IBSS students achieve strong results in the 5th China Future Financial Analyst Competition

The finals of the 5th China Future Financial Analyst Competition recently concluded in Beijing. Jointly hosted by the Beijing Financial Development Promotion Center and the CFA Institute, this year's competition was themed "Finance Drives New Quality Productive Forces: Innovation and Collaborative Development in the Real Economy." It attracted 9,239 students from 529 universities worldwide, supported by leading financial institutions and demonstrating strong global participation. Aimed at identifying and cultivating future financial talent, the competition has steadily expanded its influence over the years, serving as an important bridge between academic theory and industry practice. This year, supporting financial institutions provided specialised training for outstanding participants and offered valuable internship opportunities to members of the top 60 teams globally, helping students transition from campus to career.

IBSS actively aligned with the CFA Institute's initiative, encouraging and organising student participation through information sessions and systematic training. Dozens of students signed up, forming over ten interdisciplinary teams spanning departments and schools. To ensure smooth organisation, Ms. Hailu Hou from the Student Development Services (SDS) team established communication platforms via WeChat and email, facilitating efficient information sharing and training logistics. In terms of academic guidance, Dr Li Xie (the programme director of MSc Investment Management) and Dr Yihan Li (Deputy Director) provided comprehensive mentorship on research frameworks and methodologies. Dr Xie, who has extensive experience in guiding students to success in various business competitions — including securing a silver award in the second edition of this competition — worked closely with Dr Li to provide structured support across topic analysis, research methods, report writing, and presentation skills.

With the school's support and the students' dedication, XJTLU teams delivered notable performances. Four teams consisting entirely or partially of XJTLU students, stood out among thousands of global participants to secure places in the top 60  report teams worldwide. Notably, one team with XJTLU student participation advanced to the top 12, earning the opportunity to present in the live finals in Beijing. This achievement not only recognises the students' capabilities but also secures valuable internship opportunities with top-tier financial institutions, laying a solid foundation for their future academic pursuits and careers in finance.

As one of the world's leading professional associations for investment management, the CFA Institute has over 200,000 charterholders globally and actively helps students understand the asset management industry through initiatives like the CFA Institute Research Challenge. The MSc Investment Management programme at IBSS consistently encourages students to participate in these prestigious competitions, which provide high-level platforms for academic exchange, direct industry exposure, and valuable practical experience to support their long-term academic and professional growth.

By Yihan Li

Edited by Thomas Durham