The CFA Institute Research Challenge is a global competition designed to promote best practices in research among the next generation of analysts. Through hands-on mentoring and intensive training in company analysis, participants gain invaluable experience that prepares them for successful careers in finance. This year marks the 22nd consecutive year of the Challenge, with a record-high 32 teams of students from 16 universities in Hong Kong and Macau participating.
At the Opening Ceremony on 17 October 2025, Mr. Joseph Chan, JP, Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the Government of Hong Kong SAR, initiated the evening with his keynote speech, expressing his excitement at seeing the room full of young and aspiring students ready to embark on their Research Challenge journey. Dr. Alvin Ho, CFA, President of the Society, then delivered a powerful reminder in his speech that true commitment, as shown by the students, is the first step toward a meaningful career in finance.
We then have Mr. John Zeng, Group CFO and CEO of Tiger Brokers Hong Kong, who expressed his anticipation for the competition ahead and how their sponsorship of the Research Challenge—and the new award of this year, “Tiger Brokers Presents: Star Presenter”—aligns with their company’s commitment to nurturing future finance talent and bridging academic learning with real-world practice.
In the coming months, the participating students will conduct in-depth research on this year’s subject listed company: Tencent Music Entertainment Group (TME) (1698.HK). Mr. Wallace Yu, General Manager of the Finance Department at Tencent Music Entertainment Group, was invited to the stage to share his excitement about engaging in this competition and his anticipation in reviewing the research analyses presented by the participants.
We also invited the two Official Data Service Providers of this year’s competition to initiate a mentor-mentee matching ceremony. Our gratitude goes to Ms. Nancy Cheng, Executive Director and Head of Operations at Hang Seng Indexes Company, and Mr. Alan Hu, Director at Wind Information, for their support and presence.
The Final Presentation and Award Ceremony will be held on 7 February 2026. Best wishes to all the participants and stay tuned for future updates on this competition!
Sponsors & Supporting Organizations of Research Challenge – Hong Kong Local Final 2025-2026
Timeline for the Research Challenge – Hong Kong, Regional and Global Finals 2025-2026
CFA Institute Research Challenge – How does it work?
Local-level competitions are organized and judged by CFA Institute society members and volunteers who function as local hosts. CFA Society Hong Kong has been the local host since 2005.
The Society will work with universities in Hong Kong and Macau to assemble teams of three to five undergraduate and/or graduate students. Teams research and analyze a designated publicly-traded company; prepare a written report on the company that supports a buy, sell, or hold recommendation; receive advice and support from a faculty advisor and an industry mentor; and present and defend their findings to a panel of industry experts.
View the Official Rules
Receive in-depth training in equity analysis, research report writing, and presentation skills
Receive hands-on mentoring
Develop your resume / CV
Network with industry professionals and peers from other universities, paving the way for career opportunities
Elevate your university’s reputation on a global scale
Contributions from Industry Professionals
By joining as a mentor, grader, or judge, you play a key role in promoting the highest standards of ethics, education, and professional excellence both for the students and, ultimately, for the Society. It provides an excellent opportunity to offer guidance, direction, suggestions, and feedback to student teams participating in the challenge.
Please stay tuned for further announcements.
Sponsorship Opportunity
Sponsors’ involvement is crucial for the success of the competition.
Please email us at info@cfahk.org or +852 2521 2543.
Participation (Coming Soon)