Explore & Join the Research Challenge
CFA Institute Research Challenge is a prestigious global financial analysis competition for university students, offering participants a unique opportunity to develop their skills in financial analysis, company valuation, and investment reporting. This competition, designed for students passionate about finance, provides hands-on experience that not only enhances their academic education but also prepares them for a successful career in the financial industry.
In May 2024, the global final of the competition took place in Warsaw during the gala celebrating the 20th anniversary of CFA Society Poland.
About the CFA Institute Research Challenge
Held annually, the CFA Institute Research Challenge brings together student teams from around the world who compete in analyzing real-world publicly traded companies and preparing professional investment reports. The competition takes place at several levels – from local challenges organized by CFA Society chapters to the global final, where the best teams compete for the world championship title.
Each team is guided by an industry mentor and a faculty advisor, providing invaluable support and an opportunity to learn from seasoned professionals. During the competition, participants not only master advanced financial analysis and valuation techniques but also refine their presentation skills as they defend their recommendations in front of expert panels.
Over the years, the competition has attracted thousands of participants from more than 1,000 universities worldwide. In Poland, the local eliminations are organized by CFA Society Poland, which provides participants with professional support and the chance to network with experts from the financial industry. By taking part, students not only enhance their analytical skills but also gain valuable networking opportunities and stand out on the global stage.
Benefits of participating in the CFA Institute Research Challenge:
- Prize pool of over 10,000 PLN for the finalists of the Polish edition.
- High visibility of winners and their universities within the financial industry.
- An opportunity to gain valuable experience and test your skills as an analyst.
- A perfect way to enhance your professional profile and CV.
- Collaboration with financial professionals during project preparation.
- A chance to showcase your skills in front of authorities in the financial world.
- Participation in a prestigious competition with a global alumni network.
- Involvement in preparatory meetings for the competition.
How the CFA Institute Research Challenge Works
The competition progresses through the following stages:
Local Stage
This stage takes place in Poland, where teams analyze a selected publicly traded company. With support from mentors and faculty advisors, teams prepare investment reports and present their recommendations to a local panel of experts. The winning team from CFA Society Poland advances to the regional stage.
Regional Stage
At this stage, Polish participants compete with teams from the EMEA region. Regional finals involve presenting their reports to a regional jury based on recorded presentations of the selected company.
Global Final
The best teams from each region meet during the global final, the culmination of the competition. In this stage, participants from around the world present their analyses to a global panel of financial experts. The global final is a prestigious event where winners have the opportunity to stand out on the global stage, gain a competitive edge, and build international professional relationships.
Learn about the 2025 competition timeline:
- Local Stage
- October 7, 2024: Registration opens for students.
- October 24, 2024, 17.00: Valuation methodology meeting led by Piotr Domański, CFA, Partner, Financial Advisory, Valuation & Modeling, and Łukasz Ziemba, CFA, Manager, Deloitte.
- November 2024: Meeting led by Santander (TBC).
- November 24, 2024: Student registration closes.
- November 25, 2024: Announcement of the subject company (the company to be analyzed by the students) and notification of the company meeting.
- Early December 2024: Company meeting.
- December 6, 2024: Online operational meeting for teams with competition alumni.
- February 3, 2025: Report submission deadline.
- February 21, 2025: Finalist announcement.
- February 27, 2025: Local final at the Warsaw Stock Exchange trading floor.
- Regional Stage
- April 8—9, 2025: Regional semi-finals.
- April 10—11, 2025: Regional finals.
- Global Stage
- May 5, 2025: Global final at the CFA Institute Live 2025 conference for investment professionals.
Learn about the Partners of the 2025 Edition
We will soon announce the partners for this year’s CFA Institute Research Challenge.
Previous Editions
In Poland, the CFA Institute Research Challenge has been held for over a decade, growing in popularity and prestige with each edition. The winners of the Polish stage then have the opportunity to represent the country at the regional and global stages. Here are the winners from the past three editions:
- 2024: Company analyzed – WP Holding SA. Local winner: Kozminski University team.
- 2023: Company analyzed – KRUK SA. Local winner: Wroclaw University of Economics and Business team.
- 2022: Company analyzed – Asseco. Local winner: Kozminski University team.
Are You Ready to Get Challenged?
Before deciding to participate, make sure you and your team members review the official rules for the CFA Institute Research Challenge 2025.
This is just the beginning of your exciting journey! You’re just one step away from your first registration. Click the button below and leave us your contact details.
Within 48 hours, our team will reach out to confirm your registration and provide further details. Good luck!
CFA Society Poland powstało w 2004 roku i jest jednym ze 157 lokalnych stowarzyszeń międzynarodowego CFA Institute. Organizacja obecna jest w 70 krajach i zrzesza blisko 200 tys. przedstawicieli branży finansowej, obecnych w ponad 164 krajach. CFA Society Poland rozpowszechnia i realizuje najwyższe standardy etyczne oraz edukacyjne w zakresie działań branży inwestycyjnej w Polsce.