Search Begins for Top Student Financial Analysts in CFA Institute Research Challenge

The CFA Institute Research Challenge, an educational competition for college- and graduate-level students that allows participants to assume the role of investment research analysts, kicks off this month for its seventh consecutive year. The ‘College Bowl’-style annual competition offers participants the opportunity to develop and present an equity research report and compete on a global basis with peers from top business schools. More than 3,500 students and 650 universities in more than 55 countries – including Romania and the Cayman Islands for the first time – will participate in local Challenge events, culminating in a global final in London in April 2013.

“The CFA Institute Research Challenge exposes students to real financial analysis and provides access to corporate leaders and experienced analysts,” said Stephen Horan, CFA, CIPM, head of University Relations and Private Wealth at CFA Institute. “The competition continues to grow in reputation and stature with a greater number of participants each year. The real-world experience students obtain is invaluable, improves their future career endeavors, and teaches skills that build a stronger and more ethical financial industry."

The CFA Institute Research Challenge is a research competition for which students write an equity research report on a publicly traded company, and present their findings to an expert panel. The teams are judged on their written reports and oral presentations and a winner is selected. Throughout the competition, leading investment professionals volunteer as mentors and judges and teach these students best practices in equity research and corporate analysis.

Local challenge events have already begun across the globe. Regional finals will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in February 2013; Toronto, Canada, in March 2013; and London, United Kingdom, in April 2013. The winners of regional finals will then progress to the global final, also to be held in London in April next year.

For more information visit the CFA Institute Research Challenge website.