Ateneo de Manila University takes top slot in CFA Institute Research Challenge Asia-Pacific regional and advances to global final

CFA Institute nurtures the next generation of financial leaders through real-world experience in financial analysis

By MARKETWIRE
March 30, 2015

MANILA – Ateneo de Manila University of the Philippines has edged out 20 other student teams from 15 countries across Asia Pacific to win the ninth CFA Institute Research Challenge Asia-Pacific Regional, and will advance to the global final in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, on April 17, 2015.

Students from the Philippines continued their string of success in recent years. This year's win marks the third time that a Philippine team has been named Asia-Pacific champion -- the most wins for any country participating in the competition. Last year, the University of the Philippines, Diliman went on to win the Global Research Challenge Final.

The CFA Institute Research Challenge is an annual educational initiative that promotes best practices in equity research through hands-on mentoring and intensive training in company analysis and presentation skills. After a semi-final round, only five of 21 teams advanced to the final round held in Manila on 12 March. Aside from Ateneo de Manila, the finalists included University of Melbourne (Australia); Symbiosis Centre for Management and Human Resource Development (India); National Taiwan University (Taiwan), and Thammasat University (Thailand).

The finalists presented their analysis to a panel of investment industry expert judges comprised of:

- Mohammad Shoaib, CFA, Chief Executive Officer at Al Meezan Investment Management Limited

- Brindha Gunasingham, CFA, Principal and Founder, FitzBiz Investment Analysis & Strategy

- Keith Neruda, CFA, Founder and Managing Director, Equity Pricing Strategies

- Maria Theresa Marcial Javier, SVP & Group Head- Asset Management and Trust Group at Bank of the Philippine Islands

The five Ateneo de Manila University students -- Sarah Jane Cua, Jose Enrique Fausto, Shaun Wesley Que, Jayhan Regner, and Kyle Jemmric Velasco -- won for their "buy" recommendation on Concepcion Industrial Corp. Each student received a trophy, a CFA Program scholarship, and certificate.

CFA Society Philippines, the CFA Institute member society in the country, sponsored the winning team as well as hosted the event in Manila.

"We warmly congratulate Ateneo de Manila University for winning the CFA Institute Research Challenge Asia-Pacific Regional this year. They have proven their superior analytical, report writing, and presentation skills, as well as their commitment to the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct," said Paul Smith, CFA, President and CEO of CFA Institute. "We remain committed toward nurturing young talent as part of our goal to foster the highest standards of ethics, education, and professional excellence among the next generation of investment professionals. We are grateful for the dedication of our local member societies and volunteers who serve as mentors to these students. I personally look forward to sterling performances from the Ateneo team again at the global final."

Speaking on behalf of the winning team, Jose Enrique Fausto said, "We never expected to be here; but we're so thankful to God, our advisors and mentors, family, and friends who helped us achieve this incredible honor for our university and our country."