Ajman University Students Begin CFA Institute Research Challenge 2026–2027

Five students from Ajman University's College of Business Administration participated in the kick-off event of the CFA Institute Research Challenge 2026–2027, held at the Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre on 4 October 2026. The event brought together teams from 17 universities across 18 campuses, marking the start of this year's UAE competition.

Ajman University was represented by Unzila Khan, Bassem Nasser, Salem Saleh Masoud, Pardis Shahryari and Zainab Ali.

During the event, Spinneys was announced as the subject company for this year's competition. Students had the opportunity to hear directly from Mukesh Agarwal, Chief Financial Officer of Spinneys, who introduced the company and discussed its business and strategy, providing valuable insights for the teams' upcoming research.

The Ajman University team will now analyse Spinneys, examining its operations, financial performance, industry position and valuation before developing a comprehensive equity research report and investment recommendation. The challenge extends beyond traditional classroom learning, requiring students to evaluate the company from the perspective of professional analysts, support their conclusions with evidence and defend their investment recommendations before finance professionals.

The Research Challenge provides valuable practical experience for students interested in careers in equity research, investment analysis, asset management and portfolio management. Organised by CFA Institute, a globally recognised professional body in the investment industry, the competition allows participants to develop and apply analytical, valuation, communication and ethical skills essential to the investment profession.

The competition offers a pathway from the UAE stage to the global finals. Successful teams advance through the sub-regional and regional stages, with the sub-regional competition scheduled for March 2027, followed by regional semifinals and finals in April. The Global Final will be held in Singapore during the week of 10 May 2027.

The Research Challenge brings together thousands of students from more than a thousand universities worldwide, with the involvement of CFA societies, participating universities and investment professionals, offering students an opportunity to demonstrate their skills in an international competitive environment.

The kick-off marks the beginning of several months of preparation for the Ajman University team, as they work towards delivering a strong investment analysis and competing successfully at the UAE level, with the ambition of progressing through the regional stages and ultimately reaching the Global Final in Singapore.