They were aiming to win at home, but ended up in Hong Kong.

Students from Ljubljana’s Faculty of Economics have made history by securing third place in the prestigious international competition CFA Challenge, marking Slovenia's first appearance in the global finals of this renowned financial analysis contest. The team, composed of Aljaž Colnar, Jure Mihelj Nagode, Lars Lenard, Matej Mivšek, and Miha Marčun, competed against two teams from China and one each from the United States, Canada, and Jordan, ultimately finishing in the top three. This achievement highlights Slovenia’s growing presence in the world of financial education and underscores its potential to compete globally. The journey began with the team qualifying for the regional finals of the CFA Challenge, which covers Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). To reach this stage, they had to overcome fierce competition within Slovenia and the broader Southern Europe region. Their success was further cemented by advancing through the semifinals and finally reaching the global finals held in Hong Kong. This marks a historic milestone for Slovenia, as it becomes the first country from the Western Balkans to achieve such a feat. Over the past decade, no Slovenian team has ever reached the level of the EMEA regional finals, making their accomplishment all the more significant. The CFA Challenge is widely regarded as the premier international student competition in financial analysis, drawing participants from over 100 countries and involving more than 6,000 students annually. Each team analyzes a publicly traded company, evaluating its value based on financial data and market trends. The competition is organized by the CFA Institute, a global leader in promoting professional standards and ethical practices among financial analysts. In Slovenia, the local chapter, CFA Slovenia, plays a crucial role in organizing and supporting the event, ensuring that students receive the necessary guidance and resources. The team’s success was built on a combination of expertise, collaboration, and strategic preparation. Members of the team come from different academic backgrounds, including business administration, quantitative finance, and economics, allowing them to approach the challenge from multiple perspectives. Their ability to work cohesively, provide constructive feedback, and maintain high standards of professionalism contributed significantly to their performance. The team formed under the mentorship of Professor Dr. Denis Marinšk, who encouraged Aljaž Colnar to initiate the project. “It was essential to select members who were not only skilled but also capable of working well together,” explained Colnar, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and mutual respect in achieving their goals. The team came together in October 2023 and began intensive preparations in November, aiming to become the best in Slovenia before moving forward to the global stage. Their dedication paid off as they traveled from Ljubljana to Hong Kong, where they faced some of the toughest competitors in the world. The competition required deep analytical skills, quick decision-making, and the ability to present complex financial concepts clearly and convincingly. The team analyzed several companies, including Salus, a pharmaceutical and medical equipment distributor, while their Chinese counterparts evaluated tech giant Xiaomi and travel agency Trip.com. Looking ahead, the team hopes to continue building on this success and contribute to the growth of financial education in Slovenia. Several members have already begun exploring career opportunities in investment banking and financial consulting, with plans to pursue long-term careers in these fields. The experience gained through the CFA Challenge will undoubtedly play a key role in shaping their future paths.