 2017 Best Aviation Advisory Firm United Kingdom Award.


Biomatrix Water: Best Ecological Water Solutions Leadership United Kingdom 2017

Water – its value only becomes priceless when the tap runs dry. A finite commodity, yet often mistreated, water requires careful management. The demand for ecologically sound water technology is on the rise as stakeholders such as city councils, river basin authorities, conservationists, environmental engineers, and many others demand sustainable and functional solutions in waterway restoration and wastewater treatment.

In Forres, Scotland, Biomatrix Water has developed a full suite of innovative approaches to water management. The firm’s floating islands, carrying native plant species, help improve water quality and provide food and shelter to fish. Floating riverbanks expand on this concept and encourage biodiversity whilst embellishing the landscape. Riverbank modules contain sub-surface biofilm carrier media that grow microbes in their billions to improve water quality. Moreover, the floating plants absorb ten to twenty times more pollutants from the water than shore-based flora.

Biomatrix Water works on projects across the globe and has installed its solutions as far afield as India, Hong Kong, China, and the Philippines, as well as their many projects in the UK and USA. The company believes in a holistic approach to water management; its projects often involve entire communities to ensure success over the long term.

The CFI.co judging panel agrees that the ecological engineering for the recovery of biologically degraded environments pioneered by Biomatrix Water constitutes a unique – and effective – approach to water management – using low to no energy solutions to deliver clean water, and thriving aquatic ecosystems with multiple benefits. The judges are pleased to offer Biomatrix Water the 2017 Best Ecological Water Solutions Leadership United Kingdom Award.


Dubai Creative Cluster Authority: Outstanding Contribution to Economic Development Middle East 2017

In support of the National Innovation Strategy unveiled in 2014, Dubai Creative Clusters Authority (DCCA) seeks to create an enabling environment for entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and talented individuals from across the globe. Over 4,500 companies, from dynamic start-ups to corporate behemoths, are currently located in Dubai Creative Clusters, a diverse Free Zone catering to Dubai’s creative and other knowledge-based sectors.

Offering unparalleled ease of doing business thanks to its flexible and transparent regulatory environment, companies in the free zone benefit from 100% foreign ownership, guaranteed 50-year exemption from corporate taxes, and full repatriation of profits and capital. DCCA’s focus on development-friendly regulations and policies ensures the delivery of world-class infrastructure and vibrant communities.

With its one-stop-shop approach, DCCA demonstrates how collaboration between the private sector and local government can facilitate cross-sector growth, enabling global companies to establish a base in the Middle East whilst also supporting the emergence of entrepreneurs and small businesses.

The nine clusters under DCCA’s jurisdiction include Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, Dubai International Academic City, Dubai Studio City and Dubai Design District, amongst others. These clusters host diverse ecosystems tailored to ICT, media and entertainment, higher education, energy and environment, outsourcing and design, and related areas.

The CFI.co judging panel notes that DCCA has been set up to facilitate the work of creative businesses. As such, it provides an environment that invites and inspires. The judges are pleased to offer Dubai Creative Clusters Authority the 2017 Outstanding Contribution to Economic Development Middle East Award.


First Names Group: Best Cross-Border Fiduciary Services Team Channel Islands 2017

A people business first and foremost, First Names Group is a leading independent provider of trust, real estate, fund, and corporate services. Headquartered in Jersey, the Group operates across 14 strategic locations providing tailored solutions to international clients, including ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families, entrepreneurs, institutional investors and multinational corporations.

With a corporate DNA uniquely centred on the core competencies of its people, First Names Group has developed a comprehensive offering that dovetails with client needs and is easily adaptable to fit specific requirements and the ever changing regulatory and legislative landscape.

The Group’s firm commitment to its clients’ continued success achieved through a high touch, director led, people focused approach to service delivery is a clear differentiator in the market.  It is also a key driver of business growth, particularly when combined with the Group’s investment in its people.  The recruitment programme and range of professional and personal development initiatives available across the Group ensure that there is strength and depth among its teams. These expert, experienced professionals are adept at structuring highly complex deals and transactions covering multiple jurisdictions while maintaining long term relationships with clients and their advisers.

The CFI.co judging panel was impressed by the Group’s commitment to ensuring the ongoing technical competence of its people and its ability to deliver a seamless multijurisdictional offering to its clients – both essential elements for the success of any cross-border venture or undertaking. The judges accordingly declared First Names Group the winner of the 2017 Best Cross-Border Fiduciary Services Team Channel Islands Award.


Fideicomiso Hipotecario: Best Social Impact Mortgage Provider Mexico 2017

Mexico’s first mortgage-oriented real estate investment trust (MREIT), Fideicomiso Hipotecario – FHipo for short – is the first vehicle that allows the general public to invest in residential mortgage portfolios in Mexico, contributing to the development of the housing sector and helping improve the mortgage sector’s liquidity by enabling the participation of local and international investors, thus enhancing the availability of capital whilst offering stable and predictable returns.

Listed on the Mexican Stock Exchange, FHipo offers the mortgage industry access to additional sources of funding. FHipo acquires, originates, co-participates, manages and operates well-diversified mortgage portfolios throughout Mexico.

FHipo has an outsized impact on Mexico’s housing market, which has long suffered from under-funding from the private sector. Historically, commercial banks have not attended certain income levels within the mortgage sector, offering a limited amount of mortgages to such segments and focusing primarily on clients with higher income.

FHipo displays a flexibility that is unmatched locally and enables the firm to offer its clients premium investment opportunities. The latter, given their highly developed mortgage platform, financially sophisticated management team and deeply qualified risk assessment technologies that helps FHipo stay ahead of its competition.

FHipo with a young and entrepreneurial management team including the youngest CEO and CFO in the Mexican Stock Exchange, have created a business model that includes a pronounced social element: with the resources obtained through the capital markets, FHipo has created greater competitiveness within the industry and thus contributed to the improvement of terms and conditions of the entire mortgage industry.

The firm allows home buyers, regularly unattended by commercial banks, to access the housing sector at significantly lower interest rates through origination programs with Infonavit and FOVISSSTE. The firm participates in housing projects that directly impact the quality of life of Mexican workers, by offering borrowers increased security and proximity to job opportunities, reducing daily commutes, thus increasing quality of life and providing one of the most important assets for a family, its house.

The CFI.co judging panel notes that FHipo has established a solid reputation which allows them to easily source funding both domestically and from overseas sources. The judges feel confident that Fideicomiso Hipotecario makes a significant difference and declare the firm winner of the 2017 Best Social Impact Mortgage Provider Mexico Award.


Mack International: Best Investment Manager Executive Search Firm United States 2017

Providing experienced executive investment talent to family offices and family investment firms for over fifteen years, Mack International is a boutique consultancy that not only matches investment executives to investors but looks for a seamless cultural fit in order to ensure superior long-term performance.

The US-based firm has established a long, successful track record in finding the right candidate through a combination of creativity and commitment to get it right the first time, every time. Mack International specialises in helping family offices and family enterprises hire executive talent that can and will meet key business objectives. The firm takes great care in matching both professional qualifications and cultural requirements, understanding that the aims of family offices and family investment firms often include goals that reach beyond mere financial considerations.

Offering highly personalised services while pursuing long-term partnerships with its clients, Mack International spans generations, assisting first generation wealth creators through multi-generational families. The firm also serves foundations and philanthropic entities as well as private banks, trust companies, and other select advisory firms who serve family office clients.

In order to find the right candidate, Mack International maintains an extensive, proprietary network of contacts and referral sources in the family office and wealth/investment management universe. Renowned for its reputation for excellence, unique specialisation, and utmost discretion and confidentiality, the firm’s name carries considerable weight. As such, Mack International enjoys unparalleled trust and distinctive access when sourcing the most talented professionals.

The CFI.co judging panel congratulates Mack International on its impressive achievements. The judges note that the firm’s client portfolio includes a large number of globally well-known names. A repeat winner, Mack International is granted the 2017 Best Investment Manager Executive Search Team United States Award.


UnionBank of the Philippines: Best Universal Bank Philippines 2017

It is a bank that proactively hunts the best and brightest to preserve and expand its leading edge. UnionBank of the Philippines recognises the value of a highly trained and experienced workforce, in particular IT professionals who are able to not just think outside the proverbial box, but shatter it. To that end, the bank took the unusual step of inviting white-hat hackers – those without criminal intent – to breach its defences during U-Hack events organised throughout the country. The happenings are wildly popular and draw in the Philippines’ most resourceful geeks. The bank subsequently identified the most talented hackers and invited them to join its workforce and help perfect security systems and roll out additional online services.

UnionBank of the Philippines is a financial services provider known and respected for its can-do attitude to the business. It is one of the country’s leading full-service banks. UnionBank was founded in 1968 and obtained a listing on the Philippine Stock Exchange in 1992. In keeping with its pioneering corporate spirit, UnionBank was the first in the country to launch a website and introduced online banking to the Philippines. Since then it has launched an electronic savings account and a debit card linked to the bearer’s PayPal account.

The CFI.co judging panel notes that UnionBank also maintains a vast recruitment programme directed at finding – and hiring – the best math and sciences majors at universities. The judges are pleased to recognise UnionBank of the Philippines as winner of the 2017 Best Universal Bank Philippines Award.


FFA Private Bank: Best Private Bank Middle East 2017

Consistently adding tangible value to client needs and objectives, Lebanon’s FFA Private Bank adheres to the country’s long-standing tradition of superior banking services pursuing synergies across disciplines whilst offering a veritable wealth of services. The bank, founded in 1994 and with dual headquarters in Beirut and Dubai, is recognised as a trendsetter amongst private banks and a leader in specialised financial services.

FFA Private Bank’s unique business model is centred on combining seven core services into a single platform for wealth creation and preservation. This framework takes into account all interactions between the corporate and private assets of clients. FFA Private Bank serves high-net-worth individuals, family offices, private companies, and financial services providers, amongst others. The bank is focused on establishing long-term relationships in order to truly understand its clients’ needs and objectives.

FFA Private Bank has invested significant resources in the formation of a highly-skilled professional team. Eight out of every ten staff members possess a university degree. In order to assure exceptional long-term performance, FFA Private Bank emphasises compliance and adheres to well-established international best practices. The bank maintains a flexible organisational structure that allows each department to optimise its contribution to the shared effort – delivering strong results for clients.

The CFI.co judging notes that FFA Private Bank is an entrepreneurial bank serving entrepreneurs: a bank that provides concrete best-in-class solutions. The judges are pleased to offer FFA Private Bank the 2017 Best Private Bank Middle East Award.


Commercial Bank of Ceylon (CBC): Most Responsible Bank Sri Lanka 2017

One of Sri Lanka’s largest financial services providers, the Commercial Bank of Ceylon (CBC) has embarked on a large scale programme, backed by multilateral finance providers, to improve access to green financing such as renewable energy projects. The bank noted that Sri Lanka boasts an exceptionally promising green energy potential. The programme also covers investments in tourism, healthcare, and infrastructure projects.

Tracing its origins to the 1920s, Commercial Bank of Ceylon has a long history of firsts and is widely recognised for its dedication to innovation and operational excellence. With its 2004 takeover of the Bangladesh branch network of Crédit Agricole Indosuez, CBC became the first Sri Lankan bank to establish a presence outside the country. The bank has since also branched out to the Maldives with a full-service office in Male.

Building on its solid technological backbone, CBC is now well-poised to further expand its geographical footprint. The bank justifiably prides itself on adhering to the highest standards in corporate governance and corporate social responsibility, pioneering a business model that serves the interests of all stakeholders. CBC is an early signatory to the United Nations Global Compact, an initiative that promotes sustainable and socially-responsible business practices.

The CFI.co judging panel commends CBC on its robust approach to responsible banking and recognises the company’s pioneering role. The judges are delighted to offer Commercial Bank of Ceylon the 2017 Most Responsible Bank Sri Lanka Award.


Maritime Bank: Outstanding Contribution to SMEs and Innovation Vietnam 2017

Its mission is deceptively simple: to be the full-service bank everyone wants to join and no one wants to leave. Vietnam’s Maritime Bank is well on its way to reach this goal. In line with its mission, Maritime Bank relentlessly pursues a corporate culture that fosters transparency, high performance, and excellence in customer service. Leveraging the strength of this three-pronged approach,

Maritime Bank consistently delivers optimised results for all stakeholders, including customers, shareholders, staff members, and surrounding communities. The bank is considered a pioneer in the promotion of financial inclusion.

Adhering to its fine-tuned operational approach, Maritime Bank has registered sustained growth for over a quarter century. The bank was set up in 1991 in Haiphong City. It later moved the head office to Hanoi in order to allow for faster business development. In 2015, Maritime Bank merged with Mekong Development Bank to become one of Vietnam’s five largest publicly-owned financial services providers.

The bank maintains a national presence with a network of close to 300 branches and around 500 ATMs. Maritime Bank has gained a solid reputation for anticipating, and responding to, its clients’ needs. The bank’s range of services include tailored products to suit the needs of private accountholders, SMEs, and large corporations. Maritime Bank is recognised for its up-to-date IT backbone which ensures operational efficiency and an optimised customer experience.

The CFI.co judging panel congratulates the bank on its significant achievements and offers Maritime Bank the 2017 Outstanding Contribution to SMEs and Innovation Vietnam Award.


Gol Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes: Best Value Creation Leadership Brazil 2017

One of the world’s fastest-growing airlines, GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes is one of Latin America’s largest low-cost best-fare carriers. The company, founded in 2001, revolutionised air travel in Brazil by ushering millions of new travellers into the jet age. Operating almost 700 flights every day with its standardised fleet of 116 Boeing 737s, GOL employs well over 15,000 people and is the leading company in terms of comfort, on-time performance, and number of passengers carried in the domestic market, both in its leisure and corporate segments.

To serve its international and long-haul domestic routes, the company has ordered sixty Boeing 737 MAX airplanes– the largest order from a single airline in the history of Latin American aviation. The new state-of-the-art airliners allow for significant fuel savings and reduce the company’s carbon footprint by another 10-14%. The company, a favourite with Wall Street investors, is expected to strengthen its Latin American network and add new routes to North America.

Delta Air Lines and Air France/KLM are strategic partners, and have enabled GOL to improve business and increase operations with connecting flights from Brazil to North America and Europe. The company also maintains twelve codeshares and over seventy interline agreements for added convenience and to facilitate connections to any of the destinations served by these alliances.

The CFI.co judging panel acknowledges the innovative approach GOL has pioneered, combining best-fare travel with perks such as inflight connectivity, premier entertainment system, and a comprehensive menu of buy-on-board products and free snacks. The judges are pleased to offer GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes the 2017 Best Value Creation Leadership Brazil Award.


EFG Asset Management: Best Fixed Income Fund Manager United Kingdom 2017

EFG Asset Management takes a hands-on approach to private banking with a can-do mentality that mirrors its corporate philosophy and fits neatly with today’s highly dynamic markets. At EFG, an entrepreneurial spirit coupled to refreshing pragmatism translate into a unique experience for investors. The firm caters to private investors, asset and wealth managers, financial advisers, and institutional investors with tailored and time-honoured yet adaptable formulas that consistently ensure optimum performance.

The EFG Group of companies is headquartered in Zürich, Switzerland, and maintains a large presence in London in addition to a network of branches and private banks spanning three continents and reaching all of the world’s major financial markets.

Founded in 1995 by two veteran private bankers, EFG has grown from a promising start-up to a worldwide banking group. The company is listed on SIX Swiss Exchange since 2005 and last year acquired BSI, the oldest bank in Switzerland.

EFG Asset Management, a division of EFG Private Bank in London, serves the investment needs of the entire group and boasts a global team of experienced professionals around the globe. The division has approximately $20bn in assets under management on behalf of clients. EFG Asset Management is recognised for fostering a corporate culture of independent thinking within a highly disciplined framework.

The CFI.co judging panel appreciates the value of EFG Asset Management’s proactive straightforward approach. The judges are pleased to offer EFG Asset management the 2017 Best Fixed Income Fund Manager United Kingdom Award.


SOHAR Port and Freezone: Best Regional Logistics Hub Middle East 2017

As one of the world’s fastest-growing logistical hubs, SOHAR Port and Freezone, in the Sultanate of Oman, midway between Dubai and Muscat, is welcoming international investors to its 6,500-hectare (65km2) development. Investments in excess of US$26 billion have already been committed and are transforming the port and its adjacent free trade zone into a major logistics and manufacturing centre for the region. The port has existing clusters for metals, petrochemicals and logistics, and is now adding a new Food Zone, as the region’s first dedicated agro-bulk terminal together with food manufacturing, packaging and logistics industries.

SOHAR Port and Freezone is a 50-50 joint venture between the Sultanate of Oman and the Port of Rotterdam – the largest seaport in Europe, which employs 180,000 people and handles over 40,000 ships annually. SOHAR Port and Freezone is located just outside the congested Strait of Hormuz, but within easy reach of the major Middle East markets of Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. SOHAR sits at the crossroads of historic east-west trading routes, allowing businesses easy access by land, sea, and air to over 3.5 billion customers across the Middle East, Indian subcontinent, eastern Africa, south and east Asia.

In order to optimise efficiency and set operational benchmarks at the highest international standards, SOHAR leverages the experience of leading port management companies to operate its terminals, such as Hutchison for containers; Oiltanking for liquid bulk; and C. Steinweg for project and general cargo. The first 500-hectare phase of the planned 4,500-hectare Freezone is almost fully leased out and planning is underway for phase-two.

This is an endorsement of a successful formula which includes an abundant supply of energy, a large pool of skilled labour, bonded connections to the adjacent port for feedstock and maritime logistics, and excellent connectivity across the region with many new and uncongested highways.

The CFI.co judging panel notes that SOHAR Freezone is already home to over 25 tenant industries, including ferrochrome smelters and vehicle assembly plants. The judges congratulate SOHAR Port and Freezone on winning the 2017 Best Regional Logistics Hub Middle East Award.