www.wealthandfinance-news.com nvestment Excellence Awards 2025 Best Strategic M&A Advisory Firm 2025 – UK Primera Ventures Advisory is home to a diverse team of experienced professionals who deliver specialist M&A advice every day. Recognised for the third consecutive year, by us at Wealth & Finance International, we are proud to hear more from Irina D’Amore, Founder and CEO of Primera Ventures, as the company is awarded in our Investment Excellence Awards 2025. SB Business Consulting Best Business Financial Strategy Consultants 2025 – Switzerland MB Structured Investments Best Structured Investment Solutions Provider 2025 – UK Featuring:
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Contents 4. Primera Ventures: Best Strategic M&A Advisory Firm 2025 – UK 6. AINDA Energía & Infraestructura: Leading ESG Pioneer in Private Equity 2025 – LATAM & Award for Excellence in Responsible Investment 2025 7. KBC Asset Management NV: Most Innovative Digital Asset Management Strategy 2025 – Belgium 8. MiddleGround Capital: Most Dedicated Mid- Market Private Equity Firm 2025 – USA & Award for Dedication to ESG Practices 2025 – USA 9. SB Business Consulting: Best Business Financial Strategy Consultants 2025 – Switzerland 10. GoImpact Capital Partners: Best Social Impact Investment Platform 2025 & Award for Excellence in Sustainability Focused Projects 2025 11. Digital Wealth Partners: Most Pioneering Digital Asset Wealth Management Firm 2025 – Texas 12. Fundcraft: Most Revolutionary Digital Fund Operations Platform 2025 – Europe 13. Proptokenmarket LLC: Best Real Estate Tokenization Platform 2025 14. Overseas Asset Management: Boutique Investment Manager of the Year 2025 – Caribbean & Best Asia-Focused Fund- of-Funds 2025: OAM Asian Recovery Fund 15. Artvera Private Wealth Management: Best Independent Wealth Management Firm 2025 – UK 16. Canadian Forum for Financial Markets: Excellence Award for Public Policy Advocacy Services 2025 & Client Dedication Excellence Award 2025 17. MB Structured Investments: Best Structured Investment Solutions Provider 2025 – UK 18. New Capital Link: Best Boutique Alternative Investment Firm 2025 - UK 19. Waha Investment: Best Private Sector Investment Firm 2025 - EMEA & Best Emerging Market Long/Short Credit Fund (YTD): Waha EM Credit Fund 20. Pecuna Investment: Most Innovative Automated Trading Solution 2025 (Europe): Pecuna Algotrader™
4 | Investment Excellence Awards 2025 Best Strategic M&A Advisory Firm 2025 – UK Building Wealth and Securing Futures: The Primera Ventures Approach Every entrepreneur dreams of building wealth and leaving a legacy. At Primera Ventures (PV), we make that possible. As the Founder and CEO, I lead a boutique M&A consultancy dedicated to helping visionary entrepreneurs achieve sustainable growth and strategic exit success. We partner with startups, scaleups, and stepdowns across industries, guiding them through the complex journey of building shareholder value and realising their company’s full potential at exit. Turning Vision into Value It is often said — and supported by multiple studies — that as many as 80% of private business owners hold the majority of their personal financial wealth inside their companies. While the exact percentage varies depending on the study or size of the business, the core truth remains the same: for most founders, their company represents not just a livelihood, but their single greatest asset. This concentration creates both opportunity and risk — making the question of business exit and wealth diversification one of the most important, and most challenging, decisions an entrepreneur will face. At Primera Ventures, we recognise that a transition of ownership is inevitable — and far better orchestrated when shaped by a clear vision of the end goal from the outset of the entrepreneurial journey. That is why the cornerstone of our approach is our proprietary methodology, the D.R.E.A.M. Exit Strategy™. This framework enables entrepreneurs to align growth with a desirable exit from the earliest stages, ensuring they can leave their businesses on their own terms. Whether the outcome is attracting a strategic buyer, scaling through investment readiness, or transforming the company into a future-proof asset, the D.R.E.A.M. Exit Strategy™ equips founders with clarity, choice, and control. By combining the rigour of the traditional M&A playbook with forwardlooking consultancy, we help entrepreneurs unlock maximum value and understand their options well before negotiations begin. At Primera Ventures, we believe that success is a team sport. Our multidisciplinary model unites a network of certified advisors — including Certified Directors, Certified M&A Advisors, Certified Growth Advisors, and Certified Value Builders — with specialists in leadership, corporate finance, strategy, governance, sustainability, operations, and technology. This breadth of expertise allows us to design a truly holistic pathway to growth and exit planning. Equally important are the values that guide how we work. Integrity, transparency, and collaboration are not simply words to us — they are principles we live by. We build long-term, trust-based relationships founded on mutual respect and open, honest communication. And because we are committed to the highest standards, our advisors bring diverse expertise and uphold industry best practices, ensuring every engagement is delivered with precision, care, and excellence. From Market Complexity to Clarity: M&A as a Service In today’s market — defined by shifting valuations, sector consolidation, and evolving buyer priorities — the absence of a clear exit strategy can be costly. Without an understanding of both your industry’s current position and its future trajectory, it is easy to miss the optimal window: whether that means holding and growing to maximise value, or exiting early to capture strategic demand. At Primera Ventures, we see digitisation as a powerful ally in addressing this challenge. Far from being a passing trend, digitisation is reshaping the foundations of the M&A and investment landscape. By embracing technology as an enabler, we make complex processes more transparent, data-driven, and accessible — giving ambitious entrepreneurs the clarity and control they need to act decisively. This is why our approach blends the art of strategy with the science of data — helping founders anticipate shifts, align growth with opportunity, and capture value at precisely the right moment. And to ensure that high-level M&A expertise is accessible to all ambitious entrepreneurs, we have pioneered M&A as a Service (MAAAS) — a flexible delivery model designed to meet founders wherever they are. • Do-It-With-You: Our subscription-based services — SmartStart™, NextStep™, ScaleLab™, and ACEyourDEAL™ — pair founders directly with an advisor who walks alongside them through every stage of the D.R.E.A.M. Exit Strategy™. It’s a guided journey, providing the right support at the right moment — from defining goals to enhancing value, activating the market, and monetising success. • Do-It-For-You: For founders who need targeted solutions, we offer modular, one-off services. From valuations and pitch deck reviews to transaction support, these can be plugged in at any stage to sharpen outcomes and accelerate results. Transforming M&A into a Catalyst for Global Success At Primera Ventures, we believe every business has the potential to become a high-value, future-proof, and truly investable asset — if it is built with intention. Yet too many founders delay planning for their dream exit until it’s too late, missing out on millions in potential value. Our mission is to change that by equipping entrepreneurs with the frameworks, insights, and execution support to build not just businesses, but enduring wealth. Looking ahead, 2025 will be a pivotal year for Primera Ventures. Our priorities include: expanding our Certified Advisor network, licensing our frameworks to trusted partners who can extend our reach; hosting thought-leadership events and strengthening our role in entrepreneurial communities across the USA and Europe. Beyond 2025, our vision is to make world-class M&A advisory accessible to every ambitious founder — not just those at the top of the mid-market. We are honoured to have been recognised with the Investment Excellence Awards 2025 as Best Strategic M&A Advisory Firm 2025 – UK – a testament to our commitment to helping entrepreneurs convert growth into wealth and secure the future. If you are part of the professional services community supporting visionary entrepreneurs, we invite you to explore partnership opportunities with us at advisor@ primeraventures.com or visit us at www.primeraventures.com. Company: Primera Ventures Web Address: www.primeraventures.com Primera Ventures Advisory is home to a diverse team of experienced professionals who deliver specialist M&A advice every day. Recognised for the third consecutive year, by us at Wealth & Finance International, we are proud to hear more from Irina D’Amore, Founder and CEO of Primera Ventures, as the company is awarded in our Investment Excellence Awards 2025.
Best Strategic M&A Advisory Firm 2025 – UK
6 | Investment Excellence Awards 2025 Leading ESG Pioneer in Private Equity 2025 – LATAM & Award for Excellence in Responsible Investment 2025 Headquartered in Mexico City, AINDA Energía & Infraestructura is a private equity fund manager focused on the energy and infrastructure sectors in Mexico and Latin America. Its comprehensive range of investment management services include the identification, structuring, and administration of projects in transportation (highways and bridges), logistics infrastructure (ports, airports, multimodal terminals, and railways), water (integrated systems and public concessions), mobility (telepeaje, infratech, urban transport), electricity generation (renewable and non-renewable), electricity transmission and distribution, upstream oil and, midstream oil derivatives and gas, downstream oil and gas, and circular economy and energy. José gives us an insight into what AINDA’s investment process looks like: “AINDAcombines top-down industry analysis with detailed bottom-up evaluation of each opportunity. This dual approach ensures that investments are both strategically aligned and deeply vetted. For instance, prior to acquiring a majority stake in the Durango solar portfolio, AINDA engaged specialized environmental and social advisors to conduct comprehensive ESG due diligence, identifying risk factors with probability assessments and developing risk mitigation strategies aligned with PRI, TCFD, SASB, and GRESB frameworks, while also conducting thorough KYC analysis on potential partners to ensure governance alignment with our Code of Conduct and Ethics”. Of course, the firm integrates rigorous ESG criteria into all of its investment analysis and decision-making processes, establishing the standards for Responsible Investment in the region. AINDA actively manages the operational and financial performance of its portfolio companies, emphasising sustainability, transparency, and long-term value creation. “The most award-winning aspect of AINDA Energía & Infraestructura is its pioneering leadership in responsible investment and sustainability within the Latin American private equity sector. AINDA has consistently set new benchmarks for the industry, most notably by becoming the first private equity fund in Latin America to be listed on a stock exchange with an ESG label (AINDACK18A). This achievement not only established a new standard for transparency and responsible investment in the region but also inspired other funds to adopt international best practices in environmental, social, and governance matters, validated by AINDA’s 5/5 star rating from UNPRI for two years and 100/100 across all modules in 2024, plus 30/30 from GRESB for five consecutive years.” “AINDA’s Responsible Investment policy is aligned with international best practice and is embedded in every stage of the investment cycle,” José tells us. “ESG criteria are systemically integrated from the initial screening and due diligence to asset management and exit strategies. For example, in the case of the CAS [AINDA’s portfolio company] toll road asset, we achieved an 8.4% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions between 2022 and 2024 through highway expansion works, while maintaining our 100/100 GRESB rating as a global sector leader. Also, the implementation of advanced environmental monitoring systems has enabled the reduction of water consumption and improved biodiversity protection in surrounding areas. CAS has also developed community engagement programmes, supporting local education and health initiatives.” AINDA’s approach goes beyond compliance; it takes a proactive stance in establishing clear and ambitious ESG commitments, including a solid Net Zero policy. The firm’s integrated reporting under the latest IFRS S1 and S2 standards, and its alignment with international frameworks such as TCFD, further reflect its transparency and accountability. “In our Jaguar Solar portfolio, comprising 216 MWp of installed capacity in Chihuahua, we generated 422.5 GWh of clean renewable energy in 2024, equivalent to powering 121,000 Mexican households while avoiding significant CO2 emissions,” explains José. “Beyond environmental impact, we’ve invested in local community development through SEP-accredited scholarship programs for residents of Jiménez, Camargo, and Villa Ahumada, offering technical courses in solar panel installation, basic computing, automotive mechanics, and entrepreneurship to build local capacity and create sustainable employment opportunities in the renewable energy sector.” Ultimately, AINDA Energía & Infraestructura has indeed achieved a solid reputation within the industry – thus, it is no surprise that its strategies have earned it multiple awards. Not only is it a worthy winner of our title of Leading ESG Pioneer in Private Equity 2025 – LATAM and the Award for Excellence in Responsible Investment 2025, but it is also proud to have achieved the ALAS20 Grand Prix as the leading ESG investor in Hispanic America. Its assets have been highly successful: Hokchi became the first oil asset globally evaluated under GRESB criteria, achieving a 100/100 rating as a global asset super class leader in 2025 while implementing biodiversity management programs and community development initiatives in Paraíso, Tabasco, including ecological stove construction benefiting 377 people; Neology elevated its GRESB score from 80 to 98/100 in 2025 while expanding enforcement technology solutions that enhance road safety and environmental monitoring; and the Monterrey-Nuevo Laredo highway implemented solar-powered Intelligent Transportation Systems while conducting reforestation programs, achieving 92/100 in GRESB 2025. José concludes, “Through these strategies and concrete examples, AINDA not only differentiates itself within the industry but also advances Responsible Investment standards in Latin America. Its commitment to innovation, transparency, and sustainability continues to set new benchmarks for excellence in private equity and infrastructure investment.” Company name: AINDA Energía & Infraestructura Contact name: José Rinkenbach Website: aindaei.com Established in 2015, AINDA Energía & Infraestructura (AINDA) is a leading private equity fund manager within the energy and infrastructure sectors, its exceptional service offering covering transportation, mobility, renewable energy, and oil and gas. The firm has established itself as a benchmark in Latin America through innovative strategies and robust processes, particularly in ESG integration where it stands as the first PRI signatory in Mexico. Following AINDA’s success with two wins within the Investment Excellence Awards 2025, we speak to Partner, José Rinkenbach to gain a deeper insight into its offering.
Most Innovative Digital Asset Management Strategy 2025 – Belgium KBC Asset Management NV is part of the bank insurer KBC Group, developing products for intra-group distribution and providing investment fund sales and advisory support for its 2.92 million retail and institutional investors. Living by the motto of “Everyone invested all the time”, KBC Asset Management remains focused on a ‘digital-first’ approach with a human touch. In light of its recognition within our Investment Excellence Awards 2025, we speak to Chief Investor Support Officer, Frank Van de Vel to learn more. KBC Asset Management offers a wide range of products and services, including investment funds and discretionary management, for all types of clients, such as retail, private banking, wealth and institutional clients to fit their individual needs. Frank explains, “Our Solution Development team creates solutions from initial idea to launch, and initiates changes to and challenges existing solutions to ensure proper asset allocation in managed funds and portfolios. The solution support team offers clients direct investor support, providing personal, relevant, and up-to-date information, training, and after-sales services, and this by prioritizing digital channels.” Within its offering, KBC Asset Management has available a wide variety of responsible investment funds. Clients can choose from a broad range of funds, giving them the opportunity to invest in companies and countries that respect their ESG preferences. This allows KBC Asset Management to contribute to a more sustainable world by excluding investments with a severe negative ESG impact and by actively promoting ESG principles. The company encourages countries and companies to consider sustainability and climate change in their decision-making and invests in green, social, and sustainable bonds, as well as issuers contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Frank tells us that growing awareness of ESG issues has led to growing interest in responsible investing products among retail, private and institutional investors. He says, “In recent years, clients have increasingly made a positive contribution to a better world by investing in a responsible way. Currently, KBC Asset Management manages 50 billion euros, or nearly 45% of its total assets, in Responsible Investing funds. Responsible Investing funds are the first option offered to clients. “We were, and remain, a pioneer regarding Responsible Investing. That being said, it is a strategic choice to stay on top of new developments in our industry in general. This includes ensuring future-proof operations in many areas: up-to-date methodologies, investment solutions that address current sustainability challenges, state-of-the-art reporting, ….” Over the last decade, KBC Asset Management’s clients have benefited from its mobile banking app, KBC Mobile, which has evolved into an all-in-one-platform. It comes with KATE, the AI-powered virtual assistant, which has been the logical next step in delivering a digital client experience. KATE helps clients to navigate investment options on digital channels, where over half of KBC investment plans are now sold. It also includes an ‘investing with your spare change’ service, where each time a client makes a purchase with their debit card, the amount will automatically be rounded up to the nearest euro to be invested. “Clients can invest their spare change and gain first investment experience in a very easy and simple way,” states Frank. Furthermore, KATE comes with an option for personal portfolio advice, a feature that screens portfolios held by private and wealth clients daily. It performs a detailed analysis of each portfolio based on different risk and return factors and proactively gives personalised advice. It also considers clients’ personal investment preferences. How will the firm continue to innovate into the future? Frank shares, “KBC Asset Management remains dedicated to being a market leader in investment innovation and Responsible Investing in all 5 of its home markets. We continuously develop our strategy to reflect and react upon the newest market trends, ensuring that our products and services remain relevant at all times. “By combining cutting-edge digital solutions with a firm commitment to sustainability and customer satisfaction, KBC Asset Management will remain a key player in the financial sector and shape the future of investing.” Contact Details Company name: KBC Asset Management NV Contact name: Jan Standaert Email: [email protected] Website: www.kbc.com
8 | Investment Excellence Awards 2025 Most Dedicated Mid-Market Private Equity Firm 2025 – USA & Award for Dedication to ESG Practices 2025 – USA Located in Lexington, MiddleGround Capital is a private equity firm that invests in B2B industrial manufacturing and specialty distribution businesses occupying the middle market. With investment criteria of revenue below $1 billion, transaction size under $5 million, EBITDA below $10 million, and equity investments ranging from $20 million to $350 million, MiddleGround Capital prioritises clients who will benefit from its team operational experts with hundreds of years of combined experience in helping portfolio companies grow and build long-term value. Founders John Stewart and Scot Duncan began their careers on an automative factory floor, a formative experience that taught them firsthand how focusing on efficient operations and continuous improvement builds profitable businesses. These principals formed the foundation of MiddleGround Capital’s value creation strategy, driving the firm to focus on investing in industrial manufacturing businesses where a value creation strategy can be outlined before acquisition, aiming for 25% or more of the value creation plan to be driven by operational improvements. In this field, MiddleGround Capital serves as an active partner to its clients’ companies, directly collaborating with stakeholders at all levels. “We don’t believe that a good business relationship is one where someone must lose for others to win,” said John. “We believe there is a middle ground to every situation and, as a result, we operate with transparency and respect while expecting superior results.” The team’s extensive experience is invaluable, translating to an array of manufacturing and distribution businesses serving a variety of different end markets, ranging from aerospace, automotive, and transportation to medical devices, food and beverage, and personal care products. MiddleGround Capital’s dedication to speaking the language of owners and management teams, combined with the improvement capabilities of its Operational Team, has enabled the company to stand as the preferred buyer in this space. No two transactions are ever the same, and each client comes with their own set of unique, evolving needs. In addition to working closely with sellers to structure investments that work for both sides, MiddleGround Capital has built an in-house Automation Team that uses the latest technologies to help portfolio companies maximise labour productivity. “With mechanical engineers, fabricators, controls engineers, and maintenance specialists in-house, our team designs and builds custom solutions that fit seamlessly into people-driven environments,” John explained. Equally important to MiddleGround Capital is building a sustainable future, driven by the belief that doing good is good for businesses. MiddleGround Capital leads the way in addressing ESG issues – from energy-saving projects to community volunteering – and has conducted comprehensive training for all investment-facing employees to strengthen ESG understanding across the firm, including a full overview of industry trends, regulatory requirements, firm policies, and the practical integration of ESG into diligence and portfolio management. Regarding its portfolio, MiddleGround Capital continues to drive measurable environmental improvements. Through partnership with Gravity Climate, MiddleGround Capital has also accelerated decarbonisation planning across the portfolio, including upgrades to HVAC systems, fleet electrification strategies, and sourcing low-carbon building materials. At its core, MiddleGround Capital believes in leaving everything better than how it was found. Since its inception, the firm has leveraged its operational experience to scale impact where it matters most: driving value through tailored operational strategies and long-term transformation with the same rigor and intentionality that guides its ESG strategy. MiddleGround Capital recognises its dual identity as both an investor and a responsible steward of capital and, as it continues to scale with responsibility, the business leader remains committed to embedding sustainability into the investment lifestyle, using its platform to lead from the front whilst catering to the complex and evolving investment needs of its clientele. For this unwavering commitment to driving measurable, sustainable growth for clients across the lower middle market, MiddleGround Capital has been named the USA’s Most Dedicated Mid-Market Private Equity Firm 2025 and has additionally been bestowed with the much-deserved Award for Dedication to ESG Practices 2025 – USA. Contact: John Stewart, Founding and Managing Partner Company: MiddleGround Capital Web Address: www.middleground.com The demand for investment with integrity has surged, as consumers and investors alike become increasingly aware of the impact their financial decisions have on both the environment and society. Yet integrity alone is not enough; clients still expect sharp execution, sector fluency, and measurable results. MiddleGround Capital stands at this intersection, driving sustainable growth across the lower middle market with the aim of creating value in all that it does whilst leaving the world a better place than how it was found. We heard more from John Stewart, Founding and Managing Partner, below. MiddleGround Capital
9 | Wealth & Finance Q1 2024 Best Business Financial Strategy Consultants 2025 – Switzerland Many SMEs around the world are striving towards growth and operational success but are not equipped with the internal resources or expertise to do so effectively. In the Lake Léman region, near Geneva, this challenge has been answered by SB Business Consulting – a leading business financial strategy consultant dedicated to empowering SMEs through tailor-made solutions that align perfectly with their strategic ambitions. We spoke with Founder Sara Branco below to learn more. Strategically situated between Geneva and Lausanne, SB Business Consulting is the partner of choice for businesses wishing to optimise their operations and build sustainable growth strategies. The company’s specialties range from strategic planning, financial structuring, and market entry analysis to process improvement and change management, each geared towards supporting small- and medium-sized enterprises through the implementation phase and producing tangible results. SB Business Consulting is led by Founder Sara Branco, an established consultant with more than 13 years of experience in operations that gave her the background needed to support companies of all sizes throughout their growth journey. Sara has built a foundation of invaluable experience through work conducted in a variety of environments – from large international companies to local structures – and now chooses to focus her expertise on providing SMEs with quality, strategic support informed by decades of unrivalled experience. Today, SB Business Consulting serves a client base comprising entrepreneurs, startups, and SMEs who wish to grow but do not possess the internal resources or expertise to scale successfully. Many of these clients are family-owned businesses, service companies, or innovative startups looking for professionalise their processes, expand into new markets, or secure finances. “What unites them is ambition,” said Sara. “They’re ready to take the next step and they value having a partner who can help them navigate both strategy and execution.” In the investment space, SB Business Consulting aims to help clients make informed, strategic decisions that balance opportunity with risk. The consultancy offers solutions such as investment readiness assessments, financial modelling, due diligence support, and portfolio optimisation strategies. For businesses seeking capital, the consultancy helps them structure their business plans and financials to attract investors; for investors, it provides market analysis and risk evaluation to ensure their capital is deployed in a way that aligns with long-term objectives. Regardless of the project’s size or scope, SB Business Consulting’s approach to client service is built on three distinct pillars: listening, tailoring, and delivering measurable results. Every client brings their own ambitions and challenges to the table, so the consultancy takes the time to understand more than the numbers – exploring the client’s unique vision, culture, and long-term goals. With this understanding, SB Business Consulting successfully avoids using cookie-cutter frameworks. Instead, it adapts and tailors proven strategies to the client’s context, ensuring that solutions are relevant, practical, and sustainable. Clear success metrics are defined from the start, and the consultancy works closely alongside each client through execution to ensure they see real improvements – whether in growth, efficiency, or profitability. “The most vital areas we focus on are trust, transparency, and value creation,” Sara added. “Trust ensures long-term relationships, transparency builds confidence in our processes, and value creation keeps us accountable to outcomes. For us, providing the best service means being a true partner – not just a consultant who gives advice, but someone who helps carry the implementation through to success.” To stay ahead of the curve, SB Business Consulting actively tracks emerging trends – from digital transformation and ESG standards to shifts in global markets – and integrate those insights into its strategies. In particular, the consultancy has focused on adopting digitisation, which is not only an area of interest for the team but also a central element of helping clients prepare for the future. With many of its clients still in the early stages of digital transformation, SB Business Consulting is responsible for guiding them through process automation, data-driven decision-making, and digital tools for financial and operational management. Digital transformation will be a key focus for SB Business Consulting across the remainder of 2025, alongside ensuring investment readiness for SMEs. Beyond 2025, the consultancy intends to strengthen its regional presence, build a network of strategic partners, and launch tailored programmes that combine consulting with practical implementation support. The team is also working on developing insightdriven tools and resources – including market intelligence reports and SME growth frameworks – that will make its expertise more accessible. “We see a growing need for smaller businesses to become more structured – not only to attract investors but also to stay competitive in an increasingly digital economy,” Sara shared. “Our future plans are centred around helping ambitious businesses grow smarter, faster, and more sustainably – while positioning SB Business Consulting as a trusted partner in their long-term journey.” Contact: Sara Branco Company: SB Business Consulting Web Address: www.sb-businessconsulting.com
10 | Investment Excellence Awards 2025 Best Social Impact Investment Platform 2025 & Award for Excellence in Sustainability Focused Projects 2025 GoImpact was founded in 2020 with a clear mission: to mainstream sustainable finance and ESG by integrating education and advocacy into the global investment and corporate landscape. Working closely with a wide array of stakeholders – ranging from listed companies, financial institutions, family offices, and regulators to academia and NGOs – the purpose-driven ecosystem believes that sustainability should be accessible and practical and works to bridge the wide gap between surface-level talk and real action. Operating at the intersection of capital markets and sustainability education, GoImpact offers actionable knowledge and strategic advisory that equips investors with the necessary tools to make informed, impact-driven, investment decisions. Its service philosophy is built around the values of co-creation, contextualisation, and continuity; each new project is begun by listening to the client to understand their sustainability journey, before designing strategies that are customised to their sector, maturity, and goals. The firm’s tailored solutions include ESG and sustainable finance training, accredited by market regulators; bespoke advisory on ESG integration, portfolio decarbonisation, and impact strategy; research and thought leadership that anticipates ESG trends and regulatory shifts; and events and convenings designed to foster investment-grade sustainability dialogue, including its flagship Green Tech Summit event. Leveraging its partners network in combination with connections to corporate organisations, higher-education institutes, and regulators, GoImpact shines by connecting investors with deals that are relevant to their interests and needs. Alongside this, the firm delivers synchronous and asynchronous sustainability education to its clientele, accelerating the Sustainable Development Agenda from intention to implementation and providing invaluable learning opportunities to those interested in driving real change and understanding more about the Sustainable Finance agenda. “Our engagements are both deep and broad, ranging from co-developing accredited sustainability curricula with institutions like Singapore Management University and Hong Kong Securities Institute to mobilising multi-sector dialogue through the Green Tech Summit,” said Justin. “What sets us apart is our ability to translate ESG in businessrelevant language; whether it’s equipping a board of directors with ESG fiduciary insights or helping family offices evaluate naturebased carbon opportunities, we focus on clarity, accountability, and credibility.” In an ever evolving market, GoImpact understands the necessity of staying ahead of emerging developments and advancements. The firm embeds itself in cross-disciplinary networks, from fintech and policy to academia and climate science, and pairs its expert-led curriculum with real-time scenario analysis and live case studies to ensure that its community is always learning, adapting, and leading. Digitisation is core to GoImpact’s strategy and serves as more than a fleeting fad for the firm, evidenced in its significant investment in scalable, interactive eLearning solutions that integrate seamlessly into partner LMS platforms. Its microlearning modules, certificate programmes, and hybrid workshops are designed to be modular, asynchronous, and data-rich – catering to everyone from board members to junior analysts – and are regularly refreshed with analytics and feedback loops, ensuring that content remains aligned with fast-evolving ESG regulations and investor expectations. The firm has recently held the Green Tech Summit 2025, which took place in Hong Kong this October, providing the industry with an expanded, high impact convening of global voices in climate finance, adaption, and innovation. This year focused on transition finance, ESG data integrity, nature-based solutions, and Asia’s leadership in climate adaptation. This event is instrumental in the advancement of GoImpact’s offerings, equipping the firm with a renewed perspective that enables it to lead the charge in sustainable investment. On the educational front, GoImpact is launching new models in biodiversity, ESG risk, sustainable supply chains, and philanthropy in wealth management, along with deeper collaborations with regulators such as Bursa Malaysia, SID, and IBF in the works. In a world where sustainability is quickly becoming a business norm, GoImpact aims to support its clients by being digitally present, pedagogically sound, and impact driven. “2025 is a landmark year for us,” Justin shared. “Looking ahead, we will be exploring AI and data-driven ESG learning, and new content offerings tailored for SMEs and emerging markets – two sectors where the sustainability gap is still wide, but the potential for impact is enormous. At GoImpact, we believe the future of finance is sustainable – and we’re here to help shape it.” Contact: Justin Choi Company: GoImpact Capital Partners Web Address: www.goimpact.today Countless businesses around the world understand the importance of ESG compliance, and yet many still struggle to turn good intention into measurable impact. From fragmented strategies to unclear benchmarks, the road to sustainability is often laden with complexities. GoImpact was born to meet this challenge, striving to connect the dots between intention and implementation, turning ambition into action by prioritising education and advocacy in investment. Justin Choi, Events and Marketing Lead at GoImpact, told us more below.
Most Pioneering Digital Asset Wealth Management Firm 2025 – Texas Based in Dallas, Texas, Digital Wealth Partners (DWP) is a leading registered investment advisor (RIA) specialising in digital assets and alternative investments alike. With a client base that spans family offices, high-net-worth individuals, and other RIAs, DWP uses a hedge fund-type model and fee structure – combined with its knowledge across digital assets such as cryptocurrency and blockchain – to deliver tailored and sophisticated high-return investment strategies. Founder Jake Claver caught up with us for more on the back of the firm’s recognition in this programme. When Jake Claver established Digital Wealth Partners in 2023, he did so to provide an RIA firm that was focused on digitalfriendly assets and which could also serve as a forward-thinking partner to those immersed in the ever-changing world of cryptocurrency and blockchain-related assets. Serving as the ‘gateway to digital investments’ for its clients, the firm leverages the skills of a knowledgeable team to deliver comprehensive, cutting-edge solutions across the diverse field of investment management. DWP’s uniquity is perhaps best seen across its offerings concerning digital asset custody, which is something that plays a huge role in this space today. Given that the total value of the market exceeds more than $1 trillion, and with an increasing amount of financial institutions entering into it, having secure custody solutions sees investor confidence and wider adoption both achieved. The services DWP offers in this environment revolve around securely storing cryptographic keys, which establish ownership and enable digital asset transactions. Exploring this further, secure digital asset custody through DWP begins with a strong security framework, thanks to the technology implemented by the firm spanning multiple layers of protection whilst also maintaining efficiency across transaction processing. All assets then receive protection against internal risks and external threats alike. Other benefits include balance access, regulation-aligned practice, and adaptable technology, stemming from the wealth of industry experience that DWP boasts here. Alongside these services in digital asset custody, DWP also elevates portfolio performance through strategic digital asset management, unlocks the potential of exclusive investments with its alternative investment opportunities, tailors success with bespoke investment strategies thanks to its provision of custom investment solutions, and also empowers investors using a unique blend of expert advisory and education services. “We’ve pioneered unique strategies for digital asset custody, insurance, margin, and leverage options, and also operate a hedge fund which many clients participate in.” Commenting on the thought process behind this selection of solutions, Jake told us: “We see ourselves as a people-first business and entered the space out of necessity to fill a gap that existed. Traditional wealth management service providers still cannot handle the majority of services that people need for their digital asset wealth management.” Thus, he continued: “We’ve built our firm from the ground up to be the most forward-thinking digital practice in the country when it comes to crypto custody and digital asset investments.” Its success in doing so has been compounded over the past few months in particular, during which the firm has experienced exponential growth. It is today worth more than $700 million and is excited to keep this momentum going as we move through the latter stages of 2025 and beyond. As for how exactly DWP will be doing this, Jake explained: “We are continuing to expand services to support more digital asset types for custody and management and have recently integrated traditional finance portfolio options for clients as well.” As it continues down this path, supporting more clients and providing greater benefits in the process, DWP’s mission of redefining wealth management in the digital age is today being achieved more rigorously than ever. The unparalleled expertise it boasts when it comes to everything from crypto wealth management (including Bitcoin and XRP) to digital assets is underpinned by an ability to deliver bespoke, high-performance investment solutions to a vast client base. Its distinction is reflected through numerous glowing testimonials. This includes a recent review left by one of its current clients, who said: “DWP staff, advisors, and administrators are hands down the best. Anytime I have had an issue or a concern, they respond to me within minutes. I have been working with them for close to a year now and my experience has been amazing; they are the most knowledgeable people I know in the space. I recommend them to all my family and friends.” With feedback like this defining its processes, it is no surprise that we have chosen to recognise Digital Wealth Partners as the Most Pioneering Digital Asset Wealth Management Firm 2025 – Texas. More on the firm can be found using the link below. Contact: Jake Claver Company: Digital Wealth Partners Web Address: https://www. digitalwealthpartners.net
12 | Investment Excellence Awards 2025 Most Revolutionary Digital Fund Operations Platform 2025 – Europe Founded in 2021, Fundcraft was born in response to a distinct need in the asset management sector for a unified, efficient, and transparent approach to fund operations. The platform was established in the financial hub of Luxembourg, a positioning that has allowed it to quickly grow into a leading fintech innovator and the partner of choice for the digital transformation of fund operations in the alternative asset management industry. A CSSF-licensed AIFM and central administrator, the company supports more than 230 funds for Venture Capital, Private Equity, Private Debt, and Funds of Funds firms, representing over €12 billion in fund commitments. Since its inception, Fundcraft has been on a mission to revolutionise the fund industry and break down the barriers of traditional fund administration, transforming the industry’s operating model through a digital platform that centralises, optimises, and automates the entire fund lifecycle. The company works with forward-thinking alternative asset managers – from emerging VC fund managers to established asset managers overseeing multiple funds and strategies – helping them to scale across fund formats and investor channels by replacing fragmented tools and manual processes with one integrated solution. Fundcraft’s digital platform offers users an open, collaborative, and transparent operating system that centralises data, processes, and interactions into a single source of truth, encompassing the fund lifecycle end-to-end, from fundraising and investor onboarding to daily fund operations, data management, and reporting. This comprehensive solution enables seamless collaboration among stakeholders: Fundcraft’s operational services experts, asset managers, accountants, auditors, tax advisors, and depositary banks, all on one unified platform. At the core of Fundcraft’s offering is the Client Success Manager, or CSM. The CSM is the orchestrator of the complete Fundcraft experience, acting as the operational anchor aligning internal execution, platform features, and client expectations. Each client is assigned a dedicated CSM, who then acts as a single point of contact supporting them through dayto-day operations – providing an invaluable personal touch to its services that ensures client requests are addressed seamlessly and with speed. The proprietary platform has been built upon a foundation of digitisation, which has been the company’s default operating model from day one. While most fund administration players have layered separate technology systems onto legacy, manual processes – often resulting in even more inefficient processes – Fundcraft has rebuilt fund operations from the groundup, creating a single, digital-native solution in which all processes flow and the output of each process is the automated input into the next one. “Our platform serves as a single source of truth,” Thomas explained, “seamlessly connecting investor onboarding, KYC, transfer agency, portfolio management, accounting, reporting, compliance, and more. Every process is integrated, eliminating the silo fragmentation and duplication that still define much of the industry today. This model enables fast innovation, secure by design architecture, and AI-readiness by default.” These processes are maintained by a team of more than 50 in-house data engineers, developers, and product managers. The team ensures the platform is continuously improved with new features and groundbreaking innovations, including agentic AI, workflow automations, and native integrations with third-party systems. With its commercial model and core offerings entirely aligned, Fundcraft’s development mindset focuses entirely on increasing operational efficiency across the value chain, increasing client and user satisfaction, and driving overall strategic value across the services it provides. Looking to the future, Fundcraft will continue to enhance and expand its platform offerings in alignment with the evolving needs of its clients and the wider industry. In the short term, the company will be expanding its regulated infrastructure beyond Luxembourg, bringing the unique Fundcraft experience to other jurisdictions and responding to the demand of clients wanting to consolidate their funds on a singular Fundcraft platform. “We’re also scaling our ecosystem partnerships,” Thomas concluded, “continuously leveraging our open architecture and powerful API to integrate banking, depositaries, settlement, audits, legal, and tax partners directly into the Fundcraft platform to further remove operational friction and reduce time-to-launch for new funds. Our near-term ambition is to fundamentally redefine how fund operations are delivered across Europe. The near-term vision? €100 billion in fund commitments and subscriptions managed on our platform – seamlessly and at scale.” Contact: Thomas Pire Company: Fundcraft Web Address: www.fundcraft.lu Sep25023 Fund operations have traditionally been seen as a cost centre – necessary but painful aspects of the process. Fundcraft is a platform turning back-office operations into a competitive advantage for fund managers, helping them raise capital faster, report with confidence, and scale across investor types and jurisdiction. Having already successfully migrated more than 150 funds from legacy administrators, Fundcraft has proven that operational transformation is not only possible but value-adding. We heard more from Thomas Pire, VP of Digital Transformation and Client Solutions, as Fundcraft is named in the Investment Excellence Awards 2025.
13 | Wealth & Finance Q1 2024 Best Real Estate Tokenization Platform 2025 Traditionally, property ownership has been limited to a small, affluent segment of society, leaving the vast majority of citizens excluded from this wealth-building asset class. Tokenization changes that dynamic, lowering barriers to entry and enabling individuals to participate with investments as modest or as significant as they choose. Proptokenmarket is a global platform championing the rise of tokenization, connecting investors of all backgrounds and wealth with issuers of real estate tokens and providing investment opportunities that would have been otherwise inaccessible. We heard more from Founder Florian Schick below, as Proptokenmarket is recognised in the Investment Excellence Awards 2025. Proptokenmarket was founded in 2023, dedicated to helping investors and sellers from around the world explore the realm of tokenized real estate investments, or Real Estate Tokens. The company operates as a global platform that bridges the gap between issuers of real estate tokens and investors, buyers, and enthusiasts of tokenized real estate, driven by the core value of empowerment to provide everyone – regardless of background or wealth – a seat at the table in the global real estate market. “We are the first platform to bring together and provide a comprehensive overview of all tokenized real estate projects worldwide,” Florian shared. “By consolidating this information, we give investors unprecedented visibility into the global market, while offering issuers a unique opportunity to reach a broader audience. This pioneering role is something we are very proud of, as it underscores our commitment to making tokenized real estate more transparent, accessible, and truly global.” The Proptokenmarket marketplace welcomes all real estate tokenization companies, enabling users to gain an extensive overview of property investments beyond their borders and explore opportunities in different markets and regions from the comfort of their own home. Real Estate Tokens work as digital certificates that represent real ownership in a real estate property, such as a house, apartment, or commercial building. These digital tokens are kept on a secure blockchain, offering tamperproof ownership records and reducing the risk of fraudulent activities. Every tokenized property listed on the Proptokenmarket platform has been carefully curated, ensuring that only high-quality assets and reputable tokenization companies are presented to clients. This level of selectivity helps Proptokenmarket build trust and confidence, while safeguarding the integrity of the market place. Users are also provided with comprehensive market intelligence – token prices, income streams, valuations, and other measurable data points – turned into clear, actionable insights that help them make informed decisions and better understand the evolving dynamics of tokenized real estate. Beyond facilitating connections, Proptokenmarket also publishes thought leadership, blog posts, insights, and educational resources aimed at deepening readers’ understanding of tokenized real estate and its potential. Its community of investors are kept up to date with the latest news, trends, and developments in the field, as Proptokenmarket recognises its responsibility to not only connect clients with opportunities but to also empower them with knowledge. Staying ahead of the curve is fundamental to Proptokenmarket’s approach, as the dynamic nature of the real estate market has a direct impact on its operations. In such a fast-evolving space as asset tokenization, the company continuously monitors global regulatory developments to ensure that its clients are always informed and prepared for changes that could impact their investment strategies. For property owners, it facilitates the tokenization process through its network of trusted partners, helping them unlock liquidity and expand their investor base. “We also spotlight the newest tokenized real estate projects worldwide, giving investors early access to opportunities and insights into emerging market trends,” Florian told us. “Ultimately, our role is twofold: to empower investors with access to cutting-edge opportunities and knowledge, and to enable issuers to reach a truly global audience, ensuring both sides benefit from the ongoing transformation of real estate investment.” Ultimately, Proptokenmarket envisions a future where anyone, regardless of their location or financial status, is empowered to participate in the lucrative world of real estate ownership through fractional ownership facilitated by blockchain tokens. This vision drives Proptokenmarket to continually enhance its platform to deliver even greater value to both investors and issuers, maintaining its well-earned position as the Best Real Estate Tokenization Platform 2025. “Looking ahead, our mission is to evolve from being primarily a listing hub into the leading global marketplace for tokenized real estate,” announced Florian. “By the end of 2025 and beyond, our focus is on scaling internationally, deepening our partnerships, and positioning our platform as the go-to destination for anyone seeking to participate in the future of real estate development.” Contact: Florian Schick Company: Proptokenmarket LLC Web Address: www.proptokenmarket.com
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