A team of students from Lancaster University has won the top prize at a national AI Investment Challenge hosted by the CFA Institute - the global association of investment professionals.

Delivered by CFA Institute and CFA Society UK, the competition brought together students from universities across the UK to tackle real investment challenges using artificial intelligence. The focus was on practical application, responsible use, and real-world relevance.

A total of 28 teams from 15 universities took part in the competition, with finalists from Lancaster University, Durham University, Heriot-Watt University, University of Exeter and University of Manchester.

Teams presented AI-powered solutions to a range of industry challenges, from assessing how carbon pricing affects portfolio values to analysing large volumes of company disclosures and extracting insights from company earnings calls.

Lancaster’s winning team impressed judges with its design of a Disclosure Degradation Detection System - an early-alert tool for analysts that monitors upstream exposure to disclosure risk, by analysing company and supplier filings for increasingly vague, complex, or weakening language.

The winning team members are Connor O’Keeffe and Ebro Dossajee (both BSc Finance students) and Bradley McCann (MSc Artificial Intelligence student).

Speaking on behalf of the team, Connor said: “The CFA Institute AI Investment Challenge gave us the chance to work on a real investment problem and engage directly with industry professionals.

“Presenting our work and receiving feedback has been invaluable, and we’re proud to bring first place back to Lancaster. It’s been a great experience for the whole team.”

Steve Young, Professor of Accounting at Lancaster University Management School, said: “The AI Investment Challenge is a fabulous initiative from the CFA Institute that helps students formulate and execute artificial intelligence solutions to assist investment analysis professionals, and we are thrilled that Brad, Connor and Ebro have been able to make such a positive contribution to the competition.

“Congratulations to all teams involved and thank you to CFA Institute and CFA Society UK for organising such an inspiring event.”

The competition, held in London, was judged on practical relevance, quality of analysis, innovation in the use of AI, responsible use of technology, and clarity of presentation. The final was judged by a panel of six investment industry professionals based in the UK.

First, second and third-place teams received prizes of £2,000, £1,200, and £800, respectively. In addition, all finalist team members received a CFA Program Access Scholarship, along with the opportunity to showcase their work on CFA Institute platforms.

Peter Watkins, Head of University Relations, CFA Institute, said: “It’s encouraging to see how quickly students can apply technical skills to real investment problems. The strongest teams combined solid analysis with a clear understanding of how AI can be used responsibly in practice. This reflects where the investment industry is heading, with professionals expected to use new technologies effectively while continuing to apply sound human judgement.”

Nick Bartlett, CFA, ASIP, Chief Executive, CFA Society UK added: “It’s been great to see students from across the UK take part. Opportunities like this help people build practical skills, make connections in the industry, and gain confidence in applying what they’ve learned. Bridging that gap between education and industry is increasingly important, as the skills needed for a career in the investment profession continue to evolve.”