Aberdeen Asset Management Wins Best Asset Manager Award, UK 2012

Based in Scotland, Aberdeen Asset Management PLC was managing assets in excess of $280 billion in June 2012.

As a global investment management group it manages assets for both institutional and retail clients from offices around the world. Under Martin Gilbert's leadership the approach to leveraging local decision making within the framework of the group has produced excellent long term sustainable value for clients.


Berenberg Bank Wins an Award for Best Private Bank in Germany 2012

Berenberg is one of Europe’s oldest financial institutions and brings a sense of duty to relationships with clients.

If you are looking for a private bank that fully understands the need to be open, transparent and accurate you will find that Berenberg Bank’s long heritage and accumulated knowledge has been put to good use.


Award Winner: China Merchants Bank Best Private Bank China 2012

CMB is the preferred private banker to many of China’s ultra high net worth individuals.

The Bank largely confines its activities to the domestic market which it clearly understands well and where it is very well received - with a strong and strategically well-placed branch and office network. The country is justifiably proud of CMB with recognition coming from Peking University (over six consecutive years) as a ‘Most Respected Chinese Enterprise’.


Hana Bank wins Best Private Bank Korea 2012

Hana, one of the biggest and best run banks in Korea is a subsidiary of Hana Financial Group.

In 2011, HFG entered into what the judging panel termed as a ‘very promising alliance’ with Indonesia’s largest private bank. The judging panel also commented on the Bank’s rather humble presentation of its strong credentials as well as ‘an obvious and continuous concern to enhance the client banking experience’.


Goldman Sachs win Best Investment Bank USA 2012

Despite significantly reduced revenues in 2011, the judging panel was overall highly supportive of Goldman’s recent investment banking activities and termed the Bank’s corporate social responsibility programmes as ‘inspirational’.

The panel commented favourably on risk management at Goldman Sachs as well as referring to their ‘sterling work in M&A advisory and strong  revenue generation through equities trading.’


China Construction Bank are Deserving Winners of the Best Commercial Bank China Award

CCB delivers strong online, telephone and mobile banking.

Corporate governance at the organisation is good – with an understanding that this is the key to improved international competitiveness and more efficient modern banking. The judges consider the Bank’s corporate social responsibility as exemplary given its material support to a great number of good causes and its stated aim of helping whenever possible to improve lives.


Morgan Stanley’s Investment in Staff Pays Off as they Win the Award for Best Commercial Bank USA

Morgan Stanley’s inevitable move into commercial banking after the 2008 crisis was well thought out and has been a great success.

The Bank is a concerned employer who year by year is ranked highly on lists of best places to work. The panel applauds Morgan Stanley’s efforts to support – among other groups – working mothers, African Americans and Hispanics.


London Stock Exchange Takes 2012 Award in Europe

London is the home of the largest stock exchange in Europe and ranks fourth globally.

There are around 3000 listed companies from 60 countries around the world and the judging panel noted that London is particularly strong in emerging markets ETFs.


Hong Kong Exchange Wins Asia Award

HK Ex, listed in Hong Kong in 2000 is one of the world’s largest operators and the judging panel commented on the strength of recent developments.

The panel spoke too of the strong investor relations programmes at HK Ex and noted that the operator had received the ‘Caring Company’ award from the Hong Kong Council of Social Services for seven consective years up to 2011/12.


Trust Merchant Bank in the DRC Wins Multiple Awards

Trust Merchant Bank in the DRC award wins recognises TMB’s major contributions to sustainable growth and excellence of its banking services.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is emerging from decades of unrest and finally looks set to take advantage of its huge economic potential. Sustainable economic growth is vital to the nation’s continued development. This can only happen if there are banks that truly understand the needs of business in general and SMEs in particular. The DRC is fortunate in having a bank that is working to the very highest standards and understands the banking requirements of the DRC. Trust Merchant Bank (TMB) has clearly demonstrated this quality through their highly professional approach which is having real impact. Staff are at the core of TMB’s success and there has been on-going investment in human resources at all levels. The judges felt that TMB was performing well in relation to its domestic banking competitors and providing SME’s with the resources they need. CFI are delighted to award TMB as the Best Commercial and Retail Bank in the DRC and for providing an outstanding contribution to SME development in Africa.


Children’s Rights Concerns of Award Winner Norges

Norway’s Central Bank has decided on children’s rights and child labour as a strategic area for corporate concern.

In 2009, Magdalena Kettis, head of Social & Corporate Governance at the Bank produced a paper: ‘Children’s Rights – A Concern For Investors. Each year Norges make an assessment of their holdings for compliance with their stated criteria for proper conduct. The judging panel applauded the systematic and determined approach of Norges in helping to reduce the abuse of children in the workplace.


UNE EPM Telecomunicaciones S.A. Wins Best Mobile Telecom Provider Colombia 2012

Having world leading Telecoms businesses is critical to a country’s sustainable development.

Colombia is fortunate in having a pioneering telecoms provider in the form of UNE. UNE are innovative and dependable and understand the need to properly engage with all stakeholders. As Colombia continues to grow and develop economically, we are sure that UNE under CEO Marc Eichmann’s leadership will form an important part of efforts to ensure the growth is sustainable.


Kingdom Holding wins CFI Corporate Leadership Award for 2012

Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal, chairman of Kingdom Holding has been a shrewd and successful investor and major international business figure for many years.

He established Kingdom Holding in 1979 and by the end of the next decade had gained a controlling interest in the ailing United Saudi Commercial Bank. USCB was fixed and then merged with another struggler of the time, Saudi Cairo Bank. Eventually USCB merged with top player Saudi American Bank. Prince Alwaleed would later become Citibank’s largest shareholder (which has paid off handsomely for him). Apart from his significant domestic investments, Alwaleed also has holdings in majors such as News Corp and The Four Seasons. According to the CFI judging panel, Kingdom Holding’s rewarding investment strategy and strong commercial judgment make this organisation - led by the charismatic Prince Alwaleed -  an obvious Middle East choice in the 2012 Corporate Leadership Awards. The judges point out that the Company’s sphere of influence is global.


WIPRO: Innovative Since 1945 with the Tech King at the Helm

The CFI judging panel applaud the ‘WIPRO Way’ which calls for good timing, predictability, reliability and cost-cutting at this IT giant from Bangalore.

WIPRO started out as a vegetable oil manufacturer in 1945 and has been headed by Azim Premji since the late 1960s. Chairman Premji was described by Business Week as India’s Tech King (which according to the judges is just about right). The judges declared WIPRO a Corporate Leader in Asia because of the organisation’s history of innovation and strong CSR policies - which focus to a large extent on the quality of school education.


Steel Giant is one of CFI’s Corporate Leaders, 2012

Arcelor Mittal is a global leader in steel and mining.

The CFI judging panel pointed to the philanthropy as well as the extraordinary business acumen of chairman and CEO Lakshmi Mittal who founded the Mittal Steel Company in 1976 (Arcelor is its successor). Education, health and community development are at the heart of the company’s CSR concerns. The judges praised the Arcelor Mittal Foundation which works for the sustainable development of local communities. Bem Bank in Brazil is a microcredit facility supported by AM and serves 3000 people. The panel congratulated this Corporate Leadership Award winner on its Gender Diversity Steering Group, its success in encouraging employees to take up voluntary work in communities and the redevelopment aid provided by the Company following the earthquake in Haiti.


Lukoil Russia: Obvious Choice as Corporate Leader, 2012

According the CFI judging panel, LUKOIL, Russia is a model of transparency and good governance and an obvious choice as a Corporate Leader in Europe.

LUKOIL generates a mass of favourable statistics. It ranks as the 40th largest company in the world by sales and sits five places higher on the list in terms of profitability. The Company (with a current market capitalisation of close to $50 billion) is responsible for around 17 per cent of Russia’s oil production and refining activity.  LUKOIL delivered $38.4 billion to the Russian government in tax for the year 2011. CSR activities focus on education, support to orphans and the funding of museums. The judges commented favourably on the LUKOIL Pension Fund, pointing out that the Company matches employee contributions in all countries in which it is represented. This was one of the first non-government pension funds in Russia and it is properly audited and very well run. The CFI panel congratulates LUKOIL as an example of a very large oil and gas company that truly promises benefits to all stakeholders – and delivers handsomely.


Banco Interacciones in Mexico Continue to Build on Their Success

The role that Banco Interacciones plays in the Mexican economy should not be underestimated.

The Bank plays a major role in financing the public sector and by maintaining a clearly defined strategy has produced excellent results for all Stakeholders.

The bank provides viable solutions for investment, credit and risk management requirements and CFI.co is pleased to declare the bank as the Best Investment Bank Mexico and Best Government Bank Mexico.

Banco Interacciones  is an excellent example of how a streamlined and focused bank can produce outstanding results and help with sustainable development of a domestic market.


Best Investment Bank, Saudi Arabia - NCB Capital

The judges applauded NCB’s 2011 M&A deal ($500 million) consolidating six construction companies.

This was the largest M&A deal in the region from Saudi Arabia’s biggest asset manager ($11.75 billion). This was the first subsidiary of a Saudi Bank to be licenced by the Capital Market Authority for Investment Management and Asset Management in Saudi Arabia.


Jones Day Applauded in the Labour & Employment Sector in the United States as Part of 2012 Legal Awards

The judging panel agree the firm’s claim that it shows a ‘relentless focus on client service’. Traditional courtesy and a high level of client care at Jones Day are apparent at all times and help the firm deliver great results. Jones Day has undertaken significant work in 2012 on behalf of U.S. Steel, Abbott Laboratories and Verizon.


Burgan Bank Moves from Strength to Strength

There are numerous banks competing to provide Private Banking services to clients.

For a private bank, its most important asset is trust. To develop that trust a private bank has to show the highest level of integrity, while truly understanding and responding  to client needs. When a bank is truly trusted the level of referrals will increase. Burgan Bank’s strong growth over recent years clearly demonstrates the high levels of trust clients have placed in the Bank. The Bank received some excellent nominations for inclusion in our 2012 Banking awards programme and, after careful consideration of the Bank’s operations, the judging panel agreed that they – like so many of the Bank’s clients - were happy to select Burgan Bank from a highly competitive field as the Best Private Bank in Kuwait.


State Bank of Mauritius Provides a Key Pillar to the Mauritian Economy

We are pleased to announce the State Bank of Mauritius as Best Bank Mauritius 2012.

The Bank has been a continuous and most effective innovator - providing customers with a broad range of accessible, secure and reliable services.  The Bank has also ensured that it is able to offer services in every area of banking across the country (with small rural farmer clients as well as large International Corporation). It is the Bank’s commitment to provide the highest levels of service and innovation that sets it apart. This commitment has paid off handsomely as demonstrated in the Bank’s latest financial results. With profits up over 30% and a growing international presence, the Bank looks set to use the skills it has developed to secure 25% of the highly competitive domestic market to bring further and significant international growth.


Award Winner: Itau Private Bank Best Private Bank Brazil 2012

Without question a major force for private banking in Latin America, Itau also boasts a very strong international network which the judging panel considers to a have ‘a good and secure future’.

Investor relations are well thought out and very effective. This winner also scores high in terms of sustainability and is a responsible and generous corporate citizen.


Morgan Stanley Sets the Standard for US Brokers

According to the judging panel, ‘An industry leader that sets the standards’.

Morgan Stanley has outstanding expertise and highly experienced advisers. The Morgan Stanley Foundation is deeply concerned about children’s health and specifically failure to thrive – often as a result of poverty.


Three Principles and Strong Corporate Leadership win Award for Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Corporation - the multinational conglomerate - refers to itself more humbly as a ‘community of independent companies’.

The independents are tied together by their wholehearted acceptance of the ‘Three Principles’, namely corporate social responsibility; integrity and fairness; and global understanding through business. The Mitsubishi Foundation was established in 1969 to mark the centenary of the organisation and all those independents are successors to a  shipping company founded in Japan in 1870. The judging panel recognised the significant efforts of Mitsubishi in helping Japan recover from the 2011 Earthquake after a 10 billion yen donation to the cause. The judges describe Mitsubishi  as an outstanding example of corporate leadership in Asia.


Award Winner Optima Energia, Mexico: Delivering Energy Saving Solutions without Up-Front Costs

The CFI.co judging panel was unanimous in declaring Optima Energia winner of its 2012 award for ‘Best Sustainable Energy Technology, Mexico’.  Its president, Enrique Gomez-Junco, a Wharton Business Transformation Award winner and CNN Entrepreneur of the Year (2006) is to be congratulated on having established an energy savings company that offers clients total financing of projects.

A substantial International Finance Corporation loan negotiated by Optima Energia was the first direct investment in an energy services company in the region by this member of the World Bank Group.  The panel agreed that the Optima business model provides compelling reasons for the granting of this loan. The Company has demonstrated a highly innovative approach to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in Mexico while allowing for impressive savings. This model is paying off handsomely and Gomez-Junco has shown that providing sustainable energy solutions makes good business sense all round. Optima is a company to watch and its president expects to be announcing major advances before the year is out.

"Optima is the only company in Mexico to provide a complete package of this kind and the results have been outstanding. Customer confidence levels are high at all stages of the process with strong levels of satisfaction upon project delivery."

Optima has been very active in the hotel sector conducting comprehensive studies, designing solutions, providing the necessary financial investment, installing equipment and in the process cutting energy and water costs by an average of forty per cent. This often results in replacement solutions for windows, lighting, air conditioning and heating.  All project expenses and upgrades are paid for out of the eventual savings resulting from Optima’s work and clients escape all up-front costs.

Several Mexican municipalities have also expressed their appreciation of Optima’s services and the mayor of Linares has told of savings to the town as a result of a lighting modernisation programme. Acapulco – Guerrero is looking forward to a project that will bring sustainability to the town and the people of Cadereyta  Jimenez expect to see their homes made safer by better street lighting  that will also result in useful cost reductions and significant ecological benefits.


Gulf Finance House’s Long Term Winning Approach

We are pleased to announce that Gulf Finance House have won the CFI.co award for Best Islamic Investment Bank Bahrain 2012.

Gulf Finance House’s steadfast approach to investing primarily in high quality infrastructure projects that help provide sustainable growth opportunities in the GCC, North African and Asian regions is paying dividends to investors. The Bank’s innovative approach to Islamic financial structures and focus on projects that truly benefit all stakeholders make Gulf Finance House an excellent example of how good investment banks bring real benefit to the societies in which they operate. 2012 has been an excellent year for the bank - rewarding the years of patience and restructuring required following the upheavals of the financial crisis. Gulf Finance House have proved that they are in it for the long haul and have the resilience not only to survive uncertainties but to thrive.


J. P. Morgan Private Bank wins Best Private Bank in the United States

Excerpts from the CFI.co’s Judging Panel’s Summary: “JP Morgan’s 160 years of experience has produced an outstanding private bank in the United States that is also a top performer in all other regions of the world.

The plans announced two years ago for the expansion of business outside the United States have been fruitful. The judges welcomed recently appointed CEO John Duffy of JP Morgan US and his initial published remarks on wealth management.”


The Increasing Demand for Shari’ah Compliant Banking Helps Drive Growth at Gulf African Bank

Gulf African Bank (GAB) wins the 2012 award for Best Islamic Bank in Kenya.

The award reflects the achievements at the bank since 2008 when it was first granted a full commercial banking license as a dedicated Islamic Bank. The rapid growth over the past four years is testament not only to the demand for Shari’ah compliant products but also to the innovative approach of GAB, the continual improvements there and the habit of putting the needs of the client first. We fully expect to see GAB continue to grow rapidly as one of  the leading banks in the region.


Bank Misr Liban Wins Lebanon Award

We are pleased to announce Bank Misr Liban (BML) as Best Commercial Bank Lebanon, 2012.

The Bank and its stakeholders are now seeing the benefits of the restructuring that has taken place over the past few years. This restructuring has left BML not only in a better financial position but also with improved levels of corporate governance and transparency. In the view of CFI.co’s judging panel, these achievements - combined with the very strong local knowledge built up since 1929 - means that the Bank is perfectly positioned to provide safe and very high levels of service to its customers and deliver just rewards to all its stakeholders.


CFI Award Panel Recognises Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

[caption id="attachment_311" align="alignright" width="180"] IFRC Headquarters[/caption]

We are delighted to announce The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) as winner of a CFI award for Corporate Leadership. The IFRC has for nearly 100 years been helping to ensure that the national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies work together effectively. The IFRC brings the world closer together and cuts through political, national, racial, religious and economic differences in helping humanitarian efforts across the globe and stands out as a force for good. What is less well known is that in order to achieve its goals, Society members raise over 50% of their revenue from a diverse range of commercial activities. Many of these efforts serve the dual purpose of achieving the stated aims of the IFRC while in addition providing revenue for other humanitarian work. We think commercial organisations would do well to consider how the IFRC operates in the commercial world when trying to balance CSR activities with the overall needs of all stakeholders.


Julius Baer: Best Private Bank, Switzerland

Assets under management amounted to CHF 187 billion at the end of October 2012 (up 10 per cent from the end of 2011) while total assets grew to CHF 274 billion (up 9 per cent).

Julius Baer prides itself in making extra efforts to get to know their clients so to better advise them. The CFI.co judging panel noted JB’s acquisition of Merrill Lynch’s international wealth management business (outside the United States). Julius Baer takes the 2012 award for private banking.


Greenwich Trust: Best Investment Bank, Nigeria

Good investment banking is a bedrock for sustainable growth and to achieve this banks should balance the needs of all stakeholders.

CFI’s awards panel are pleased to have identified Greenwich Trust Limited as a bank that does so consistently. The panel also felt that the long term financial success of Greenwich is due in large part to the excellent value set that the bank applies not only to to its investments but also to its own internal management. It is only when management teams truly live up to their mission statements that real success can be achieved. Greenwich Trust is of sufficient size to offer excellent research and strong local knowledge to help its clients and stakeholders whilst maintaining a high degree of flexibility.  The panel were delighted to announce Greenwich Trust as the Best Investment Bank, Nigeria, 2012


Olayan Financing Company: A Corporate Leader in the Middle East

The Olayan Group was established in 1947 by Suliman Olayan.

It is a private multinational enterprise that engages in distribution, manufacturing, services and investment. Olayan Financing Company is responsible for the Group’s business in Saudia Arabia and the Middle East (including JVs with major multinationals). The CFI judging panel takes the view that the founder’s values of dedication, integrity, teamwork and continual improvement inform the present management of the business and are as important to the Olayan family now as they ever were. In many ways the progress made by Olayan over these long years mirrors that of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia itself. The name Olayan has been associated with major international brands and some of these relationships having been in place for over fifty years. Lubna Olayan is a champion of women in the work place and the firm is a good corporate citizen and a thriving business with strong momentum.


Emirates: Best Islamic Bank in the UAE

In 2012, Emirates Islamic Bank completed the integration of Dubai Bank to become the third largest Islamic lender in the United Arab Emirates.

The judging panel commended the Bank’s handling of the process which took up most of the calendar year.  One of the fastest growing banks in the country in 2012 and with a sixty per cent improvement in profitability, Emirates look set to benefit from the ruler of Dubai’s recent stated ambition for the Emirate to become the global capital of Islamic economy.


MENA City Lawyers Lebanon: Helping to Drive Growth

The CFI.co award panel are pleased to announce Mena City Lawyers as the Best Corporate and Commercial Team, Lebanon, 2013.

MCL, under the chairmanship of Fady Jamaleddine, has built up a strong and internationally experienced team of legal experts. The firm is well placed to provide advice to both local and international clients particularly those who focus on the MENA region. With the ability to bring to bear a multi-disciplined team to help with the most complex matters and a history of seeing client business through from formation to exit, MCL has an enviable track record. The judges were also particularly impressed by the firm's pro bono work and clear focus on its internal code of ethics. We believe that this ethical approach and the firm’s high level of expertise help explain why MCL has been recognised by the World Bank for its contributions to SME development. As SMEs form the cornerstone of economically sustainable development, MCL is without doubt a leading law firm contributing to growth in the region.


CalPERS Wins USA Corporate Governance Award 2013

CalPERS stands out as an example of the highest level of corporate governance and wins the 2013 award in the United States.

CalPERS provides retirement and health benefits to some 1.6 million public sector employees and retirees in California and the Company is responsible for nearly $250 billion in funds. Not only are CalPERS’s internal standards exemplary they are also provide a driving force domestically and internationally in improving levels of corporate governance. Sharing their expertise in effective governance with companies it which it invests, the CalPERS hands on approach to investment is helping to ensure that shareholder and all other stakeholder benefits are maximised.


New Leaders in the UAE: Award for Emirates

The airline is now the largest employer in the UAE and shows a high level of concern for the welfare of its 62,000 workers – many of whom are far away from their homelands.

The Emirates fleet is young and eco-efficient and the airline has done much to support the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve and eco-tourism projects in the UAE and Australia. The judging panel felt that Emirates take their CSR responsibilities very seriously and are making good progress.


Arntzen de Besche’s Energy Team Wins 2013 Legal Award

This outstanding Norwegian law firm offers a wide range of services across corporate law and is well known for its first class energy work.

Last year, Arntzen de Besche represented Tullow Oil in the acquisition of spring Energy Norway AS. The firm provided mediation services in Sudan for two years with an agreement that came in place by September 2012.


Gide Loyrette Nouel: Best Banking & Finance Team, France

The judging panel has drawn attention to the outstanding negotiation skills of this firm’s banking and finance group, and Gide Loyrette Nouel is our 2013 winner in France.

Founded in 1920, the firm now has 600 lawyers operating throughout the world. Last year GLN advised HSBC France on the first mortgage bond to be list on Euronext, Paris.


The IP Award for the United States Goes to Loeb & Loeb

Loeb & Loeb takes the 2013 award for Best Intellectual Property Team in the United States.

This firm has a well-deserved reputation for litigation and the negotiation of licencing agreements in the entertainment industry. The judging panel congratulates John Frankenheimer, chair of the Music Industry Practice Group, who was named on Billboard’s 100 Power List of music business notables.


CFI.co Corporate Governance Winner, Germany, 2013

BASF wins Best Corporate Governance, Germany, 2013.

The overall standard of corporate governance in Germany is outstanding and the judges commented that almost all of the short listed candidates would have have been winners had they been located in other countries. However, the way in which BASF has implemented its corporate governance programme stood out. The panel felt that BASF had benefited from a particularly strong and active supervisory board, excellent risk management with its transparency and strong analysis giving all stakeholders the highest levels of confidence in the company.


Employment Law Winners in the UK: Bindmans LLP

According to the CFI.co judging panel, Bindmans are the rising stars of employment law in the United Kingdom and the winners of the award for 2013.

The firm, founded by Sir Geoffrey Bindman QC, is high profile with focused and intelligent employment lawyers who are making a difference and bringing in good settlements. Bindmans recently won a substantial award for an Asperger syndrome sufferer in dispute with his former law firm employer and is acting for a lap dancer who used to work at the London club Stringfellows.


Legal Awards, 2013: MJM is a Winner in Bermuda

CFI.co is pleased to announce MJM Barristers & Attorneys as 'Best Corporate and Commercial Team, Bermuda 2013'.

The judging panel pointed to the high level of personal attention the team at MJM provide according to comments and ringing endorsements  received from clients and fellow lawyers  in several  jurisdictions.  Of course the firm is particularly well positioned to help with legal matters relating to Bermuda having been closely involved in the modernisation of its company law and the team is large enough to cover all  aspects of client requirements while remaining nimble.


Del Valle Torres: Best Tax Team, Mexico, 2013

The tendency for tax affairs to become ever more complicated has resulted in the need for an increasing level of qualified attention both personal and corporate on the international stage.

It has never been more important - whether you are a high net worth individual or multinational corporation - that effective tax advice is taken into account. Of course, many full service law firms have excellent tax teams - and the big four accounting firms are everywhere - but the panel felt that the quality and track record of the tax team built up by Luis Del Valle warranted special attention. The team has clearly displayed the advantages of engaging a specialist firm who are totally dedicated to your tax affairs. The judging panel was particularly impressed with the structure created for an international financial group, the Terrafina IPO of approximately $700m investing in real estate in Mexico. In addition the judging panel noted the strength and quality of the nominations received. It is therefore with great pleasure that we announce that the award for Best Tax Team Mexico 2013 goes to Del Valle Torres SC”


CFI Awards 2013: A Law Firm in the Yemen

The Law Offices of Sheikh Tariq Abdullah advise a number of international law firms promptly and efficiently in what is a rather difficult jurisdiction.

This firm is frequently consulted by the World Bank and has a good reputation for the quality of its services and the care and attention it lavishes on enquiries that may not be particularly profitable. The judges commented on an attitude at the firm that not all rewards for services are financial. Pro bono work at this office includes advice to the UK Seafarers Association.


Obsessing about Client Satisfaction: Kresta Laurel, Our Winner in Nigeria

Kresta Laurel Limited, the winner of CFI’s Customer Satisfaction Award, Nigeria, 2013 started operations in 1990 and offers total engineering services in vertical and horizontal transportation systems (elevators, cranes hoists etc.), power systems and similar electro-mechanical equipment. The judging panel was impressed by the outstanding sales and after sales service offered at a company where customer expectations are exceeded routinely and word of mouth recommendations significantly boost business. KLL set out to deliver world class technical solutions in a market that had been dominated by foreign firms and multinationals and has done so very successfully. The panel commented that, ‘Management is obsessively concerned with the realisation of the very highest levels of customer satisfaction and have a plan in place that delivers to international standards. Kresta Laurel has a roster of international affiliations – well-known brands that they work with very happily and on an exclusive basis in Nigeria.’


Ashurst in Australia Wins 2013 Legal Award

The strong Intellectual Property team at Ashurst is acting for Samsung in its dispute with Apple. The lawyers here are very experienced and led by a highly effective litigator.  The IP group in Australia provides a full range of services and the firm rightly prides itself on its global presence and impressive industry sector coverage. Ashurst LLP is our award for ‘Best IP Team’, Australia, 2013.


IP Award for Drew & Napier, Singapore

Drew & Napier continues to lead the Intellectual Property field in Singapore and is the well-deserved 2013 CFI award winner in this category.

The IP department at D&P accounts for a quarter of all patents filed in the country and the firm represents high profile clients across a broad range of industries.  The firm and its talented lawyers are regularly recommended as leaders in their field.  The judging panel pointed to the firm’s skills in biomedical science.


Swiss Re Wins Award for Best Corporate Governance, Switzerland, 2013

There are few industries where stakeholders have more to lose than in reinsurance and accordingly the strength of corporate governance is critical.

The panel were impressed in particular by the continual assessment and development of Swiss RE’s corporate governance standards. Under Walter B Kielholz’s leadership, the Chairman’s and Governance committee has helped ensure that Swiss RE continues as a stable and innovative player in the critically important reinsurance market - and this was borne out in the Company’s 2012 results.


Corporate Governance, 2013: Vestas Wins in Denmark

Vestas Wind Systems A/S wins CFI’s award for ‘Best Corporate Governance, 2013’. The panel decided that the approach taken by all the Danish companies considered for the corporate governance award was outstanding and that this reflected extremely well on Denmark’s approach to business. However the judges took the view that Vestas’s approach to the on-going adaptation of corporate governance alongside their efforts to ensure highly transparent communications in all aspects business and marketing strategy set them apart from their competitors.


Ernst & Young: Best Tax Team, Georgia, 2013

Ernst & Young LLC is the longest established tax practice in Georgia and top player in the country by most indicators.

Competition for business is intense but the CFI judging panel feel that the firm is well placed to take advantage of opportunities as they unfold. The client base of the firm is solid and its reputation is good. According to CFI Ernst & Young in Georgia would most certainly be a suitable partner for foreign investors. There is a strong understanding of the Georgian culture as well as appreciation of the needs of newcomers to the market.


Colombian Law Firm Brigard & Urrutia Takes 2013 Award

The long and well established Dispute Resolution Team at Brigard & Urrutia is favourably placed to provide advice on a wide range of cases in Colombia. According to the CFI judging panel the firm has completed substantial and impressive work on disputes over public sector concessions, has very strong litigation skills and is very active throughout the sectors. The panel had no hesitation in naming Brigard & Urrutia as ‘Best Dispute Resolution Team, Colombia’.


Charles Russell: Best Corporate & Commercial Team, Bahrain, 2013

Charles Russell LLP has done good work for Edamah (Bahrain Real Estate Investment Company), was instructed by the Central Bank of Bahrain in 2009 and has a reputation for building good long term relationships with clients.

Charles Russell’s head office is in London, a further international office is located in Geneva and the Middle East office is housed at the Bahrain World Trade Centre. The judging panel commented on the Bahrain winner’s core strengths in communications, energy and property matters.


Legal Awards, 2013: Prietocarrizosa is at the Head of Competition in Colombia

Prietocarrizosa is congratulated by the CFI.co judging panel for its successful representation of Nestle and good work for others including Visa International, Mexichem Colombia, Corn Products International and Johnson Controls.

The competition and antitrust department is long established, highly effective and the judges believe that the firm’s activities in this category are very likely to expand. There was no hesitation in naming Prietocarrizosa as ‘Best Competition Team’, Colombia, 2013.


The Dispute Resolution Team Award for Malta goes to Camilleri Preziosi

Camilleri Preziosi Advocates win the ‘Best Dispute Resolution team Malta’ award for 2013.

As should be expected we do not receive many nominations in some of the smaller juristictions but the CFI panel could not ignore the strength of nominations received for Camilleri Preziosi. The panel commented that what sets Camilleri Preziosi apart from the competition is the team’s holistic approach to dispute resolution matters. The firm has an excellent track record for looking beyond the dispute to the overall needs of clients - minimising the impact of disputes by keeping cases out of court whenever possible. Of course, their court room performance over the years has enabled the firm to achieve this. The panel felt that the quality outcomes and the multi-disciplinary nature of the firm deserved recognition this year.


CFI Legal Awards, 2013: Morales & Besa for their Pro Bono Work in Chile

Pro bono work has been important at Morales & Besa since the firm was founded twenty years ago.

They have been trailblazers ever since and take their responsibilities very seriously. Pro bono is voluntary for the firm’s lawyers but the take up is high. The firm has created a pro bono manual and a committee to decide on eligibility. When lawyer performance is evaluated equal weight is given to pro bono work and hours charged to clients. The judges commended Morales & Besa on the firm’s constant encouragement to pro bono activities in Chile.


Dispute Resolution Award, UAE, 2013, goes to Galdari in Dubai

Galadari and Associates in Dubai work in dispute resolution very effectively and across most industry sectors.

The firm has excellent litigation skills which now result in some 75 per cent of turnover. The CFI judging panel decided to make the award to Galadari because of its excellent track record of court success. Construction is a very real strength of the firm and the expertise of the firm’s local advocates is paying very real dividends. This firm is moving from strength to strength.


Corporate & Commercial Team Award in India

Desai & Diwanji has been named ‘Best Corporate & Commercial Team, India, 2013’ in the CFI Legal Awards programme. This substantial firm has three offices and a team of 185 lawyers with around half of personnel working in the corporate group. The volume of corporate deals places the firm at the very top table of Indian law firms. Growth has been more than satisfactory and the firm is well placed to take advantage of any upturn in client business optimism. Desai & Diwanji acts as non-exclusive attorneys to some 150 of the biggest Indian companies.


Rojs, Peljhan, Prelesnik & Partnerji: M&A Team Winner in Slovenia

This Slovenian firm has a strong track record in banking and construction and has does sterling M&A work. RPPP have been involved in major privatisation programmes and pride themselves on their work in such sectors as pharmaceuticals, construction, media and the steel industry. The judging panel recognise RPPP as one of Slovenia’s most important law firms and a worthy recipient of the award: ‘Best Mergers and Acquisitions Team, Slovenia, 2013’.


Best Law Firm Georgia Award for 2013 goes to DLA Piper

DLA Piper has been named ‘Best Law Firm, Georgia, 2013’ by CFI.

Founded as a local firm, it is now uniquely well positioned to provide international expertise as well as demonstrate in- depth understanding of the jurisdiction. The majority of the firm’s work is for international clients and sophisticated Georgian businesses. Training of lawyers is a continuous process at the heart of the success of this outstanding Georgian legal firm.


CFI Award: HKEx has Best Corporate Governance in Hong Kong

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEx) is recognised by CFI’s award panel for ‘Best Corporate Governance, Hong Kong, 2013’.

With the aim of being the global exchange of choice for Chinese clients and internationals seeking exposure to China, it is critical that HKEx corporate governance is of the highest possible standard and the management of HKEx have taken this prerequisite to heart. Given the transparent approach to corporate governance, the judging panel were not surprised by the number of nominations HKEx received. The panel felt that HKEx were going well beyond the statutory requirements with all stakeholder interests being fairly taken into account.


SNR Denton Named Best Corporate & Commercial Team, Oman

Dentons in Muscat brings its clients the benefits of thirty years of experience in the Oman market.

Last year the firm advised HSBC on a merger of its Oman branch and clients include Bechtel, USG and Oman Refineries & Petroleum industries. It was the depth of knowledge of lawyers at SNR Denton that persuaded the judging panel that the Corporate & Commercial award for 2013 should go to this outstanding firm.


Best of Both Worlds at Baker & McKenzie, Bahrain 2013

Baker & McKenzie Limited is the CFI.co Islamic Finance team winner in Bahrain this year.

The judging panel agreed that this team stands out from the competition to a significant degree and is moving further ahead. Baker & McKenzie has been active in the region for thirty years and has practised in Bahrain since 1998. The CFI panel pointed to the firm’s ‘best of both worlds’ advantage in having deep understanding of the region through its strategic location alongside the massive resources of Baker & McKenzie offices throughout the world.


Klagsbald Wins This Year's Dispute Resolution Award in Israel

According to the CFI judging panel, Dr. Klagsbald & Co. Law Offices is an extraordinarily successful boutique law firm.

Headed by the man whose name appears above the door, this firm of strong and talented litigators handles demanding civil and commercial dispute work on behalf of major Israeli and foreign corporations and business leaders. Dr Klagsbald, who has represented three Israeli prime ministers as well as several high profile members of the Knesset, brings his 25 years of experience into play each working day as he takes the lead on all cases. He has brought together a small group of highly effective lawyers and the panel has no hesitation in naming the firm Best Dispute Resolution Team, Israel, 2013.


Power to the People in Tanzania: Carbon X Wins the CFI Community Engagement Award

CARBON X ENERGY is the largest rural community electrification programme in Tanzania (a country where 80 per cent of the population has no access to electricity).

Of course, the situation is at its worst in rural areas where it is difficult to extend the national grid and the dangers of fuel-based lighting are all too obvious. This worthy project harnesses solar power in an effort to alleviate poverty, improve lifestyles and encourage business opportunities and entrepreneurship. The founder, Naeem Mawji, has funded this work in part by awards from the World Bank and Tanzania’s Rural Energy Agency. The panel, unanimously confirming CARBON X as the Corporate Community Engagement Award winner in Tanzania, is said to have been humbled by the efforts of this young man and his colleagues to bring clean light and power to the people.


Millennium bcp: CFI 2013 Award Winner in Portugal and an Example to Banks around the World

The judging panel at CFI are delighted to declare Millennium bcp winner of awards for Best Corporate Governance and Best Investor Relations Team, Portugal, 2013. Millennium stand out as an example - not just in Portugal but to banks across the world - of how constant evolution, the application of the highest standards of corporate governance and a clear and concise communication of objectives even in very difficult times can bring benefit to all stakeholders. Millennium are constantly strengthening their model of corporate governance and make excellent use of a diverse mix of strong independent directors, shareholder representatives and oversight committees which closely monitor the bank’s activity and management processes, ensuring alignment among the different stakeholders. It is the panel's belief that the impact of effective independent directors combined with a strong governance model has resulted in the high levels of stability that ensure stakeholder confidence. This is clearly reflected in the financial markets and the Investor Relations Team have done an excellent job in communicating and building trust with a broad spectrum of investors. The results are clear in the size of the investor base, which has risen to more than 187,000 shareholders, with a steady increase in the number of small investors and high levels of confidence from institutional investors. Banks around the world would do well to look at Millennium as an example of how, by maintaining and developing the highest levels of corporate governance, financial institutions can maintain and (in Millennium's case) build confidence even in turbulent times.


Holland Farming: The CFI Corporate Community Engagement Winner in Sierra Leone

Holland Farming Sierra Leone Limited’s mission is to facilitate profitable rural transformation.

The private company is owned by Dutch and Sierra Leonean partners and provides seed and fertilizers for government and private contracts but also works alongside smallholding farmers to determine what they need to improve productivity at an affordable cost. The CFI judging panel is very impressed by the work Holland Farming is doing to help smallholders including its support to female members of these communities and encouragement cooperatives. Also, the longer term plans of Holland Farming attracted favourable comments from the panel. These plans involve the setting up of joint ventures with manufacturers and dealers of farming machinery to create leasing programmes operated and maintained by locally trained staff. This will ensure new job opportunities for young people and bring mechanised farming within the reach of the smallholding farmers. There are also plans to build cold stores so that farmers are not so dependent on middleman for getting crops to market and have the opportunity to wait for better prices after harvesting. Also transport to market is a problem that needs to be addressed to improve profitability for small farmers. The plan is to have a presence in every district to make the services accessible to as many farmers as possible. There will also be a credit facility bank where farmers can pay off their micro credits with the coming harvest. Holland Farming has been declared Best Corporate Community Engagement Programme, Sierra Leone, 2013.


EKO Support Systems Win Oil and Gas Logistics Award for 2013

The CFI judging panel regards EKO Support Services, a wholly Nigerian owned company working under the supervision of the Nigerian Ports Authority, as well established and on the right road to significant future success. EKO sets out to bring alternative logistics solutions to the Nigerian Oil and Gas industry and is now engaged in significant upgrading work which should be fully completed by mid-2014. For EKO’s accomplishments to date and potential identified, the panel agreed to name the Company as ’Best Oil & Gas Logistics Service Provider, Nigeria, 2013’.


CFI Award Winner Cirrus Oil and Corporate Community Engagement in Ghana

Cirrus Oil is working hard to bring benefits to the people of their host communities in Ghana.

The CFI judging panel was impressed by the Company’s focus on education. Cirrus constructed a splendid modern library in December last year and has stocked it well. The giving strategy is that of empowering people through improved literacy. Health concerns are paramount in Ghana with high incidences of HIV/Aids and Tuberculosis and the Company has donated much-need medical equipment.  Cirrus also champions a campaign to keep neighbourhoods clean and tidy. The panel was impressed by the Company’s consultative approach to responding to community needs. Each quarter Cirrus arranges meetings where chiefs, children, parents and the Company are all represented. The attitude at Cirrus is to ask, ‘What can we do?’


America Is More Than Satisfied with Gillette

The CFI judging panel congratulated Procter & Gamble’s Gillette on the announcement of its award for ‘Best Customer Satisfaction, USA, 2013’.

The panel commented that, ‘There have been few criticisms of these branded shaving products and their successors since King Gillette sought trademark protection at the turn of the 20th century. Moreover, customer satisfaction - judged by a wide variety of measurements - indicate that America truly trusts Gillette and respects the brand’s proud history.


Orlean Invest West Africa: CFI Community Engagement Award Winner, 2013

Orlean Invest West Africa is CFI’s stand-out Corporate Community Engagement winner for the continent in 2013. The judging panel applauds Orlean’s ‘Integrated Participatory Approach’ whereby transparency in stakeholder relations is paramount and leads to shared goals and mutual benefits. The panel considers Orlean’s mission statement to be exemplary; it calls for the employment of members of local communities, the provision of community development programmes that are really needed and best-practice guarantees of community-friendly operations. The Company provides generous employee welfare and is championing educational success, improved healthcare and sporting activities in the communities. The panel was most impressed to hear of Orlean’s mediation between hostile ethic groups near the Company’s operations in Nigeria. These people had been fighting for forty years but were brought together in peace as a result of Orlean’s intervention and community project development efforts.


Marina Securities Win CFI Nigeria Brokerage Award, 2013

With the increasing levels of interest in the Nigerian Financial Markets both domestically and internationally, top quality brokerage firms are key to sustainable financial development.

After careful consideration of the shortlisted firms the judging panel were pleased to announce Marina Securities as winner of the ‘Best Stock Brokerage, Nigeria, 2013’ award. The judges were very impressed with Marina Securities’ overall approach to business. The management team have a well formed and balanced approach to their services including careful review of their clients’ needs and very strong fundamental technical analysis. Marina Securities are constantly striving to improve all aspects of their services and it is this continual approach to building and improving the brokerage that convinced the panel. As the Nigerian Markets continue to grow and opportunities are created, investors looking to take advantage of the situation will be in safe hands with Marina Securities.


The Energy to Satisfy: Danfoss Wins CFI Award in Denmark

Danfoss, a family-owned Danish business founded in 1933 now employs 23,000 people and is a major player throughout the world in the production and sales of energy-efficient solutions. The CFI judging panel considers the Danfoss efforts to ensure customer satisfaction as exemplary. CFI has no hesitation in recognising the Company as providing ‘Best Customer Satisfaction, Denmark, 2013.


Dateline Energy: Moving Forward Confidently in Nigeria

The CFI judging panel congratulates Dateline Energy Services on its recent restructuring and the creation of new platforms to ensure competitiveness in a tough market place. Dateline has a good record of working for a major international player having created a scope of work that is resulting in significant new business. This company is well placed to achieve significantly improved results for its stakeholders. Dateline wins our award for ‘Best Oil & Gas Project Support Services, Nigeria, 2013.’


USA Award Winner Wells Fargo: A Bank for Life

In the world of private banking, size does not always ensure that the personal needs of clients are always well met.

Wells Fargo Private Bank, however, displays a nimbleness that many of its smaller rivals can only view with envy. The CFI judging panel are pleased to announce Wells Fargo as the winner of the award ‘Best Private Bank USA’. Throughout Wells Fargo’s long and proud history the Bank has always been an innovator - not just in financial products (with, for example, the first indexed fund) but also in customer service - having launched the first internet bank. The feedback the panel received on Wells Fargo’s commitment to maintaining relationship managers of the very highest calibre means that clients receive seamless high quality advice as their needs and aspirations develop over time - making Wells Fargo Private Bank a bank for life.


Edelweiss Wins CFI Corporate Governance Award

We are pleased to announce Edelweiss as winner of the award for ‘Best Corporate Governance, India 2013’.

Many companies have excellent standards of Corporate Governance and India is certainly following the global trend by raising standards. Of course, good corporate governance is about far more than compliance and the panel felt that Edelweiss stands out as an example of a company that has truly taken corporate governance to its heart. Since its foundation in 1996, Edelweiss has prioritised development of the highest standards of governance and has continually improved on these standards. In particular, Edelweiss ensures that the quality and empowerment of independent directors has been one step ahead of the field. Audit and remuneration committees are completely entrusted to independent directors and all other committees have at least equal representation. With so much responsibility for the protection of Edelweiss’s stakeholders in the hands of top level independent directors, the Company has been very successful in ensuring a balance between the benefits of long service director understanding of the Company and that of shorter term engagement . The panel felt this has provided a major contribution to the rapid but sustainable growth of the business. By truly embracing the benefits of best corporate governance, the founders of Edelweiss have ensured that all stakeholder needs are properly taken into account. Edelweiss is an excellent example to companies across the world that have aspirations for growth. Their message is that by trusting in strong and effective corporate governance great things can be achieved.


ARM Investment Managers Named Best Fund Manager, Nigeria

The opportunities for domestic and international investors as Nigeria moves from a frontier to an emerging market should not be under-estimated but one should also be aware of the risks. To take best advantage of the opportunities that Nigeria and the region as a whole represents requires a deep understanding of the balance between risk and returns. With the constantly improving quality of financial services in Nigeria, the CFI.co judging panel faced some difficult decisions in selecting a winning fund manager but it was ARM’s ability to foster trust with all stakeholders through a focused approach to good governance, its highly effective use of an external advisory board plus excellent fundamental analysis at both the micro and macro level that the judging panel recognised and applauded. ARM helps investors take full advantage of the opportunities in the region and, significantly, was able to protect investor capital during the turmoil of 2008. As one of Nigeria’s largest non-banking asset managers, the Company has been effectively diversifying its offerings while maintaining the highest standards of fund management. The panel is delighted to declare ARM winner of the ‘2013 Best Fund Manager Award, Nigeria’.


Ak Leads the Field in Institutional Brokerage: Our 2013 Award Winner in Turkey

The CFI judging Panel has no hesitation in naming Ak Investment as ‘Best Institutional Broker, Turkey, 2013’.

Ak, a 99.8 percent owned subsidiary of the top Turkish bank of the same name, offers a comprehensive range of services with particular focus on institutional business. This is a fast-growing firm (headcount has doubled over the past four years) that is clearly very innovative: Ak has been at the forefront of electronic trading and is the only broker in the country to use their own trading algorithms. Ak is Turkey’s largest issuer of non-bank corporate bonds and boasts a very strong investment banking team. The Turkish market is very liquid and there is certainly no shortage of brokers but this major player is sufficiently nimble to take full advantage of all opportunities.


The Shape of a Smile: Heineken Wins CFI Nigeria Best Brand Award, 2013

The word famous Heineken brand is represented in Nigeria by co-titan Nigerian Breweries PLC which was established in 1946 and is the largest brewer in the country. Nigerian Breweries has a portfolio of high quality beverage products of enviable and long established domestic reputation.

Heineken describes itself as ‘the world’s most international brewer’ and is presently the fastest growing brand in the country (with close to a seventy percent share of the market). Despite price inflation last year, Heineken continued to improve its market share - largely as a result of some outstanding sales and marketing efforts.

The CFI Judging Panel was impressed by the level of public recognition accorded to Heineken noting that this coincided with its recent and very successful re-bottling exercise. Nigeria was one of the first of Heineken’s overseas markets to introduce the Company’s new worldwide uniform container. The bottle has been nicely improved and according to Heineken, ‘the new green foil has been inspired by the shape of a smile’. Although respondents have praised Heineken’s product quality there can be no doubt that skilful marketing has brought the brand closer to top of mind for a great many Nigerians.


Julius Baer: Second Year as CFI’s Best Private Bank, Switzerland

With strong asset growth, effective cost control and good profitability in 2012, Julius Baer wins the CFI Private Bank, Switzerland, award for the second year running.

The judging panel commented on the benefits to the Bank following its acquisition of Merrill Lynch’s international wealth management business (outside the United States). The judges were pleased to see the continued success of a solid private bank in a competitive market.


Newcastle Becomes National: NSX is our Exchange Winner, Australia

The CFI award for Best Stock Exchange, Australia, 2013 goes to the National Stock Exchange of Australia. NSX was established thirteen years ago and is now the second largest in the country. The Exchange can trace its roots back to the 1930s when it was known as the Newcastle Stock Exchange. The panel feels that this exchange offers good value for customers seeking a listing and wishes to congratulate NSQ on its admirable flexibility.


A Touch of Class: Century Properties Group Wins Real Estate Award in the Philippines

With a passion for quality in both service and product plus an uncannily keen sense for offering the right deal at the right time, the Century Properties Group from the Philippines claims the Real Estate Awards. The CFI.co Judging Panel named the company ‘Best Premier Real Estate Developer, Philippines, 2013’.

The judges were particularly impressed by “the superb value proposition” Century Properties Group consistently offers. Examples cited were the New York-themed Gramercy Residences – currently the tallest building in the Philippines – and the Knightsbridge Building were affluent families may enjoy a taste of London.

A successful and rather unique collaboration between Century Properties and iconic Italian fashion designer Versace has resulted in Milano Residences. This 52-storey building, soon to be opened, features a Versace-inspired façade and is part of Century City, a mega-development marketed as “a new urban experience” set to redefine the skyline of Makati, one of greater Manila’s sixteen cities.

The Philippine economy is on a roll. Over the second quarter of 2013 the growth rate shot up 7.6%. With half its population of 100 million aged less than 26 and remittances from overseas workers totalling over $20 billion annually the market has places to go. The Century Properties Group is exceptionally well placed to take full advantage of both improving purchasing power and the new wealth being created. The Company recorded a 15% year-on-year growth and is set to power ahead in the stylish manner that it has carefully nurtured over the years.


CSL: Best Institutional Brokerage, Nigeria, 2013

Institutional interest in the Nigerian markets has been growing rapidly as Nigeria moves from being a frontier to an emerging market. Levels of transparency and governance are continuing to improve both at government and corporate levels. To attract the levels of international institutional investment the Nigerian market merits requires more than just the right economic environment. To help bring international investment to Nigeria there is a need for brokers that truly understand the needs of international investors. The CFI.co judging panel are delighted to announce CSL Stockbrokers Ltd as the Best Institutional Brokerage, Nigeria 2013. Through a highly effective combination of local and international experience CSL has built a team and a service that is highly regarded by domestic and international institutional investors. CSL have an excellent track record with both liquid and illiquid assets. The judging panel were particularly impressed with the feedback provided by CSL’s seasoned team of traders providing a highly dynamic flow of information that has been producing very positive results. With regulated offices in London and New York, CSL are providing the level of access to Nigeria that the market warrants.


MakeITWork named Best Broadband Provisioning Solutions Provider, Denmark

Flexibility and best value for money: That’s what landed MakeITWork (MIW) the CFI.co Best Broadband Provisioning Solutions Provider Award. The judging panel was particularly impressed by MIW’s dedication to serving up the most efficient solution to their clients’ needs by adapting the company’s proprietary systems to existing setups and applications. This way, MakeITWork continuously ensures optimal use of its clients’ IT resources.

MIW’s product suite includes payment and administration systems that deliver the best end-to-end software solutions to the broadband and utilities industry in Denmark. Their solution is quite unique and covers both back office customer service functions and the logistics required for the delivery of broadband content while constantly monitoring costs and reporting essential data back to management. MIW systems facilitate and – indeed – enable broadband companies to excel in the service experience offered to their end-customers.

MIW’s highly customised service mediation solutions initiate the customer’s access and user features to the various broad-band network elements. MIW’s provisioning allows for the creation, maintenance and deactivation of user objects and user attributes, as they exist in one or more systems, directories or applications, in response to client’s needs through automated or interactive business processes. Their user provisioning software includes change propagation, self-service workflow, consolidated user administration, delegated user administration, and federated change control.

MIW is exceedingly well positioned for international expansion and has now set its sight on the wider Scandinavian market.


Saraïlis: The Canadian Boutique Intellectual Property Law Award Winner in Canada

The CFI.co Judging Panel compliments Saraïlis Avocats on the quality of its intellectual property work and good, solid litigation. This small Canadian law firm was founded by Christian Saraïlis, two years after graduating from the Université Laval Law School in 2004. The firm has offices in Québec. Building on his experience as a trademark agent, Mr Saraïlis’ firm specializes in business law and commercial litigation with a special emphasis on intellectual property law.

The CFI award programmes seek out excellence regardless of size. Panel members were particularly impressed by the extent of voter endorsement of this firm. Saraïlis Avocats is the Canadian member of Avrio Advocati, an international legal network that aims to foster the exchange of professional know-how and facilitate global legal research.

Mr Saraïlis teaches commercial law at Bart College in Québec. He also supports business communities as an active member of the Québec City Young Chamber of Commerce and is a published author.

The judges expect to hear more from Christian Saraïlis over the coming years and applaud his boutique operation for its accomplishments to date and what they regard as the firm’s promising future prospects.


German Employment Specialists Küttner Rechtsanwälte Win 2013 Legal Award

Since Its establishment forty years ago, Küttner Rechtsanwälte has specialised in employment law.

The CFI.co Judging Panel congratulates the firm on its longstanding commitment to employment matters and referred to the strong team assembled to help employers and employees alike. The judges also commented that, ‘In what is certainly still a challenging country in which to practice employment law, KR should always be considered for their quality service and consistently intelligent advice. The Panel are happy to confirm the award ‘Best Employment Team, Germany, 2013’.


CFI.co’s Winner in Kenya: British American Insurance Company

One of Kenya’s largest insurances companies, British American has overseas offices in London, Mauritius and Malta and is a subsidiary of the British American Investment Company.

With a management style both charismatic and inspiring, the CFI.co Judging Panel considers the British American Insurance Company exceptionally well-placed to address the challenge of low insurance penetration in Kenya – a country where many people still think that such services are the exclusive domain of the wealthy.

What impressed the judging panel most was an innovative micro-life insurance product British American introduced a while back. Within a single year the company managed to offer extend coverage to no less than 50,000 new customers. The panel applauds this successful initiative and considers it “most comforting and reassuring” that British American is not resting on its considerable laurels but continues to work hard at the improvement and refinement of its product range.

The panel was also struck by the way British American applies new marketing techniques through social media. Additionally, the company is active on the institutional front and is seen as an authoritative voice often speaking on behalf of the entire Kenyan insurance sector. British American Insurance Company is named Best Insurance Company, Kenya, 2013.


Banco de Fomento: Best Community Engagement Programme, Angola, 2013

The CFI.co Judging Panel has no hesitation in recognising the community engagement programme set up and managed by the Banco de Fomento Angola SA’s as best in the country.

The panel was delighted with the results of the bank’s Social Fund which generated an impressive $25 million for worthy causes. The bank underwrote its social initiative by donating 5% of its operating profit to the fund over a period of five years.

The fund is sharply focussed on furthering education, healthcare and social solidarity. Partnering with USAid, the Social Fund has implemented a sizeable electrification project,  worked to provide better access to clean water in disadvantaged neighbourhoods and assisted with ambulance services.

An MBA programme sponsored by the Social Fund brings together students from lusophone countries such as Angola, Portugal and Brazil. This year – to cite just one of a great many ad hoc examples of community spirit – the fund provided a community of orphans with an agricultural vehicle to improve their lot. This gift, and others handed out by the Social Fund, are affecting many lives and raise both the hopes and aspirations of peoples at risk of being left behind as Angola moves forward with its development.


A Revival in the Fortunes of Gulf Bank: CFI Award Winner in Kuwait

An object lesson in effective restructuring: That how the CFI.co Judging Panel described the encouraging turn-around in the fortunes of the Kuwait-based Gulf Bank which was until recently plagued by the after-effects of the 2008 financial crisis.

Gulf Bank has now succeeded in recapturing the public’s trust which plummeted following the financial meltdown of 2008 when the bank lost most of its capital. Wisely, the Gulf Bank’s new management pursued a back-to-basics strategy focusing on core competencies and steering well clear of any less promising activity.

In order to differentiate itself from the crowd, the Gulf Bank has embraced innovation and the concept of “super service” as its core values. The judging panel congratulates Gulf Bank on its on-going and rather inspiring We Promise Campaign. This marketing effort aims to emphasize the bank’s prompt and efficient delivery of its many services to a standard way beyond – if not light years ahead of – the one employed at most institutions.

Gulf Bank now boasts a vastly improved balance sheet, good governance and the full confidence of all stakeholders. Given the dramatic improvement of this bank’s performance and its obvious thirst for more and better, CFI.co is pleased to name Gulf Bank as Best Commercial Bank, Kuwait, 2013.


A Good Year for Citygate Securities: Institutional Brokerage Award, Mauritius

This year looks set to be a very good one indeed for privately-owned Citygate Securities in Mauritius: The company’s achievements include a well-deserved award from the CFI.co Judging Panel as Best Institutional Broker, Mauritius.

Citygates’ client base is mainly offshore. The company takes pride in the excellence and efficiency of it services offered mostly institutional investors and high net worth individuals.

Onshore, the firm reaps the benefits from its broad client diversity. The judging panel pointed out that Citygate’s management and personnel are seen to be in relentless pursuit innovation and quality. The judges also remarked that the company boasts a vast range of expertise and counts on highly experienced professionals to offer prime grade investment services across a wide range of sectors.


Bolsa de Valores de Colombia: Best Stock Exchange, Latin America

The Bolsa de Valores de Colombia (BVC) – a private organisation – was established in 2001 with the merger of three regional exchanges in the South American country. The CFI.co Judging Panel is satisfied that BVC has now become a truly world-class exchange with a quality management system that allows for optimal client satisfaction.

The BVC has made it a priority to provide a range of simple, standardized and efficient processes running on a technical platform that is safe, trustworthy and customer-friendly. The exchange’s authorities are on the constant lookout for new and innovative market developments that answer to their ambition to offer customers an ever increasing choice of continuously improving products.

The BVC doesn´t just aspire to be the leading national exchange but a regional one as well. The judging panel considers BVC (a listed company) to be a shining example, and indeed a model, for Latin America and hence a worthy winner of its 2013 award. BVC is seen to be actively contributing to the sustainable economic growth of Colombia and the wider region.


Zimbabwe Research Team IH Securities Wins CFI’s Southern Africa Award for 2013

The CFI Judging Panel is delighted that IH Securities, Zimbabwe, has been dedicated to the sort of key, client- focused and world-class services that justify a pan Southern Africa award in the 2013 Exchanges and Broker Awards Programme.

The firm’s equity research team includes outstandingly talented individuals. As a result, the quality of work carried out is consistently very high. It is also noted that IH Securities ensures a strong post-trade experience for its clients and boasts a highly efficient back office operation. The panel has named IH Securities as possessing the Best Investment Research Team, Southern Africa.


Saudi Hollandi: The Bank for SMEs in Saudi Arabia and CFI Award Winner, 2013

Saudi Hollandi Bank has a proud history of service in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia which can be traced back to the opening of its first branch in Jeddah back in 1926. SHB may not be the largest bank in the country but, according to the CFI.co Judging Panel, is certainly the one offering the best opportunities to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

The Bank’s SME business was established just two years ago and now has a team of fifty professionals – local financial talent positioned close to their customers and working out of eight fully-dedicated SME business centres.

The judges point out that SMEs are of special importance to the bank. This focus has proved to be very good for business. Saudi Hollandi is our Best SME Bank, Saudi Arabia, 2013.


The Year of the Dragon Award: Best Community Engagement, Turkmenistan

Dragon Oil is one of the largest investors in Turkmenistan as a result of a 25-year renewable production sharing agreement negotiated for the Chelekan Contract Area in 1999. The company operates out of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) where its head office is located.

The CFI.co Judging Panel considers Dragon Oil is prime example of – and indeed a model for – corporate responsibility as it pertains to community engagement. One of the judges remarked that Dragon Oil is a “most generous and committed supporter of its host community needs.”

The judges were impressed by the company’s construction of a desalination plant which not only serves its own operations but also provides a safe source of drinking water to local people. Dragon Oil also pays close attention to local healthcare and education needs and provides sports and recreational facilities.

Dragon Oil ensures that these benefits derived from developing hydrocarbon resources in the area reach local communities. In the city of Hazar, on the shores of the Caspian Sea, Dragon Oil had a polyclinic built and performed refurbishment works at a school and a nursery.

It is for these activities, that go well beyond its contractual obligations, that the CFI.co Judging Panel considers Dragon Oil to be a most deserving recipient of the Best Community Engagement, Turkmenistan Award.


Global Award for SunTec: Best Banking Systems, Services & Solutions Provider

A value proposition without equal: The SunTec success formula is both straightforward and simple. It is also what swayed the CFI.co Judging Panel. SunTec services the global banking industry and has become a world leader in providing bespoke and compelling solutions.

Client endorsements and CFI.co voter responses suggest that SunTec’s capacity to provide the right products and services is exemplary. The company is constantly surging ahead of its competition. SunTec claims that it offers industry best practices that can help streamline client business processes. This is far from a boastful assertion since SunTec time-and-again has offered solid proof of its prowess, both in product development and business management. The CFI.co judges are therefore pleased to confirm SunTec’s global award of Best Banking Systems, Services and Solutions Provider, 2013.


Mahindra Group Receives the CFI.co Corporate Leadership Award, 2013

The Mahindra Group can trace its origins back to the trade in steel during the closing year of World War II. Shortly after the end of hostilities, the Mahindra name came to be associated with automobile manufacturing – a logical extension of the company’s earlier line of business. Over the years that followed Mahindra diversified its business on a massive scale.

Today, the Mahindra Group boasts an annual turnover of some $16.2bn and employs over 155,000 people around the world. The conglomerate pursues business across a wide range of sectors such as agriculture, defence, leisure, financing and IT.

From its earliest days, Mahindra has paid close attention to keeping its ecological footprint to a minimum. The group’s directors have traditionally shown great awareness of their responsibilities as corporate citizens taking a pro-active role in host communities.

The CFI.co Judging Panel commented: “The Mahindra Group’s potential is significantly greater than the sum of its extremely enterprising parts.” The judges ascribe this to Mahindra’s particular management philosophy that allows the group’s individual parts a maximum of entrepreneurial independence while at the same time maintaining the synergies that ensure efficiency.

Given the Mahindra Group’s impressive and consistent progress over the past 68 years, its inspired approach to business and its exemplary conduct in the global business community, the CFI.co Judging panel felt justified and thrilled to hand the company its coveted Corporate Leadership award, Asia, 2013.


T-Bank Supports SMEs in Bhutan and Wins Our 2013 Award

Set up merely three years ago, T-Bank has already met with success at the earliest of stages in the development of its business. Notwithstanding the tough competition, this privately-owned bank shows no signs of letting go of its winning streak.

T-Bank’s core business is the financing of small traders, transport operations and housing projects. The CFI.co Judging Panel was particularly pleased to see a new bank doing so exceptionally well in such an essential area as the of the financing of small and medium-sized businesses. Because of that success – the result of a fresh approach to business and an unrelenting dedication to service – the CFI.co judges feel confident in handing T-Bank the Best SME Bank Award, Bhutan, 2013.


Elixir of Solid Equity Research: This Year’s CFI.co Award Winner in Pakistan

Elixir Securities offers a broad range of financial services and the CFI.co Judging Panel has singled out the firm as offering Best Equity Research, Pakistan, 2013.

Being part of the powerful Dawoo Group brings Elixir Securities an extensive series of tangible benefits and underwrites the strength of the exceptionally skilled player on the financial market.

Elixir Securities is the main broker in Pakistan for domestic execution. The firm services corporate and institutional clients both at home and abroad. The outstanding Elixir team is gearing up for a road show in the UK scheduled to start in October 2013 after which it will hop the pond to New York in early 2014. Later that year the Elixir Securities team will tour the Middle East. The judges are unwavering in their recommendation of Elixir Securities’ consistently rock-solid research.


Reforming and Modernising NSE Wins the CFI.co Best Exchange Award, India

The Mumbai based National Stock Exchange prevailed over some worthy competition to win the CFI.co Best Stock Exchange Award, India, 2013.

The NSE – and indeed Mumbai as a whole - accounts for a major chunk of India’s total trade in shares. The CFI.co Judging Panel specifically pointed to the exchange’s full and firm commitment to transparency and its continuous quest for improvements in the efficient delivery of its many services.

In the mid-1990s, the National Stock Exchange played a major role in reforming the Indian securities market. The CFI.co judges remarked on the ease with which investors in all corners of India may access the exchange’s services. The judges also pointed out that the NSE’s Nifty Fifty index has become an indispensable tool for investors considering the subcontinent. The NSE provides a fine model for today’s global securities industry.


Clifford Chance Wins Dispute Resolution Team Award in the UK

The 2013 United Kingdom Dispute Resolute Accolade in our Legal Awards Programme goes to Clifford Chance. The CFI.co Judging Panel compliments the firm on its powerful litigation team and draws particular attention to the team’s “extraordinary skills” in the field of arbitration. Clifford Chances may consider itself privileged to count on the unparalleled dexterity of its almost excessively skilled problem-solvers. The dispute resolution team works on some of the most complex deals and does so with great success. The panel applauds Clifford Chance as Best Dispute Resolution Team, UK, 2013.


For the Second Year Running: SBM is Named Best Bank, Mauritius

The State Bank of Mauritius, one of the country’s largest financial institutions, is strengthening its leadership position year by year.

Noting the bank’s excellent results, the CFI.co Judging Panel was unanimous in naming SBM as Best Bank Mauritius for the year 2013. The judges pointed to the bank’s outstanding growth record, its innovations and its obvious concern for all stakeholders.

SBM was the CFI.co award winner in the same category last year and the panel congratulates both management and staff on this impressive achievement. Quality of service is at the heart of the SBM proposition and this is reflected in an extensive branch network and a reputation for accessibility, security and technological excellence.


QIIB: Best Islamic Bank, Qatar, 2014

The Qatar International Islamic Bank success story is one of financial stability, good profitability and strong continuous growth over recent years.

QIIB is for good reason perceived as a safe bank that is fully responsive to changing needs. Customer loyalty has remained strong since the inception of the Bank and performance indicators are good.

Management is now exploring options for the possible expansion of operations into Africa and South East Asia. The CFI.co Judging Panel is pleased to confirm QIIB as the winner of our 2014 award ‘Best Islamic Bank, Qatar’.


Armani Hotels & Resorts: Best Luxury Hotel Experience, Global

[caption id="attachment_1086" align="aligncenter" width="595"] CFI.co award received in Dubai, UAE[/caption]

Our customer satisfaction award for hospitality in 2013 goes to Armani Hotels & Resorts. Giorgio Armani says that his named properties will, ‘Offer the same kind of welcome to guests as I would privately extend to my friends and family’.

The CFI.co Judging Panel was impressed – but not surprised – by the confidence of this brand. What has Armani learned during the hotel development process? Simply that, ‘Nothing is impossible’. Armani Hotels & Resorts management tells us that their guests are impressed by the real haute couture hospitality on offer.

The first property was built in Dubai, at the world’s tallest building, in partnership with Emaar, UAE. According to Anthony Saccon, Head of Hotels, ‘Two icons came together, made a promise and delivered’. Enough said.


Zenith Bank: <br> A Winner in Nigeria

The Bank was named Best Commercial Bank, Africa this year in view of its sterling work at home over the past 22 years and given the excellent progress it has made in other markets within Africa and further afield.

Zenith Bank has built a brand as a reputable, international financial institution - recognised for innovation, superior customer service and performance while creating premium value for all stakeholders. Today, the Bank is known for its innovation, solid financial performance, stable and dedicated management, highly-skilled personnel, cutting edge ICT, strategic distribution channels and asset quality.

Excerpts from CFI.co’s Judging Panel Summary: “Under Jim Ovin leadership, Zenith created strong foundations with a broad shareholder base, high levels of capitalisation and very strong corporate governance. Godwin Emefiele and his team have continued to build on these foundations. It is the Bank’s commitment to all of its stakeholders that shines through, enabling it to provide the highest levels of service. There has been substantial investment in staff development creating a team that we feel will  bring ever improving standards of banking to clients and good results to investors. Thanks to its highly credible CSR policy, Zenith Bank ensures that it is also playing its part in society as whole.”


Second Year of Success: Corporate Leadership and CSR Awards Go to Emirates

[caption id="attachment_1916" align="aligncenter" width="349"] Mohammed A Al Khaja, Vice Chairman of The Emirates Airline Foundation receiving recognition from CFI.co (Marten Mark, left, and Tor Svensson, right).[/caption]

The corporate leadership of Emirates has been recognised by the CFI.co Judging Panel for a second consecutive year.

One of the largest employers in the UAE, with a young and eco-efficient fleet, Emirates takes good care of its staff and is ever mindful of its CSR responsibilities.

The CFI.co Judging Panel also commended Emirates for its ‘Outstanding Contribution to Airline CSR, Global, 2013’.


Dispute Resolution Award for Germany goes to Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer

Freshfields in Germany is very strong in dispute resolution and, according to the judging panel, executes assignments very efficiently across sectors and jurisdictions. CFI.co named the firm as ‘Best Dispute Resolution Team, Germany’, 2013. Freshfields is headquartered in London and is a member of the magic circle.


du Wins the CFI.co 2014 Sustainability Programme Award, UAE

Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (du) is the CFI.co Best Sustainability Programme winner, UAE, 2014. The Judging Panel pointed out that, ‘this company has shown a passionate concern about sustainability issues since its establishment eight years ago. Management sets out to humanise technology and be ever thoughtful about the environment. We sense that they have been successful in these aims. We are also pleased to see that du is encouraging entrepreneurship and were very impressed by the ‘Every Step Counts’ wellness Campaign driven by du’s Chairman which encourages exercise and healthy lifestyles. There is an attitude at du that they are preparing paths for future generations and an acceptance of the important responsibilities that this entails.’


Al Mal Claims Equity Fund Manager Award, UAE, 2013

The CFI.co Judging Panel confirms the award Best Equity Fund Manager, UAE to Dubai-based Al Mal Capital. The judges compliment the firm on its extensive range of asset management products; the consistently high quality of its analysis; and its team of exceptionally talented investment advisers.

Al Mal’s equity funds have performed extraordinarily well over recent years. The firm has now been recognised by many commentators as best in class. The CFI.co panel commented on the, “High level of service Al Amal is dedicated to and the firm’s sharp focus on corporate governance.” The judges furthermore welcomed Al-Mal’s partnership with Standard Chartered which was announced in September this year.


Commercial Bank of Dubai is Our Wealth Management Award Winner in the UAE

The CFI.co Judging Panel congratulates Commercial Bank of Dubai on the award Best Wealth Management Team, UAE, 2013.

According to the Judging Panel, ‘A sensible long term client investment view is recommended by the wealth management professionals at CBD. These people listen to their clients to ensure that the most appropriate investment strategies are recommended. Investment vehicles are tailor made and client satisfaction is running high. Clients benefit from some very solid professional expertise and sensitive handling from the team. We are happy to confirm the award.’


Morgan Stanley: Contributing to Growth in the UAE

[caption id="attachment_1108" align="aligncenter" width="587"] Sammy Kayello (right), Chairman and CEO of Morgan Stanley (MENA) receives an award from CFI.co[/caption]

As the UAE continues to recover from the economic crisis, the role that institutional brokers have played should not be underestimated.

Following very strong nominations for several brokers, the CFI.co Judging Panel is delighted to declare Morgan Stanley winner of the award ‘Best Institutional Broker UAE 2013’.

The panel found that Morgan Stanley’s creative solution-based approach has made a significant contribution to sustainable growth. Morgan Stanley’s international position as a prime brokerage has been well leveraged by the team in the UAE who are providing an essential interface between domestic and international markets. Morgan Stanley strives to implement best-in-class ideas and successfully combines innovation with careful risk management. The results have been good returns for investors that focus on the long and medium term.

The panel feels that as markets in the region (particularly the Saudi Arabian Market) open up Morgan Stanley’s work in the UAE will stand out as an example of what can be achieved.


Ezentis Group: Brilliant Corporate Turnaround and Inclusion in the CFI Top 100 List for 2013

Spain’s Grupo Ezentis has been hailed by our Judging Panel as ‘An extraordinary corporate turnaround success in a country which - although still experiencing severe economic difficulties - is showing some signs of recovery. Spain’s eventual revival will to a significant degree result from the efforts of companies such as Ezentis. And we now welcome its inclusion in the CFI Top 100 List for the year 2013’.

New management took over in September 2011 when this leading technology and telecommunications company was facing bankruptcy. The critical tasks ahead were not only to restore business confidence but to protect the livelihoods of the 5,000 employee families. (Such was the confidence of staff members that when salaries were temporarily reduced across the board by 30% not one person complained.) The teams’ objectives were accomplished in a remarkable corporate restructuring programme, completed in August this year, which included the sale of non-core businesses and resulted in a reduction in the ratio of debt to earnings from fifteen times to two times.

With more than 90 per cent of turnover resulting from promising business in Latin America, the panel are expecting to see great strides forward from Ezentis. The judges commented that, ‘The directors of the Group expect to see very healthy increases in the share price and we don’t think that anyone will be disappointed. This brilliant turnaround is the talk of Spain and rightly so.’


Burgan Bank Wins CFI Award for Private Banking

The CFI Judging Panel confirms Burgan Bank as ‘Best Private Bank, Kuwait, 2013’. This is a second year win for a bank which, according to the panel, is accelerating ahead of the field magnificently. Financial indicators are good, the balance sheet is solid, asset quality is high and, in 2013, share price performance markedly outshone peer banks.

The Panel comments that, ‘Burgan understands and responds well to customer needs and is a strong, well trusted and innovative financial institution that is clearly on the move – and moving in the right direction.  We had no hesitation whatsoever in naming the Bank winner of this award for the second consecutive year.’


Banco Interacciones: Our Winner in Mexico for a Second Year

The CFI Judging Panel would like to congratulate Banco Interacciones on repeating its triumph of last year. Once again this outstanding institution is named Best Investment Bank and Best Government Bank, Mexico. The Panel was delighted to confirm successive year awards and commented that highly focused and ambitious Interacciones is moving from strength to strength in an important and very promising market.

Banco Interacciones, headquartered in Mexico City, celebrated its twentieth year of operation in 2013. The Bank lends to domestic municipalities and states to finance construction, energy and infrastructure projects. More than half of the highway network has been constructed with the help of this bank.

Interacciones is now reaching out to overseas companies and positioning itself – realistically in the opinion of the Panel – as best partner for infrastructure projects in Mexico.


The Virtues of Prudence: Winner ‘Best Insurance Company, UK, 2013’ is Confirmed by the Panel

The Prudential Assurance Company was founded in 1848 and within fifty years became the leading life assurance company in the United Kingdom. During World War One, the Company settled policies on the lives of one third of the British service personnel killed in action. ‘The Pru’ (so named to encourage the virtue of prudence) now has 7 million policy holders in the UK out of a total of 26 million customers worldwide.

According to the CFI Judging Panel, ‘The Prudential has emerged from the Global Economic Crisis in robust good health and with a clear strategy for the future development of the business. UK policy holders should be happy to know that the Company’s investment returns are consistently outperforming the market. The top ‘Man from the Pru’ is now a woman. Jackie Hunt, formerly at Standard Life, became the insurer’s CEO, UK and Europe in April 2013. We wish her all success.’


Schlumberger: Our 2013 Sustainability Award winner in Nigeria

Schlumberger, with 2012 revenues approaching a staggering $42 billion, employs over 120,000 people and is the leading technology, project management and solutions provider to the global oil and gas industry.

The CFI.co Judging Panel wishes to honour SEED, the Company’s Excellence in Education Development initiative and without any hesitation names Schlumberger winner of the 2013 Sustainability Award in Nigeria.

The SEED programme reflects Schlumberger’s role as a knowledge-based company and allows it to bring first-class science, health and safety education to host communities.

Schlumberger Nigeria has racked up a great many achievements in a relatively short time.  There have been strong and successful efforts to promote science education. The panel was delighted to note that 22 schools are this year competing in a science project challenge with a grand finale scheduled for November. There are also ambitious plans to almost triple the number of schools involved as of 2014.

Schlumberger, Nigeria, is also doing a great deal to assist in teacher-retraining programmes, bringing into play the most modern teaching methods. The company collaborates with the Nigerian Academy of Sciences and other outside bodies to create maximum awareness of the need for top class education in the sciences.


Award Winner Banco Mercantil Santa Cruz: CFI Award for Supporting SMEs in Bolivia

The Bolivian economy is undergoing a period of rapid change and sustainable growth with the country trying to create projects that move it away from commodity dependency. According the Judging Panel, ‘Banco Mercantil Santa Cruz has become one of the key drivers of diversified growth in Bolivia’. The Bank is probably the best in Bolivia and is recognised as such by the major credit rating agencies. The panel, however, decided specifically to recognise the Bank’s support to SMEs in Bolivia. Through an in depth understanding not only of the financial needs of SME customers but also the value of focused advice and education, BMSC is helping to create real opportunities for existing and new business owners. The work the Bank is doing, along government measures, is also helping to formalise the economic activities of Bolivian SMEs.  The long term benefits of this formalisation in terms of sustainable economic growth will be key -  not only to SMEs as they grow but to the Bolivian Economy as a whole. The panel is delighted to declare Banco Mercantil Santa Cruz  as ‘Best SME Bank Bolivia’ for its well thought out approach to ensuring SMEs reach their full potential.