Copernicus Wealth Management: Best Wealth Management Team Switzerland 2023

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Investors trust Copernicus Wealth Management to make the most of challenging market conditions. The independent financial group is regulated and licensed by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority. It aspires to become a benchmark financial partner for family office, corporate and institutional clients. The group has been serving clients since 2017, providing a range of asset management, investment advisory and wealth planning services. Copernicus has offices in Lugano and Zurich and plans to open-up in Geneva as well. It inaugurated the Zurich branch in 2021 and brought on new relationship managers to boost asset growth and M&A activity. The group will proceed on plans for Geneva pursuant to market analyses and discussions with potential collaborators. Copernicus celebrates the cultural differences of its staff, who speak a mix of English, Italian and German Swiss. Copernicus has assembled a well-rounded team of professionals to help clients seize opportunities and build safeguards. Internal financial analysts, risk managers and lawyers expand the group’s competencies. Copernicus puts the collective expertise of its workforce in service of client needs. It responded to the market volatility of 2022, which was impacted by continued conflict between Russia and Ukraine, by repositioning the portfolio. Client trust in the group remained steadfast throughout last year’s shaky performance — and was proven justified as Copernicus recovered its position early this year. The CFI.co judging panel congratulates repeat programme winner Copernicus Wealth Management on claiming the 2023 award for Best Wealth Management Team (Switzerland).


Alistithmar Capital: Best Real Estate Fund KSA 2023

Alistithmar for Financial Securities and Brokerage Company (“Alistithmar Capital”), a closed joint stock subsidiary of The Saudi Investment Bank, has followed a client-centric, value-investing philosophy since its launch in 2008. The company helps clients in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) to make the most of their money with a service suite covering advising, arranging, custody, dealing, fund operation and investment management. It recently celebrated the completion and exit of a landmark transaction through its Kaden Alistithmar Fund. Alistithmar Capital established the fund in 2021 with the primary purpose of acquiring prime mixed-use real estate in Riyadh — and was able to raise the amount needed to operate the fund within 24 hours. Alistithmar Capital marshalled an experienced team to fast-track the purchase and manage the investment to ensure sustainable performance and long-term value creation. In only 18 months, Alistithmar Capital had achieved all investment objectives and exited the assets with a significant return on equity: 56 percent net of all expenses and fees, which is equal to a compound annual growth rate of 34.5 percent. The substantial performance of the Kaden Alistithmar real estate fund over such a short period underscores the company’s ability to exceed expectations. Alistithmar Capital, with $66.7m in paid-up capital, is licensed and regulated by the Saudi Capital Market Authority. The CFI.co judging panel presents Alistithmar Capital — a repeat programme winner — with the 2023 award for Best Real Estate Fund (KSA).


RENAIO Assets GmbH: Outstanding Contribution to Energy Transition Europe 2023

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Hydropower is key to the acceleration and diversification of the world’s energy transition. RENAIO Assets GmbH, one of the leading hydropower asset managers in Europe, forms part of an owner-managed group specialising in the operation and financing of infrastructure and renewable energy projects. RENAIO Assets GmbH was founded in 2019 and headquartered in Germany. It’s driven by seasoned experts and idealistic young talent with backgrounds in sustainable investing, engineering and technical fields. The partners have around 25 to 30 years of experience working in capital markets. RENAIO oversees 24 hydroelectric power plants in Germany, Austria, Italy and Poland. Its operations provide more than 43,700 families with clean electricity, saving nearly 81,820 tons in carbon emissions. It has a penchant for converting underperforming hydropower plants into high-efficiency operations through software and tech improvements. RENAIO’s investments, interventions and supervision resulted in a 20-percent efficiency boost. Citing the vast availability and falling costs of renewable energies, RENAIO argues that power production has no need to negatively impact the environment. It combines strong due diligence with financial and technical expertise to create value for investors as well as hope for the future. RENAIO launched an open-ended hydropower fund to increase participation among medium-sized and smaller institutional investors. The fund is an Article-9 investment and allows for the acquisition of new shares on a quarterly basis. The CFI.co judging panel announces RENAIO Assets GmbH as the 2023 award winner for Outstanding Contribution to Energy Transition (Europe).


I&M Bank (Rwanda) Plc: Best Bank Rwanda 2023

Incorporated in 1963, I&M Bank (Rwanda) Plc is the oldest bank in Rwanda. It’s a leading player in the industry with a strong footprint across the country. I&M Bank Rwanda offers the full range of personal, business, institutional and corporate banking products throughout its locations. The bank has been listed on the Rwanda Stock Exchange since March 2017. It's a subsidiary of I&M Group PLC, a leading regional financial services group in Eastern Africa with a presence in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda as well as a joint venture in Mauritius. I&M Group has a long history in banking and has established a wide network of correspondent banks across the globe. It enjoys a strong relationship with leading international development financial institutions and is committed to driving transformation and innovation across the industry. The bank has unlocked higher levels of customer satisfaction and operational efficiency through deep digitalisation. It has increased the customer base by 29 percent, with significant growth in MSME banking. The bank’s decentralised branch sales strategy, which levers a direct sales agent model and prioritises customer engagement, has led to a 38 percent increase in total transactions year on year. Digital transactions grew by 46 percent, and 88 percent of newly acquired accounts were registered via digital channels. Tech investments have delivered greater flexibility and control over credit and risk management. The CFI.co judging panel presents three-time programme winner, I&M Bank (Rwanda) Plc, with the 2023 award for Best Bank (Rwanda).


Région Île-de-France: Best Green Bond Thought Leadership Team Global 2023

The Île-de-France region, which surrounds the nation’s famed Parisian capital, serves public needs with a €5bn budget and a workforce of more than 10,000 professionals. The region is committed to completely covering its financing needs via green and sustainable bonds. Since 2012, it has issued 11 green and sustainable bonds totalling €5.2bn. Now, 85 percent of the region’s debt derives from green funding, which should account for all its debt by the 2027/28 fiscal year. Île-de-France updated its green and sustainable investment framework in 2021. Last year, it launched a €133m resilience fund to erase debt for more than 7,000 regional MSMEs struggling to recover from the pandemic. Île-de-France bonds are regarded as best-in-class investments. Last year’s call for a €700m bond resulted in a €1.4bn order book, attracting support from 62 investors in 14 countries. Austria, Germany, Switzerland and France represented over 71 percent of the orderbook. Île-de-France issued a €600m sustainability bond in January 2023 that was nearly fourfold oversubscribed at €2.3bn (attracting 94 investors from 15 countries). Île-de-France was ranked by the extra-financial rating agency Vigeo-Eiris among the top three European regional authorities for its sustainability performance. The region will publish a new green budget to highlight the environmental and social priorities of 2024. Target areas include climate action, clean transport, renewable energies, ecological transition, circular economies, territorial cohesion, sport, disability and autonomy. The CFI.co judging panel announces the Région Île-de-France as the 2023 global award winner for Best Green Bond Thought Leadership Team.


DTIDZ  - Best Free Economic Zone Leadership - Balkans 2023

Technological Industrial Development Zones – the Focal Point for Investors Seeking Support to Invest in North Macedonia. Politically and economically stable, a NATO member since 2020, successive North Macedonia is attracting investment from major global companies from a broad range of industries to its Technological Industrial Development Zones (TIDZs).

The 14 Technological Industrial Development Zones have emerged as fundamental entities in North Macedonia's economic development strategy, providing a strategic framework to promote both domestic and foreign direct investments. These specialized zones offer a confluence of incentives and facilities, making them an attractive choice for investors looking to establish their operations in the region. Acting as key drivers of economic growth by channeling investments into targeted sectors, thereby fostering innovation and technological advancements, the concentration of resources and expertise within these zones creates a ripple effect that enhances productivity, stimulates industry-wide competition, and bolsters export-oriented activities. Indeed, one of the advantages of conducting business with a relatively small country like North Macedonia is the flexibility that can be offered to investors. The government and business community in North Macedonia recognize the importance of understanding the needs and requirements of investors right from the initial discussions.

According to the annual analyses, DTIDZ in the last two years have reached investment agreements totaling more than €850m and bringing 4000 new jobs to the region, with export reaching 1.6 billion euros, showing a remarkable progress in the last five years. The last contract worth 205 million euros was with a Taiwanese world leading electronic provider, marking the biggest greenfield investment since the independence of the country, with a plan of opening over 3,900 new jobs.

As North Macedonia positions itself as an attractive investment destination, the continued success of TIDZs will undoubtedly be paramount in sustaining its upward trajectory in the global economy. By facilitating job creation, promoting skill development, and propelling local industries towards technological advancement, TIDZs stand as indispensable drivers of the nation's economic development. The CFI.co judging panel presents DTIDZ with the 2023 Best Free Economic Zone Leadership award (Balkans).


MAC SA: Best Asset Management Team Tunisia 2023

As a consulting and financial services company, MAC SA is a leading company in the Tunisian financial market. Offering state-of-the-art services in the fields of stock exchange, corporate finance and asset management, MAC SA is pleased today with its strong reputation acquired for more than three decades and proud on the role it has played in Tunisia’s socio-economic development.

Close to its customers, and constantly aware of the opportunities and constraints of the market, MAC SA always offers the best tailored solutions that meet the needs of its customers in terms of risk profile and investment horizon. Today, MAC SA is totalling more than $ 300 million of assets under management through several mutual funds and bond unit trusts.

Its flagship collective management product, FIDELITY SICAV PLUS has achieved the best performance since 2019, with a cumulative return of 30.9% (over 2019-2022 period). This performance is the result of a well-established investment strategy and a team of successful managers. Moreover, this SICAV was the winner, two years in a row, of the Refinitiv Lipper Fund Awards, in MENA markets. The success of FIDELITY SICAV PLUS in Tunisia is due to its low level of risk, high liquidity, advantageous taxation, and free fees.

Aware of its role in overcoming the crisis and being an active player in the Tunisian economic development, MAC SA is in the process of acquiring approval to launch its first real estate fund, under a very innovative model for the Tunisian market to meet the needs of several investors. The CFI.co judging panel presents repeat programme winner MAC SA with the 2023 award winner for Best Asset Management Team (Tunisia).


MAC SA: Best Stockbroker Tunisia 2023

MAC SA is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Over the decades, the Tunisian company has developed a multidisciplinary offering including stock market brokerage, asset management, corporate finance, investment research and recently private equity. Today MAC SA has become an independent financial group operating both in Tunisia and West Africa. The company has opted for total independence of its capital to continue to provide its advisory in neutrality and objectivity and away from conflicts of interest to better meet the needs of its clients. Its accessibility, customer proximity and mission-driven focus are key competencies that help MAC SA meet – and exceed- expectations. It has helped to Tunisian financial market development and accompanied Tunisian companies in their development strategies through IPOs, fundraising, bond loans, public tender offers, etc...

Always close to its clients, MAC SA deploys a dedicated front office team to execute trading operations on the Tunis stock exchange while providing clients with an online trading platform to track the best opportunities on the market, check their accounts in real time and place orders instantly.

With more than $300 million of assets under management, MAC SA is also one of the leading asset management houses in Tunisian offering several mutual funds and unit trusts with different risk levels and various investment horizons.

Backed by its management team and led by Mr Mourad Ben Chaabane, who was recently re-elected chairman of the Tunis stock exchange for the third consecutive time, MAC SA enjoys a solid reputation, a recognized track record and a confirmed expertise. Assets that will enable it to face the future calmly and conquer new markets.

The CFI.co judging panel announces MAC SA — a repeat programme champion — as the 2023 award winner for Best Stockbroker (Tunisia).


Euro Exim Bank: Best Global Trade Services Bank 2023

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There is global need for specialised trade finance institutions, and Euro Exim Bank (EEB) has proven itself a preferred partner with vast international expertise, cost-effective solutions, and a next-generation online platform. EEB has its headquarters in Saint Lucia, an office in London and a presence in more than 190 countries through a network of representatives and partnerships. It connects clients across Asia, the Middle East and Africa with the financial instruments to facilitate import and export trade. The bank fills a gap in emerging markets, where major banks' risk appetite has yet to catch up with the region's growing demand for new products and critical raw materials. EEB provides clients with trade-enabling services like letters of credit, standby letters of credit, performance bonds and bank guarantees. Thanks to the bank's continuous investment in tech infrastructure, clients can now acquire trade instruments within 48 hours. Since its launch in 2015, the bank has grown to over $200m in AUM. EEB is also planning on expanding trading platforms for provide payment gateways and merchant accounts. Euro Exim Bank holds a Class A international banking license from Saint Lucia's financial authority and is authorised to conduct business with third parties across industries and geographies worldwide. The CFl.co judging panel congratulates Euro Exim Bank - a repeat programme winner - on claiming the 2023 award for Best Global Trade Services Bank.


AccountAbility: Best ESG Strategy Development Partner Global 2023

AccountAbility is a global ESG consulting and standards firm that works with businesses, investors, governments, and multilateral organisations to deliver practical, effective, and enduring results that enable its clients to succeed. As a Public Benefit Corporation, AccountAbility's mission is to create a positive impact on society through the innovation and advancement of the global sustainability agenda, in addition to delivering strong and consistent operational performance.

AccountAbility operates globally through a network of offices in New York, London, Riyadh, and Dubai. The organisation uniquely provides relevant, practical, and industry-leading Advisory, Standards, and Research services "under one roof". The firm is staffed and led by diverse sustainability experts with specialised degrees and professional experience, with an expansive industry focus including energy and extractives, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, financial services, real estate, and consumer packaged goods, among other sectors.

Guided by a business-centric mindset, AccountAbility is not an advocacy organisation or activist platform. By prioritising relevance and value creation, the firm delivers ESG solutions that ensure resilience, adaptability, and long-term competitive advantage for its clients.

Over the past few years, AccountAbility has demonstrated thought leadership in ESG development across dozens of in-person engagements and published works. In the firm's recent 7 Sustainability Trends 2023 Report, AccountAbility detailed the most forward-looking sustainability trends shaping the business landscape – and how organisations across industries and geographies can channel each trend into meaningful action. For the third consecutive year, the CFI.co judging panel has selected AccountAbility as the global award winner for Best ESG Strategy Development Partner, this time in 2023.


Landesbank Baden-Württemberg (LBBW): Best Covered Bond Issuer Germany 2023

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In the 2022/23 financial year, German banking group Landesbank Baden-Württemberg (LBBW) demonstrated an impressive capacity for identifying and seizing issuance opportunities. It achieved a combined orderbook of €17.8bn with participation from 592 investors. The mid-sized universal bank paves the way for clients to raise mission-critical capital, issuing covered bonds with impeccable market timing to achieve the highest levels of demand and the tightest spread outcomes. LBBW timed the issuance of a six-year €1bn green mortgage covered bond to coincide with the summer break, thereby creating momentum during a period of traditionally low transaction activity. Overwhelming demand resulted in nearly fivefold oversubscription and an order volume above €4.7bn — the largest LBBW covered bond orderbook in more than a decade. The bank introduced a €1bn public sector bond providing yield-hungry yet commitment-averse customers with two-year investment-term opportunities. The quick-turnaround tenor piqued investors, and the final orderbook exceeded €5.1bn (excluding JLM interest). LBBW covered bond terms range from two to ten years. The bank has strengthened its real-estate finance business with the acquisition of Berlin Hyp (BHH), which reported financing volume of €26bn in 2021. The consolidated banking group is dominating the European ESG bond market, with €3bn issued across four LBBW and BHH deals over the past fiscal year. The bank has earned clients’ trust, as evidenced by LBBW’s track record of landmark deals and multiple mandates from repeat issuers. The CFI.co judging panel recognises LBBW as the 2023 Best Covered Bond Issuer (Germany) award winner.


Landesbank Baden-Württemberg (LBBW): Best Primary Markets Team Germany 2023

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Landesbank Baden-Württemberg (LBBW) is a German banking group with 200 years of experience and consistently high marks from international rating agencies. LBBW has earned the trust of corporate, retail and institutional customers at home and abroad. The mid-sized universal bank ranks among the most active issuers worldwide. In 2022, LBBW generated €901m in operating profit before tax. Despite market volatility and geopolitical crises, it achieved the highest company profit since 2006. And that figure excludes the effect of a 2022 consolidation that bolstered before-tax profit to €1.9bn. LBBW was able to accomplish this thanks to a business model aiming to achieve growth and relevance by supporting socio-economic development via sustainable and innovative solutions. The bank is supported by a workforce of 10,000 professionals across 100 nationwide locations and 17 international offices. The primary markets team partners with clients seeking to raise capital through the issuance of new securities. It works with SMEs, multinational corporates, international banks, pension schemes, institutional investors, public sector entities and commercial real estate developers. LBBW leads the market for EU covered bonds in terms of trades and volume. Between June 2022 and May 2023, the bank worked with 72 bond issuers to lead-manage 101 transactions. Three-fourths of those deals were executed outside of Germany by LBBW’s debt capital markets department. The CFI.co judging panel points to the bank’s superior distribution and execution performance as cinching factors in Landesbank Baden-Württemberg claiming the 2023 award for Best Primary Markets Team (Germany).


MBH Bank: Best ESG Bank Hungary 2023

MBH Bank’s sustainability vision goes beyond legislative compliance to inspire and amplify action. MBH Bank frames sustainability as a business opportunity through ongoing educational outreach. It factors ESG risks across management decisions to reduce carbon emissions and contribute towards climate targets. Green finance supports projects with positive environmental impacts, particularly in the areas of energy consumption and efficiency as well as energy modernisation of residential properties. An automatic ESG assessment is conducted for all clients using EBRD heatmap data and special company databases. Additional customer-supplied data could improve the ESG risk rating by one level — if the company holds ESG certifications, its revenues align with green EU taxonomy, its activity supports environmental objectives and its energy consumption derives from renewable sources. As a responsible corporate citizen and top-rated employer, MBH Bank integrates transparent and ethical governance processes across internal and external operations. The bank prioritises the personal and professional development of its workforce, from employees’ physical and mental health to their ESG awareness and knowledge. A third of MBH employees have been with the bank for more than a decade. Women represent 70 percent of the MBH workforce and a third of the top management team. MBH Bank encourages volunteerism among staff — and it leads by example. Its primary corporate citizenship goals aim to increase financial literacy, support socio-economic community development as well as protect and preserve the environment. In 2023, the MBH Forest was created, initially by planting 10,000 trees (to be repeated every year) to start offsetting the Bank’s own emissions and to raise customer awareness of the importance of nature conservation. The CFI.co judging panel congratulates MBH Bank on claiming the 2023 award for Best ESG Bank (Hungary).


Air Austral: Best Airline Customer Satisfaction Indian Ocean 2023

Air Austral began operations in 1990 and has been solidifying its long-haul offering over the past two decades. The airline, headquartered in Reunion Island off the coast of Madagascar, connects travellers to over 100 destinations across the Indian Ocean, Africa, Asia and Europe. Regional passengers can opt for economy or comfort tickets, while long-haul travellers can splurge for business class. Business-class clients relax in fully reclinable seats with extendable tables, power outlets, USB ports and sliding partitions for more privacy. Air Austral invests to maintain a modern fleet, skilled workforce and high-quality product line. Flight meals have been designed by a Michelin-starred chef. Air Austral agents help passengers navigate customs processing on departure or arrival in Paris. A rewards programme offers advantages, such as priority booking and additional baggage allowances. Air Austral strives to wow clients at every stage of their journey and solicits pre- and post-flight feedback to fuel continuous improvement. The flight crew and ground team deliver exceptional face-to-face service, and digital channels provide an avenue for open communication. Clients can share a complaint, make a suggestion or file a claim online. The airline promises to resolve customer queries in a prompt and professional manner. In the unlikely event of an unsatisfactory outcome, it can provide contact information for an authorised tourism and travel mediator in Reunion. The CFI.co judging panel presents Air Austral — a repeat programme winner — with the 2023 award for Best Airline Customer Satisfaction (Indian Ocean).


Air Austral: Best Airline Financial Management Team Indian Ocean 2023

Since its launch in 1990, Air Austral has proven itself a socio-economic catalyser of the Indian Ocean. Air Austral offers numerous direct and codeshare flights between Reunion and destinations across Europe, Asia and the Indian Ocean. The airline has positioned itself as a permanent link between Reunion Island and metropolitan France — a market which represents 80 percent of Air Austral turnover. Air Austral has relied on ingenuity and perseverance to weather the economic fallout of the Covid pandemic, while continuing to safeguard the health of employees and passengers. The airline approached the crisis as an opportunity for introspection and restructuring. Joseph Bréma continues to serve as Air Austral CEO, following a three-decade career as deputy general manager of economic and financial affairs. Alongside executive leadership, the Air Austral financial management team formulated a restructuring plan that has proven particularly effective in loosening cash flow constraints. They worked with the European Commission to develop a restructuring plan that was approved by Reunionese courts earlier this year, alongside a new entity as the airline’s main shareholder. A consortium of 27 private investors now holds a 55.18 percent stake in Air Austral. The CFI.co judging panel has been tracking the airline’s stalwart fiscal stewardship and partnership-driven business model since its first programme placement in 2019. The judges, having noted transformational strategies beginning to bear fruit, have selected Air Austral as the 2023 award winner for Best Airline Financial Management Team (Indian Ocean).


Air Austral: Best Airline Strategic Partnership Africa and the Indian Ocean 2023

Air Austral connects passengers to Europe through daily flights between Paris and Reunion, an island and French overseas department located off the coast of Madagascar. The airline is headquartered in Reunion and operates the Paris route as part of a codeshare agreement with Air France. Similar codeshare agreements open the gate to Africa with flights to Kenya from Reunion and Madagascar. The airline has agencies in Reunion, Mauritius and France as well as representatives in the countries where it offers flights, including South Africa, Madagascar, the Comoros, Mayotte, the Seychelles, Thailand, India and China. Numerous aviation alliances and strategic partnerships have enabled Air Austral to turn competition into collaboration. Passengers can also find preferential rates through the airline’s partnerships with car rental companies, hotels, travel insurers, airport parking, trains and other corporates. Air Austral has partnered with Reunionese chef Kelly Rangama to create recipes that elevate airline food to fine dining. Rangama is proud to showcase the best of Reunionese cuisine on Air Austral flights and at her Parisian restaurant Le Faham, which has been Michelin-starred since January 2020. Air Austral recently welcomed a consortium of investors as the new majority shareholder and began implementing a restructuring plan that prioritises passenger experience, sustainable growth, digital transformation and business resilience. The CFI.co judging panel congratulates Air Austral — a repeat programme winner since 2019 — on claiming the 2023 award for Best Airline Strategic Partnership (Africa and the Indian Ocean).


Slaughter and May: Best Corporate & Commercial Legal Team UK 2023

Slaughter and May is an international law firm with a 134-year legacy fuelled by a forward-thinking mentality. Slaughter and May is headquartered in the heart of London with additional offices in Brussels, Beijing and Hong Kong. The firm is driven by a team of legal experts with deep experience across a range of sectors and specialities. Slaughter and May provides clients around the globe with legal advisory on the most complex, high-profile and groundbreaking matters of the day. Its history is studded with noteworthy milestones, including the iconic privatisation of British Airways, British Gas and British Steel in the ‘80s and ‘90s. More recent highlights include advisory on a €1.8bn sustainability-linked revolving credit facility in Norway and the largest corporate green “dim sum” bonds issuance in Hong Kong. Slaughter and May has partnered with the UK government on numerous occasions, providing vital services and legal expertise on public sector projects, procurement policies and taxpayer savings strategies. The firm has served since 2021 in an advisory capacity on a Cabinet Office panel for strategic projects. Slaughter and May has set social-mobility targets to increase representation of lower socio-economic backgrounds across the firm. It maintains a pipeline of fresh talent through development programmes, from two-year mentoring schemes to weeklong workshop and networking sessions. The CFI.co judging panel announces Slaughter and May — a repeat programme winner — as the 2023 award recipient in the category of Best Corporate & Commercial Legal Team (UK).


Frank Investments: Best Portfolio Construction Strategy UK 2023

Frank Investments was founded by two friends — an investment specialist and a tech entrepreneur and philanthropist — to help others build and protect a lasting legacy. Paul Sedgwick serves as head of investments and Paul Barry-Walsh as director. Sedgwick first began learning about investment strategies at the knee of his father, the former chairman of British multinational investment manager Schroders. He brings over 35 years of wealth management experience to Frank Investments, which was named in homage to his grandfather, an engineer who lived by an ethos of hard work, exacting standards, future-forward solutions and community-driven entrepreneurship. Under Sedgwick’s management, the firm’s balanced portfolio has averaged compound annual returns of seven percent since inception. Barry-Walsh has been recognised by the Crown for his contributions to enterprise and charity. He channelled some of the £170m from the sale of his business, Safetynet, into establishing Frank Investments and The Fredericks Foundation, a microfinance organisation that’s funded over 1,000 new businesses in the UK. The cofounders have assembled a small team of driven and talented professionals to provide clients with bespoke investment solutions as well as a comprehensive suite of compliance and regulatory offerings. At Frank Investments, portfolio construction aims to deliver returns and reduce volatility. The firm isn’t swayed by trends or fads, but rather relies on a disciplined and flexible investment approach that puts people at the centre. The CFI.co judging panel announces Frank Investments as the 2023 Best Portfolio Construction Strategy (UK) award winner.


ABC Capital: Best Stock Brokerage Advisory Team East Africa 2023

ABC Capital markets itself as a one-stop shop for financial solutions. The firm is based in Kenya and has been an active member of the Nairobi Securities Exchange for nearly seven decades. ABC Capital was acquired by the African Banking Corporation in 2008. The firm capitalises on the network of its parent company, which has 12 bank branches in Kenya and two in Uganda, as an ideal channel for customer engagement and product distribution.  ABC Capital works with clients throughout East Africa, offering access to a wide range of Nairobi Securities Exchange listed securities, portfolio management and corporate finance services. It’s proud to contribute to financial inclusion across the region. ABC Capital cultivates strong professional relationships to understand clients’ financial circumstances, investment goals and risk tolerance before making recommendations. ABC Capital serves as an agent of the Central Bank of Kenya and is a proactive player in primary and secondary bonds markets. The firm is committed to protecting clients’ interests and has assembled a multidisciplinary team to ensure services exceed expectations. Team members engage, listen and respond to clients in timely fashion. Clients benefit from the firm’s nimble turnaround and seamless execution of trades. Research analysts consistently monitor market happenings to identify opportunities and mitigate risks. ABC Capital levers a well-developed investors network to help entrepreneurs raise funding for their ventures. The CFI.co judging panel announces ABC Capital as the 2023 award winner for Best Stock Brokerage Advisory Team (East Africa).


Aevi: Most Innovative Payments Ecosystem Europe 2023

As the in-person payments expert, Aevi connects digital and in-person channels, orchestrates checkout flows, and sets transaction data free. The company launched as a standalone subsidiary of Diebold Nixdorf, a multinational financial and retail technology company. Over the past decade, Aevi has established a growing foothold across Europe, Australia and the Americas through offices in London, Prague and Paderborn (Germany). In 2015, together with the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Aevi introduced the first-ever SmartPOS and continues to drive change across the global payments landscape. Aevi has created a device-agnostic, open-API payment orchestration platform to serve clients across the payments supply chain, including financial institutions, payment service providers, independent sales organisations (ISOs), independent software vendors (ISVs), global, as well as fuel and convenience retailers. Aevi is on a mission to reinvent the industry, as it believes that in-person payments should be as innovative as those made online. It recruits top talent whose contributions drive the success of the company and its clients. Aevi has brought together a multicultural team with diversified backgrounds and expertise. It has cultivated an environment of open communication, where team members make well-informed decisions collectively. Staff turnover stays low, and the few who wander typically return. Aevi shows its people that they’re valued — and the entire workforce strives to make clients feel the same way. The CFI.co judging panel unanimously selected Aevi as the 2023 award winner for Most Innovative Payments Ecosystem (Europe).


Savills Investment Management: Best Global Real Estate Investment Manager UK 2023

Savills Investment Management (SIM) has built a 30-year track record of managing assets to maximise performance while also creating meaningful social and environmental impacts. Savills IM has a global presence, with 26 percent of AUM located in the UK, its home base, and the remainder in Europe and Asia. The firm adheres to strict investment and risk management protocols across the portfolio and lifespan of assets. The company is guided by responsible investing principles that underpin its asset management and acquisition policies. Savills IM has pledged to become a restorative real estate investment manager - one that contributes more to people and planet than it takes out. In 2022, Savills IM partnered with Futuremakers to help transform restorative aspirations into action plans. Savills IM, a signatory of the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative, aims to reach net-zero carbon by 2040 and absolute-zero carbon by 2050. It's also a member of the Better Buildings Partnership and a Gold Leaf member of the UK Green Building Council. Currently, 99.6% of equity AUM has an ESG programme or initiative in place. The firm takes particular pride in the Charities Property Fund (CPF), which has outperformed its benchmark for 12 consecutive years, last year by 5.3 percent. The ethical mandates guiding CPF management prove that positive impacts need not come at the expense of performance. The CFl.co judging panel presents Savills Investment Management, a repeat programme winner, with the 2023 award for Best Global Real Estate Investment Manager (UK).


Zambia National Building Society: Best Mortgage Provider Zambia 2023

Over the past 53 years, Zambia National Building Society (ZNBS) has pioneered Zambia’s mortgage market and boosted affordable housing finance solutions for all citizens. Around a third of all mortgages help clients become first-time homeowners. ZNBS reported a 40-percent year-on-year increase of mortgage lending to homebuyers and landlords in 2022 — and the ensuing construction boom created an estimated 1,800 temporary jobs. It has introduced new mortgage products and terms that transform homeownership from a dream to a reality. ZNBS’ 30-year mortgage promotes financial inclusion as more people can qualify for funding with longer repayment periods. A drop in the standard variable rate for a mortgage, from 21 percent to 16 percent, makes homeownership more of a possibility for those with entry-level careers. Mortgage customers could be eligible for a 30-day, interest-free salary advance. Clients with a construction mortgage can apply for a capital repayment holiday up to 90 days. ZNBS hopes to help the diaspora community maintain ties with the homeland by offering mortgage solutions to Zambians living abroad. ZNBS has acquired over 100 hectares of land and begun developing infrastructure for roads, water, electricity and sewage. It intends to sell the parcels at more affordable, below-market prices and finance the home purchase through a mortgage. The CFI.co judging panel is pleased to note the company’s ongoing efforts to increase affordable housing solutions throughout the country. The jury confers Zambia National Building Society — repeat programme winner — with the 2023 award for Best Mortgage Provider (Zambia).


Banque Misr: Best Corporate Banking Team Egypt 2023

Banque Misr was founded by a pioneering Egyptian economist and has made significant contributions to the country’s socio-economic development over the past century. It was the first completely Egyptian-owned bank in the country and the first to meet international standards for secure payments processing. Banque Misr has been at the forefront of digital transformation among Egyptian financial institutions. It collaborates with fintech companies and multi-sector partners to expand digital offerings, promote financial inclusion and enable the transition to a cashless society. A dedicated corporate banking team helps entrepreneurs and MSMEs harness digital tools to take business to the next level. Corporate clients enjoy the ease of conducting transactions and managing accounts through the secure online platform. With a few simple clicks, they can schedule bulk payments, pay government agencies and make instant transfers. Merchants can accept contactless payments with the tap of the smartphone. The corporate banking team presents clients with financing options to cover working capital and business expansion, from conventional and Islamic financing to trade finance and syndicated financing. Trade finance solutions are facilitated by cross-border partnerships with correspondent banks, assisting Egyptian importers and exporters to compete at a global level. Banque Misr has become a market leader in arranging syndicated loans in Egypt — and a major player in the MENA region. The bank employs more than 20,000 professionals and serves over 13 million clients. The CFI.co judging panel presents Banque Misr with the 2023 award for Best Corporate Banking Team (Egypt).


Worldwide Healthcare Trust PLC: Best Global Healthcare Investment Strategy UK 2023

Listed on the London Stock Exchange, Worldwide Healthcare Trust is a globally diversified portfolio of pharmaceutical and biotech investments, with the objective of achieving high capital growth. It aims to capitalise on the natural tailwinds in the healthcare industry to enhance shareholder returns. Worldwide Healthcare Trust has achieved an impressive track record of revenue growth and share price outperformance — particularly during recessionary periods. From the Company’s inception in 1995 to 31 March 2023, the total return of the net asset value per share has been +4,234.1%, equivalent to a compound annual return of +14.5%.. Worldwide Healthcare Trust, which has a net asset value of approximately £2bn, considers biotech to be the “sweet spot” of healthcare investing. Its portfolio of company shares and healthcare securities is overweighted in the biotech sector and underweighted in large pharmaceutical corporations. This is the result of a long-term investment strategy that relies on deep research to identify innovations that accelerate big ideas as well as incremental improvements. Worldwide Healthcare Trust targets companies at every stage of growth — so long as they have high quality management teams, products in the pipeline and adequate financial footing. The portfolio has been managed by OrbiMed Capital, a prominent healthcare-focused investment firm, since its launch in 1995. Frostrow Capital was also appointed as the designated alternative investment fund manager in 2014, complementing the aggregate talents of the team and ensuring compliance with evolving regulatory requirements. The CFI.co judging panel has unanimously selected Worldwide Healthcare Trust as the 2023 award winner for Best Global Healthcare Investment Strategy (UK).


PwC Luxembourg: Best ESG Transformation Partner Benelux 2023

[caption id="attachment_12005" align="aligncenter" width="900"] Frédéric Vonner Sustainability and Sustainable Finance at PwC Luxembourg & Olivier Carré Deputy Managing Partner, Technology & Transformation Leader at PwC Luxembourg[/caption]

PwC Luxembourg is the largest professional services firm in Luxembourg with over 3,100 people employed from 85 different countries, with a dedicated workforce of more than 60+ multi- disciplinary problem solvers in the area of ESG transformation and Sustainable Finance. The firm partners with local middle market entrepreneurs, multinational corporations, banks, insurance corporations, supernational institutions and European agencies operating in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg (Benelux). PwC Luxembourg forms part of a network of assurance, tax, and advisory firms in 152 countries that served 84 percent of global Fortune 500 companies in 2022. The PwC network is committed to achieving net-zero emission targets by 2030. The Luxembourg-based firm encourages organisations to integrate SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) across the decision making process as a baseline for resilience, market relevance and corporate responsibility. It deploys a future-forward vision and a mix of competencies to cover consulting projects across all fronts - legal, finance, regulatory, ESG, cloud, cyber and other digital transformation strategies. PwC Luxembourg works with preferred tech providers to help clients achieve enhanced due diligence and improved ESG performance via big data management and mapping. It tailors solutions to address the specific challenges and broader themes arising from the seemingly "perma-crisis" of recent years. The firm holds itself to high standards of reporting transparency and demonstrates thought leadership across the spectrum of impact investing, particularly in green and social bonds. PwC Luxembourg saw robust growth across business lines in 2022, with €543m in turnover and €480m in net revenue. The CFl.co judging panel announces PwC Luxembourg as the 2023 award winner for Best ESG Transformation Partner (Benelux).


Deutsche Bank Belgium: Best Private Banking Solutions Belgium 2023

[caption id="attachment_11904" align="aligncenter" width="900"] CEO of Deutsche Bank, Belgium: Olivier Delfosse[/caption]

Deutsche Bank Belgium forms part of a multinational group with a presence in 59 countries and 21 million customers in 150 countries. The bank has been serving Belgian markets since 1910 and now ranks among the top 10 commercial banks in the country. It has assembled a workforce of more than 500 multidisciplinary professionals to provide top-tier services and products in corporate, investment and private banking. Deutsche Bank Belgium specialises in investment advisory, wealth management and estate planning. Clients collaborate with dedicated private bankers at 30 advisory centres and nine private banking hubs strategically located throughout the country. In-person access is supplemented by a multichannel communication platform. The bank combines the local expertise of its team and the global reach of the group to conduct detailed analyses of financial markets and tailor services according to client needs. A network of external experts -lawyers, notaries, tax advisors are also available to assist. Deutsche Bank Belgium offers clients a choice between two service tracts: discretionary management at client's delegation and active advisory with clients making the final decision. The bank strives to contribute towards ambitious group-wide ESG targets, including a minimum of €200bn in sustainable financing by 2023 and the regular issuance of green bonds. Deutsche Bank offers the largest range of sustainable funds among Belgian banks. The CFl.co judging panel announces Deutsche Bank Belgium as the 2023 award winner for Best Private Banking Solutions (Belgium).

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Lannebo Fonder: Best ESG Equities Investment Solutions Sweden 2023

With a niche team of 46 professionals, the nimble firm of Lannebo Fonder has grown to become one of the largest independent fund companies in Sweden. It was founded in 2000 to challenge big bank’s chokehold on the country's fund market. Lannebo Fonder invests in companies and works alongside them to create long-term value and growth. Thanks to a focus on customer-centricity and active asset management, Lannebo Fonder had increased its starting capital 1,000-fold by 2019, with $7.2bn in AUM. The fund company has weathered economic downturns with cool composure and steady performance. Lannebo doesn’t have its own distribution for the funds but relies on investor demand to ensure that they are offered through external channels. The company is owned by its employees and the founders — including Anders Lannebo, who’s known as “Mr Fund” in Sweden. Lannebo Fonder has been a PRI signatory since 2013 and continues to integrate these principles throughout the investment process. The firm’s active governance tendencies naturally fit within this framework. Lannebo collaborates with investees to achieve science-based sustainability targets. It hopes to centre the ESG discussion around the opportunity for value creation rather than checkbox compliance. Lannebo Fonder recently launched an Article 9 Fund focused on the green transition. The CFI.co judging panel congratulates Lannebo Fonder on its well-deserved win in the 2023 award category for Best ESG Equities Investment Solutions (Sweden).


C&R Group: Best Share Registry East Africa 2023

Share registry has gone from mere maintenance to a complex industry supporting investor relations and regulatory compliance. C&R Group started operations as an in-house department of Barclays Bank of Kenya in 1986, and share registry has represented a core component of its business ever since. The group offers a range of services to non-listed and listed companies on the securities exchanges of Nairobi, Uganda and Dar es Salaam. The entire team pulls towards the same goal — that of ensuring client satisfaction by delivering excellent service and customer care. The group’s diligent research is a key driver of its success. From offices in Kenya and Uganda, team members take a tech-powered approach to monitor and analyse market trends. C&R Group is a pioneer in the share registry game. C&R’s share registry services have proven particularly useful during times of crisis, like when the Covid pandemic forced annual general meetings (AGMs) online. C&R has created a proprietary digital platform to connect shareholders with online services, including its virtual and hybrid AGM. It facilitates mobile payment of dividends and digitalised processes for IPO’s, bonds and rights issuances. Over the next 12 months, the group is looking to consolidate share registry services and streamline data distribution. C&R Group also offers document management solutions and business process outsourcing — and is open to new partnerships that complement the existing service suite. The CFI.co judging panel announces C&R Group as the 2023 award winner for Best Share Registry (East Africa).


SegurCaixa Adeslas: Best Insurer Spain 2023

SegurCaixa Adeslas is Spain’s leading health insurance provider. It claims 30 percent of the national health insurance market — higher than the combined market share of its two closest competitors. It also ranks first on accident insurance and second among commerce and home insurers. In 2022, the company earned €4.4bn from premium revenues. Consolidated after-tax profits have risen at a compound annual growth of 13.7 percent since 2011. SegurCaixa Adeslas credits the boost to a strategy focused on profitable growth, which has enabled double the turnover and fourfold the financial results over the past 11 years. The company also distinguishes itself in terms of digital transformation and patient proximity. SegurCaixa Adeslas has incorporated virtual functions to provide greater convenience and faster care, including video appointments and digitised prescription procedures. SegurCaixa Adeslas clients have access to a network of 217 hospitals and more than 48,000 health professionals and 1,360 authorised medical centres. The company runs 25 proprietary medical centres and serves almost six million insured parties. SegurCaixa Adeslas has developed a digital health and wellbeing platform that encourages preventative practices and provides assistance with maternity and breastfeeding issues. It also launched a tri-annual product designed for SMEs, which promises no increase in premiums over a three-year period. In October 2022, SegurCaixa Adeslas became the first Spanish insurer to earn the AENOR certification in tax compliance. The CFI.co judging panel presents repeat programme winner SegurCaixa Adeslas with the 2023 award for Best Insurer (Spain).


Maldives Islamic Bank: Best Business Bank Indian Ocean 2023

Founded in 2011, Maldives Islamic Bank (MIB) is a pioneer of Shariah-compliant financial services. MIB has a network of physical branches in the five most populous atolls of the archipelagic Maldives. It has developed a robust digital banking platform to ensure clients stay connected and in control of their finances at all times. It prioritises the human touch in a tech-powered transformation towards greater inclusivity and financial freedom. MIB stands by clients in times of crisis and has shortened the response time on credit decisions. The bank’s expertise in Shariah compliance lends added protection to clients’ investments and savings. MIB offers a range of business and personal banking services, including current and investment accounts in either Maldivian rufiyaa or US dollar. Flexible and affordable financing solutions enable businesses to spur growth. MIB has helped businesses purchase real estate, mission-critical equipment and maritime vessels. Asset refinancing solutions allow clients to unlock already-invested equity and create liquidity for future projects. The bank tailors SME asset financing to support business expansion and permanent working capital requirements. MIB also offers trade financing and trade payment solutions. It has developed a payment gateway, MIB Global Pay, to help businesses supercharge e-commerce operations. MIB takes pride in the achievements of its female staff, who represent the majority of the workforce across the organisation, including within the business banking team. The CFI.co judging panel is pleased to present Maldives Islamic Bank with the 2023 award for Best Business Bank (Indian Ocean).


MITech: Best Trade Finance Software Solutions Global 2023

MITech (MIT Make Intuitive Tech) is located in the heart of Switzerland's commodity trade finance space. The global software solutions company has a distinguished track record of innovation and integration. As an international commodity trading company in the early 1970s, the founders of MIT (which became MITech in 2020) were among the first to digitalise their operations. Their success sparked interest among banks, and the three founding brothers began developing Trade Finance software for an industry ripe for disruption. Paper processes still ruled at that time, but now more than 30 major Swiss and International banks rely on MITech software as a vital part of their due diligence procedures. The company's flagship product, CREDOC, has been on the market for more than 30 years - and it only gets more powerful with each iteration. CREDOC 5G has been recently released using a latest generation “Service Oriented” Architecture (SOA).

ln 2010, MITech introduced the first thin-client web-based application for the commodity finance industry, TRAC (Trade Risk Active Control). The company continues to be guided by the founding principles of quality and service. lt builds on decades of technological expertise to tailor software to client needs. MITech specialises in the development of software for a wide range of banking operations, including documentary business, guarantees, trade finance and Customer remote access through the web. lt offers structured solutions that support informed decision-making for Banks, and now Traders with their Financing processes. The Swiss-made software is used by numerous professionals around the world. The CFl.co judging panel announces MITech as the 2023 global award winner for Best Trade Finance Software Solutions.

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Namibian Stock Exchange: Best Stock Exchange Management Africa 2023

Namibia’s only post-independence stock exchange was formed in 1992. The bourse was seeded by a diversified cross section of leading Namibian businesses each donating $10,000 (Namibian dollars) as start-up capital, and currently has 43 founder members and 6 stock broking members who may attend general meetings of the association and annually elect the directors to supervise the management of the Namibian Stock Exchange (NSX).

The NSX now ranks amongst the largest bourses on the African continent by total market capitalisation, in part due to its strategic pursuit of dual or secondary listings.

NSX has established a strategic partnership with the Johannesburg Stock Exchange in neighbouring South Africa, thus positioning itself as a stable and efficient alternative market for addressing regional issuer needs.

NSX makes it as easy as possible to issue a dual listing, which provides market diversification benefits for investing public, the issuer and the bourse.

NSX represents a mix of sectors and commodities and has helped to connect local investors to a larger international investor pool. The bourse educates listed companies on applicable governance requirements through the development of the Corporate Governance Code for Namibia and aims to shape the next generation of investors through mock trading challenges for students.

NSX believes the first step to attracting increased international participation will include the formalisation of Namibia’s bond market and central securities depository (CSD). Accordingly, the NSX is in the implementation stage of the locally hosted Bond Trading System and in the licence application phase for the CSD.

NSX, a recently attained full member status of the World Federation of Exchanges member, has five green and sustainable bonds listed, included in the 50 bonds issued on the bond market. The listing of the first state-owned company Mobile Telecommunications Limited (“MTC’) on the Main Board in 2021, raising the largest capital to date (N$2,541 billion). At the end of August with the new listing of Osino Resources Corp, confirming a total of 50 equity securities, inclusive of ETFs.

The CFI.co judging panel announces Namibian Stock Exchange as the 2023 award winner for Best Stock Exchange Management (Africa).


Polaris Growth Fund: Best Growth Fund US 2023

Polaris Growth Fund (PGF) is a collaborative investment firm that partners with founders building category-leading technology companies. PGF offers market-leading resources and expertise, including a successful track record with mergers and acquisitions, recruitment and team building, functional strategy (sales, marketing, product, finance, and more), and deep experience in B2B SaaS verticals. The firm thrives when partnering with founders and executives who are looking to retain equity in their business, but seek additional resources, capabilities, or expertise to maximize the potential of what they’ve built. Founders of the companies PGF has invested in have commented that the firm brings to the table “a beautiful balance of wisdom and collaboration”, with one CEO remarking, “together we took the business to places we couldn’t have reached on our own”.

PGF’s strategy dates to 2002 when Polaris Partners, a leading venture capital firm with over 25 years of experience supporting innovation in the healthcare and technology sectors, identified the need to serve growth-stage B2B SaaS companies with a tailored approach. The inaugural Polaris Growth Fund was launched in 2018, following a long track record of successful partnerships with growth-oriented technology companies within the Polaris Partners venture funds. As a dedicated fund within the Polaris Partners family, PGF supports its portfolio companies with a unique combination of a focused team with relevant resources and the benefits of a larger firm’s scale.

Led by Managing Partners Bryce Youngren and Dan Lombard, PGF is deeply committed to the success of each of its portfolio companies. Its team of investors and operating partners brings decades of experience collaborating to grow and expand market-leading technology businesses, as well as an extensive track record of creating win-win outcomes for all stakeholders. The CFI.co judging panel was impressed with PGF’s impressive track record and unique, collaborative approach, awarding Polaris Growth Fund the 2023 Best Growth Fund Manager (US) award.


ARMANEXT: Best SME & REIT Listing Advisor Europe 2023

ARMANEXT has accomplished several noteworthy milestones in the short span since its 2008 inception. The Madrid-based markets listing sponsor is authorised by Europe’s top stock exchanges to provide listing and associated advisory services for SMEs and SOCIMIs (the Spanish equivalent to REITs). It has helped more than 60 SMEs and REITs to register on the stock market and take advantage of the competitive tax benefits REITs affords. ARMANEXT helps SMEs chart growth and expansion plans within securities markets, assisting with admission requirements, regulatory compliance, optimisation analysis and ESG strategies. It advocates for responsible investment practices and encourages businesses to consider going public for improved capitalisation, liquidity and acquisition opportunities. ARMANEXT streamlines the listing process for companies and real estate funds looking to incorporate onto the Euronext, BME Growth and BME Scaleup stock markets. It was the listing sponsor for the largest REIT on the BME Growth and the second largest REIT in Spain with €3.6bn market capitalisation. The Spanish company serves as an ideal gateway for clients from Latin America to enter the European market. ARMANEXT’s SME and REIT specialisation and highly experienced advisory team have earned increasing international visibility, with proposal solicitations ranging from Austria and Singapore to the UK. In addition to listing services, ARMANEXT has expanded the advisory suite to include fundraising, investor relations, corporate operations and legal counsel. The CFI.co judging panel announces ARMANEXT as the2023 award winner for Best SME & REIT Listing Advisory (Europe).


Crédit Agricole CIB Finland: Best Corporate & Investment Bank Finland 2023

Founded in 1982, Crédit Agricole CIB Finland forms part of a group with Nordic operations and an international business division. It works with corporate and institutional clients across Finland, an export-driven and innovation centred-country. It offers a comprehensive range of corporate and investment banking services, including structured finance, international trade and global market solutions, with a specialization in sustainable banking. The bank has a dozen employees serving some 30 core clients, enabling personalised and highly responsive customer care. Crédit Agricole CIB Finland takes pride in the positive impacts engendered through its operations. It recently took a leading role in a €1.2bn financing package for a new bioproduct mill that produces 1.5 million tons of pulp, generates 2.0 terawatts of renewable electricity and creates significant employment opportunities in northern Finland. On behalf of the State Treasury of Finland, Crédit Agricole CIB Finland has acted as the Joint Bookrunner/Joint Lead Manager on €18bn government bond transactions since 2019. Crédit Agricole CIB Finland is one of the largest Nordic players in the green bond market, exemplified through its role as Joint Bookrunner in a €1bn green bond deal for one of Finland’s largest credit institutions Municipality Finance Plc. This deal represented the largest Green Bond in the Nordic SSA market to date. The bank has proven expertise in debt capital and convertible bond markets, having served as the Joint Bookrunner for more than €2.2bn in corporate deals in recent years. Crédit Agricole CIB Finland has developed billions in long-term commitments through core corporate lending facilities, including sustainability-linked term loans and revolving credit lines. The CFI.co judging panel presents Crédit Agricole CIB Finland with the 2023 award for Best Corporate & Investment Bank (Finland).


PPS Portfolio Performance: Best Investment Services for Pension Funds Brazil 2023

Since its launch in 1996, PPS Portfolio Performance has helped Brazilians make the most of their money. The firm offers a range of investment services, including assistance with the selection of managers and funds, structuring recommendations, performance evaluation, governance documentation, asset liability management and the internationalisation of portfolios. PPS Portfolio Performance combines proprietary quantitative modelling and qualitative analysis backed by deep due diligence to evaluate portfolio performance and capabilities to support the portfolio construction and portfolio managers selection processes. The firm can assist clients with the elaboration of investment policies or send representatives to speak up for client interests at investment committees. PPS Portfolio Performance was founded by Everaldo Guedes de Azevedo França, who has applied decades of experience to create, with his team, the methodologies providing objectivity and insight to Brazil’s pension fund schemes. The consultancy shares its expertise in training sessions for members of statutory bodies as well as professionals in the finance, actuarial and legal sectors. PPS Portfolio Performance is an active participant at several pension plan investment committees. The firm also assists pension funds on the relationship with participants via webinars in which market behaviour and the process for developing investment policies are explained. PPS Portfolio Performance has distinguished itself in terms of technical innovation and knowledge-based services. It has earned the trust of its clients while creating positive impacts for Brazilian pensioners. In 2023, the CFI.co judging panel has found cause to justify a win for repeat winner PPS Portfolio Performance in the award category of Best Investment Services for Pension Funds (Brazil).


Eccelsa Aviation: Best Private Aviation Terminal Operator Europe 2023

While some companies might adopt “the customer is king” as a motto, Eccelsa Aviation counts ruling royalty and heads of state among regular clientele. Eccelsa Aviation, one of only four Fixed Base Operators (FBOs) in Italy, runs a dedicated private and business aviation terminal at Sardinia’s Olbia Airport, near the world-renowned beaches, resorts and attractions of Costa Smeralda. Eccelsa Aviation pampers passengers with luggage porters, valet parking and shuttle services. Travellers are tempted with premium shopping experiences and personalised concierge services. Eccelsa Aviation encourages visitors to explore the region’s hidden treasures by renting sportscars, chartering yachts or island-hopping by helicopter. Passengers interested in purchasing a private jet — sales of which are expected to reach $34.6bn in 2023 — can peruse personalisation options at the terminal’s Bombardier boutique. Private and corporate air traffic has surged since the pandemic hit, and Eccelsa Aviation operates at full capacity throughout the balmy summer season. The FBO ranks among the busiest European terminals every summer, outpacing all commercial flight activity at Olbia Airport. Eccelsa Aviation was established as a separate business unit in 2003 and moved into its new spacious and elegantly designed terminal in 2009. It’s been managed by Italy's biggest infrastructure investment fund since 2021. Eccelsa Aviation and its red-carpet amenities first caught the attention of the CFI.co judging panel in 2019, and the jury continues to find cause to justify the company’s winning streak — most recently the 2023 Best Private Aviation Terminal Operator (Europe) award.


Taurus Asset Management SA Lugano: Best Fixed Income Investment Strategy Switzerland 2023

[caption id="attachment_12035" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Daniele Mallozzi, CIO of Taurus Asset Management SA Lugano[/caption]

Founded in 2000, Taurus Asset Management SA Lugano grows side-by-side with its clients, sharing their successes as its own. Taurus AM is a multi-family office specialising in discretionary and supervisory mandates as well as custodian bank selection. The firm’s leadership team has deep industry experience and hails from some of Europe’s most prominent financial institutions. A successful corporate rejuvenation process has facilitated smooth handover in leadership over two generations. It has established productive professional relationships with leading banks and professional service providers worldwide. Taurus Asset Management SA Lugano navigates that network with clients’ needs as its North Star. It customises services to client requirements and guarantees the utmost discretion. Taurus Asset Management SA Lugano has proven itself an agile and adept manager of client assets, helping to preserve and grow their wealth for generations to come. Taurus Asset Management SA Lugano strives to earn its clients’ trust, not as a stratagem, but as a matter of character and commitment.

Capitalising on market opportunities necessitates proactive management. The escalating interest rates emphasize the significance of refining direct investments through various strategies like the Barbell Strategy, Bullet Strategy, Duration Management, Yield Curve Strategy, Credit Spread Trading, and Immunization Strategy. Among these, the Duration Management strategy focuses on effectively managing the duration of bonds to maximize returns.

Taurus Asset Management SA Lugano can help clients to curate an art collection, build a real estate portfolio or pursue a philanthropic passion. Corporate clients come to Taurus Asset Management SA Lugano for assistance with structuring finance, M&As, trade finance, listings and valuations. It can assist private and corporate clients with estate and retirement planning as well as tax issues. The Swiss firm has established a strong presence in Lugano and Bellinzona. It expects to build upon the momentum of digital advances to continuously enhance portfolio management and customer service. The CFI.co judging panel announces Taurus Asset Management SA Lugano as the 2023 Best Fixed Income Investment Strategy (Switzerland) award winner.

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GoGlobal Trade: Outstanding Support to SMEs globally 2023

GoGlobal Trade partners with SMEs worldwide to level the playing field, promoting fair, equitable and transparent practices that lead to increased market access for businesses of all sizes.

It has extensive experience in emerging markets and a vast network of global resources, which it harnesses to drive clients’ business forward.

GoGlobal Trade connects SMEs to a high-visibility network of potential partners, including investors, suppliers and staff. It assists SMEs to navigate entry into new markets or expand existing market presence. It co-creates strategies alongside clients to foster sustainable growth, manage relationships and address operational challenges.

GoGlobal Trade helps SMEs prove their digital prowess and ESG performance to regulators, shareholders and stakeholders alike. It collaborates with government agencies to develop a unified framework for national standards, working with clients drawn from 225 countries and facilitates 71,834 public sector tenders. It has nearly 90,000 trade collaborators in its network, including over 5000 business chambers and associations.

Over a dozen sectors are represented in GoGlobal’s network, from power and property to technology and transport. GoGlobal Trade encourages SMEs to take advantage of a free promotional offer to increase market visibility and reach their target audience with precision. The premium package enables clients to submit a leadership profile and four articles annually. The CFI.co judging panel announces GoGlobal Trade as the 2023 global award winner for Outstanding Support to SMEs.


Nordea Asset Management AB: Best ESG Team Europe 2023

Nordea Asset Management (NAM) launched its first sector-screened fund in 1988. Now, it employs one of the most experienced Responsible Investment (RI) teams in Europe. The RI team is comprised of 22 analysts levering proprietary ESG scoring models and an AI-powered ESG data platform. NAM reached a RI milestone of €161bn in June 2023, representing more than 67 percent of the group’s total AUM as of end of June 2023. NAM has developed a range of RI solutions designed to deliver positive performance and impacts. Nordea’s ESG STARS funds target companies with the potential to beat the benchmark in terms of alpha generation, sustainability standards and ESG impacts. NAM recently extended the STARS scope with a new fund focusing on Chinese equities and another on corporate bonds. Last year, it conducted nearly 1,000 engagements with portfolio companies to move the needle on climate, human rights and governance issues. NAM has identified methane reduction as one of the most cost-effective forms of addressing climate change and is pushing for more transparency and accountability in this arena. As part of their new global engagement on methane emissions reductions, NAM is urging investee companies to adopt higher standards of methane measurement, reporting and target setting. It initially approached 21 companies to join the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership. Eight have already signed up or expressed interest, and now NAM has targeted six more for inclusion. Nordea Asset Management has placed in CFI.co award programmes since its first win in 2014. The long-running trend continues in 2023, with Nordea Asset Management claiming the title for Best ESG Team (Europe).


Architas: Best Multi-Manager Investment Solutions Global 2023

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Architas was founded in 2008 with £3.5bn in AUM and just 10 employees. It now forms an integral part of the AXA group, a French multinational with a presence in 51 countries and 93 million clients worldwide. As a multi-manager investment specialist, Architas helps clients across Europe and Asia to build targeted portfolios with access to lots of other single-focus underlying funds run by specialist fund managers. In other words, a fully diversified single investment solution. It also offers discretionary portfolio management for AXA entities and high-net-worth individuals. Architas partners with best-in-class fund managers across asset classes and geographies, then levers AXA’s expansive network to distribute investments at the global level. As of September 2023, Architas was overseeing €29.5bn of clients’ capital. Architas has proven resilient and stable over the past 12 months — despite recent periods of market instability and de-globalised trade. It credits the success to competent money management and a focus on sustainability. The asset manager prioritises responsible investing strategies and leads by example in terms of corporate social responsibility. It has developed a three-pillar CSR plan centred around the environment, diversity and inclusion and employee engagement. Architas aims to achieve a 25 percent reduction in its carbon footprint by 2025. Last year, Architas introduced its first SFDR Article 9 fund in the new E.P.I.C range to provide clients with more ethical and prosperous investment opportunities. The CFI.co judging panel presents Architas — a repeat programme winner — with the 2023 global award for Best Multi-Manager Investment Solutions.


MauBank: Best Digital Experience in Banking Mauritius 2023

[caption id="attachment_12277" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Deputy CEO: Issa Soormally[/caption]

MauBank was established in 2016, and from there started its journey to an ambitious and far-reaching digitalisation programme. This has resulted in satisfying operating and cost efficiencies, but the overriding concern has always been customer satisfaction and improved experiences for those served by MauBank. The board dipped its feet in the water first, switching to board meetings by tablet. It was important to maximise staff understanding and buy-in before the digital offers were placed in front of customers, and the transition was highly successful. Paperless account openings and statements, and automated loan processing were soon to be introduced. The trailblazing WithMe app came to life in 2018. Another convenience is online lending via MyLease. The solid commitment to harness financial technology to improve the client banking experience and back office operations has been profound and is working very well. The bank was recognised by our award body last year for its digital transformation progress, and customers agree. “WithMe, for example, has received glowing reports for being easy to use, having great features and a responsive interface. It has been further developed to provide the trending instant – and NFC - payment features, and continues to outperform competition when it comes to functionality” states Issa Soormally, Deputy Chief Executive of MauBank. Significantly, users note that the app is improving over time. The judging panel points out that MauBank is often the first to introduce digital innovations in Mauritius, works hard to maintain and improve customer service standards, and uses tech wisely to push the business forward. The 2023 award Best Digital Experience in Banking (Mauritius) goes to MauBank.


MauBank: Most Promising Bank Mauritius 2023

[caption id="attachment_12279" align="aligncenter" width="500"] CEO: Vishuene Vydelingum[/caption]

MauBank continues to report strong growth. Financial year 2022/23 saw operating income up 24 percent, net interest income rose by 27 percent, and after-tax profits of MUR 380.8m ($8.6m) - an improvement of 42 percent over the previous year. Quarter One of 2023/24 saw a post-tax profit of Rs 162.55 Mn already for the three months ended 30 September 2023, against Rs 115.49 Mn for the same period last year, thus an increase of 40.75%. Management must be congratulated on tripling profits since year 2020/21. MauBank certainly acted decisively in response to the post-pandemic challenges and geopolitical disruption and has done a sterling job in reducing costs. As for the current financial year, CEO Vishuene Vydelingum promises that the bank will be, “strengthening relationships, staying innovative, and reinforcing customer-centricity,” MauBank consistently displays this prudent attitude and looks set to reap the benefits moving forward. The MauBank approach has resulted in strong fundamentals in a competitive industry. It has effective management, and is dedicated to product and service innovation (including its superb digitalisation programme). The CFI.co judging panel is delighted to see the bank investing wisely to protect the long-term. MauBank’s above average growth record indicates that it is outperforming its competition and satisfying its loyal customer base. This is a young bank that punches well above its weight and the panel expects to see the momentum continue. MauBank offers exemplary services in SME, retail, corporate and international banking. It boasts a strong banking network with 19 business centres and 30 ATMs. CFI.co recognises SMEs as the lifeblood of national economies and applauds the unwavering support MauBank provides to these smaller businesses. The 2023 award for Most Promising Bank Mauritius goes, without hesitation, to MauBank.


IDFC FIRST Bank: Outstanding Commitment to ESG Performance (India) 2023

Founded by the 2018 merger of Capital First and the banking arm of Infrastructure Development Finance Company, IDFC FIRST transitioned into one of India's most prominent universal banks. It's one of only two institutions to have achieved this distinction in the private sector. IDFC FIRST is building a world-class bank that's rooted in Ethics, Technology and Social Good.

In 2022, the Bank set up a dedicated ESG function together with a Board-level Committee to steer sustainability initiatives across the Bank. Since then various efforts have been made to accelerate progress on fronts of climate change, green infrastructure, emissions baselining, influencing responsible purchase patterns, and lending to businesses such as EVs, which are critical in the transition towards a greener economy. For example, several large offices of the Bank are LEED/IGBC certified, including its Head Office, which is rated at LEED Platinum. The Bank also responsibly manages its e-waste, which it disposes in an environmentally friendly manner.

The Bank is a leading lender in the field of EV Two Wheelers, with maximum tie-ups, having financed over 1,10,000+ units in FY23. From a consumption finance standpoint, it financed over 96,000+ units of Invertor ACs in FY 2023; and are spreading awareness for using high energy-efficient products (such as 5-Star energy efficiency rated appliances) which can reduce electricity consumption and in turn, carbon emissions.

The Bank has emphasized Social Good as part of its Vision, and has been making consistent strides on this front. The Bank has pioneered financial inclusion products that expand credit access throughout rural communities and address the unbanked & underserved. During financial year 2022/23, IDFC FIRST rolled out new educational and agricultural credit lines and scaled up the retail and commercial portfolio, resulting in a 24 percent YOY increase in the overall loan book and a 66 percent jump in operating profit. IDFC FIRST's rural banking business connects over 85,000 villages with financing for agriculture, micro-enterprises, infrastructure and energy efficiency. Female borrowers make up 60 percent of the bank's rural lending portfolio. Dedicated business lines in the bank support the entrepreneurs, startups and MSMEs of India - a nation which recently emerged as the fifth-largest global economy and is projected to become number three by 2027.

IDFC FIRST Bank has also pioneered WASH (Water, Sanitation and Health) financing, where it lends towards purchase and renovation of sanitary infrastructure such toilets, tanks and sewerage. The Bank has lent over INR 10 billion of loans in this regard, benefitting over 1.4 million users on the sanitation front.

From a governance perspective, the Bank has always set high standards in adhering to good governance. The Bank’s Board is well-engaged and highly independent, with stalwarts from the industry functioning as its directors. The Bank also has stringent policies on code of conduct, risk management, cyber security and others, while maintaining an unwavering focus on overall stability, adequacy and performance.

The Bank has also raised the bar in its ESG ratings, and has adopted globally relevant standards of reporting such as Integrated Reporting, GRI, and SASB (Sustainability Accounting Standards Board) for its annual disclosures. Additionally, the Bank has also taken goals across Environmental and Social parameters.

IDFC FIRST contributes to the socio-economic development of the country through an innovative product offering and ongoing CSR activities. In 2022/23, the Bank supported over 24,000 individuals through its livelihood and entrepreneurship programmes and provided educational scholarships for 5,460 individuals. IDFC FIRST Bank, a repeat programme winner, is recognised in 2023 for its Outstanding Commitment to ESG Performance (India).


aixigo: Best Global WealthTech Influencer Europe 2023

Established in 1999 as a RWTH Aachen University spin-off, aixigo supports wealth managers, banks, and financial services in their digitalisation programmes. With offices in Germany, Switzerland and the UK, the company has always been highly innovative and forward-looking. The founders, Prof. Dr. Rüdiger von Nitzsch, Erich Borsch and Christian Friedrich have strong academic backgrounds which has strongly influenced aixigo’s offering, especially in the early years. aixigo was soon to lead the market in e-learning tools. Through continuous development reflecting industry imperatives came the birth of its exemplary modular aixigo:BLOXX Wealth Management Platform which currently provides 31 BLOXX modules. This, the world’s fastest API-based wealth management platform, integrates seamlessly into existing user environments. It is flexible and facilitates the most innovative financial services. The technology is unique, and the needs of the end-user have been anticipated wisely. There is no sitting on laurels though, as the company is constantly considering future wealth management needs and has the knack of identifying opportunities early.  Solid partnerships have been in place from the first days and aixigo has delivered strongly, for example, to BNP Paribas, the largest wealth manager in the eurozone (responsible for assets of 390bn euros). Two years ago, Arnaud Picut became aixigo CEO, and is well-placed to boost business in Asia as well as Europe. According to the judging panel, “aixigo is recognised as one of the world’s top WealthTech companies, and its superb offerings boast faultless regulatory compliance.” The panel confirms aixigo as winner of the 2023 award of Best Global WealthTech Influencer (Europe).


Optimum Asset Management S.A.: Best Value Real Estate Investment Strategy Germany 2023

Optimum Asset Management S.A. has a strong track record in generating extremely attractive risk adjusted returns. It achieves this by identifying, acquiring and transforming mispriced and mismanaged real estate assets into stable, attractive portfolios.

The firm regularly prefers niche markets around the world, where its smaller target asset size and focus on specific sub-sectors enables it to outmanoeuvre larger competitors.

Optimum is currently active in the German and US markets, with a network of strategically located offices in Berlin, Hamburg, London, Luxembourg, Miami, Boston and New York. It is authorised and regulated by the Luxembourg Financial Sector Supervisory Commission. Optimum take a hands-on approach to asset management at every stage of the investment process, from property purchase through asset optimisation to exit.

The firm is active with its fourth fund in a series of Berlin residential and commercial focussed vehicles, has partnered with Blackstone on a joint venture and is launching a luxury hospitality fund in partnership with the globally renowned operator, Cipriani. During recent years Optimum’s established portfolios have navigated the challenging economic environment with relative resilience. The longer-term fundamentals that drive the cherry-picked investments provide a great platform for future performance. This combined with the team’s proactive operational approach is how the company generates returns for its clients.

The firm manages €1.5bn in assets, with portfolios weighted towards residential, commercial and hospitality properties. Optimum works with institutional investors, such as pension funds, global investment managers, insurance companies and foundations, amongst others, and continues to seek out transactions worldwide. Over the next 12 months, the firm intends to continue its value enhancing asset management initiatives, whilst keeping a keen eye on potential future opportunities. The CFI.co judging panel presents Optimum Asset Management S.A. with the 2023 award for Best Value Real Estate Investment Strategy (Germany).


Victory Park Capital Advisors, LLC (VPC): Best Private Credit Management Team US 2023

Established in 2007, Victory Park Capital Advisors, LLC (VPC) is a global alternative investment firm specialising in private credit with nearly $10bn invested across 200-plus deals. The firm is headquartered in Chicago and was recently named one of the best workplaces in Chicago by Crain’s Chicago Business. VPC was the only investment manager to rank within the Top-50 of the list. It has 55 experienced professionals collaborating across a network including New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and London. VPC believes employees to be its most valuable asset and fields a deep bench of investing and operational professionals, including a senior leadership team with decades of experience. It promotes diversity, equity and inclusion within the firm and overall industry through bias awareness training, recruitment efforts and mentorship programmes. VPC approaches each investment, not as a mere transaction, but an opportunity to serve as a value-added partner for investors and portfolio companies. VPC specialises in asset-backed opportunistic credit solutions, targeting short-duration opportunities with attractive yields and strong structural protections across its investment verticals. Emerging and established businesses turn to VPC for solutions that bridge the gap when banks cannot provide financing. Investors are attracted by the firm’s established track record of capital preservation and income generation across market cycles. The CFI.co judging panel announces Victory Park Capital as the 2023 award winner for Best Private Credit Management Team (US).


PSP Swiss Property: Best Real Estate Portfolio Growth Strategy Switzerland 2023

PSP Swiss Property is a publicly listed company with a real estate portfolio of office and commercial buildings worth more than $10.9bn. The holding company’s shares have been traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange since 2000. PSP Swiss Property continues to develop core activities, such as the leasing of commercial space, with the objective for long-term value creation and sustainable asset management. It has completely transformed the debt book, shifting $4.3bn in public bonds and outstanding loans towards green bonds and sustainability-linked loans. PSP Swiss Property now ranks as the largest issuer of green bonds in Switzerland. It has achieved a 4.5 percent increase in property income and a 2.6 percent increase in total assets in the first three quarters of 2023 versus the same period in 2022. PSP Swiss Property recently purchased a modern and centrally located property in Zurich, moving decisively on the acquisition while competing interests were still analysing the market and seeking funding. The company executed a $244.2m deal for the property. It realised that the acquisition and asset yield would align perfectly within the PSP portfolio, thanks to valuable insights from a team member with firsthand experience on the original building construction. PSP Swiss Property has offices in Zurich, Geneva and Basel. Low vacancy rates across the real estate portfolio contribute to a solid capital structure and confident outlook. The CFI.co judging panel announces PSP Swiss Property as the 2023 award winner for Best Real Estate Portfolio Growth Strategy (Switzerland).

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Byblos Bank Europe: Best International Trade Finance Bank Europe 2023

Byblos Bank Group is a full-service financial institution with roots stretching back over seven decades. Headquartered in Lebanon, the group has established a solid international presence through a network of branches, representatives and subsidiaries in 10 countries and three continents. Byblos Bank Europe (BBE) has been helping clients make the most of their finances since 1976. Byblos Bank Europe offers a wide range of individual and corporate banking solutions. International trade finance represents a significant portion of the business, as Byblos Bank Europe pulls from the group’s expansive presence and expertise to connect clients with opportunities in emerging markets across Asia, Africa and the Middle East. It specialises in trade finance instruments like letters of credit, documentary collections and guarantees. It can also tailor structured trade finance products to include standby, back-to-back or transferable letters of credit as well as proceeds assignment or business forfeiture. The bank has brought together a multicultural and multilingual team across its Brussels, London and Paris offices. The workforce represents 25 nationalities and various languages. The breadth of the team’s language capabilities and international experience has proven a boon as the bank continues to expand into new markets and deal with ever-evolving regulations across different jurisdictions. Byblos Bank Europe is in the process of upgrading the IT infrastructure and exploring AI-powered tools to increase efficiency and efficacy. The CFI.co judging panel presents Byblos Bank Europe — a repeat programme winner — with the 2023 award for Best International Trade Finance Bank (Europe).

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Berenberg: Best Strategic Asset Allocation Team Germany 2023

In more than four centuries of operation, Berenberg has witnessed firsthand the truth of its corporate motto: change is the only constant. Germany's oldest privately owned bank has demonstrated a keen capacity for adaptation and steadfast commitment to client accountability. From origins in the textile trade and import-export business, Berenberg has evolved into one of the leading independent private banks of Europe. It specialises in wealth and asset management as well as investment and corporate banking and has established a strong presence in the financial centres of Frankfurt, London and New York. Berenberg’s investment consulting division advances the group’s legacy as a traditional bank emphasising exemplary customer service and relationship management. Berenberg Investment Consulting oversees the strategic asset allocation (SAA) of the bank’s entire investment platform, managing around €40bn in assets from institutional investors, corporate pensions, single family offices, endowments and high-net-worth individuals. SAA development is a complex process that can determine up to 90 percent of the long-term investment success, so the team applies a research-backed and hi-tech approach to achieve robust and diversified allocation over time. A state-of-the-art technical platform allows the team to customise high-quality SAA studies in short work, which has proven a considerable advantage in an environment of ever-shorter capital market cycles. A recent academic collaboration, rooted in mathematics and data science research, is expected to boost investor value groupwide. The CFI.co judging panel announces Berenberg as the 2023 award winner for Best Strategic Asset Allocation Team (Germany).


Levendi Investment Management: Best Defined Return Investment Advisory Firm UK 2023

Levendi, with current AUA of circa $2bn, advises on defined return investments and derivatives, particularly when incorporated into funds and portfolios. It boasts a strong team of professionals with major investment banking experience. The firm exhibits exemplary expertise in qualitative and quantitative assessment of risk and return, and independent pricing.  Additionally, the UCITS Levendi Thornbridge Defined Return Fund controls assets of around £110m and appeals to the more risk averse investors.  The Fund seeks out positive returns under a wide range of market conditions. This is achieved by innovative, defensive and diversified equity market exposure. The Fund aims for positive returns of sterling deposit rates plus six percent in the medium term and exhibits considerably lower volatility than major global equity markets. The team is strong on investment screening, developing innovative investment products, and in explaining the origination process for new investments. Most of the investments are linked to the performance of UK and other major equity market indices. The Fund includes structured investments with exposure to various major equity indices, investment strategies, geographies, and markets. The investor base includes institutional investors, DFMs, family offices, HNW, UHNW and pensions.  The fund can also be accessed by individual investors.  In addition to the benefits mentioned above, the Fund also offers daily liquidity and access to institutional defined return investments. A strong focus on risk management and wealth preservation is a differentiating attribute. Levendi Investment Management is confirmed as 2023 winner of the award Best Defined Return Investment Advisory Firm (UK).


WEALINS: Best Wealth Insurance Solutions Europe 2023

WEALINS empowers clients by creating exclusive solutions to transfer their wealth. The company has been in operation over the past three decades, building a strong experience in the insurance industry. It specialises in life insurance and capitalisation solutions designed to structure and preserve clients' wealth for future generations. The Luxembourg-based company caters to wealthy and international clientele and its solutions take into account the clients’ evolving situations. WEALINS has an active presence in nine EU countries and an in-depth knowledge across different markets. Customised solutions exist for clients residing outside of the European Economic Area. Trust is a cornerstone of WEALINS' corporate culture. It cultivates trust among clients and partners by going the extra mile to accommodate their needs. Partnerships with asset and wealth managers boost distribution, while dedicated after-sales service ensures continuous customer support. WEALINS has invested to upgrade its  IT system and entrusted management of the newly developed tech infrastructure to an external specialist. The investment in the digital platform is already paying dividends in terms of improved communications and access to information, reduced paperwork, unified processing and accurate data. The digital push is meant to complement - not overshadow - the company's human-to-human approach to client relationships. Many of WEALINS clients are entrepreneurs seeking long-term investment opportunities that promise stable and continuous growth. WEALINS enjoys low turnover within its workforce of 130 professionals. The CFl.co judging panel announces WEALINS as the 2023 award winner for Best Wealth Insurance Solutions (Europe).


SMIT Moroccan Agency for Tourism Development: Outstanding Contribution to Moroccan Economy 2023

[caption id="attachment_12159" align="alignleft" width="300"] CEO Imad Barrakad[/caption]

The Moroccan Agency for Tourism Development (SMIT) promotes Morocco as a business-friendly and culturally rich tourist destination. The agency acts as a catalyser for sustainable, inclusive and resilient tourism in Morocco. SMIT connects Morocco’s tourism SMEs, which represent 80 percent of the tourism sector, with financing options through private investors, public funding and public-private partnerships. It launched a digital platform to encourage SMEs to collaborate in local networks for mutual growth and benefit. SMIT understands how to best combine complex elements to foster a thriving tourism industry. It provides potential investors with analyses to make data-backed decisions and assistance to get the ball rolling. The agency engages with tourism SMEs across various outreach campaigns and digital channels. In 2021, SMIT partnered with a local council to finance a programme aiming to create 150 tourist SMEs and more than 600 new direct jobs. It recently announced another partnership to support the conversion of ksours and kasbahs, traditional adobe architecture including citadels and tribal villages, into authentic hotel accommodations. Grant funding would cover up to 40 percent of the project investment amount, plus an additional contribution of 10 percent of the investment to improve the surrounding area. SMIT expects significant economic and social impact from the initiative in terms of job creation, income-generating activities, reduction of the rural exodus and promotion of local products. The CFI.co judging panel congratulates SMIT on claiming the 2023 award for Outstanding Contribution to Moroccan Economy.