Global Investment Research Challenge

Step up to the Challenge − View the two-minute video about the Global IRC

Whether you are a student, university representative, corporation, industry professional, or an interested sponsor, experience the rewards of participating in the Global Investment Research Challenge. E-mail for details on how to get involved.

CFA Institute Global Investment Research Challenge

“The quality of the research produced by these extremely bright and well-mentored students far exceeded our expectations.”
         Neill Davis
            EVP and CFO
            The Men’s Wearhouse, Inc.

Where else can you find the best and brightest minds of the next generation in the investment profession?

The Global Investment Research Challenge is a unique opportunity for university students, investment industry professionals, publicly traded companies, and corporate sponsors to jointly promote best practices in equity research and company analysis. In just three years, more than 875 students from nearly 200 universities worldwide have participated in the challenge, and current response indicates exponential growth for the future of this extraordinary annual event.

How the Challenge Works

Leading investment industry professionals guide business and finance students on how to research and report on a publicly traded company
Universities assemble teams of 3-5 students
High-profile panels of heads of research, portfolio managers, and chief investment officers from the world’s top firms evaluate the presentations locally
Local champions advance to regional competitions in the Americas, Asia, and Europe where qualifying rounds precede a final regional Challenge. Regional winners advance to the Global Finale being held on 2 April 2009 in London, UK

Benefits to Challenge Participants

Students: For business and finance students, it’s an extraordinary resumé/CV builder and a chance to interact with the industry’s top firms
Universities: University teams gain international media attention, and this type of recognition can set the university apart from other business schools
Investment professionals: Investment professionals teach best practices to the next generation of financial professionals while serving as judges, graders, and/or mentors to students from the world’s most prestigious universities
Corporations: Corporations have an opportunity to give back to the community and receive unbiased research from student teams
Sponsors: Sponsorships at the local, regional, and global levels vary. At all levels, sponsors benefit from increased brand awareness among the future leaders in the investment profession, and share in the media spotlight with CFA Institute

University Relations

CFA Institute collaborates with many universities worldwide. Many universities have adopted portions of the CFA Program curriculum for their degree programs in finance. For details on CFA Institute University Relations activities, visit CFA Institute University Relations.

Learn the results of the regional and global competitions

View 2008 schedule and participants

The Global Investment Research Challenge, based on the Investment Research Challenge originally developed by the New York Society of Security Analysts, gives students from the world's top business schools the opportunity to learn from industry experts and compete with their peers.