> ABU DHABI SECURITIES EXCHANGE (ADX): BEST TRADING INNOVATION EXCELLENCE GCC 2020
Digital transformation should be treated as an ongoing journey rather than a concrete destination. While there are many claims of farreaching tech capacity, the current global crisis has separated the wheat from the chaff in terms of business adaptability and technical prowess. Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) shines on both fronts, particularly because of the rapid and responsible measures it has taken to ensure business continuity during the Covid-19 pandemic. ADX shuttered its trading halls in mid-March as a pre-emptive step to protect public health, but its hi-tech communication infrastructure has allowed for a seamless transition to remote working. Securities trading continues to flow freely thanks to the bourse’s well-established and highly integrated digital platform, SAHMI. The platform, integrated with the UAE’s government services, provides an array of unified services for investors such as issuing investor numbers, updating investors’
information, enabling investors to inquire about profits or any information related to initial public offerings, transfer of securities, issuing reports related to investors’ portfolios, and deposited shares among other things. The platform also carries information and report on the 69 companies listed on the Exchange. Investors will find a mix of trading securities on ADX, including, government or corporate-issued debt instruments, shares issued by public joint stock companies as well as shares issued by private stock companies listed on ADX’s Second Market. ADX prepares comprehensive and timely reports to help investors monitor and manage their portfolios. It has introduced an electronic voting service through SAHMI digital platform enabling investors to vote remotely on the general assembly of companies in which they own shares. The e-voting system will contribute to increasing the rate of effective corporate
management participation and positively raise performance levels. Thus providing a crucial solution that promotes participation and efficiency in corporate management and reducing operational costs that can stem from the postponement of meetings when the quorum of participants is not complete. ADX also has a mobile-based digital wallet that enables the sending and receiving of digital funds with ease, through a linking of ADX issued investor number. This digital wallet empowers users to manage their stock exchange requirements through a real-time digital payout model, where investors receive their cash dividends instantly within their wallet as soon as it is distributed. Noting the navigation of a turbulent market with a steady hand and quick wit, the CFI.co judging panel declares Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange as winner of the 2020 Best Trading Innovation Excellence (GCC) award.
> GEMFIELDS GROUP LTD: MOST RESPONSIBLE NATURAL RESOURCES LEADERSHIP GLOBAL 2019 The Gemfields Group disparages the exploitative track record of traditional mining companies, avowing that its primary objective is to positively impact communities while supporting African resource nationalism. The group recognises that today’s consumers are more informed and concerned about sustainable business practices and has taken steps to pre-emptively address sector-specific challenges. Gemfields is a pioneer of transparency and a proud corporate citizen who contributes significant revenue to local tax coffers. The group approaches mining operations from the perspective that the
resources of the land belong to the indigenous people. As a custodian of precious African resources — rubies and emeralds — the group diligently fulfils its fiduciary duty to citizens with clear accounting of revenue streams. It challenges the mining industry to go beyond compliance by setting new benchmarks for sustainable business practices. It uses the UN Sustainable Development Goals as a framework to guide operations and aims to give back — to the communities and the environment — as much as it has taken. Before the start of any operation, Gemfields conducts comprehensive
environmental impact assessments and builds a seed bank of indigenous biospecimens to contribute to the rehabilitation of mining lands. It provides seed funding for entrepreneurs, builds schools and health clinics, and improves utilities and transport infrastructure. It helped establish farming associations in Zambia and Mozambique that provide local communities with long-term livelihood projects. The CFI.co judging panel recognises the role the Gemfields Group plays in national economies and local communities with the 2019 Most Responsible Natural Resources Leadership (Global) award.
> 24STORAGE AB: MOST PROMISING VALUE CREATION IPO NORDICS 2020
With the growth of global populations and urban clusters, storage space has become a dwindling resource. Swedish company 24Storage hopes to solve that challenge by digitalising the sector in the country. 24Storage was founded in 2015 and went from inception to IPO in under four years. The company was listed on the Nasdaq First North Growth Market at the end of 2019, with ABG Sundal Collier ASA acting as liquidity guarantor and Arctic Securities as the sole global coordinator and bookrunner. It attracted such 100
interest from institutional investors that there was heavy oversubscription. The investment community seeks opportunities with high-growth potential, and 24Storage has demonstrated an aptitude for value creation and expansion. The company is responsible for more than 53,000 square meters of rentable real estate – and more than 6,000 customers have signed-up for its automated solutions. As the name implies, 24Storage offers a convenient, around-the-clock solution for individual and business clients. The CFI.co | Capital Finance International
10,000 climate-controlled facilities are spread across 23 centres, and can be accessed, by key, at clients’ convenience. The CFI.co judging panel believes in 24Storage’s promising business model and applauds a growth strategy with longterm vision. Early indications — an increase of up to 25 percent in net sales and gross profit margins — show this faith is not misplaced. The judges recognise a rising industry leader, and present 24Storage with the 2020 award for Most Promising Value Creation IPO (Nordics).