27 May 2026
On the evening of 11 May, the CFA Institute hosted its 2026 Appreciation Gala, themed “Fostering Dialogue, Driving Growth”, at the Grand Hyatt Shanghai. Professor Stephen Gong, Head of the Department of Finance at IBSS, represented the school at the event, alongisde by Dr Li Xie, Programme Director of the MSc in Investment Management, and Dr. Yihan Li, Deputy Director and CFA Charterholder. During the gala, the IBSS delegation engaged in discussions with CFA Institute leaders and representatives from leading universities on the future of financial education and emerging industry trends.
The gala provided an opportunity to reflect on collaborative achievements and strengthen connections between academia and industry. As a globally recognised authority in investment and finance, the CFA Institute has long championed high standards in investment education, underpinned by ethics and professional integrity. Its close collaboration with academic institutions plays an important role in ensuring financial education remains aligned with international standards and the evolving needs of industry.
During the awards ceremony, Professor Stephen Gong accepted the “Valued Partnership” award on behalf of IBSS. This recognition highlights the School’s continued commitment to excellence in finance education and reflects the growing strategic partnership between IBSS and the CFA Institute, further enhancing opportunities for future finance professionals.
Strengthening professional and practice-based financial education
The “Valued Partnership” award reflects the distinctive strengths of IBSS’s approach to finance education. As a strategic partner of the CFA Institute, the IBSS MSc in Investment Management programme has held CFA Institute-affiliated status for several years. By integrating the CFA Candidate Body of Knowledge (CBOK) into the curriculum, the programme ensures students develop knowledge and skills closely aligned with global industry expectations.
IBSS’s Department of Finance has consistently championed the philosophy of integrating academic study with industry engagement, encouraging students to apply their learning through professional competitions and practical experiences. Through participation in high-level industry competitions, students can strengthen their analytical, research and presentation skills in realistic industry settings.
- CFA Institute Research Challenge: since 2021, IBSS student teams have reached the Shanghai regional finals for five consecutive years, regularly receiving the “Outstanding Performance” award. In 2022, the team achieved a Silver Award, demonstrating strong capabilities in investment research, valuation modelling, report writing, and presentation delivery.
- Future Financial Analyst Competition (China): in the second edition of the competition, the IBSS team focused on digital transformation within the insurance industry. Their analytical approach and innovative modelling enabled them to advance through the competition to the final, ultimately winning a Silver Award — a testament to their ability to translate complex financial theory into practical industry solutions.
Embracing innovation in finance education
This recognition also provides fresh momentum for the future development of the Department of Finance. As financial technology continues to evolve, IBSS is actively exploring new approaches to finance education, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing. The School aims to equip students with the knowledge and adaptability needed for an increasingly digital and globally connected financial sector.
“Receiving this award is a tremendous encouragement for our pursuit of excellence,” said Professor Stephen Gong. “Looking ahead, we will continue to deepen our collaboration with the CFA Institute, further strengthening our students' training in digital intelligence and sustainable finance. Through our world-class talent cultivation system, we aim to continually enhance our students' industry competitiveness and career potential, contributing to the innovation and sustainable growth of the global financial market.”
Staying true to its mission of “connecting globally and serving society,” IBSS remains committed to upholding international business education standards and empowering students in their professional development, while continuing to strengthen links between finance education and industry practice.
By Li Xie
Edited by Thomas Durham
27 May 2026