The CFA Institute Research Challenge is a global competition that tests the equity research and valuation, investment report writing, and presentation skills of university students. This annual educational initiative promotes best practices in equity research among the next generation of analysts through hands-on mentoring an intensive training in company analysis and presentation skills.
How the Challenge Works
Local CFA Institute volunteers work in conjunction with participating local universities to assemble teams of 3-5 business and finance students. Each team works directly with a mentor to research and prepare an equity research report on a publicly traded company.
Each team's findings are locally evaluated by high-profile panels of heads of research, portfolio managers, and chief investment officers from some of the world's top firms. Local champions advance to regional competitions in the Americas, Asia Pacific, and EMEA, and then to the global final.
Benefits of Participation
Students: Develop your resume/CV through hands-on mentoring and intensive training in company analysis and presentation skills.
Universities: Showcase your university on a global scale and provide your students with practical training and invaluable exposure to top industry professionals.
Mentors and Panelists: Encourage best practices in research within the next generation of investment professionals and help give back to the investment profession in a high-impact manner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to compete?
Both undergraduate and graduate student.
What is the timing of the Challenge?
The Canadian Prairies is held in March, American Regionals April.
How is the Research Challenge different from a "stock-picking" competition?
Students conduct in-depth analysis on a single company and produce a full equity research report. The winning team is chosen based on the thoroughness of its analysis and knowledge of one company rather than whether their predictions of the stock price are correct.
