A team of students from Kozminski University has achieved a remarkable triumph, winning first place in the global final of the prestigious CFA Institute Research Challenge 2025. The final round took place in Chicago and brought together the top-performing university teams from around the globe. This year’s edition of the competition involved over 7,000 students representing 1,153 universities across six continents.
The winning team – Zofia Wojtacha, Shaheer Ansari, Oskar Witkowski, Aniket Thakkar, and Anastazja Domek – represented not only Kozminski University, but also Poland, advancing through a series of local and regional rounds. Their financial analysis of Dom Development, a listed Polish real estate company, was recognized as the best in the world. The achievement marks not only a significant academic success but also an exceptional showcase of the strength of Polish economic education on the international stage.
The team was guided academically by Professor Franjo Mlinarič, faculty member at Kozminski University, and professionally mentored by Jakub Ptak from Santander Bank Polska. This strong collaboration between academia and industry proved essential, resulting in a presentation that earned the highest recognition from an international jury of financial experts.
This accomplishment stands as both a testament to the team’s outstanding academic preparation and a confirmation of the effectiveness of Kozminski’s Master in Finance & Accounting program. The program integrates rigorous academic training with real-world business practice, equipping students with the skills to navigate global financial markets. As Professor Mlinarič noted, “This competition is a real-world verification of how theory meets practice. For young professionals, it’s a door opener to a future career.”
The final ceremony was filled with emotion and pride. Team member Shaheer Ansari shared his thoughts: “At that moment, it didn’t feel like we were competing – we became part of something bigger, part of history.” His words capture the depth of the experience, which went far beyond winning a title – It opened a new chapter in the team’s professional journeys.
The CFA Institute Research Challenge is widely regarded as one of the most demanding and prestigious finance competitions in the world. It challenges university students to conduct in-depth analysis of publicly traded companies, develop equity recommendations, and present them to a jury of industry professionals. Winning this challenge signifies excellence in analytical thinking, teamwork, and presentation – all essential skills in today’s financial landscape.
This global achievement by Kozminski University students is not only a source of immense pride for the institution, but also a powerful signal that Polish higher education – when built on quality, international engagement, and practical relevance – can compete at the highest global level.
