The Collaborative Market Data Network -
serving the Public interest of Transparency in Debt Capital Markets
The Collaborative Market Data Network
Serving Transparency in Capital Markets
The Collaborative
Market Data Network

Awards Methodology

Our review period is one year with a strong focus on projecting the next 12 months. Thus, the awards given are valid for the whole of 2024.

TopDeals are awarded real time. Throughout the year CMDportal looks for exceptional or noteworthy deals. Where warranted we award these with Top Deal recognition. TopDeals are those that stand out because they either widen the market or deepen the market. They are awarded by CMDportal all-year round.

The market decides on award categories and nominations. Award categories and nominations are not decided upon last minute. Throughout the year, we collect feedback from industry participants. The number of categories over the years as grown, reflecting the development of these markets. It can however also happen that we decide to not continue a specific award. Relevance and meaning are very important to us.

In the Autumn we run a market poll. At the same time, throughout the year, we run polls. These polls play a crucial role in getting feedback from the market on specific topics. For this publication, polls opened in October and closed in November and generated active voting from our global audience of investors, dealers and issuers. We asked issuers to vote for dealers. We asked dealers to vote for issuers and we asked investors to vote for dealers and issuers. After we closed the polls, we counted the votes and followed up on feedback received. We use this to determine the final nominations and award categories.

We interview market participants throughout the year. For each Award category we produce a questionnaire which we send to each nominee in order to gain insights into their performance. This produced detailed responses that helped shape out decision making. Additionally, several firms provided presentations outlining their strengths. These discussions are a key part of gathering insights and examining accomplishments. Firms were also invited to suggest new developments during the year.

Hard factors shape our decisions. The data, which we call a hard factor, is the easiest part of the decision-making process. League table rankings and changes therein provide statistical evidence of outperformance throughout the year. As is market standard, unless the award category warranted otherwise; self-led transactions were not considered. In money markets we primarily consulted the market share league tables. And for private placements we only considered deals between USD5m and USD350m equivalent.

Calculus plays a growing role. CMDportal collects a lot of data. For the past year we collected over 472,000 Bond, Note, CP, CD and Bill issues. To properly analyse this for performance and breadth of experience across markets as well as identify those that are improving more than others, we use scores to help determine the winners. Calculative tools where used to measure diversification scores for Money Market Funds. We refer to the money market fund award write up and the methodology for more information on how this was done.

Soft factors produce winners. Whilst hard factors and calculations provide a strong and easy foundation for decision making, in the end soft factors produce winners. Soft factors, such as responsiveness in answering questions, and account of passion for the deals done, the achievements they have accomplished and most importantly the recognition that the market bestows. Hard and Soft factors also play a role in our forward-looking assessment of those institutions that win.

Winners’ benefit and Logo Use. Winners of CMDportal Awards are able to use the Winners’ wreath and the Top Deal ribbon in advertising and marketing materials as well as in email signatures. These images allow the winners to highlight their independently market recognised unique strengths and help distinguish the winners from the competition.

We would like to thank everyone who took the time and effort to participate in the process.

CMDportal Awards 2023

Leaders in Debt Capital Markets Awards 2023

CMDportal Awards 2022

Leaders in Debt Capital Markets Awards 2022

CMDportal Awards 2021

Winners in Debt Capital Markets Awards 2021

CMDportal Awards 2020

Winners in Debt Capital Markets Awards 2020

CMDportal Awards 2019
Money Market Issuers Awards
Money Market Dealers Awards
Bond/MTN Issuers Awards
Bond/MTN Dealers Awards
Money Market Fund Diversification Awards

CMDportal Awards 2018
Money Market Issuers Awards
Money Market Dealers Awards
Bond/MTN Issuers Awards
Bond/MTN Dealers Awards
Money Market Fund Diversification Awards

CMDportal Awards 2017
Money Market Issuers Awards
Money Market Dealers Awards
Bond/MTN Issuers Awards
Bond/MTN Dealers Awards
Money Fund Investors Awards

CMDportal Awards 2016
Money Market Dealers Awards
Bond/MTN Dealers Awards
Issuers Awards
Investors Awards

CMDportal Awards 2015
Money Market Dealers Awards
Bond/MTN Dealers Awards
Issuers Awards

CMDportal Awards 2014
Money Markets Awards
Bond/MTN Markets Awards