We are now seeking passionate finance professionals to volunteer as Mentors and Graders for the CFA Institute Research Challenge Hong Kong Local Final 2026-27!
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.
Mentors
Each participating team, consisting of 3-5 students, will be assigned an industry mentor to provide guidance and mentorship throughout the competition. Mentors are responsible for advising students on conducting research, reviewing their analytical reports, and providing feedback on their calculation methodologies.
We are looking for volunteers who meet the following criteria:
- Professional Experience: Preferably sell-side analysts with more than 5 years of working experience (CFA charterholders are highly preferred).
- Passion for Mentorship: A strong desire to teach industry best practices and promote ethical decision-making to the next generation of financial professionals.
- Time Commitment:
- Willing to attend the Subject Listed Company Presentation in December 2026 with the assigned team(s) (approx. 2-2.5 hours).
- Willing to dedicate an additional 6-10 hours (via emails, phone calls, or meetings) to guide the team(s) through their investment research report.
CPT Benefits:
Mentors will be eligible to earn 6-10 CPT hours (recognized by the Securities and Futures Commission) upon completion of the event.
(Note: The exact number of hours is subject to the number of teams assigned.)
Graders
Graders will review and evaluate the written research reports for the Hong Kong Local Final. Ideal candidates are analysts, portfolio managers, or other investment professionals with extensive experience either preparing or analyzing sell-side research.
As a grader, you will score reports based on a predetermined rubric. Each volunteer will review approximately 5-8 investment research reports, grading individual sections and providing constructive feedback to help the teams improve their work.
We are looking for volunteers who meet the following criteria:
- Professional Experience: Preferably sell-side analysts with more than 5 years of working experience (CFA charterholders are highly preferred).
- Passion for Ethics: Dedicated to promoting ethical decision-making to the next generation of financial professionals.
CPT Benefits:
Graders will be eligible to earn 6-8 CPT hours (recognized by the Securities and Futures Commission) for the year 2027.
(Note: The exact number of hours is subject to the total number of reports graded.)
Timeline
| July 2026 | Invitation to universities in Hong Kong and Macau |
| 16 October 2026 (TBC) | Opening Ceremony |
| December 2026 | Subject Listed Company Presentation |
| 4 January 2027 | Submission Deadline for Analysis Reports |
| 7-20 January 2027 (2 weeks) | Graders to review and score the Analysis Reports |
| 21 January 2027 | Announcement of the Top 6 finalist teams |
| 13 February 2027 (TBC) | Final Presentation and Awards Ceremony |
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer Mentor or Grader, please fill out the below Application Form to submit details about your professional experience on or before 18 September 2026 (Friday).
Further details regarding the event and logistics will be provided in due course.
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.