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Students of Maqsut Narikbayev University (MNU) have won the Kazakhstan round of the CFA Institute Research Challenge 2026, the world’s largest student investment competition. The team has earned the right to represent the country at the sub-regional stage of the prestigious contest.
MNU has been participating in the competition since 2016. This year’s national round brought together 14 student teams from universities across Kazakhstan. Over the course of three months, participants conducted an in-depth valuation of the American company Freshworks Inc. and presented their research to CFA charterholders.
Two MNU teams advanced to the final round, alongside teams from Narxoz University, KBTU, and KIMEP University. MNU students secured first place and also shared second place with their competitors from KBTU. The winning team consisted of students from the International School of Economics: Aiyum Omarova, Aigerim Orazalina, Dilnaz Tolegenova, Nurzhigit Kairullayev, and Zarina Ualitkhanova.
This achievement allows the MNU team to represent Kazakhstan at the sub-regional stage in March. The sub-regional competition includes participants from 46 countries across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The best teams will advance to the regional semifinals.
The CFA Institute Research Challenge has been held for more than 20 years and is widely regarded as the most prestigious student competition in Finance. During the challenge, participants gain practical experience in financial analysis, learn to prepare financial reports in line with global corporate standards, and develop presentation skills in English for senior professionals from leading international financial institutions. The global final will take place on May 12 in Hong Kong.
The CFA Institute is an international non-profit association of investment professionals that sets ethical and professional standards in the financial industry. The organization is best known for awarding the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, considered the gold standard for analysts, portfolio managers, and investment professionals worldwide. MNU’s Finance programs are part of the CFA Institute University Affiliation Program, and their curricula cover at least 70 percent of the CFA Candidate Body of Knowledge.
