> PICTET: THE BEST THEMATIC INVESTING SOLUTIONS GLOBAL 2018
Pictet is one of the most respected names in the world of asset and wealth management with CHF 496 billion AUM (as at December 2018). Founded in Geneva in 1805, Pictet has maintained its principles of succession and in 213 years there have been only 42 partners, with an average tenure of 21 years. This has allowed the company to establish strong traditions and values which translate into long and trusted relationships with its clients. Always the pioneer, Pictet was one of the first asset managers to develop a thematic fund strategy, launching its water fund almost 20 years ago,
followed by more thematic funds including the innovative Digital Fund in the summer of 2008 when there were only five million iPhones in the world, compared to over the billion in use today. Pictet has built on its early success by creating highly specialist investment teams from diverse backgrounds with a deep understanding of the themes. Understanding how to create such teams has helped set Pictet apart from its competition and enabled them to develop new thematic investment products. The Group´s adherence to the UN Principles for Responsible Investment and the integration
of high ESG standards has helped enhance returns and mitigate risk . These factors have resulted in the funds not only delivering financial results but have also contributed to the delivery of SDGs and sustainable solutions. Given the increasing demand for responsible investment solutions, the CFI.co judging panel felt Pictet Group, with its ability to identify strong thematic investment solutions that deliver strong rewards for its clients whilst funding positive change, deserved the recognition of the award for The Best Thematic Investing Solutions Global 2018.
> SCOTTISH FRIENDLY: BEST MUTUAL INSURER UK 2019
As a mutual, Scottish Friendly strives to create wealth and provide assurance – for policyholders, rather than shareholders. The Glasgow-based firm has served its members for more than 150 years, delivering reliable returns that are reinvested for stakeholders’ long-term benefit. Scottish Friendly launched a growth strategy in 2006 that prioritised diversification and organic growth, and mergers and acquisitions have since been strong drivers of the firm’s expansion. Membership has risen to 594,000, and assets-under-management to an impressive £2.8bn. Scottish Friendly invites new members to take advantage of its suite
of financial solutions and services, including life insurance policies, savings plans, and investment products. The firm offers back-office support services and bespoke insurance products for other financial service organisations through strategic partnerships. Its proven resilience throughout uncertain times has given Scottish Friendly a competitive edge towards meeting its growth objectives, with a large-stake acquisition in a major company anticipated by the end of this year. The company’s consistent growth is driving recruitment, and Scottish Friendly expects to increase its workforce by up to 40 employees
during 2019. The Scottish Friendly team carries out comprehensive focus-group studies to identify its customers’ continuously changing needs. It encourages members to prepare for life’s unexpected twists and turns with insurance products that offer peace-of-mind, and to grow their wealth with savings and investment plans that deliver tangible results. It has an active outreach programme to encourage younger customers to start planning their future — now. The CFI.co judging panel has no hesitation in offering Scottish Friendly the 2019 award for Best Mutual Insurer (UK).
> BANCHILE INVERSIONES: BEST INSTITUTIONAL INVESTMENT SERVICES CHILE 2018
Banchile Inversiones has leveraged over three decades of fine-tuned fiduciary experience to become one of the most prominent players in the Chilean financial market. As a subsidiary of the Banco de Chile, Banchile Inversiones operates with the backing of one of the country’s largest financial conglomerates. The firm’s investment efforts are divided between its two subsidiaries: Banchile Administradora General de Fondos (AFG) handles asset management, while Banchile Corredores de Bolsa is responsible for brokerage activities. Banchile’s AFG team 96
has exemplary capital market knowledge, technical expertise, and network. Banchile AFG distribution covers pension fund, private bank, family office, and insurance company markets. The firm’s diversified portfolio includes investment opportunities in Latin American equities as well as global mutual funds. Banchile saw a 34 percent year-onyear increase in net income in 2017, fuelled in part by a 10 percent rise in assets under AFG management. As one of the country’s leading financial services providers and with CFI.co | Capital Finance International
assets under management totalling more than $9.5bn, Banchile AFG has contributed to the upward trend of the Chilean financial market. Banchile headquarters are in the country’s capital, Santiago, which has recently been called “Sanhattan” in reference to its position as a regional financial hub. The firm has contributed greatly to the sustainable growth of the Chilean economy, leading the CFI.co judging panel to present Banchile Inversiones with the 2018 award for Best Institutional Investment Services (Chile).