13 April 2026
Applications are now open for the CFA Quant Awards 2026, a European competition designed to identify and promote emerging talent in quantitative finance. Now in its 12th edition, the initiative brings together several CFA societies across Europe together with CFA Society Italy – CFA Society Belgium, CFA Society France, CFA Society Ireland, CFA Society Norway, CFA Society Netherlands, and CFA Society Spain.
The competition is open to university students and interns with an interest in quantitative finance, regardless of their academic specialization. Participation is free, and notably, candidates are not required to be enrolled in the CFA Program or to hold CFA Institute membership – making the initiative accessible to a broad and diverse pool of young talent.
Participants are invited to submit original research focused on quantitative finance. The emphasis is not solely on technical sophistication, but on the relevance and practical application of the work. Submissions may include final dissertations, internship reports or research projects developed specifically for the competition, provided they demonstrate a clear link between quantitative methods and real-world financial challenges.
Over the years, the CFA Quant Awards have become a recognized platform for early-stage professionals to engage with the quantitative dimension of the investment industry. The initiative reflects the growing importance of data-driven approaches across asset management, risk management, and financial engineering, where the ability to combine rigorous analysis with practical insight is increasingly valued.
The 2026 edition will once again reward the top three candidates with monetary prizes and participation in the award ceremony. The first prize includes EUR 3,000, the second EUR 2,000 and the third EUR 1,000, with travel and accommodation costs covered (up to a defined limit) to attend the ceremony, which will take place in the country of application of the winner. The event is expected to be held towards the end of the year and will bring together participants, professionals and representatives from the participating CFA societies.
Beyond the awards themselves, the initiative offers participants an opportunity to gain visibility within the CFA network and to position their work within a broader professional context. For many candidates, it represents a first step in engaging with the international community of investment professionals and in demonstrating their ability to apply quantitative tools to real investment questions.
The Quant Awards also represent a valuable initiative to support the development of future professionals in a field that is becoming increasingly central to the evolution of the investment industry. As quantitative methods, machine learning and data analytics continue to shape financial markets, fostering new talent in this area is both a strategic priority and an opportunity for the profession as a whole.
Further details on eligibility, submission guidelines and timelines are available here.
