CFA Institute Research Challenge – How to Participate

The CFA Institute Research Challenge university competition is a great test and experience for all students who are bold enough to face it. Like any great competitions, the opportunities and rewards it offers are even greater.

This annual world-class equity research competition provides university students with hands-on mentoring and intensive training in company financial analysis. Working in teams, students will gain real-world experience as they assume the role of research analysts and are judged on their ability to value a stock, write a research report, and present their recommendations. Participating undergraduate students will compete with peers from other universities to see who will become the local, regional, and global champions.

Words from the Previous Contestants

Hear the insights shared by former winners of the CFA Institute Research Challenge – Hong Kong Final and see how the Challenge has impacted them in developing their careers in the investment industry.

How to Participate

Participating students will be recruited in teams and nominated by faculty members of their respective universities. Every year, recruitment for student participants will be opened in September. Please consult faculty members of your respective universities for details.

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

Benefits of Participation

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.