CFA Institute Research Challenge

Koc University Research Team, led by their academic mentor Dr. Zekiye Selvili (CASE) has won the local CFA Research Challenge. The Research Challenge, hosted by the CFA Institute, is the most prestigious finance competition in the world, involving more than 900 universities across the globe. 

In this competition, students use research and financial analysis to value a publicly traded company in their respective countries. They present their findings in a detailed professional report before an audience, including judges with CFA titles and years of sector experience. Throughout the process, students can integrate their academic learnings with practical training while gaining experience as equity research analysts. 

Our team has successfully completed the next step of the challenge, which involved competing against other universities in the region of Southern Europe. The results will be announced at the end of March. If they are able to advance from their breakout groups, they will be eligible to compete in the European finals, and ultimately in the global finals, which will be held in Washington D.C. 

We wish the team good luck and continued success throughout their journey. 

Koç University Research Team: 

(From Left To Right)

Emin Alperen Çil: Economics-Mathematics

Melike Otnar: Industrial Engineering-Economics

Emir Fazıl Kaya: Economics- Business Administration

Selin Nur Dikmen: Industrial Engineering-Business Administration

Eren Cem Tosun: Economics- Business Administration 

*What is the CFA Institute Research Challenge?

The CFA Institute Research Challenge is an annual global competition that provides university students with hands-on mentoring and intensive training in financial analysis and professional ethics. Each student will be tested on their analytical, valuation, report writing, and presentation skills. They gain real-world experience as they assume the role of a research analyst.

*How does it work?

Local level competitions are organized and judged by CFA Institute society members and volunteers who function as local hosts. The winning university team from each local competition advances to the sub-regional competition. The sub-regional, regional, and global competitions are hosted by CFA Institute in the Americas; the Asia Pacific; and the Europe, Middle East, and Africa regions. The winning teams from each sub-regional competition advance to the regional competition. Regional winners advance to the Global Final, where one team emerges as the global champion.

*Competition Schedule

University teams begin their activities in the beginning of fall. Sub-regional, regional competitions and the global final are held in March, April, and May.