CFA Institute Research Challenge 2021-22

To: UG Year 2 or above students,

You are cordially invited to participate in the CFA Institute Research Challenge 2021-22 as organized by CFA Society Hong Kong. 

The Hong Kong local final of this annual educational initiative held for the 17th consecutive year is a global competition which is designed to promote best practices in research among the next generation of analysts through hands-on mentoring and intensive training in company analysis. It is intended to complement university curriculum by simulating the real world experience of an equity analyst. 

The Challenge consists of the following components:

 ➢ Analysing of a Public Company

 ➢ Mentoring by a Professional Research Analyst

 ➢ Writing an Equity Research Report

 ➢ Presentation of Research to a High-Profile Panel of Experts

Both full-time / part-time undergraduate and postgraduate students are eligible.  Participating students must be enrolled in the current term at the university at the time of the Opening Ceremony on Thursday, 28th October 2021. CFA Charterholders and students who have extensive prior work experience in fundamental company analysis are not eligible. 

The 5 teams with highest written report scores will be presenting their research results and recommendations to a high-profile panel of judges at the Live Virtual Report Presentation and Award Ceremony on Saturday, 19th February 2022.  Apart from knowledge-based requirements, all participants should also abide by the Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct of CFA Institute.  Winners will be rewarded with scholarship, certificates, trophies and prizes.

The winning team at the Local Final will advance to the Regional Final and compete with the winning teams from other geographical regions for the opportunities to enter the Global Challenge in the pursuit of the final championship.  The Global Challenge consists of winners of the regional finals held in Asia Pacific, Europe and America.  Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, to serve the dual purposes of accommodating public health considerations and recognizing the great work of our student participants, the Hong Kong, Regional and Global finals will be conducted virtually.  Each Research Challenge season leverages the efforts of over 150+ CFA member societies, and more than 5,000+ students from over 900+ universities worldwide including top business schools being ranked in Financial Times.

Eligibility:

1.  Year 2 or above students in the academic year of 2021-22 who have NEVER participated in this competition

2.  Students from all Faculties are welcome to join, but each team should have at least 1 member from HKU Business School

Application Method:

1. Form a team of THREE to FIVE students.

2. Apply online HERE. Each team member should submit an online application by filling in the same team name and indicate your role as team leader or team member. Please upload your CV at the end of the online application.

3. Each group has to submit a written report (following the Written Reports Guidelines on P.6 of the attached Research Challenge - HK Local Final Rules 2021-22) to provide investment recommendation of the listed company Transport International Holdings limited (0062.hk). Team leader should email the completed report to Mr. Barry But (barrybut@hku.hk) by the application deadline (i.e. Sep 29, 2021)

*Please note that this report is for the School’s preliminary selection purpose only. You need to submit another report if your team is being selected to take part in this competition on behalf of our School.

**The team with the best written report will be selected

Application Deadline: September 29, 2021 (Wednesday)