Research Challenge

Local Research Challenge

The CFA Institute Research Challenge is a global competition that provides university students with hands-on experience in equity research, financial analysis, and professional presentation. Locally, CFA Society Baltimore partners with CFA Society Washington, DC, to host the competition, bringing together student teams that are formed and supported by their universities and faculty advisors.

This year marked the 15th year that CFA Society Baltimore and CFA Society Washington, DC, have partnered to co-host the local challenge, featuring twelve teams from across the greater Baltimore/Washington, DC region. We extend our thanks to UTZ Snacks for serving as this year’s subject company. Participating schools included George Mason University, George Washington University, Johns Hopkins University, Loyola University Maryland, Morgan State University, Salisbury University, Stevenson University, Towson University, University of Maryland, and University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

Congratulations to this year’s winning team from Loyola University Maryland!

Interested in getting involved?

CFA Society Baltimore, in partnership with CFA Society Washington, DC, organizes the local CFA Institute Research Challenge each year, running from October through February. The competition relies on a strong network of volunteers, including industry mentors who work closely with student teams during the research phase, as well as graders and judges from the investment community who evaluate written reports and presentations.

We welcome both universities interested in fielding a team and professionals eager to contribute as mentors, graders, or judges. If you’d like to get involved in the next challenge, kicking off in October 2026, please reach out to rosten@baltimorecfasociety.org.

Prior Research Challenge Competitions