Hey Future Finance Professionals! Are You Ready?
CFA Society Istanbul is excited to announce the upcoming CFA Institute Research Challenge 2025–2026 season – an experience that will shape your career!
What is the CFA Institute Research Challenge?
This annual global competition, organized by CFA Institute, provides university students with hands-on mentoring and intensive training in financial analysis and professional ethics. Participants take on the role of a research analyst, producing a detailed equity research report and delivering a presentation.
You'll be evaluated on your analytical, valuation, report writing, and presentation skills. It's a unique chance to gain real-world experience!
To learn more about the challenge’s global impact, see past champions here.
How Does It Work?
Local competitions are organized and judged by CFA Institute society members and volunteers. The winning university team from each local competition advances to the sub-regional competition, with opportunities to progress to regional and global finals!
Preliminary Timeline (2025–2026 Season)
Please note: This preliminary calendar is based on last year's timeline. Final dates will be confirmed and announced by mid-September.
- Applications are open till 9 October for the CFA Institute Local Research Challenge!
→ Inform your students, form up to 2 teams (3–5 students per team).
Key Dates:
- Late September: Online Info Session for Students & Academic Mentors
- 15-30 October: Online workshops on Data Training. Valuation, Macroeconomy, Sustainability, Regulation.
- Late October/Early November: Kick-off meeting (hybrid) with Company Management in Istanbul & In-Person Plant Visit on a separate day.
- Mid-to-late November 2025: Report-writing officially begins, mentors assigned, Q&A
- 30 December 2025: First Draft Submission to Mentors (Optional)
- Early January 2026: Final Report Deadline
- 2nd half of January 2026: Finalists Announced
- 2nd half of February 2026: Local Final
- 1st half of April 2026: Sub-regional, Regional Semifinals & Finals
- 1st half of May 2026: TBD
Subject Company for 2025–2026:
This year's subject company for the CFA Institute Local Research Challenge is Türk Telekom!
Helpful Resources
To help you prepare effectively, we recommend reviewing the following important documents and materials:
📄 Official Rules – Research Challenge 2024–2025 (PDF)
📄 Written Report Guidelines (PDF)
🌐 CFA Institute Research Challenge Official Page
🏆 Previous Years’ Champions & Success Stories
Why Should You Join?
This is an unparalleled opportunity to:
- Develop critical analytical and presentation skills
- Gain real-world exposure in equity research
- Network with top industry professionals
- Enhance your resume with a global credential
- Represent your university – locally and globally!
Don’t Miss Out!
Start forming your teams and prepare for this enriching journey today. We look forward to welcoming you to an unforgettable challenge season!