CFA Institute Research Challenge 2024-25
HKU Business School students have achieved remarkable success in the CFA Institute Research Challenge 2024-25, securing the Champion title in Hong Kong Local Final, the Asia Pacific Regional Final, and advancing to the Global Final held in Chicago, USA.
The CFA Institute Research Challenge is an annual global equity research competition that incorporates hands-on mentoring and intensive training in financial analysis, valuation, reporting writing, and presentation skills. Participants assume the role of equity research analysts, gaining real-world experience under the guidance of industry professionals.
The competition involved analysing a publicly traded OEM company, writing a comprehensive equity research report, and presenting the findings to a high-profile panel of experts. Our HKU team excelled through rigorous local and regional rounds and led up to representing Hong Kong at the Global Final in Chicago, USA, where they competed against top teams worldwide. Their achievement was further highlighted in a radio interview with Metro Finance, where they shared insights from their six-month journey alongside their mentor and representative from CFA Society Hong Kong. We are immensely proud of their hard work and success. Congratulations!
More about the competition:
https://www.cfainstitute.org/insights/events/research-challenge
Replay of the interview with Metro Finance:
Part 1:
Part 2:
Champion (Hong Kong Final and Asia Pacific Regional Final)
Mr. Cheung Chun Ho, BEcon&Fin, Year 4
Mr. Chung Muk Yan, BSc(QFin), Year 4
Miss Lee Hiu Yee, BBA(IBGM), Year 4
Miss Kwan Ching Yung, BBA(Acc&Fin), Year 4
Mr. Nam Taeuk, BBA(IS), Year 6
Student Sharing:
“Participating in the CFA Research Challenge was an invaluable experience to gain hands-on experience in equity research. Through industry and financial analysis, management interviews, and financial modelling, we developed practical insights beyond what we learnt in the classroom. The judges’ questions during the presentation challenged us to critically reassess our thesis and analysis, particularly in light of the unexpected impact of tariff announcement. Additionally, the opportunity to travel to the US was rewarding, as it allowed us to engage with and learn from top teams from around the world.
I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support from HKU Business School, mentors from CFA Society, and CFA Society. I would also like to thank my teammates for their dedication throughout the competitions.”
By Mr. Cheung Chun Ho, Kelvin
“Participating in the CFA Research Challenge was a memorable experience. We got the chance to deep dive into an OEM company and form our view from scratch. Throughout the research process, we were able to discuss with management and sell-side analysts, which helped us gain deeper insights into market sentiment and flow. Travelling to the U.S. for the Global Finals was also a huge part, as it provided a great opportunity to learn from other teams and meet investment professionals from around the world.
I would like to thank my teammates for their immense effort. I also wish to express my gratitude to the mentors and organisers from HKU and the CFA Society for their continued support during the training sessions.”
By Mr. Chung Muk Yan, Adrian
“The CFA Institute Research Challenge provided an unparalleled opportunity to immerse ourselves in the role of equity analysts. Over the course of nearly six months, I honed my skills in financial analysis, valuation, report preparation, and presentation through hands-on experience. Meetings with company management and insights from industry professionals enriched my understanding of real-world equity research. Not to mention, the judges’ incisive questions challenged us to sharpen our investment thesis, making the experience both rigorous and rewarding.
I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support from HKU Business School, and our mentor’s guidance. Special thanks to my dedicated teammates for their hard work. We are honoured to have represented HKU and CFA Society Hong Kong on a global stage.”
By Miss Lee Hiu Yee, Huey
“Participating in this competition was an incredibly rewarding journey that spanned almost nine months. Throughout this time, I have gained invaluable insights into the world of equity research. The challenge was rigorous, with challenging questions from the judges pushing us to engage deeply with the research process and craft solid investment theses.
One of the most memorable experiences was traveling to Chicago with my teammates. It not only strengthens our collaboration but also created unforgettable moments that I’ll always treasure in my university life. Networking with peers and industry mentors throughout this journey opened doors for me and deepened my understanding of the finance world.
Lastly, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to CFA Society HK and our faculty advisor, Winnie Leung, for their unwavering support and guidance. I’m also grateful to my teammates for their hard work and dedication throughout this challenging preparation period.”
By Miss Kwan Ching Yung, Sharon
