CFA Society Hong Kong has officially kicked off the 23rd CFA Institute Research Challenge Hong Kong Local Final! This year, 30 student teams across 14 universities in Hong Kong and Macau are stepping up to compete in this world-class equity research competition.
Dr. Alvin Ho, CFA, President of the Society, opened the evening with inspiring remarks on the rewards of a career in financial analysis and the value of preparing early for the CFA exam. We were honored to have continuous support from the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau (FSTB), with Joseph Chan, Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, delivering an encouraging keynote to inspire students as they build their future careers.
Kerr Poon, CFA, Executive Director and Co-Chair of the University Outreach Committee, then walked participants through the competition timeline and essential guidelines. Attendees also gained valuable takeaways from a panel of last year’s participants, Aveline Put, Joson Suen, and Leon Wang, who shared practical advice on navigating the challenge and managing their time, in a session dynamic moderated by Candy Wong, CFA.
We were also delighted to hear the remarks from our valued sponsor and partner representatives, including Cusson Leung, CFA, Chief Investment Officer, International Wealth Management of KGI; Eddy Lam, Managing Director, Asia of Direxion; and Natalie Chan, CFA, Banking & Capital Markets Leader - Hong Kong of Deloitte.
Over the next few months, student teams will analyze our Subject Listed Company under the guidance of industry mentors, conduct management meetings, and submit a comprehensive equity research report. The top 6 teams will advance to the Report Presentation and Award Ceremony in February 2027.
Best of luck to all participating teams, and we look forward to seeing their insights and presentations!
Sponsors & Supporting Organizations of Research Challenge – Hong Kong Local Final 2026-2027
About the CFA Institute Research Challenge
The CFA Institute Research Challenge is an annual, world-class equity research competition that provides university students with intensive training in financial analysis and hands-on mentoring.
Working in teams, students gain real-world experience by assuming the role of research analysts. They are evaluated on their ability to analyze a company’s fundamentals, value its equity, prepare a comprehensive research report, and present their recommendations. Participating teams will compete against other universities for local, regional, and global championships.
The competition consists of four stages: Local, Sub-Regional, Regional, and Global. Winners from the Local round advance to face regional competitors at the Sub-Regional and Regional levels. From there, the top Regional teams move on to the Global stage, culminating in the selection of a single, ultimate Global champion. Throughout the competition, all participants are held to the rigorous standards of the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct.
Timeline
| 3 November 2026 | Financial Analysis Workshop (Zoom) |
| 4 November 2026 | ESG Workshop (Zoom) |
| 6 November 2026 | Submission Deadline: Questions for Subject Listed Company Presentation |
| 11 November 2026 | Subject Listed Company Presentation |
| 16 November 2026 | Submission Deadline: ESG Session |
| 19 November 2026 | Best Practice for Research Workshop (Zoom) |
| 4 January 2027 | Submission Deadline: Analysis Reports |
| 15 January 2027 | Presentation Workshop (In-person) |
| 21 January 2027 | Announcement of the Top 6 finalist teams |
| 13 February 2027 (TBC) | Final Presentation and Awards Ceremony |
Timeline for the Research Challenge – Hong Kong, Regional and Global Finals 2026-2027
CFA Institute Research Challenge – How does it work?
Local-level competitions are organized and judged by CFA Institute society members and volunteers who function as local hosts. CFA Society Hong Kong has been the local host since 2005.
The Society will work with universities in Hong Kong and Macau to assemble teams of three to five undergraduate and/or graduate students. Teams research and analyze a designated publicly-traded company; prepare a written report on the company that supports a buy, sell, or hold recommendation; receive advice and support from a faculty advisor and an industry mentor; and present and defend their findings to a panel of industry experts.
View the Official Rules
Receive in-depth training in equity analysis, research report writing, and presentation skills
Receive hands-on mentoring
Develop your resume / CV
Network with industry professionals and peers from other universities, paving the way for career opportunities
Elevate your university’s reputation on a global scale
Contributions from Industry Professionals
By joining as a mentor, grader, or judge, you play a key role in promoting the highest standards of ethics, education, and professional excellence both for the students and, ultimately, for the Society. It provides an excellent opportunity to offer guidance, direction, suggestions, and feedback to student teams participating in the challenge.
Please stay tuned for further announcements.
Sponsorship Opportunity
Sponsors’ involvement is crucial for the success of the competition.
Please email us at info@cfahk.org or +852 2521 2543.