Winners have emerged at the 2022 Capital Finance International (CFI.co) awards [Nigeria].
Each year, Capital Finance International (CFI.co) seeks out individuals and organisations that contribute significantly to the convergence of economies and truly add value for all stakeholders. Reporting from frontlines of economic convergence, CFI.co realises that best practice is to be found throughout the world and the Awards Programme aims to identify and reward excellence wherever it is found in the hope to inspire others to further improve their own performance.
Winners Of 2022 Capital Finance International Awards [Nigeria]
- Best Registrar Services Nigeria: First Registrars & Investor Services
“The company has remained at the forefront of registrar innovation and introduced a range of value-adding digital capabilities. Shareholders and client companies can manage and monitor accounts with 24/7 online access. Electronic dividend warrants can be credited directly into shareholders’ bank account. It supports financial inclusion by distributing dividends via prepaid cards for shareholders without a bank account. It promotes active shareholder participation at annual general meetings and pioneered the use of e-voting devices — far more accurate than a show of raised hands. It keeps investors informed on share transactions with real-time SMS alerts.
Core data management services ensure information stays up to date, dividends are paid promptly and regulatory reports are filed correctly. It can also assist with private placements, bank mandates, M&As, probate and rights issues.”
- Most Innovative Reinsurer Africa: Continental Reinsurance Plc
“It is benchmarked against the highest international standards and has achieved the “AM Best” rating for 13 years. The reinsurer has an AM Best Financial Security Rating of B+, and a Long-Term Issuer Credit rating of BBB-, which is a couple of notches above the Sovereign rating of Nigeria.
Continental Reinsurance credits its success to the calibre of its people, who bring unmatched experience and strength to the team. Together, they have built a formidable entity with a diverse portfolio and far-reaching ambitions. It has six offices and several specialist subsidiaries located across the continent. The portfolio spans more than 50 countries and features a mix of relevant product focus areas, including large Commercial, Industrial, Engineering, Energy and other property installations, infrastructure development, and Agriculture, to support Africa’s food security.
The company leads by example on ESG issues and strives to deliver sustainable value to shareholders and stakeholders alike.”
- Best Credit Bureau Nigeria: CRC Credit Bureau Ltd
“Lagos-based CRC Credit Bureau has developed a range of fresh initiatives to deal with the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic in Nigeria. The data collection agency was incorporated in 2006 and has evolved the product line-up to enable partners to gain deeper customer understanding, conduct more targeted marketing campaigns and support informed decision-making. The latest CRC initiative is designed to offer a clearer picture of those seeking loans in the aftermath of the economic damage inflicted by the pandemic, especially the country’s hard-hit SMEs.
CRC Credit Bureau gives partners a 360-view of their customers, pulling from financial records as well as social media channels to understand how the pandemic has impacted them. Advanced data analysis is being utilised to identify customers with responsible repayment histories so that terms can be renewed or restructured. The company is also implementing recovery plans that seek to build IT capacity and digital awareness. It has set up a financial education centre where companies are given IT training in soft skills, credit evaluation and tracing, among other subjects. CRC hopes that stronger technical services will allow businesses in Nigeria to upscale more rapidly after the upheaval of Covid-19. The company is also running a number of internet seminars covering payment, digital and open banking systems. CRC Credit Bureau was accredited by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria in 2021.”
