A team of exceptional students from Shanghai Advanced Institute of Finance (SAIF) at Shanghai Jiao Tong University has emerged victorious in the Shanghai regional final of the prestigious CFA Institute Research Challenge. The competition, which commenced in September 2024, featured 17 competing teams from universities across the Yangtze River Delta region, with SAIF's team distinguishing itself through superior analytical capabilities, precise equity valuation techniques, and compelling presentation skills.
The CFA Institute Research Challenge stands as a premier global competition for finance students in higher education, conducted entirely in English. This comprehensive challenge tests participants' proficiency in financial analysis, equity valuation, investment research report writing, and professional presentation skills. Competing teams undertake detailed research on designated listed companies, demonstrating their analytical capabilities and mastery of stock research best practices.
Following a rigorous preliminary round, eight university teams advanced to the Shanghai regional final based on the excellence of their research reports. During the final round, teams presented their in-depth analysis of YumChina (NYSE:YUMC), engaging in detailed Q&A sessions with the judging panel. The SAIF team's victory was secured through their exceptional combination of clear, articulate presentation skills and comprehensive, nuanced analysis.
The winning team comprises five students from the 2024 Master of Finance (MF) program: Li Qitong, Gao Ningyao, Xiao Mingge, Xing Zhuohang, and Zhu Yufeng. Their diverse academic backgrounds—spanning finance, economics, management, and complex engineering—contributed to their comprehensive approach to the challenge. The team received comprehensive support from SAIF faculty and the LIVE Learning Center (LLC), highlighting the institute's commitment to nurturing future financial leaders.
