IBM

As the second most valuable global brand, IBM is also the third largest technology company, and continues to expand into wider and potentially more profitable fields. A well-known figure on the Dow Jones, IBM is an almost-constant ‘buy’ option for …

Espírito Santo Investment Bank

Espírito Santo Investment Bank, headquartered in Lisbon, is the investment banking arm of Banco Espírito Santo, the second-largest financial group in Portugal. Espírito Santo Investment Bank ethos is driven by developing long-term relationships, as clients’ needs are serviced through multi-product …

Google

A returning figure to the World Finance 100, Google has continued to inspire and lead the way in terms of communications and business management over the last twelve months. Offering information at the click of a button, the firm has …

Squared Financial Services

Squared Financial Services Limited was incorporated in 2005 by its founder and current chairman Philippe Ghanem (pictured right). It is an independent, full-service broker headquartered in Dublin and regulated by the Financial Regulator in Ireland. Its proprietary execution platform provides …

ITS

ITS offers unprecedented experience in providing IT solutions (ETHIX) to Islamic financial institutions worldwide. ETHIX is a total Islamic banking solution covering Islamic Finance, Islamic Investment, back end and delivery channel modules. With a proven track record for successfully implementing …

United Securities LLC

United Securities is Oman’s biggest broker with presence throughout the MENA region, catering to a very large pool of institutional and retail customers. United Securities Asset Management division manages portfolios worth more than $200m. Informed decision making, stringent controls, systematic …

MIG BANK

MIG BANK was established in Switzerland as an online forex broker and in 2009 became the first forex broker to obtain a Swiss banking license. Since its foundation in 2003, MIG BANK specialises in online FX trading and remains a …

AFB

Arab Financial Brokers was founded in 2005, with thousands of active accounts across the Gulf and other Arab nations. Growth factors include the availability of Islamic accounts, and the fact that clients can start trading at a rate as low …

Sinopec

One of China’s largest and most prolific energy organisations. Based in Beijing, the company offers a wide range of products and services, allowing for an immense level of diversification over the last few years, and monolithic profit margins. The firm’s …

Merrill Datasite

Merrill DataSite is a secure virtual data room (VDR) solution optimising the due diligence process by providing an efficient and secure method for sharing key business information between multiple parties. Merrill DataSite provides unlimited access for users worldwide, as well …

Yoshikazu Tanaka

Although he doesn’t have a lot of exposure outside of his native Japan, Tanaka is the Mark Zuckerberg of the east, creating the most successful social networking site in the region. This year he became the youngest self-made billionaire in …

BMO

BMO Capital Markets is a leading, full-service North American financial services provider offering corporate, institutional and government clients access to a complete range of products and services. With over 2,000 professionals in offices in 26 locations around the world, including …

Enel Spa

Enel is Italy’s largest and Europe’s second-largest listed utility supplier, producing, distributing, and selling electricity and gas. Furthermore, it is Italy’s second-largest producer of natural gas. Over the last few years, the group has worked to re-evaluate and expand its …

Daiwa Capital Markets

A well known and market-leading investment bank, Daiwa offers top quality service in four main areas: equities, fixed income, debt and equity capital markets, and derivatives. The bank is also acknowledged by many for its market research and data analysis. …

iCache Incorporated

The brainchild of Jonathan Ramaci, the iCache Digital Wallet (IDW) is a small, intelligent, portable device that consolidates all the cards in a consumer’s wallet into one single card. The IDW also incorporates contactless & EMV cards as well as …

Vladislav Doronin

Referred to as “Russia’s Donald Trump”, Doronin regularly makes the headlines with his playboy lifestyle and immense wealth, amassed through years of astute decisions in Russia’s property market. As the Soviet Union deteriorated, Doronin saw the opportunity in the commercial …

Walmart de México y Centroamérica

Key to Walmart’s continuous profitable growth strategy is its focus on the customer and its constant search to improve its value position. The Every Day Low Prices strategy has been key. The company has a balance sheet with no debt …

Gruma

Gruma is the world’s leading tortilla and corn flour producer. Established in 1949, Gruma is engaged primarily in the production, marketing, distribution, and sale of tortillas, corn flour, wheat flour, offering value-added products such as wraps, pitta, naan, piadina and …

Safran

One of the largest and most successful aerospace and defence organisations in the world, over a significant period of time. In 2009 the company made over €10bn in sales, pumping a reported €1.4bn back into research and development. Safran prides …

Mulbury Hamilton

Although the company was established as recently as a decade ago, Mulbury Hamilton has built up a highly recognised and respected reputation as tax experts providing insightful and informative advice. The firm offers a wide range of both corporate and …

Prasert Bunsumpun

Leading Thailand’s PTT throughout a dramatic period of growth for the group has called for a visionary leader with a special set of skills. Seen as something of an expert at managing and prioritising his time, 58 year old Prasert …

Vale

A firm traders are more than happy to recommend block trading on. According to market capital, Vale is the largest company within its sector. It is certainly one of the most appealing and prolific. As the mining industry has been …

Citadel Capital

Listed on the Egyptian Stock Exchange, Citadel sits on a cool $8.3bn in investments, mostly founded in the Middle East and Africa. Its interests vary from energy, transportation and retail. Due to the continued rapid growth and interest in Egyptian …

BYD

Although the Chinese automotive market has hit peaks and troughs over the course of the year, BYD has projected long and comfortable profits for the foreseeable future. Most commentators are in agreement. The company has ran into legislative red tape …

Caisse de Dépôt et de Gestion

The Caisse de Dépôt et de Gestion (CDG), a public financial institution founded in 1959, is the largest Moroccan institutional investor, playing a key role in the Moroccan economy and supporting public development policies. CDG is engaged in Morocco’s largest …

Alfred Dunhill

Alfred Dunhill is the definitive men’s luxury brand, committed to challenging the notion of luxury and what is expected of an international luxury brand. With over 220 stores across the world, the globally acclaimed ‘Homes’ retail lifestyle environments are a …

Localiza

Localiza is the largest car rental company in Latin America with presence in Brazil and eight other LatAm countries. The company is 37 years old, and is the 47th most valuable brand in Brazil. Localiza has been posting high levels …

JC Penney

JC Penney has a long-established tradition of providing retail options to America’s middle classes, offering both taste and affordable prices. As a stalwart brand of western shopping, the firm’s financial results are considered an indicator of market performance, such is …

TOTVS

Leading in Brazil with 49.1 percent of market share, TOTVS is the seventh-largest Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) in the world. It is the only Latin American company that has its own technological platform for software development. TOTVS provides solutions for …

Rami Makhlouf

Rami Makhlouf is a genuine leader, well known for his strong will and for his high personal and professional ethics. Born in 1969, he began his career in construction after graduating as civil engineer, and expanded into various sectors. He plays …

LontohCoal

LontohCoal Limited is a rapidly growing coking coal and thermal coal mining company with reserves and resources in excess of 7.4 billion tons across coalfields in South Africa and Zimbabwe. LontohCoal aims to become a top tier ‘energy supermarket’ of …

National Commercial Bank

Founded by Royal Decree in 1953, NCB is one of the most recognised brands in Saudi Arabia. Based in Jeddah, it supports a nationwide branch network and has international presence in Bahrain, Lebanon, Turkey, UK, Singapore and South Korea. The …

Zhong Sheng Jian

Building most of his wealth in his native China, Jian has since migrated to Singapore where he continues to build an empire, whilst still enjoying the fruits of his labour at home. Jian’s property company Yanlord Land has provided China’s …

ABC

Arab Banking Corporation is an international banking establishment with a wide remit that includes Islamic Finance, corporate and institutional banking, trade finance and a highly respected treasury department. Operations were begun in 1980, when the organisation was floated on the …

VaLUENTiS Group

VaLUENTiS Group, with its headquarters based in Berkeley Square, London, is acknowledged for its pioneering innovation in the field of human capital management. VaLUENTiS ‘people science’ solutions fuse people management concepts with accounting and measurement principles that provide organisations with …

Humana

Although the firm was expected to take huge hits after the United States’ healthcare reform, Humana has enjoyed a profitable and succinct performance throughout the year. Indeed, the firm has seen a substantial increase in membership this year, a fact …

Vestas

Headed by influential CEO – and member of the World Finance 100 2009 – Ditlev Engel, Vestas has come on in leaps and bounds in the energy market of late. Providing sustainable energy solutions, the Danish outfit has enjoyed great …

Virendra D. Mhaiskar

Considered an optimistic and visionary leader, Mhaiskar has been instrumental in building India’s infrastructure. After gaining experience in the family business he incorporated IRB Infrastructure Developers Ltd in 1998. Later, he bought over the family business, consolidating the group under …

ReneSola

As one of the world’s primary providers of solar wafers – used in the production of solar panels – ReneSola has enjoyed excellent results and spiralling demand over the last few years. Commentators within the energy market have noted the …

Deutsche Bank

One of the largest, most successful banks in the world today, Deutsche Bank is known and recognised by most people with a banking account across the globe. The bank offers a wide range of financial services, and in recent years …

Nordstrom

Based in the United States, Nordstrom has a long and successful trend of providing up-market retail services for over a century. The firm’s stores are sprinkled throughout North America, and it has recently offered solutions on an international basis through …

RFV

Regional Development Company (RFV) is one of the fastest growing central European energy companies. Founded by two Hungarian private investors, RFV has evolved from a small enterprise into the only regional, stock-listed energy service (ESCO) company, modernising outdated district heating …

Nippon

Japan’s second-largest insurance company, also known as Nissay, is a mutual set-up, and as such was worth around $432bn as of 2006. Since then the firm has fluctuated due to general economic conditions but continues to welcome business across Europe, …

Suncorp-Metway

A mammoth institution in Australia and New Zealand, few down under are unfamiliar with the work of Suncorp. Specialising in insurance, banking, wealth management and other services, the giant organisation maintains a dominant presence for many in Australasia. As such …

Assicurazioni Generali

As the largest insurance company in Italy, Assicurazioni Generali enjoys a determined and real growth on a constant basis. Described as offering multi-line insurance options, the company provides a wide range of products and services throughout much of Europe and …

Carlyle Group

A global alternative investment fund, associated with many mainstream politicians over recent years including members of the Bush family, and in Europe John Major. Some companies that fall under the group’s umbrella include Dunkin’ Donuts, PanAmSat, Hawaiian Telcom, and many …

Duke Energy

With continued development, Duke Energy is one of the few companies capable of outperforming expectation on a recurrent basis. Serving the Kentucky, Indiana, and Carolina electric and natural gas market, Duke at one time was considered to be serving a …

Rhenus

Offering tailor-made logistics services, the Rhenus Group has enjoyed significant market exposure and growth since its inception in 1912. Rhenus boasts a turnover of over €2.7bn, is located in 290 destinations, and employs around seventeen thousand individuals. Sustainability is a …

Intel Corporation

Cornering the market for semiconductors and microprocessors, Intel has benefited from the lasting explosion of the personal computer industry over the past twenty years. Priding itself on diversity, Intel has turned a niche market into one of the most dominant …

ING Group

One of the world’s largest financial service institutions, and in terms of revenue the largest banking and financial service centres globally, ING is a fast-growing, customer-friendly continued success, a business model for any start up to follow. The firm has …

Merck

Enjoying a return to the World Finance 100, Merck has continued to impress the judges and the magazine’s readership over the last twelve months due to outstanding expansion networking and product development. Based on the belief that worldwide coverage can …

Sanofi-Aventis

The formation of a 2004 merger between Aventis and Sanofi-Synthélabo (following a hostile bid by the former), the firm has enjoyed huge growth trends in its position as prescription drug developer and distributor. In 2009 profits sat at a fairly …

First Solar

As a leading provider of solar modules, First Solar has seen orders go through the roof as interest in sustainable energy proves a fruitful asset both long- and short-term. The firm has had to drastically expand operations and facilities in …

ABB Group

Welcomed to the World Finance 100 for the second year running, ABB has, as predicted last year, come through periods of great difficulty with excellent prospects for future growth. Last year, the group invested heavily in research and development, and …

Siemens

One of the largest technology conglomerates in Europe, Siemens’ capabilities are seemingly without limit; dealing with everything from handheld telephone devices to aiding in city infrastructure development, the German giant continues to grow with the market and demand for state-of-the-art …

Toshiba

Toshiba provides high-spec technology products for both domestic and commercial use spanning many innovative inventions, and releasing thousands of new patents every year. The company is well-known globally and heralded for its specific and forward-looking design capabilities. As the world’s …

Craig Venter

One of the science world’s more controversial figures, Venter has become the poster boy for gene and nano research. Although his institute’s work has been questioned by many, his work and development in the sciences cannot be overlooked. More pharmaceutical …

BMW

One of the oldest and most popular of the luxury automotive brands. Founded in 1916, BMW has continued to prosper and expand in many directions, becoming a symbol of prosperity among the middle and upper classes in the western world. …

Coca Cola

A brand that requires little by means of an introduction. With one of the best records for sustainability in recent years, Coca Cola stands head and shoulders above its competitors. Since 2007, the famous glass bottle has been modified in …

Hyundai Motors

Having taken something of a hammering during the earlier days of the recession, Hyundai has enjoyed a sumptuous return to form in 2010, with profit margins turning a corner most prolifically in the third quarter. It also foresees greater profit …

Hewlett Packard

An ever-present brand, almost overlooked by many due to its synonymous links to twenty-first century everyday living through computing and communications. Providing both the world’s workforce and consumer population with state-of-the-art and affordable computers, digital cameras, printers, scanners and television …

Tadawul FX

Tadawul FX Ltd is a leading online forex and commodities broker. At its inception in 2006, the company successfully penetrated the world of forex and secured its place amongst the best within the global financial services industry, vis-a-vis the introduction …

ATIC

Created in 2008, the Advanced Technology Investment Company is wholly owned by the government of Abu Dhabi. ATIC’s mandate is to deliver superior financial returns while playing a key role in Abu Dhabi’s diversification into a knowledge-based economy. With a …

FXCM

FXCM Holdings LLC is a global online forex and CFD broker founded in 1999 and regulated by several of the world’s most respected financial authorities. FXCM’s main client offering is No Dealing Desk forex trading. FXCM client benefits include mobile …

Analytica

An exotic market like Ecuador holds overlooked opportunities requiring an expert like Quito-based investment bank Analytica to unlock. It confidently weathered the 1998-2000 banking crisis and is now active beyond the Andean country’s borders, advising on M&A, providing fund management, …

Telekom

Telekom Austria’s surge to the forefront of telecom markets across Austria and the Czech Republic has been nothing short of prolific. The firm offers fixed line rental, mobile communications, wireless networking, and other data sharing services. According to the company, …

Commerzbank AG

Although operatiing in a market swamped with problems over the last few years, Commerzbank has climbed out of the rubble relatively unscathed. As one of the most highly respected banking and financial service institutions headquartered in Europe, Commerzbank has a …

Apple

Nothing seems to stop Apple’s continued assault on the telecoms, software, hardware and entertainment industries. With one of the best research and development units across the globe, Apple’s stature at the forefront of the many markets in which it architects …

Robert Kuok

A self-made billionaire, Kuok was valued at $10bn by Forbes in 2008, and his stocks have since risen considerably. Another billionaire with more than a handful of interests (including shipping, real estate and media), the Malaysian Chinese businessman started trading …

Objet Geometries

Providing 3D printing, Objet has found a niche market that many commentators recognise as the next big growth network. A little over a decade old, the company already fulfils the needs of various markets, such as education, pharmaceuticals, consumer electronics, automotives, …

BG Group

A creation of the divestment of British Gas plc, BG Group was officially formed in 1999. The ensuing decade has seen the group reorganise and capitalise on a market which has thoroughly enjoyed a boom in that period. Since 2008, …

Carlos Slim Helu

Sitting at the top of the list of the world’s billionaires, Helu saw the opportunity behind the privitisation of Mexico’s national telecom company in the last decade of the twentieth century. Since then his wealth has swelled. His string of …

Amazon.com

Providing the ultimate retail experience, Amazon changed the face of the consumer world in 1995. Although those were, of course, the very early days of the internet, things picked up quickly as did shopping at the click of a button. …

Nomura Holdings

Headquartered in Japan, floated mainly on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, the Singapore Exchange, and the New York Stock Exchange, Nomura Holdings is one of Asia’s largest financial holding companies. The firm made headlines in 2008 by acquiring Lehmann’s investment banking …

Zenith Bank

A bank that many others could look to emulate over the coming years. Given the industry’s general performance over the last twelve months, Zenith has completely ignored any expectations of financial instability, and continued to sit at the forefront of …

QInvest

With authorised capital of $1bn and paid-up capital of $750m, QInvest has created a world-class investment banking capability operating under Sharia’a-compliant structures. Through investment banking and management, brokerage and wealth management, QInvest offers a broad range of expertise to consistently …

Saxo Bank

Established in 1992 and headquartered in Copenhagen, Saxo Bank is an investment bank specialising in online trading. Saxo Bank’s traditional business model is that of the facilitator. The bank offers several products and services provided by third parties with access …

FXOpen

FXOpen is one of the world’s biggest retail forex companies well-known for its trader-oriented innovative technologies. It proved to be the market driver by being the first to introduce Sharia’-compliant accounts, Mini accounts and a MT4 ECN trading platform coupled …

Bernard Arnault

His home nation’s second most wealthy individual, and the world’s seventh in 2010, Arnault’s success in the luxury goods market puts him in standing as one of the most successful and astute business persons of the century so far. With …

Statoil

In a year in which many oil and gas companies have been pushed against the wall due to high-profile, media-focused oil spills, Statoil has quietly expanded operations and developed projects into more far-reaching outlets. 2009 saw the company record profits …

Citigroup

With over two hundred million customers worldwide, few are unaware of the Citi logo or reputation for success and reliability, despite heavy links to CDOs and the subprime mortgage crisis. The group found opportunity during the severe downturn to reassess …

Nanoco Group

Although separated from the research department at the University of Manchester, the university still holds an interest in the nanomaterial developers. Working with blue chip and research and development companies around the world, Nanoco is the producer of the goods …

Johnson & Johnson

The fact that Johnson & Johnson is the fifth-largest consumer organisation in the world says it all for this multinational powerhouse. Having experienced something of a drop in expected growth over the last few years (due to recalls and disappointing …

Forte Energy

Conducting deep and fulfilling research into working with and maintaining uranium as a source of energy, Australia’s foremost mineral organisation is one of the younger members of the World Finance 100, but having made a distinctive mark on the energy …

Adobe Systems

Adobe’s depth and expertise has unfolded over the last few years to bring the company to the forefront of digital and creative media. Offering stable, affordable, and universally accepted software to allow creativity to spring across a variety of platforms, …

Voltea

2010 has been a particularly good year for Voltea, whose desalination techniques provide an essential service to those countries in which the firm operates. The firm unveiled its part in a new technique in which so-called green water can be …

BNY Mellon

Following the 2007 merger of The Bank of New York and Mellon Financial Services, BNY Mellon has served as the benchmark for financial services through outstanding performance in the twenty-first century. As growth slowed down, the firm spread operations in …

Toyota

As the brand of choice both in it’s native Japan and in North America, many are still surprised to learn that Toyota only began global production in 1998. Prior to that, production was limited to the car maker’s homeland with …

Pfizer

A globally recognised pharmaceutical giant, Pfizer’s network provides outstanding medical solutions to both man and animal. Its extensive research and development branch has won many awards over the years, following investments of gigantic proportions. As a publicly traded company based …

Time Warner

As one of the world’s largest entertainment conglomerates, Time Warner has undergone several makeovers over its history, but the message has always been the same: top quality media as far-reaching and profitable as possible. Lending itself to several differing yet …

Swatch

Just as many fashion and retail brands have suffered over recent years, many have taken advantage of the depth new and changing markets have offered them. Swatch is, without a shadow of a doubt, one of the latter. Upon direction from …

JPMorgan Chase

Perfecting the art of investment banking and wealth management, JPMorgan Chase operates in over sixty countries, with assets of around $60trn worldwide. As expected of such a market dominator, the firm is constantly under the watchful gaze of regulators, and although …

Samsung Electronics

Providing everything from smartphones to state-of-the-art cameras, the Korean outfit has headed the market in electronics for some time now. Over recent years, Samsung Electronics surpassed Motorola, Sony, Siemens, and Hewlett Packard in their respective industries under a single umbrella …

Larry Ellison

As co-owner and founder of Oracle, the leading software development firm based in California, Ellison’s position as CEO allows him to enjoy the hands-on approach he cherishes so dearly. Not afraid to cause a stir, Ellison has a reputation on …

Nokia

The Finnish telecom company that needs little introduction is constantly recorded as being one of the most-admired companies, both in terms of innovation and company performance. Further still, it is known worldwide as one of the best employers.  Many commentators …

African Development Bank

The African Development Bank (AfDB) was established following between the institution’s member states in 1963. The AfDB is one of five multilateral development banks in the world providing assistance to their respective member countries to achieve their development goals. The …

RIM

Prior to the Blackberry, Research in Motion (RIM) was a relatively unknown outfit working mainly with Ericsson on wireless networking products. Those days as a small but influential feeder company seem long gone, as the Blackberry celebrates its tenth year …