Insider Spotlight
The University of the Philippines Diliman followed as first runner-up, while the University of the Philippines Visayas Iloilo secured second runner-up honors.
These top-performing institutions stood out in a nationwide field of competitors, demonstrating deep technical knowledge across corporate finance, investments, and portfolio management, alongside a strong grounding in ethics.
Why it matters
The results highlight the growing depth of finance talent across Philippine universities, signaling a robust pipeline of future industry leaders equipped with both analytical and ethical capabilities.
Zoom in
The winning teams prevailed in a rigorous quiz bee aligned with globally recognized standards, drawing from the Chartered Financial Analyst Level 1 and Certified Management Accountant curricula.
Beyond mastery of concepts, participants were evaluated on decision-making under pressure—mirroring real-world financial environments.
What they’re saying
“Our theme, Catalyzing Confidence, Leading Capital, Integrity and Innovation for the Nation, is a call for finance professionals to move forward, drive innovation, and contribute to the progress the country needs today,” Carlo Enrico Lazatin, president of FINEX and president and CEO of DES Financing Corp., said in a press statement.
“This shows the level of finance talent nationwide, but more importantly, it highlights the value of preparation—what students learn through the process and the confidence they develop,” said Edmund Alan Qua Hiansen, chair of FINEX Foundation and chief financial officer of PHINMA.
The big picture
The competition forms part of a broader initiative by the FINEX Research and Development Foundation, in partnership with JPMorgan Chase and Co., to bridge academic learning with industry realities.
Now in its 25th year, the Inter-Collegiate Finance Competition remains the country’s longest-running finance contest, drawing participants from more than 100 colleges and universities nationwide.
A key shift has been its full digitization through a proprietary platform, enabling simultaneous nationwide participation and faster execution.
What’s next
Top finalists advanced to the JFINEX Summit, where they engaged with industry leaders, explored career pathways, and gained exposure to real-world financial systems, including a Philippine Stock Exchange visit.
Bottom line
The competition and summit together underscore a sustained push to cultivate finance professionals who combine technical excellence with integrity—traits seen as critical to driving the country’s economic future. —Vanessa Hidalgo| Ed:Corrie S. Narisma
