Student Team from University of Sydney Named Global Champions in 2023 CFA Institute Research Challenge

A student team from the University of Sydney has been named Global Champions at the 17th annual CFA Institute Research Challenge. The global final was held in-person for the first time in 3 years, taking place at the CFA Institute “Asset and Risk Allocation: Building Resilient Portfolios for the Future” Conference in Washington, DC, on May 3rd. This year, the student teams hailed from jurisdictions around the world including the United States, Italy, Indonesia, Switzerland, and Australia.

Research Challenge participants are required to research, valuate, create a report, and present on an equity stock. This hands-on learning experience teaches the next generation of analysts the best practices and skills required for a successful career in investment analysis. The student teams are then evaluated by a panel of distinguished judges drawn from leading investment industry organizations.

Margaret Franklin, CFA, President and CEO, CFA Institute commented:

“Each year, the Research Challenge is an exciting, energizing competition that is a shining example of the great potential and determination of the next generation of investment professionals. Having the opportunity to reconvene in-person and interact with the students was a long-awaited celebration. I extend my sincere congratulations to the University of Sydney for being named the global champion, as well as all the participants in the global finals for their efforts. Their dedication and hard work is truly so inspiring.”

The winning team from University of Sydney is comprised of five students including: Patrick Mahony, Jason Shi, Andre Thomas, Rachel Wang, and Moniq Wever. The team was supported throughout the Research Challenge by their faculty advisor Quan Gan and industry mentor Mathew Kaleel. The team earned their win through their evaluation, report, presentation for a buy recommendation for Qantas Airways.

The panel of judges responsible for awarding this distinction were:

• Jaime Lazaro, CFA, BBVA
• Caitriona MacGuinness, CFA, Mercer
• Harwant Sethi, CFA, London Stock Exchange Group
• Eunice Tee, CFA, Eastspring Al-Wara’ Investments
• Marcus Whitehead, CFA, T. Rowe Price

This year, more than 6,300 students from 1,100 universities around the globe participated in the Research Challenge. The global final runners-up, deemed champions in their respective regions, joined the competition in-person to compete for the title of global winner. Each team was sponsored by a local CFA Society. These teams represented:

• California Polytechnic State University, United States
• California State University, Fullerton, United States
• Polytechnic University of Milan, Italy
• Universitas Indonesia, Indonesia
• University of Neuchatel, Switzerland