Call for Candidates for the 2026–2027 CFA Institute Research Challenge Team
Key Information
Application Deadline: June 29, 2026
Application Form: https://forms.gle/sdbVakkoayiWeCyC6
Subject Company: Borusan Pipe
Summer Preparation Package: To be shared with eligible applicants after the application deadline
Preliminary Presentations: First two weeks of September 2026
Challenge Start: Mid-September 2026
Final Team Size: 3–5 students
Academic Mentor: Asst. Prof. Dr. Evrim Hacıoğlu Kazak
The application process has begun for students who wish to be considered for the 2026–2027 CFA Institute Research Challenge Team, under the academic mentorship of Asst. Prof. Dr. Evrim Hacıoğlu Kazak.
The company selected by CFA Society Istanbul for the 2026–2027 CFA Institute Research Challenge is Borusan Pipe, and the local competition is expected to begin in mid-September 2026.
As part of the activities of the YTU Center for Finance, Governance, and Sustainability (CFGS), students are encouraged to participate in internationally recognized initiatives that bridge academic knowledge with professional practice.
The CFA Institute Research Challenge is one of the world’s most prestigious university competitions in finance, providing students with hands-on experience in equity research, financial analysis, company valuation, report writing, and professional presentation skills under the guidance of academics and industry professionals.
Participants have the opportunity to develop practical competencies in:
- Equity Research and Investment Analysis
- Financial Statement Analysis
- Company Valuation (DCF, Relative Valuation, etc.)
- ESG and Sustainability Analysis
- Financial Modeling
- Report Writing
- Professional Presentation Skills
- Teamwork and Professional Ethics
Summer Preparation Program
Students interested in joining the team are invited to participate in a Candidate Preparation Program during the summer.
Eligible applicants will receive a structured summer study plan and reading package—including recommended books, valuation resources, and past CFA Research Challenge reports—after the application deadline.
During the first two weeks of September, candidates will be invited to deliver a short preliminary presentation based on their summer preparation. These presentations will be a key part of the final team selection process.
The final team selection will take into consideration:
- Academic background
- Technical knowledge and analytical skills
- Motivation and commitment
- Summer preparation
- Performance in the preliminary presentation
Since the CFA Research Challenge requires a significant level of dedication, teamwork, and professional discipline throughout the semester, applicants are expected to commit seriously to the preparation process.
Eligibility
Applications are open to students from all departments who have a strong interest in financial analysis, equity research, company valuation, and investment decision-making. Students from Business Administration, Economics, Industrial Engineering, and other relevant disciplines are encouraged to apply.
Application
Interested students are invited to complete the application form by June 29, 2026.
Application form: https://forms.gle/sdbVakkoayiWeCyC6
Please note that this announcement is intended only for students who wish to apply for the team coordinated under the academic mentorship of Asst. Prof. Dr. Evrim Hacıoğlu Kazak.
Submitting an application does not guarantee selection for the final team. In accordance with CFA Institute rules, the final team will consist of 3–5 students.
Students who are eager to challenge themselves, develop professional-level financial analysis skills, and gain real-world equity research experience are encouraged to apply.
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