CFI.co Spring 2019 – Chairman and Columnist: Tor Svensson
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- 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
Rate Holds Dominate as Major Central Banks Navigate a Fragile Global Economy
Monetary policymakers from the world’s largest economies are opting to play a cautious hand. This week,
Welcome to the Correction: Wall Street Teeters Amid Trade Tensions
The S&P 500 officially entered correction territory this week, sliding over 10 percent from its most
Nissan’s Decline: A Story of Missed Opportunities and Mounting Challenges
Once a titan of the automotive industry, Nissan now grapples with a series of setbacks threatening
- 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
- Banking & Finance
- 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
From Oil Barrels to Algorithms: Why the Gulf’s Digital Future Needs Chief AI Officers
With oil prices projected to plateau or decline in the coming years, Gulf states are accelerating
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
- Innovation & Technology
The Promise and Pressure of the UK’s AI Aspirations
With world-class universities, a vibrant startup ecosystem and renewed strategic investment, the United Kingdom has the
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
- CSR
- 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
Wall Street Checkmate: The Intriguing Story of Chess Expertise and Business
High-level finance is a combat zone, and every choice can make or break a career. Move
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
- Multilaterals
- PeopleHeroes & Leaders
- Heroes
Lee Clow: The Enigma of Cool
He’s the laid-back surfer who redefined advertising, the enigmatic visionary behind Apple’s “1984” and “Think Different”
Mary Wells Lawrence: The Woman Who Redefined Advertising
She shattered the glass ceiling of Madison Avenue, infusing it with bold creativity, glamour, and a
Leo Burnett: The Man Who Gave Brands a Heartbeat
He believed in the power of simple truths, the inherent drama of everyday products, and the
- 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
- Heroes
- 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
- Reviews
- 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
- Hidden Gems
- AwardsExcellence
- 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
- InitiativesCorporate & Events
- Events
Uzbekistan Investment Forum: Economic Momentum Meets Strategic Maturity
Attend enough investment forums and they begin to blend into one another. The Fourth Tashkent International
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
- Projects
Tashkent’s Turning Point: Why the Time is Now for Global Investors in Uzbekistan
As Uzbekistan accelerates its transformation from a closed economy to a liberalised investment destination, the Tashkent
Corporación Zona Franca Santiago: Forging the Next 50 Years of Sustainable Innovation and Growth
As Corporación Zona Franca Santiago (CZFS) marks its 50th anniversary, the organisation stands at the threshold
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
- 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
CORDET Capital: Unlocking the Potential of Northern Europe’s Lower Mid-Market
With a sharp focus on delivering compelling risk-adjusted returns, CORDET Capital has positioned itself as a
BIAT: Strengthening Market Leadership Through Innovation, Digitalisation, and Responsible Governance
BIAT continues to assert its dominance in the Tunisian financial market, reinforcing its resilience with positive
Patient Capital for Industrial Growth: Inside Aurora Growth Capital’s Investment Approach
Aurora Growth Capital, formerly known as NB Aurora, has built a reputation for offering patient capital
- Events
