09 Jan 2026
The student team from International Business School Suzhou (IBSS) at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) achieved remarkable success at the 2025 CFA Institute Research Challenge Shanghai Local Final, garnering the Outstanding Performance Award. Held on December 20, the competition featured 24 elite teams representing 18 prestigious universities across the Yangtze River Delta region.
The CFA Institute Research Challenge is globally recognized as one of the most rigorous and influential investment analysis competitions for university students. By requiring an in-depth investment case study and a professional presentation on a real-world listed company, the challenge is designed to systematically enhance students’ core competencies in financial analysis, valuation modeling, industry research, and professional communication.
The 2025 Shanghai Local Final officially commenced in September. During the preliminary stage, 24 teams conducted exhaustive research on this year’s subject company, Trip.com Group (NASDAQ: TCOM / HKEX: 9961), and submitted comprehensive investment research reports in English. Following a stringent evaluation by industry experts, the IBSS team emerged as one of the top eight finalists to advance to the Shanghai Local Final. On the day of the final, teams presented their findings followed by a high-pressure Q&A session with a panel of judges, fully demonstrating the professional depth and practical orientation of the event.
The IBSS team comprised five students: Yuqing Liu, Yihan Zhao, Yinuo Jin, Siyu Liu, and Qiuyue Yan. Throughout the competition, the team demonstrated rigorous analytical logic, robust valuation skills, and articulate, confident professional delivery. Their research insights and performance during the defense earned high acclaim from the judges, ultimately securing the Outstanding Performance Award.
The team was mentored by Dr Li Xie and Dr Yihan Li from the Department of Finance. The faculty advisors provided systematic and professional guidance on research frameworks, valuation logic, and presentation techniques, laying a solid foundation for the team’s consistent performance in this high-level competition.
IBSS remains steadfast in its commitment to cultivating high-level finance professionals equipped with an international perspective, professional integrity, and practical expertise. Through systematic pre-competition training and comprehensive academic resources, the school actively promotes the integration of industry and education, helping students bridge the gap between financial theory and real-world practice.
As the programme director of MSc Investment Management, Dr Li Xie commented:
"Securing the Outstanding Performance Award this year is a significant milestone, marking the fifth consecutive year that IBSS has reached the regional finals and earned prestigious accolades. This sustained success is a testament to the unique strengths of our MSc Investment Management programme. By integrating the CFA Candidate Body of Knowledge (CBOK) into our curriculum, we ensure our students possess the rigorous analytical framework required by the global investment profession. Furthermore, these competitions are vital to our strategy of enhancing external engagement. They provide a high-caliber platform for our students to interface directly with the financial industry, demonstrating their readiness to meet the demands of top-tier global employers. As we celebrate this legacy of excellence, we invite and encourage the next generation of ambitious candidates to step forward for next year’s challenge."
Dr Yihan Li, as the Deputy Programme Director, added:
"The CFA Research Challenge closely mirrors the actual operations of the asset management industry. It cultivates core skills such as industry analysis, valuation, and roadshow presentations. Participating in such mainstream industry competitions is particularly beneficial for our students, as it enables them to apply classroom knowledge in practical settings and gain valuable industry insights through interaction with mentors and judges. This award is a high-value credential that will provide our students with a distinct competitive advantage in the future job market."
Looking ahead, we will continue to champion student participation in prestigious international professional competitions. By further strengthening collaborations with industry institutions and professional associations, the school aims to provide students with unparalleled practical opportunities and a robust platform for long-term career development.
09 Jan 2026