Students Beatriz Ferreira, José Pedro Costa, João Simões and João Menezes, from the Master in Finance at the School of Economics and Managementof of the University of Porto (FEP), have won second prize in the Portuguese edition of the CFA Institute Research Challenge, an international competition aimed at students from leading universities in the area of Finance.

14 teams from nine Portuguese universities took part in this year’s challenge, of which only six made it through to the final stage, held on 16 February at Euronext Lisbon. The participating teams were set the challenge of evaluating and presenting an investment recommendation for the NOS company.

In addition to the FEP, the finalist schools included the School of Economics and Management of the University of Minho, the ISEG Lisbon School of Economics and Management, Nova School of Business and Economics, the Catholic University of Lisbon and Coimbra Business School.

“Students’ participation in challenges such as the CFA Challenge is crucial to their professional development. These competitions provide a practical experience where students apply theoretical knowledge to real situations in the financial world. They also help develop essential skills such as financial analysis, company valuation, communication and teamwork. Overall, taking part in these competitions prepares students for future careers in finance,” emphasises FEP Professor Miguel Sousa, who accompanied the school team.

Also supporting the FEP students were Professors Fábio Duarte and Jorge Farinha. All the students are attending the Master in Finance at FEP, and three of them (Beatriz Ferreira, João Pedro Menezes and João Simões) are also studying for a Double Degree at the University of Kozminski.

About the CFA Institute Research Challenge

Promoted annually by the Chartered Financial Analysts Institute, the CFA Institute Research Challenge offers participating finance undergraduates practical guidance, intensive training in financial analysis and the chance to network with leading industry professionals.

This year’s Global Final will take place on 13 May in Warsaw, Poland.