On Friday, October 24, 2014 CFA Society Ukraine officially opened Local Level of the 2014-2015 CFA Institute Research Challenge – the most prestigious competition in equity research for students in the world.

The Kick-Off Meeting was held at Institute of Postgraduate Education gathered than 150 students from 27 Universities in 11 regions of Ukraine. Last year CFA Institute Research Challenge in Ukraine became the biggest competition in EMEA Region and, as a result, two teams took part in the Regional Finals.

We are happy to announce the participating Universities of 2014-2015 CFA Institute Research Challenge hosted by CFA Society Ukraine:

• Alfred Nobel University, Dnipropetrovsk 
• Chernihiv State Technological University (2 teams) 
• Dnipropetrovsk National University Oles Honchar 
• Ivan Franko National University of Lviv 
• Kharkiv National University of Economics 
• Kiev National University of Trade and Economics 
• Kyiv National Economic University (2 teams) 
• Kyiv School of Economics (2 teams) 
• National Aviation University
• National University "Ostroh Academy" 
• National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy 
• National University of the State Tax Service of Ukraine 
• Odessa I.I.Mechnikov National University 
• Petro Mohyla Black Sea State University (2 teams) 
• Poltava National Technical University 
• Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv (2 teams) 
• Ternopil National Economic University (2 teams) 
• Ukrainian Academy of Banking of National Bank of Ukraine 
• V.N. Karazin National University of Kharkiv 
• Zaporozhye National Technical University (2 teams) 

The Kick-Off Meeting was opened by welcoming speech of the Founder of CFA Institute Research Challenge in Ukraine - Tatiana Nichosova, CFA, PhD, who motivate students to work hard under the research reports as a basis of strong knowledge and practical skills.

Afterwards, students had an opportunity to get closer to investment profession by presentation on Ukrainian Association of Investment Professionals as a member of global community by Anna Anzina, Administrative Director of CFA Society Ukraine. Anna told students about CFA Institute as a world-wide association of investment professionals and encourages students and academics to become a part of the world-wide recognized standard of professional excellence – CFA Program. During the presentation special attention was drawn to CFA Society Ukraine and its initiatives.

After opening remarks students were welcomed by the Chair of CFA Institute Research Challenge in Ukraine – Roman Anzin, Board Member of CFA Society Ukraine, Education&University Relations. Roman made in depth overview of official rules of the Research Challenge followed by timeline of this year competition.

The Official Opening continued by Subject Company Presentation. This year the role of Subject Company plays RTL Group – media holding, N°1 in TV and radio broadcasting in Europe, global leader in content, the world’s largest independent rights management business. Students had exceptional opportunity to get closer to entertainment industry and get additional information on company operations.

After company presentation participants and guests were congratulated by the President of CFA Society Ukraine – Yevhen Hrebeniuk, CFA, Consultant at The World Bank. Yevhen made a workshop on Ethical Decision-Making for students and tell them on importance of professional conduct for future career. Presentation on Ethical Decision-Making was followed by open Q&A session.

The Kick-Off Meeting continued by success story from previous participant of the Research Challenge, the winner of the Local Final in 2011 – Nataliia Spygotska, Analyst at Dragon Capital, who tell students on how useful were knowledge gained in the competition for the future career. Special attention Nataliia paid to her job responsibilities and duties as for analyst providing advantages of gained practical skills for future employment.

This year 28 experienced investment professional kindly agreed to play role of the mentors and fill give practical advices to participants during the competition. At the Kick-Off Meeting, teams had an opportunity to meet their mentors and discuss future cooperation.

On behalf of CFA Society Ukraine, we wish all team good luck! Each team should work hard to succeed in their written reports!

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