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The firm is a genuine contender in investment banking in every region of the world.

In sustainable finance, it is often the case that what is not financed shows a bank’s commitment to sustainability just as much as what is financed. BNP Paribas is committed to both sides of this coin and it wins the award this year for western Europe’s best bank for sustainable finance.

BAC International Bank introduced a new brand for its network across central America, but in all other aspects it was business as usual.

Lloyds Banking Group’s ‘Helping Britain prosper’ plan, launched four years ago, has put corporate responsibility at the top of the UK bank’s priorities. It was a bold initiative, addressing Britain’s housing needs, helping people plan for the future, helping businesses to start up and grow, championing diversity, supporting clean energy and tackling social disadvantage. It earns Lloyds the award for western Europe’s best bank for corporate responsibility.

Good, sustainable returns for shareholders are finally in sight, 10 years after the global financial crisis.

Complete access for clients at any time and on any device has been Standard Bank’s focus in recent years; its commitment to this level of service has paid off. Its earnings were up 4.4% for wealth management and investments last year, and assets under management in discretionary portfolios increased by 6% to R82.5 billion ($6 billion). It once again wins the award for Africa’s best bank for wealth management.

Morgan Stanley’s journey to the very top of US investment banking has been built on a fairly simple principle: to give the best advice and execution to its clients. There will be few firms that do not claim to have a similar ambition, but the difference at Morgan Stanley, under president Colm Kelleher, is just how much of the business is set up and run with precisely these objectives in mind.

The award for the region’s best digital bank goes to Brazil’s Banco Inter. The bank conducted its $200 million IPO just after the April 1 deadline and continues to lead an exciting industry with great potential. But it was Inter’s ability to attract financing and provide a positive data point for the local exchange’s fintech sector that makes it stand out.

What is said on tour, stays on tour. Unless it is part of an awards pitch. Here are some of the mixed metaphors, subtle and not-so-subtle jibes and some incomprehensible nonsense we heard during the pitches for this year’s Awards for Excellence.

Mutual banks and publicly owned savings banks continue to dominate much of Europe’s SME banking sector. What makes Crédit Agricole stand out is not just its deep presence in this market but also its success plugging regional businesses into specialized product factories at the centre. Crédit Agricole is France’s biggest bank brand for SMEs, but unlike other big operators in this sector such as BPCE, the Crédit Mutual network or Germany’s Sparkasse, it has the benefit of better integration between the group’s components.

Decisive action and a renewal of its commitment to the region allowed Raiffeisen Bank International to keep its central and eastern European network intact.

The rising economic fortunes of the largest countries lifted nearly all investment banking boats. Local investment banking franchises continued to notch up strong deal flow and fees, but last year was noticeable for the improvement in the fortunes of the international banks.