UZH Team achieves third place at CFA Institute Research Challenge 2026
Congratulations to Curdin Finschi, Nico Häberle, Jan Kuster, Loris Schönbächler and Raphael Wandeler
On 11 February 2026, the Swiss final of the CFA Challenge took place at the University of Zurich, bringing together the country’s top student teams in equity research.
We are proud to announce that a team from the University of Zurich achieved an outstanding third place in this year’s competition – placing among the very top teams nationwide. In total, 52 teams from 10 Swiss universities, representing more than 250 students, participated in the challenge, including four teams from UZH.
In-depth company analysis about Sika
This year’s target company was Sika. The participating teams were required to conduct an in-depth company analysis, produce a comprehensive equity research report, and present their investment case to an independent expert jury. The UZH team impressed both with the analytical quality of their report and with their professional presentation and soft skills.
UZH team members:
We would like to thank CFA Society Switzerland, and in particular Olivier P. Müller for organizing the competition.
We also acknowledge the support of Dr. Ombretta Marchiodi and Dr. Christoph Wenk Bernasconi, whose guidance and coaching accompanied the UZH team throughout the process.
In addition, we thank Dr. Benjamin Wilding and Stephanie Zgraggen from our department for their academic and administrative assistance.
“In a field of exceptionally strong competitors, the UZH team earned 3rd place in the CFA Research Challenge — a strong reflection of analytical rigor and teamwork. Competitions like this reward serious preparation. We are already getting ready for the next round.”
-Ombretta Marchiodi
We warmly congratulate our students on this excellent achievement!
We also extend our sincere congratulations to HEC Lausanne, this year’s winner, and to the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU) for their second-place finish. Both teams will represent Switzerland at the upcoming EMEA sub-regional final.
We wish them every success in the next stage of the competition!
More Information:
- CFA Institute Research Challenge: https://www.cfainstitute.org/insights/events/research-challenge
- CFA Artikel in Finanz und Wirtschaft: https://www.fuw.ch
Photo Source: CFA Society Switzerland
Photographer: Antonio Manco, Sapiens Production | Visual & Media Expert