CFI.co Autumn 2023

FinanceEconomics & Development
- - Banking & Finance
    
    Paolo Sironi, IBM: Mind the Gap Between Small-Medium Businesses and Their Banks
    Financial services are adapting to better serve SMEs, but a gap remains between what banks offer
    
    Johan Thijs: Steering KBC to Continued Success
    Johan Thijs, CEO of KBC Group, is one of Europe’s most successful corporate leaders. Under his
    
    Small is Beautiful in Banking: Little US Institutions Form a Financial Backbone
    Yerbol Orynbayev, former Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan and World Bank governor, reports for CFI.co on
  - Markets
    
    Empowering Traders Globally: The XM Approach to Achieving Comprehensive Trading Excellence
    In the competitive world of online trading, XM stands out as a trusted, multi-regulated broker dedicated
    
    Driving Change: Empowering Inclusion and Innovation at Boursa Kuwait
    At Boursa Kuwait, inclusion, diversity, and innovation drive the mission to transform Kuwait’s capital markets into
    
    EY Argentina: New Tax Bill for Argentina’s Congress to ‘Incentivise FDI’
    Milei’s new administration considers the realities of reforming a troubled economy. When Right-wing economist Javier Milei
  - Economics & Convergence
    
    Otaviano Canuto: The Global War of Subsidies
    US bids to limit tech imports and exports send a message of frustration and fear. Prior
    
    Dollar Strains — Our Currency, Your Problem: Specialised Investment Research and Analysis from PGM Global Inc.
    Unlike their DM counterparts, EM central banks have started to cut rates, in some cases aggressively,
    
    Otaviano Canuto: Some Economies May Soon Face a Hard Landing
    Weaker performance of emerging markets is expected in the immediate future. This year began with simultaneous
SustainabilityBusiness Environment
- - CSR
    
    Otaviano Canuto: Politics and Climate Change Make Awkward Bedfellows in the Race to Tackle a Truly Fearsome Foe
    The earth’s average surface temperature this May was higher than any other May on record… what
    
    Cement Recycling: a Breakthrough for More Sustainable Construction
    Reuse and recycle — it makes sense, even in the most basic steps of the building
    
    ESG Leadership Trends, from ‘Woke Capitalism’ to ‘Quiet Sustainability’
    This is no time to get distracted, argues Fabrizio Ferraro — sustainable impact will bring the
  - Energy
    
    A Bold Shift in the Desert: Saudi Arabia’s $100bn Mining Venture and the Future of Battery Metals
    Saudi Arabia is accelerating its economic transformation. In its latest move to reduce reliance on the
    
    Russian Gas Transit to Europe Discontinued Following Lapse of Ukrainian Agreement
    Ukraine has terminated a longstanding transit arrangement that, even amid an active conflict with Moscow since
    
    Otaviano Canuto: Politics and Climate Change Make Awkward Bedfellows in the Race to Tackle a Truly Fearsome Foe
    The earth’s average surface temperature this May was higher than any other May on record… what
  - Innovation & Technology
    
    Asia Pacific’s Innovation Boom: Technological Titans are Emerging
    Go east, young entrepreneur… The Asia Pacific region is a driving force in global innovation. Comprising
    
    The Stop Killing Games Campaign: Players Up in Arms About Loss of Online Support for Digital Worlds
    Why are some companies cutting access to their online products, and can the gaming community fight
    
    ‘Deep-Tech’ Founders-Turned-Investors Forge VC Powerhouse
    ‘We’re building the VC firm we wish we’d had as technical founders’. UK early-stage deep-tech VC
PerspectivesEssays & Columns
- - Multilaterals
    
    UNCDF: Tanga UWASA Issues a Historic Green Bond for Water Infrastructure
    The bond represents an important capital market transaction for the city of Tanga — and the
    
    World Bank: How to Accelerate Growth and Progress in Developing Economies
    Amid a barrage of shocks during the past four years, the global economy has proved to
    
    Asian Development Bank: Three Actions Governments Can Take to Help to Tackle Climate Adaptation
    Impacts of climate change are causing significant economic and social challenges, and there is an urgent
  - Columnists
    
    Otaviano Canuto on Aging and the Immigration Conundrum: A Demographic Dilemma
    Across the globe, populations are aging as declining fertility rates and increased longevity reshape demographic landscapes.
    
    Otaviano Canuto: The Global War of Subsidies
    US bids to limit tech imports and exports send a message of frustration and fear. Prior
    
    Paolo Sironi, IBM: Regenerating Banking via Bots — AI Has Our Full Attention
    Financial services specialists — like professionals in so many sectors — are embracing the radical technology,
  - Lifestyle
    
    Forging Fitness, Dissolving Boundaries: Give CrossFit a Try Sometime Soon
    Unlocking the transformative power of functional fitness can be fun as well as beneficial for wellbeing.
    
    Which European Countries are the Most Active Online?
    The Netherlands leads the field with a score of 9.01 – or 99.27 percent of residents
    
    Autism in Business: Help, or Hindrance?
    What do you think the qualities of a successful business leader might be? If you were
PeopleHeroes & Leaders
- - Heroes
    
    David Ogilvy, the Original Mad Man: The Man Who Sold Selling
    He revolutionised advertising with intelligent, witty campaigns and a deep respect for the consumer. David Ogilvy,
    
    Hands-on, Dedicated to Excellence, Driven by Inclusion and Diversity: Meet the Head of Scottish Friendly
    This CEO is fulfilling the aspiration for his mutual to become a leader in the UK
    
    Goldin Girl: Putting Women’s Rights on a Level Footing
    Claudia Goldin is a champion of economic equality for both genders… Claudia Goldin’s name evokes an
  - Editor’s Ten
    
    David Ogilvy, the Original Mad Man: The Man Who Sold Selling
    He revolutionised advertising with intelligent, witty campaigns and a deep respect for the consumer. David Ogilvy,
    
    Cornelius Vanderbilt: The ‘Commodore’ Who Steamed Straight Ahead to Glory
    In the annals of American corporate history, Cornelius Vanderbilt was a true legend: a self-made billionaire
    
    ESG Leadership Trends, from ‘Woke Capitalism’ to ‘Quiet Sustainability’
    This is no time to get distracted, argues Fabrizio Ferraro — sustainable impact will bring the
  - Corporate Leaders
    
    The Man Driving the Rio Tinto Bus: Meet Jakob Stausholm
    Rio Tinto chief executive Jakob Stausholm is steering this mining giant as it rolls towards sustainability.
    
    Wilhelm Celeda: Charting the Future — with Clients at the Very Centre of Our Universe
    Wilhelm Celeda, chief executive of Kathrein Privatbank, on the forces and values galvanising change at the
    
    BBE’s CEO & MD Victor van der Kwast: AI is Certainly Coming to Banking Sector — It’s All About Integration
    BBE’s CEO and managing director Victor van der Kwast initiated an all-encompassing, digitally focused transformation journey
LiteratureBook Reviews
- - Reviews
    
    Think Big and Buckle-Up for a Fast-Paced, Pithy Memoir
    Book Review: Kick Up Some Dust by Bernie Marcus The life and times of entrepreneur Bernie
    
    The Dawn of Everything: A New History of Humanity – A Non-Linear Anarchist Reading of World History
    It’s an ideology that inspires fear and loathing in equal measure. Anarchism or the conviction that
    
    Spring Reads: Three Business Books on the CFI.co Radar
    Naomi Snelling buries herself in some inspiring works that bring meaning — and more — to
  - Must-Reads
    
    The Dawn of Everything: A New History of Humanity – A Non-Linear Anarchist Reading of World History
    It’s an ideology that inspires fear and loathing in equal measure. Anarchism or the conviction that
    
    Political Order and Political Decay: From the Industrial Revolution to the Globalization of Democracy
    “When the middle class constitutes only 20–30 percent of the population, it may side with antidemocratic
    
    Postwar: A History of Europe Since 1945
    CFI Must-Reads Title Postwar: A History of Europe Since 1945 Author Tony Judt ISBN 978-0-1430-3775-0 link
  - The Editor’s List
    
    Lutz Schwenke: Life — and Business — on an Ocean Wave
    Devon has some of the best surfing beaches in the UK — a fact which may
    
    The Kandy-Kolored Tangerine-Flake Streamline Baby
    “He sounded like Jean-François Revel, a French socialist writer who talks about one of the great
    
    The Gonzo Papers Anthology
    “Absolute truth is a very rare and dangerous commodity in the context of professional journalism.” For
In-DepthExtended Coverage
- - Hidden Gems
    
    Lord Waverley: Tracing the Old Silk Road Shows History Carved a Path to Modern Values — and Vibrant Economies
    Lord Waverley continues his journey through Central Asia, a little-known region nestled in a corner of
    
    Lord Waverley: Central Asian Region Revealed in All its Glory, Mystery, and History
    Lord Waverley negotiated Memoranda of Understanding with each of the five parliaments of Central Asia, and
    
    Mortgages Agreed Within Seconds? This Banker Vaults Digital Frontiers
    KBC Bank chief executive Johan Thijs has no truck with bureaucracy or time-wasting — but stays
  - Special Features
    
    World Bank: How to Accelerate Growth and Progress in Developing Economies
    Amid a barrage of shocks during the past four years, the global economy has proved to
    
    OECD: The Funding Models of Development Finance Institutions
    The drum beat of reform is increasing for the development system and particularly for the Multilateral
    
    World Bank: The Digitalisation of Capital Markets Can Boost Bond Market Efficiencies
    Since its creation in 1944, the World Bank has issued bonds to raise funds from private
AwardsExcellence
- - Awards
    
    UAE is Recognised by CFI.co as Best FDI Destination in the Middle East
    Following presentation of the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) Awards for FDI-agencies at a Gala Dinner at
    
    British Airways: Best Premium Travel Experience Global
    Unveiling a major investment drive to upgrade its long-haul business and premium economy class services, British
    
    UBS: Best Green Bank Switzerland
    An increasing number of businesses, including banks, are adapting their corporate structures and processes to incorporate
  - Africa
    
    Schlumberger Nigeria: Best Sustainability Award
    In over forty countries, oilfield services company Schlumberger is actively engaged in promoting science, technology, engineering,
    
    The CFI.co Award for Best HSE Standards, West Africa, goes to Mobil Oil Nigeria Plc
    Mobil Oil Nigeria Plc traces its proud history back to 1907. This top petroleum products marketing
    
    Old Mutual: Best Community Engagement Programme, South Africa
    Responsibility is at the heart of Old Mutual’s success over the past 165 years and the
  - Asia Pacific
    
    Best Commercial Bank, China: CFI.co names China Merchants
    China Merchants Bank, headquartered in Shenzen and boasting 500 branches, is the CFI.co 2014 winner of
    
    Colombo Stock Exchange: Most Sustainable Growth Exchange Asia
    With investor confidence solid and a booming economy, the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) is in a
    
    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
  - Europe
    
    Julius Bär Group: Best Private Bank Switzerland
    Managing the assets of private clients across the globe, Julius Bär Group maintains offices in over
    
    UBS: Best Green Bank Switzerland
    Picture a world in which large power plants spewing noxious fumes into the atmosphere have been
    
    Nordea Asset Management: ESG Award Winner in Europe
    According to the CFI.co Judging Panel, ‘Nordea well understands the benefits that accrue to investors when
  - Latin America
    
    BCI: Our Fund Manager Winner in Chile
    The CFI.co Judging Panel rates BCI Investment Management very highly and has announced that the award
    
    Bolsa de Valores de Colombia: Best Stock Exchange, Latin America
    The Bolsa de Valores de Colombia (BVC) – a private organisation – was established in 2001
    
    The Odebrecht Foundation Wins CFI Award for Community Engagement, Brazil
    The Odebrecht Organisation is a very successful and highly diversified Brazilian group which is active in
  - North America
    
    Mercury Capital Advisors Group Best Fund Raising Team Global
    Mercury Capital Advisors Group have perfected flat management within the company, creating a team where everyone takes
    
    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
    
    BNY Mellon: Winner of the CFI.co Wealth Manager Award, US
    The CFI.co Judging Panel has named BNY Mellon as winner of the prestigious award, ’Best Wealth
  - Middle East
    
    Saudi Hollandi: Best SME Bank, KSA, for a Second Year
    The CFI.co Judging Panel is always delighted when winners repeat their success in subsequent years. It
    
    Bentley Powers Ahead in Customer Satisfaction: CFI.co Award Winner, Middle East
    There has been powerful performance at Bentley Motors, Middle East this past year. Dubai is the
    
    UBP Wins the CFI.co Private Banking Award, UAE
    Now that many of the global universal banks are returning to their core business and divesting
InitiativesCorporate & Events
- - Events
    
    The Women’s Brain Project Takes the World Economic Forum 2024 Stage
    The Women’s Brain Project (WBP) announces the creation of its new Foundation to support the world’s
    
    SteadyPay Embedded Microfinance Fintech: Safety Net for the Gig Worker
    SteadyPay, the award winning FinTech, is at the forefront of delivering accessible and innovative financial solutions
    
    UNCDF: COP27 Pledges Biodiversity Finance to Boost Climate-Change Resilience
    Forests, coral reefs and populations most at-risk come into focus at 2022 summit in Egypt. “From
  - Projects
    
    Innovating Healthcare: The Journey of GKSD Investment Holding Under a Watchful Eye
    Group president Kamel Ghribi’s passion for excellence and industriousness has transformed the sector. Kamel Ghribi, president
    
    Friendly by Name, Supportive and Creative by Nature: This Mutual is True to its Mission and Core Values
    Scottish Friendly’s commitment remains firmly on helping its customers achieve optimal financial outcomes. Scottish Friendly remains
    
    Samarkand: History, Culture, and the Jewel of the ‘New Uzbekistan’
    CFI.co in conversation with Uzbekistan entrepreneur and philanthropist Bakhtiyor Fazilov, who sees rich promise in tourism.
  - Start-Ups
    
    Technology Giants and the Emerging Disruptors: Asia Pacific’s Powerhouse
    The region is now regarded as the global epicentre of innovation. The Asia Pacific region, home
    
    Canada’s Spirit of Innovation: A Tradition of Entrepreneurship
    Canadians have long pushed boundaries, earning a reputation for innovation and entrepreneurship. That spirit is still
    
    Asia Pacific’s Innovation Boom: Technological Titans are Emerging
    Go east, young entrepreneur… The Asia Pacific region is a driving force in global innovation. Comprising
  - Corporate
    
    Investing in Africa: What to Know About Impact Funding… and More
    Thavin Audit, deputy head of corporate and investment banking at Bank One, explores how Mauritius and
    
    Supporting African Businesses: A Focus on Sustainability and Close Customer Relationships
    The Access Bank UK Ltd is making significant strides with its international expansion – and there
    
    Continued Improvement and Resilience – The Path to Banking Success and a Strong Reputation
    Dedication to strong governance and a philosophy of community support have stood Afghanistan International Bank (AIB)

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