THEME: HARNESSING INTEREST IN SUSTAINABLE INVESTMENT
The Think Business Investment Awards returns after a 5-year hiatus.
Welcome to the 11th Edition of the celebration of Kenya’s Investment Sector’s achievements.
The Investment Awards 2024 Gala will be held on Tuesday, 10nd December, 2024 starting at 6.30 pm at the JW Marriott Hotel, Nairobi.
The theme for this year’s awards is, ‘Harnessing Interest in Sustainable Investment’.
The Investment Awards was launched in 2009 and held consistently every year until 2018 when we took a break. The awards are designed for fund managers, collective investment schemes, pension funds, investment advisers, listed companies, stock brokers among other players in the capital markets.
The awards’ main focus is not only be on the companies that remain financially sound while ensuring good returns to shareholders, but also those that contribute greatly to the growth of the sector by embracing best practice in corporate governance, innovation, education and engaging in sustainable growth. The judging process involves research that examines key areas of performance including customer experience.
For the 11th edition, we have put effort more effort in improving the awards category and judging criteria to make them more inclusive and relevant for the dynamic and fast-paced ever-changing business environment.
Think Business has been a leading competitive intelligence purveyor in the financial sector in Kenya, for over 20 years, engaging in strategic research, data analysis, publishing and industry awards, among them banking, insurance and investment.
A panel of expert judges will decide the winners in each category. The Judges’ decisions will be based on entries as presented by companies coupled with financial information, statutorily published by the companies. Entries may not be required in categories where only financial information is applicable for judging. Judges may contact companies directly for any information they might need to help them in the judging process.
PKF East Africa, our Judging process partner, will oversee and audit the entire judging process including the selection of judges, financial data and market information presented as well as the determination of winners based on set criteria.
All entries must be submitted on the new ThinkAwards platform accessible through the Think Business Investment Awards portal https://uat.craftsilicon.com/InvestmentAwards/
Below is a breakdown of our schedule for the INVESTMENT AWARDS 2024:
| DATE | ACTIVITY |
| Mon. 7th Oct. 2024 | Awards Launch/ portal opens for entries / CSS starts |
| Sun. 10th Nov. 2024 | Entries close/ CSS ends |
| Mon. 11th Nov. 2024 | Judging Process starts |
| Fr. 23 rd Nov. 2024 | Judging Process ends |
| Tue. 10 th Dec. 2024 | Awards Gala Dinner |
We have attached the Award Categories & Judging criteria that has more details on the process
Eligibility
• Entries are open to all licensed companies in the Capital Markets, Collective Investment Vehicles, Fund managers and Pension Funds and all other professionals in the industry licensed and regulated by the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) and Retirement Benefits Authority (RBA).
• Entries must be for projects that have been implemented within the previous 18 to 18 months.
• Each award category has its eligibility criteria. Kindly refer to it to ensure you are entering in the most appropriate categories.
- Where entry is submitted jointly by one or more parties, the judges have the authority to assess and determine if the entry was really a joint effort.
- The judges reserve the right to amend the judging criteria, change the maximum allocated score for any criteria, accept or reject entries.
Submission Guidelines
- Log on to our ThinkAwards portal https://uat.craftsilicon.com/InvestmentAwards/ . You need accreditation to login.
- To get accreditation, share with use at least 2 emails addresses and telephone numbers of the people you have picked to submit your entries.
- Make sure it is clear what individual, department, company (or companies in the case of joint entries), you are entering. You can enter more than one project or program in a category.
- Fill in the entry slots with the required information. Note that each slot has a specified number of characters that should not be exceeded.Â
- Each category has its own judging criteria and parameters. Ensure that you provide information for each parameter as indicated in each award category.
- Pay attention to the maximum score awarded for each parameter.
- Attach relevant reference/supporting details including photos, videos as well as customer testimonials where applicable and available.
- If measurable targets were achieved, it is important to provide that evidence, i.e what the target was, if and how it was achieved.
N/B All information contained in your entries remain confidential and will only be used for the intended purpose of the awards and will not be released to any third parties without prior consent of the entrant.
AWARD CATEGORIES AND JUDGING CRITERIA
CLUSTER C: COLLECTIVE INVESTMENT SCHEMES
1. Unit Trust of the Year
Who qualifies to enter:
This category is open to all Registered Unit Trusts.
Judges will be looking at:
| A. Corporate Governance Parameters | Max. Score |
| B. Other Parameters | Max. Score |
| Performance of each Trust over the last 18 months. | 10% |
| Level of production and persistency in all production categories determined on the net flows (production less redemptions) over the last 18 months | 5% |
| Innovation in technology, client service and communication to clients | 10% |
| Value of assets under management. | 10% |
| Allocation Criteria and Spread of Assets | 5% |
| Ease of investing / withdrawing from Trust. | 10% |
| Average Return on Investment on each Trust held. | 10% |
| Overall growth of each Trust over the last 18 months (Clear demonstration of internal Vs external growth) 9. Overall growth of each Trust over the last 18 months (Clear demonstration of internal vs external growth) 9. Overall growth of each Trust over the last 18 months (Clear demonstration of internal vs external growth) | 10% |
| Sub total (Pro-rated to 70% of the total) | 70% |
| TOTAL (A+B) | 100% |
2. Best Fund in Absolute Returns
Who qualifies to enter:
This category is open to all Registered Unit Trusts.
Judges will be looking at:
| A. Corporate Governance Parameters | Max. Score |
| B. Other Parameters | Max. Score |
| Performance of each Trust over the last 18 months. | 10% |
| Value of assets under management. | 10% |
| Average Return on Investment | 50% |
| Sub total (Pro-rated to 70% of the total) | 70% |
| TOTAL (A+B) | 100% |
3. Best Performing Equity Fund
Who qualifies to enter:
This category is open to all Registered Equity Funds.
Judges will be looking at:
| A. Corporate Governance Parameters | Max. Score |
| B. Other Parameters | Max. Score |
| Performance of each Trust over the last 18 months. | 10% |
| Overall growth of each Trust over the last 18 months (Clear demonstration of internal Vs external growth) | 10% |
| Innovation in technology, client service and communication to clients | 10% |
| Value of assets under management. | 10% |
| Allocation Criteria and Spread of Assets | 5% |
| Ease of investing / withdrawing from Trust. | 10% |
| Average Return on Investment on each Trust held. | 10% |
| Level of production and persistency in all production categories determined on the net flows (production less redemptions) over the last 18 months | 5% |
| Sub total (Pro-rated to 70% of the total) | 70% |
| TOTAL (A+B) | 100% |
4. Best Performing Money Market Fund
Who qualifies to enter;
This category is open to all Registered Money Market Funds.
Judges will be looking at:
| A. Corporate Governance Parameters | Max. Score |
| B. Other Parameters | Max. Score |
| Performance of each Trust over the last 18 months. | 10% |
| Overall growth of each Trust over the last 18 months (Clear demonstration of internal Vs external growth) | 10% |
| Innovation in technology, client service and communication to clients | 10% |
| Value of assets under management. | 10% |
| Allocation Criteria and Spread of Assets | 5% |
| Ease of investing / withdrawing from Trust. | 10% |
| Average Return on Investment on each Trust held. | 10% |
| Level of production and persistency in all production categories determined on the net flows (production less redemptions) over the last 18 months | 5% |
| Sub total (Pro-rated to 70% of the total) | 70% |
| TOTAL (A+B) | 100% |
5. Best Performing Balanced Fund
Who qualifies to enter;
This category is open to all Registered Balanced Funds.
Judges will be looking at:
| A. Corporate Governance Parameters | Max. Score |
| B. Other Parameters | Max. Score |
| Performance of each Trust over the last 18 months. | 10% |
| Overall growth of each Trust over the last 18 months (Clear demonstration of internal Vs external growth) | 10% |
| Innovation in technology, client service and communication to clients | 10% |
| Value of assets under management. | 10% |
| Allocation Criteria and Spread of Assets | 5% |
| Ease of investing / withdrawing from Trust. | 10% |
| Average Return on Investment on each Trust held. | 10% |
| Level of production and persistency in all production categories determined on the net flows (production less redemptions) over the last 18 months | 5% |
| Sub total (Pro-rated to 70% of the total) | 70% |
| TOTAL (A+B) | 100% |
6. Best Performing Bond Fund
Who qualifies to enter;
This category is open to all Registered Bond Funds.
Judges will be looking at:
| A. Corporate Governance Parameters | Max. Score |
| B. Other Parameters | Max. Score |
| Performance of each Trust over the last 18 months. | 10% |
| Overall growth of each Trust over the last 18 months (Clear demonstration of internal Vs external growth) | 10% |
| Innovation in technology, client service and communication to clients | 10% |
| Value of assets under management. | 10% |
| Allocation Criteria and Spread of Assets | 5% |
| Ease of investing / withdrawing from Trust. | 10% |
| Average Return on Investment on each Trust held. | 10% |
| Level of production and persistency in all production categories determined on the net flows (production less redemptions) over the last 18 months | 5% |
| Sub total (Pro-rated to 70% of the total) | 70% |
| TOTAL (A+B) | 100% |
7. Best Performing Other Fund
Who can enter:
This category is open to all registered unclassified Funds. E.g. Offshore Funds, Sharia Funds.
Judges will be looking at
| A. Corporate Governance Parameters | Max. Score |
| B. Other Parameters | Max. Score |
| Performance of each Trust over the last 18 months. | 10% |
| Overall growth of each Trust over the last 18 months (Clear demonstration of internal Vs external growth) | 10% |
| Innovation in technology, client service and communication to clients | 10% |
| Value of assets under management. | 10% |
| Allocation Criteria and Spread of Assets | 5% |
| Ease of investing / withdrawing from Trust. | 10% |
| Average Return on Investment on each Trust held. | 10% |
| Level of production and persistency in all production categories determined on the net flows (production less redemptions) over the last 18 months | 5% |
| Sub total (Pro-rated to 70% of the total) | 70% |
| TOTAL (A+B) | 100% |
8. Best Unit Trust in Quality Client Service
Who qualifies to enter:
This category is open to all Registered Unit Trusts.
Judges will be looking at:
| Parameters | Max. Score |
| Growth of the Trust over the last 18 months. | 10% |
| A demonstrated excellent level of customer satisfaction | 10% |
| Proof of the success of the high level of customer satisfaction through a high retention level of customers | 10% |
| Evidence of a clear customer orientated approach | 10% |
| Response to customer needs and enhanced quality of service | 20% |
| Resources invested in Customer Service (Online Statements, Call centers, SMS Platforms etc) | 10% |
| Availability of Personal Financial Advisors and their roles | 10% |
| Redemption Period | 10% |
| Any other measures to enhance client service (Social Media Interaction, Newsletters etc) | 10% |
| Total | 100% |
9.Most Innovative Unit Trust
Who qualifies to enter:
This category is open to all entry is open to all unit trust products that entrants feel are most innovative.
Judges will be looking at:
The judges will be looking for breakthrough products developed through cutting edge design, research
and development that have redefined the market by improving usability, access and value to the customer
| Parameters | Max. Score |
| Demonstration of Investment in Research | 25% |
| Execution of the Product Idea | 25% |
| Impact of the Innovation to overall growth of the Trust | 50% |
| Total | 100% |
10. Outstanding Industry Contribution- Collective Investment Schemes
Who qualifies to enter:
This category is open to individuals working in the Collective investment Schemes.
Judges will be looking at:
This is a special award which will be awarded to an individual considered to have made the greatest contribution to the growth of the Collective investment Schemes Sub Sector.
Appendix: ESG FACTORS
| JUDGING CRITERIA_B. ENVIROMENTAL SOCIAL & GOVERNANCE (ESG) FACTORS | Max. score |
| Environmental | |
| Do you have any investments in green portfolios? | 2% |
| Do you have a policy on funding non-environmentally friendly investments/ investors? | 2% |
| What is the extent of your funding to environmentally friendly ventures? environmental protection initiatives? List them. | 5% |
| Do you on your own or with other partners engage in environmental protection initiatives? List them. | 7% |
| In your annual reporting do you produce a sustainability report? (Kindly attach it) | 5% |
| Do you have financial solutions/products that generate a positive environmental impact? | 2% |
| Do you have a policy on energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, water and hazardous waste management? | 2% |
| Do you require your suppliers hold the same environmentally friendly values that you do? environmentally friendly? | 5% |
| Sub total | 30% |
| Social | |
| Are you in compliance with the banking sector charter? | 2% |
| Do you have a deep understanding of the financial lives of your consumers? How are you using that insight to develop affordable, innovative and scalable products to help them improve their financial health? | 5% |
| Do your working conditions, (even now with Covid-19) show a high regard for your employees’ health and safety? | 5% |
| Do you have a vehicle (i.e foundation) through which your CSR is undertaken? | 2% |
| What is the level of staff, board and management involvements in the CSR activities? | 2% |
| What is the regional spread (across the country) of the bank’s CSR program (s)? | 5% |
| What is the diversity of the CSR programs (i.e. education, health e.t.c)? | 5% |
| What is the levels of innovation of your CSR program (identifying the need)? | 5% |
| Have you committed to a long-term investment of resources towards the CSR program? | 2% |
| Do you clearly measure the impact and solution of the CSR program(s) to the community? | 7% |
| Sub total | 40% |
| Governance | |
| Age diversity – What is the average age of board members? | 2% |
| Gender – What is the ratio of Female: Male board members? | 2% |
| Professional diversity- How many different professionals are on the board? | 2% |
| Appointments – Do you have transparent and documented procedures for appointment of new Board members (e.g nomination committee)? | 2% |
| Performance: Do you conduct annual performance evaluation of Board members, (including the CEO and Company Secretary)? | 2% |
| Code of Ethics – do you have documented ethical standards and do you ensure it is complied with? | 2% |
| Do you have a dedicated shareholder engagement/ outreach mechanism? | 2% |
| Do you have an ESOP? | 4% |
| Do you have competitive supplier acquisition process? | 2% |
| Cybersecurity, being one of the biggest threats facing the global financial system, is it a top priority for your bank? Do you devote significant resources to protecting and continuously improving your cyber security? | 5% |
| Do you have an independent risk management and compliance process/system? | 5% |
| Sub total | 30% |
| TOTAL | 100% |
