International Investment Awards winners revealed

Royal Skandia, Zurich International Life, Fairbairn Private Bank, BNY Mellon, Axa Isle of Man, Aegon Scottish Equitable International and Prudential International were among the groups that achieved winning and highly commended awards in the International Fund and Product Awards 2009.

Despite a difficult year for the financial sector globally, the number and standard of entries in this year's awards showed no signs of abating. "The overall message was one of continued opportunity for financial companies who have good international reach. While many of this year's winners had experience on their side, it will be interesting to see how groups such as Aegon Scottish Equitable and Prudential International who have repositioned or refocused their international efforts in recent years, contend next year," commented Deborah Benn, chair of the judging panel.

The judges were particularly impressed with the quality of entries this year in response to the introduction of awards for the Best International Provider Middle East & Africa and Best International Provider Far East. "The introduction of these two awards aims to recognise efforts by groups who provide many bespoke products and services to different parts of the world. The level of detail and quality of entries in this category was exceptional," commented Benn. Successful groups in these two categories included William Russell, Royal Skandia, Zurich International Life and Interglobal. In the fund award category, BNY Mellon swept the board while The Isle of Man retained its crown as the Best International Financial Centre.

The Black Tie Gala Awards dinner was held at The Brewery in London on Wednesday 13^th May. The International Fund & Product Awards continue to be the only awards bringing together the major sectors of the offshore financial services industry in honour and recognition of financial products and services distributed internationally.

BEST INTERNATIONAL LIFE GROUP:

Winner: Royal Skandia.

Highly Commended: AXA Isle of Man and AEGON Scottish Equitable International

BEST INTERNATIONAL LIFE PRODUCT:

Winner: AXA Isle of Man Limited, Evolution

Highly Commended: Legal & General International, International Portfolio Bond and Prudential International, Portfolio Account

BEST INTERNATIONAL BANK GROUP:

Winner: Standard Bank Offshore Group

Highly Commended: Lloyds TSB International

BEST INTERNATIONAL PRIVATE HEALTH GROUP:

Winner: William Russell

Highly Commended: Allianz Worldwide Care

BEST INTERTNATIONAL WEALTH MANAGER:

Winner: Fairbairn Private Bank

Highly Commended: HSBC Bank International

BEST INTERNATIONAL STRUCTURED PRODUCT PROVIDER:

Winner: Barclays Capital

Highly Commended: Standard Bank Offshore Group

BEST INTERNATIONAL PROVIDER MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA:

Winner: Zurich International Life

Highly Commended: William Russell

BEST INTERNATIONAL PROVIDER FAR EAST:

Winner: Royal Skandia

Highly Commended: Interglobal

BEST INTERNATIONAL FUND RANGE:

Winner: BNY Mellon

Highly Commended: Gartmore and MFS

BEST INTERNATIONAL FUND GROUP:

Winner: BNY Mellon

Highly Commended: GAM

BEST INTERNATIONAL SALES TEAM:

Winner: Zurich International Life

Highly Commended: Royal Skandia

BEST COMMITMENT TO SERVICE:

Winner: Royal Skandia

Highly Commended: Zurich International Life and Fairbairn Private Bank

BEST INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE:

Winner: Isle of Man Finance

Highly Commended: Jersey Finance

SPECIAL 10^TH ANNIVERSARY AWARDS:

Best fund performance over 10 years: BlackRock

Outstanding Achievement to the Offshore Industry: Brendan Harper, Friends Provident International