International Business School Suzhou Students Achieve Outstanding Performance in the 2024-25 CFA Institute Research Challenge Shanghai Regional Finals

The team from International Business School Suzhou (IBSS) at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) achieved outstanding results in the 2024-25 CFA Institute Research Challenge Shanghai regional finals, winning the Outstanding Performance Award. The competition, which took place on 4 January at the Pudong Shangri-La Hotel, attracted over 80 students from 18 universities across the Yangtze River Delta region.

The CFA Institute Research Challenge is one of the most influential financial analysis competitions worldwide. It aims to enhance students' financial analysis skills and market awareness through real-world case studies and presentations. Since its launch in September 2024, participating teams have conducted in-depth research on the target company, Yum China (NYSE: YUMC), and submitted detailed investment analysis reports.

After the preliminary round of evaluations, eight teams advanced to the finals, including teams from Fudan University, East China Normal University, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, Shanghai University of International Business and Economics, Shanghai Advanced Institute of Finance, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai International Studies University, and Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University. In the final round, each team presented their research findings through live presentations followed by Q&A sessions with the judges.

The XJTLU IBSS team was composed of five students: TANG Luyun, LI Shen, QIAO Nan, CAO Jingwen, and XU Qianyu. They demonstrated exceptional analytical abilities, precise equity valuation skills, and outstanding presentation performance. Despite facing fierce competition, they impressed the judges with their solid professional knowledge and teamwork, earning the Outstanding Performance Award.

TANG Luyun

LI Shen

QIAO Nan

CAO Jingwen

XU Qianyu

Notably, this is the fourth consecutive year that the XJTLU IBSS team has reached the finals and won an award. This achievement reflects the students’ deep expertise in financial analysis and showcases the school’s continued efforts and outstanding results in cultivating high-level financial talent.

The team received dedicated guidance from Dr Li Xie, who has extensive experience and a strong academic background in financial analysis. His valuable advice and support were crucial in helping the students succeed.

IBSS is committed to nurturing financial talent with an international perspective and professional expertise. The school provided comprehensive support to the participating team, including professional guidance, abundant resources, and simulation training. This award is not only a recognition of the students' hard work but also a confirmation of the school’s high-quality teaching.

IBSS Trading Floor

The school will continue to encourage students to participate in various international competitions to enhance their practical skills and global competitiveness. At the same time, the school will further strengthen its partnerships with the industry to provide more internship and employment opportunities, supporting students' development in the financial sector.