Knowledge, experience and unconditional principles – these are the values which underpin the philosophy of the Azimut Group, Italy’s largest independent asset management company. The Milan-based organisation has earned a reputation for commitment to customer engagement, having built up a network of experienced investment management teams which span the globe. These units provide specialised services aimed primarily at private and institutional clients. The company currently operates in 17 countries, and prides itself on a light touch. Gabriele Blei, Azimut’s CEO, encourages managers to constantly seek out innovative products and services, without exerting excessive hierarchical pressure. He believes that traditional asset classes are no longer sufficient to generate performance, which is why Azimut is continually investigating alternatives. The key to the company’s agility, he says, is its independence, coupled with an “Anglo-Saxon” approach which he believes makes Azimut more receptive to innovation. Gabriele Blei believes an independent player with integrated systems has a promising future, despite market volatility, and regulation – two factors which can never be forecast, he says. And fundamental to the company’s success is a “winning team” mentality, supported by long experience. Many of Azimut’s managers have been with the company for more than 30 years. The company is an enthusiastic supporter of the UN’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) code, and during the pandemic its philanthropic arm, the Azimut Foundation, was active in providing support to local communities. The CFI.co judging panel is pleased, in 2021, to present the Azimut Group with the award, Best Independent Asset Manager Italy.