THE South Pacific Stock Exchange (SPX)’s flagship event – the SPX Annual Awards 2025 – is making a return this year, marking the first staging of the event since the COVID-19 pandemic.
This event builds on a long-standing tradition by SPX of recognising excellence in financial reporting and capital market development.
According to SPX, this year’s edition aims to introduce a more refined and forward-looking framework for assessing annual reports, incorporating best practices on financial reporting, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosures, gender reporting, and greater transparency in corporate reporting.
In addition to awards for SPX-listed companies, the competition will also welcome entries from unlisted entities, including leading private sector firms and public institutions, thus encouraging reporting excellence across a wider cross-section of the economy.
SPX chairperson Nitin Gandhi said the SPX Annual Awards had long served as a benchmark for excellence in corporate reporting and market participation.
“As the steward of Fiji’s capital market with aspirations to serve the wider Pacific region, SPX plays a vital role in fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and market excellence,” Mr Gandhi said.
“The annual awards are a key platform through which we advocate for quality reporting and recognise outstanding performance that contributes to a more robust and trusted capital market.
“This event is not just about accolades, it is about raising standards and inspiring confidence in the financial ecosystem we serve.”
SPX chief executive officer Sheraj Obeyesekere said globally, annual reporting was evolving into a more meaningful form of stakeholder engagement, and through these awards, they aimed to highlight those organisations that go the extra mile in embracing that responsibility.
“Through the Stock Market Excellence Awards, we recognise the broader ecosystem that powers our capital market,” Mr Obeyesekere said.
“Our aim is to raise standards, build confidence, and foster a stronger sense of shared responsibility among all market participants.”
The 2025 Awards will also expand the Stock Market Excellence segment, with wider recognition for capital market participants.
Awards will be presented across a range of categories including outstanding stockbroker firms, capital-raising advisors, institutional investor activity, business media contributors, and a special Lifetime Achievement Award acknowledging exceptional capital market participation.
The awards event is scheduled for November later this year.
The judging panel for the 2025 Awards will be chaired by SPX director Lorraine Seeto, a distinguished capital markets professional with deep expertise in financial reporting and governance.
Ms Seeto will lead a diverse panel representing key institutions committed to promoting excellence in corporate reporting and market standards.
Note: This article was first published on the print version of the Fiji Times dated May 24, 2025
