The global economic downturn and events of September 11 last year have demonstrated yet again that banking is a dynamic and volatile business that is constantly changing and presenting new challenges. The Banker Awards, sponsored this year by software solutions provider Misys, reflect not only outstanding quality and innovation in the financial world but also the changes and developments taking place. Our 24 Bracken and our 125 country award winners represent the cream of the global banking community and reflect best practice and performance in the industry.
The Banker has been a trusted source of global financial intelligence since its inception in 1926 and our exclusive bank listings and extensive worldwide coverage bring a unique perspective to our global banking awards. While our Top 1000 World Banks listing in July and our 1001-2000 World Banks listing in August focus on core financial data, The Banker Bank of the Year Awards incorporates this and much more, including banks' own assessments of their performance and achievements.
The criteria for assessment of the Bank of the Year Awards, which are decided by the global editorial team, reflect not only the latest results and performance data but also information provided by the institutions nominated in each country and category.
The emphasis in the questionnaires sent to over 750 banks nominated is on results but also achievements, technology initiatives and overall strategy. The editorial team brings together the results data, information from the questionnaires and its members market knowledge to arrive at the overall judgments given.
This year The Banker is giving a record 125 country awards, 19 more than last year; entries were received from a record 354 banks worldwide. Besides the country awards, The Banker is giving 24 Bracken awards which go to winners in the eight major regions, including Global Bank of the Year, 13 separate investment banking categories and three specific technology areas.