CFI.co Spring 2019 – Chairman and Columnist: Tor Svensson
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- FinanceEconomics & Development
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- Banking & Finance
Lord Waverley on Development Banks – By Name and By Nature: A Boon in Troubled Times
Development Finance Institutions (DFI), Development Finance Companies (DFC) or Development Banks (DB) are institutions that provide
Ana Palacio: Europe on a Geopolitical Fault Line
Two months ago, in his address to the United Nations General Assembly, UN Secretary-General António Guterres
The Importance of Promoting Financial Stability and Growth through International Regulatory Coherence
By Nandini Sukumar, Chief Executive Officer, The World Federation of Exchanges One of the World Federation
- Markets
Evan Harvey, Nasdaq: Medium Is the Message – ESG Delivery and Market Distrust
Despite cultural assumptions surrounding content and interpretation, we tend to believe that the way we communicate
Davos: Seizing the Moment – Or Not
The man himself was unable to attend the proceedings in Davos – he has other commitments,
World Federation of Exchanges (WFE): Encouraging Investment in Emerging Markets Hinges on Co-operative Effort
Emerging market exchanges and policy makers are keen to encourage international investors, who play an important
- SMEs
CBRE – Adapted Retail & Alternative Assets: Rental Trends Adjusting With the Times
Economic growth is driving increased demand for retail and alternative real estate assets, while spare capacity
Financial Centres Promote Economic Development: AIFC Goes for Growth by Backing SMEs Globally
International Financial Centres (IFCs) are a necessary component of national and global economic growth. And increasingly,
UNCTAD: Africa Rising
Africa needs investment to advance sustainable development and see the continent prosper. James Zhan, Astrit Sulstarova
- Economics & Convergence
Joseph Stiglitz: The End of Neoliberalism and the Rebirth of History
At the end of the Cold War, political scientist Francis Fukuyama wrote a celebrated essay called
Nouriel Roubini: Four Collision Courses for the Global Economy
In the classic game of “chicken,” two drivers race directly toward each other, and the first
Otaviano Canuto, Center for Macroeconomics and Development: China’s Rebalancing Act is Slowly Addressing Sliding Growth Figures
China’s economic growth has been sliding since 2011, while its economic structure has gradually rebalanced toward
- Banking & Finance
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- SustainabilityBusiness Environment
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- CSR
ISID, McGill University: Updating the DFIs’ Operating Models to Achieve the UN 2030 SDG Agenda
The UN General Assembly set the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) five years ago. The estimated annual
Evan Harvey, Nasdaq: Medium Is the Message – ESG Delivery and Market Distrust
Despite cultural assumptions surrounding content and interpretation, we tend to believe that the way we communicate
Håvard Halland and Justin Lin: How to Mobilise Private Capital for Climate Finance
The conclusion of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s most recent report is stark:
- Energy
Sherzod Khodjhaev, Deputy Minister for Energy, Republic of Uzbekistan: Uzbekistan Gets to Grips with Challenges of Responsible Electric Power Generation
There is something magical about electricity: it has always been present, but its power was only
UAE Backs China’s One Belt One Road Initiative at Annual Investment Meeting
His Excellency Abdulla Al Saleh, Undersecretary for Foreign Trade Ministry of Economy UAE stated,“ Trade activities
Dubai Ranks First Globally in Attracting FDI for AI & Robotics
Dubai ranks first globally in attracting foreign direct investments (FDI) for artificial intelligence and robotics The
- Innovation & Technology
Lord Waverley: Drone Industry Needs a Coherent Voice — and Some Interest From Investors
Drones are changing the way in which we interact with one another. From commercial applications to
AI Convergence in 4IR
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are gaining a strong foothold across numerous applications, lowering the
OCCAM, the UN-affiliated Observatory on Digital Communication: ICT Village Programme Impact in Stark Contrast to Wealth and Aid
It is calculated that the eight richest people in the world between them control the same
- Governance & Legal
United Nations Leadership Launches Initiative Against Unregulated Small Arms Circulation
“The United Nations has sought to tackle the widespread availability of illicit small arms and ammunition
Robert Azevêdo: Levelling the Playing Field
In times such as these, with rapidly escalating trade tensions and countries engaging in tit-for-tat spats
EY: Argentina – Aspects of the Labour & Social Security Reform
A labour and social security reform bill has been recently sent to the Argentine Congress. In
- CSR
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- PerspectivesEssays & Columns
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- Multilaterals
Q&A with the Executive Secretary of the UNCDF: Judith Karl
How would you sum up in three single words what characterises your team at UNCDF? Innovative
Otaviano Canuto, Center for Macroeconomics and Development: China’s Rebalancing Act is Slowly Addressing Sliding Growth Figures
China’s economic growth has been sliding since 2011, while its economic structure has gradually rebalanced toward
Chile Minister of Economy, Development, and Tourism José Ramón Valente: Escaping the Middle-Income Trap
Early in November, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) paid homage to Chile’s economic resilience and progress.
- Columnists
Lord Waverley on Development Banks – By Name and By Nature: A Boon in Troubled Times
Development Finance Institutions (DFI), Development Finance Companies (DFC) or Development Banks (DB) are institutions that provide
Financial Centres Promote Economic Development: AIFC Goes for Growth by Backing SMEs Globally
International Financial Centres (IFCs) are a necessary component of national and global economic growth. And increasingly,
Nouriel Roubini and Brunello Rosa: The Makings of a 2020 Recession and Financial Crisis
As we mark the decennial of the collapse of Lehman Brothers, there are still ongoing debates
- Lifestyle
Stacey Ferreira: The Billion Dollar Pitch
Few people make their first million before they turn twenty, and fewer still can say they
Maserati on Value Creation: Trident Badge and a Heady Rumble Mean Business, On the Road and In the Showroom
How many syllables would you like with your supercar? One? Porsche will do nicely. Two? Bentley,
Gibson: Guitar Legend on the Ropes
“You know, I imagine a lot of you wanna know why I call the guitar Lucille.
- Multilaterals
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- PeopleHeroes & Leaders
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- Heroes
Joy to the World — Founding Father of Indian Company with Mission for Health
“When you spread joy, it returns to you multiplied,” says Huzaifa Khorakiwala, more commonly known as
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: Young Congresswoman Refuses to Play Nice
It takes the gumption of a hero to identify as a socialist in the United States,
Tim O’Reilly: Coding for the Masses
Founder and CEO Tim O’Reilly of O’Reilly Media is not at all surprised that Google, Facebook,
- Editor’s Ten
Ida, Data and Women’s Health: It’s Win-Win with the Clue App
From investment opportunities to the pursuit and provision of venture capital, the purse strings of financial
Robert Azevêdo: Levelling the Playing Field
In times such as these, with rapidly escalating trade tensions and countries engaging in tit-for-tat spats
António Guterres: Healing a Fractured World
The world is in pieces. No longer the preserve of two competing global powers – or
- CFI.co Meets
Breakthrough Cancer Treatment Technology Established on All Continents
Richard Hausmann, PhD, took over as CEO of Elekta in June 2016, and has taken bold
Carlo Giugovaz: Thought-Leader Who Bets on Banking Industry Innovation
Among the pioneers of the digital banking age and one of most recognised innovator and FinTech
Mobile Phone Purchase that Turned Trading Downside Up
Aquis Exchange founder and CEO Alasdair Haynes had his Eureka moment while buying a mobile phone
- Portraits
PwC Nigeria: Nigeria’s Finance Act Gets a Facelift to Attract Business and Investment
Earlier this year, Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari signed the Finance Bill 2019 into law as the
Natarajan Chandrasekaran: Ensuring Tata Group’s Future
India’s largest business by revenue, Tata Group comprises no less than 289 businesses that together have
Marc Langenbrinck, Mercedes-Benz Schweiz CEO: Finding and Keeping the Exact Right Competitive Angle
Mercedes-Benz is enjoying a great run. Its cars have set new sales records in Switzerland, Spain,
- Obituaries
Obituary: Stephen Hawking (1942-2018)
The word battle used in connection with any ailment is an odd euphemism, but particularly so
Fidel Castro: An Antagonist Remembered
The last Marxist-Leninist to hold a place on the world stage has left, signalling the end
Zaha Hadid (1950-2016): “I Don’t Design Nice Buildings”
Zaha Hadid orphaned this world on March 31 and left it waiting for great works that
- Heroes
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- LiteratureBook Reviews
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- Reviews
Book Review: The Ride of a Lifetime by Robert Iger – Iger’s Wild Ride to the Top of ‘the Happiest Place on Earth’
Back in 2005, Robert Iger’s 31-year journey at Disney and ABC looked like it could come
Customer Commandments and Importance of the ‘R’ in CSR: Ignore this at your Peril
The Ethical Business Book by Sarah Duncan Reviewed by John Foot Sarah Duncan is to be
Atlas Shrugged Meets Mad Max: Billionaires Heading for the Hills
The lone Trump supporter amongst the billionaires of Silicon Valley, venture capitalist and angel investor Peter
- Must-Reads
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
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values
“The real purpose of the scientific method is to make sure nature hasn’t misled you into
- The Editor’s List
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
The Grapes of Wrath
“Man, unlike any other thing organic or inorganic in the universe, grows beyond his work, walks
- Reviews
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- In-DepthExtended Coverage
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- Hidden Gems
Chile Minister of Economy, Development, and Tourism José Ramón Valente: Escaping the Middle-Income Trap
Early in November, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) paid homage to Chile’s economic resilience and progress.
President Armen Sarkissian: Quantum Politics Defined, Explained, and Considered
Armenia is ready for its time in the spotlight. The landlocked country experienced a watershed moment
President of Montenegro Milo Đukanović: Visions of Europe by Its Best Pupil
Last September, the European Union launched its own Belt and Road Initiative, connecting Europe with Asia.
- World Investment Forum
Amina J Mohammed: Energy for Sustainable Goals
If, by way of magic, cynicism and indifference could be banned, the world would undoubtedly be
An Inspiring Trajectory
Amina J Mohammed has been called one of the world’s greatest leaders (Fortune magazine), Diplomat of
UNCTAD’s World Investment Forum: Looking for a Way Out of the Lucas Paradox
Any and all talk about a determined, sustained, and final push to eradicate poverty from the
- World Economic Forum
Davos: Seizing the Moment – Or Not
The man himself was unable to attend the proceedings in Davos – he has other commitments,
WEF: Back to the Basics?
Concerned over widening geopolitical fissures, the World Economic Forum (WEF) has embarked on a quest to
Davos: Till We Meet Again – Bankers Packing Up
Dutch Finance Minister and President of the Eurogroup Jeroen Dijsselbloem is worried that the increased insularity
- Special Features
Q&A with IBM’s Bashar Kilani: Need for New Skills Emerging as We Re-Imagine and Transition to the New Normal
Bashar Kilani oversees IBM business in the Gulf countries and the Levant, working with clients and
Smart City Prince: A Prince with a Mission, a Vision
For anyone familiar with the dashing Crown Prince of Dubai, it would have come as no
Jordan: The Sky Is the Limit
The hub for flag carrier Royal Jordanian Airlines, Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA), just south of
- Hidden Gems
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- AwardsExcellence
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- Awards
UAE is Recognised by CFI.co as Best FDI Destination in the Middle EastFollowing presentation of the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) Awards for FDI-agencies at a Gala Dinner at
British Airways: Best Premium Travel Experience GlobalUnveiling a major investment drive to upgrade its long-haul business and premium economy class services, British
UBS: Best Green Bank SwitzerlandAn increasing number of businesses, including banks, are adapting their corporate structures and processes to incorporate
- Africa
Schlumberger Nigeria: Best Sustainability AwardIn 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 PlcMobil Oil Nigeria Plc traces its proud history back to 1907. This top petroleum products marketing
Old Mutual: Best Community Engagement Programme, South AfricaResponsibility 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 MerchantsChina Merchants Bank, headquartered in Shenzen and boasting 500 branches, is the CFI.co 2014 winner of
Colombo Stock Exchange: Most Sustainable Growth Exchange AsiaWith 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 PhilippinesWith a passion for quality in both service and product plus an uncannily keen sense for
- Europe
Julius Bär Group: Best Private Bank SwitzerlandManaging the assets of private clients across the globe, Julius Bär Group maintains offices in over
UBS: Best Green Bank SwitzerlandPicture a world in which large power plants spewing noxious fumes into the atmosphere have been
Nordea Asset Management: ESG Award Winner in EuropeAccording to the CFI.co Judging Panel, ‘Nordea well understands the benefits that accrue to investors when
- Latin America
BCI: Our Fund Manager Winner in ChileThe 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 AmericaThe Bolsa de Valores de Colombia (BVC) – a private organisation – was established in 2001
The Odebrecht Foundation Wins CFI Award for Community Engagement, BrazilThe 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 YearThe 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 EastThere has been powerful performance at Bentley Motors, Middle East this past year. Dubai is the
UBP Wins the CFI.co Private Banking Award, UAENow that many of the global universal banks are returning to their core business and divesting
- Awards
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- InitiativesEvents
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- Events
2020 UNCTAD World Investment Forum: More Important Than Ever in an Age of Worrying Trends
In December this year, Abu Dhabi will welcome government leaders, CEOs and investment stakeholders for the
Jury for AIM IPA Awards Receives Recognition
The esteemed jury members for the AIM 2018’s Investment Promotion Agency (IPA) awards receives recognition for
Davos: Seizing the Moment – Or Not
The man himself was unable to attend the proceedings in Davos – he has other commitments,
- Projects
World Bank Group Unveils New Initiatives in Investment Policy and Promotion
For many developing countries, foreign direct investment (FDI) has become the largest source of external finance,
The Local Climate Adaptive Living Facility (LoCAL) of UNCDF: Climate Change Impacts on Natural and Human Systems
“For women, the road was crucial. It was hard to deliver babies because of access: we
African Governments Invest in Skills in Sciences, Engineering, and Technology
President Macky Sall of Senegal launches a new Regional Scholarship and Innovative Fund in Johannesburg, South
- Start-Ups
Ann Low, US Department of State: Go Green by 2019 – Make Business Registration Easy Everywhere by 2019
The “Go Green by 2019” campaign is designed to promote transparent and user-friendly business registration processes
Stacey Ferreira: The Billion Dollar Pitch
Few people make their first million before they turn twenty, and fewer still can say they
New Business-Registration Portal Goes Global
A new web portal has been launched to help companies directly access, and assess the user-friendliness
- Corporate
C2FO: Cash Flow During Times of Crisis — or Expansion
C2FO’s stated mission is to deliver a future where every company, anywhere in the world, has
EQDOM, subsidiary of SOCIETE GENERALE GROUP: Inclusivity, Fintech Power and Agility Provides Competitive Edge to Moroccan Consumer Credit Provider
Consumer credit, carefully designed and fairly implemented, has the power to transform lives, promote financial inclusion,
Bermuda Stock Exchange (BSX): Electronic Exchange Takes an Island to Leading Status for Global Listings
Launched in 1971 as a purely domestic exchange, the Bermuda Stock Exchange (BSX) is now the
- Events
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