Shubhojoy Sinha (CFIN 2019) at Legend Arb Financial Group Limited

I started working at LegendArb in the summer after my penultimate year as a trader/research intern. For my first month, I was given tasks of back-testing several strategies for the traders using hundreds of GBs of data. My manager liked my work and asked what I wanted to explore next, I wanted to experience what live trading was like so I asked if I could shadow the traders. From then on I was given my own trading desk and also given the opportunity to try the strategies I backtested earlier. This was an exceptional opportunity to learn, and therefore I continued to work here 4 days a week part-time during my final year at CityU. During these 10 months, I researched and traded strategies in several asset classes and time frames, such as options market making in global indexes, auction arbitrage in commodities, and volatility arbitrage between correlated assets. Since I really appreciated the amount of responsibilities they gave me and the trust they had in me, after finishing my final year I returned to work here full time as a trader.

Rebekah LIU (CFIN 2017) at Tokka Lab

As a quant trader in the crypto industry, with a focus on decentralized finance (DeFi), my work revolves around exploring new trading opportunities and strategies within the rapidly evolving world of decentralized protocols, tokens, and blockchain-based financial instruments.

In this exciting role, I leverage my quantitative analysis skills and market knowledge to navigate the decentralized landscape. I closely monitor emerging DeFi projects, liquidity pools, decentralized exchanges, and lending platforms to identify inefficiencies or arbitrage opportunities that can be exploited for profit.

Working in the DeFi space allows me to be at the forefront of innovation, as I explore novel strategies and experiment with cutting-edge financial instruments such as automated market makers (AMMs), yield farming, and decentralized derivatives.

Ken TSE (CFIN 2020), Summer Exchange at University of Warwick

During my exchange at University of Warwick, I found that learning and teaching in HK and the UK are different.

One major distinction lies in the emphasis on exams and memorization in Hong Kong's education system, whereas the UK's system, represented by the University of Warwick, tends to be more student-centered with a focus on critical thinking and independent learning. I studied "Strategic Management" at Warwick, where past exam questions lacked model answers, allowing for more freedom to express opinions and engage in critical analysis. This approach encourages students to think independently, develop their own perspectives, and apply critical thinking skills rather than relying solely on memorization.

Another difference is the level of interactivity and student engagement. At Warwick, I had presentations in every class, which provided opportunities for collaboration with students from different countries and improved my presentation skills. This interactive approach fosters active participation, encourages students to share ideas, and enhances communication and teamwork abilities. In contrast, the teaching style in Hong Kong may be more lecture-based, with limited opportunities for student presentations or collaborative activities.

I am grateful that CityU gave me this opportunity to broaden my horizons and learn about other cultures.

Ringo CHEUNG (Cohort 2020), Summer Exchange at University of Warwick

Learning and teaching at the University of Warwick was very different from my experience at CityU. The biggest difference was the level of independent learning required. At Warwick, I found that the teaching style was different than CityU's. Professors were more approachable and always willing to help students outside of class. This made the learning experience more enjoyable and stimulating. Additionally, the British education system places a greater emphasis on independent learning than the Eastern education system which emphasizes politeness and believing all the points taught by the teacher are correct without thinking independently.

One of the most unique cultural perspectives that I learned about during my time in the UK was the British attitude towards work-life balance. In the UK, it is much more typical for people to take time off work to relax and spend time with family and friends. This is in contrast to the Chinese culture, where there is more of a focus on working hard and long hours. Another cultural difference that I noticed was the British attitude toward social issues. The British are generally more open-minded and accepting of different cultures and lifestyles than the Chinese.

I would definitely recommend students to join the study abroad program at the University of Warwick to enjoy a fruitful journey. It will be an incredible chance to meet with other students all around the world with different cultures, and skills that you could hardly have the chance to meet and study with foreign students. If you are considering studying abroad, I would encourage you to do it!

You would be given the chance to study and live independently and It is an amazing opportunity to learn and grow as a person.

Charles ZHAO (Cohort 2020), Exchange at Grenoble Ecolé de Management in Semester B 2022-23

How is the exchange in Europe? Well, during the four months in France, I traveled all over France and went to several countries around, including Spain and Switzerland. I tried skiing in the Alpes, went to see the fairytale towns, visited the Louvre Palace, and tasted French cuisines and vines. This was my glamorous side of exchange life.

But what I won’t tell you is the hardship behind it. The first day I arrived at my place was Friday, but the electricity company didn’t answer my call leaving me in the dark room for three days; the first day, I also didn’t know where to grab food, so I walked 3 miles to a supermarket where most staffs only speak French in the small town; in the orientation day, there were even no other exchange student from Asia; not knowing how to open a bank account, I went to the bank at least 5 times; I got trapped in a high railway station at 1 am because of the strike; the apartment manager scammed me after leaving …

I overcame the fear to communicate with people, learned about the culture difference and solved the problems I met one by one. My self-improvement is the best thing I have gained from the exchange experience.

If you ask me, is it suitable for you to go exchange in Europe, especially those non-English speaking countries? I’ll say, do you need to make yourself a change? Are you ready to jump out of your comfort zone? It will always be painful and challenging to move the first step. But if you look back after you did it, you will be surprised at what progress you’ve made.

Joey CHONG (FT 2021), Summer Exchange - Cultural & Language Immersion Scheme

Joining the Cultural & Language Immersion Scheme (CALIS) was more enriching than I expected. I'm amazed by the view of New Zealand, and I can see the rainbow and stars. Recalling those six weeks in New Zealand, I made many happy and unforgettable memories with the people around me. One of the highlights of the program is having the homestay experience. Living with locals allows me to learn more about their culture and practice my English. I am so grateful to live in a lovely and friendly homestay family. They are willing to help me with daily life and even hold a birthday party to celebrate my birthday. Diversified activities designed by the program, like the Rotorua tour, museum visiting time, and the volunteering experience, also helped us learn more about society and culture and enrich our knowledge. I decided to travel to Christchurch with my friends during the long weekend. We had a lot of fun and tasted delicious food there. We went to the Riccarton Market on the morning of the first day. It is one of the largest outdoor markets. Visitors can buy various products, ranging from fresh vegetables to their artwork. We went to a lot of tourist attractions and had a lot of joyful times there.

In the first week, we learn about the history of New Zealand and the Maori culture. We had a chance to have lessons with international students. I am encouraged to participate more actively in class and have discussions with my peers to help me confidently speak English. Throughout this program, I improved my IELTS scores by one mark. Making new friendships, improving my English, and having joyful memories are rewardable for me. This was indeed a wonderful and eye-opening experience for me.

Shawn LIM (Cohort 2021), Exchange at Bocconi University in Semester B 2022-23

Hi! My name is Shawn, and I am currently a third year Fintech student who is on exchange at Bocconi University, Milano Italy. My journey getting here was definitely not the easiest, but worth it nonetheless. Given the uniqueness in our syllabus at CityU, it was a little challenging to find compatible courses for credit transfer. especially when courses in our third year is more focused and niche. Thankfully, Dr. Alvin, the previous stream advisor was very helpful in reviewing my study plans and giving guidance.

My time in Bocconi and Milan is coming to an end, looking back, three things stood out to me; teaching style, people and environment. Professors here really value genuine participation, not for the sake of it, but to stimulate critical thinking. I appreciated it for it made classes feel like a two way street rather than just absorbing. It is also through these classes, I made new friends from all across the globe who I found fascinating when exchanging ideas of different cultural background. Lastly, the environment is just more laid back. After being in Hong Kong for a couple of years, this shift in lifestyle pace was unsettling at first, but refreshing eventually.

Aside from studying, I did a fair bit of travelling around Europe too. This exchange really gave me the opportunity to see more of the world and I am eternally grateful for it. My travels gave me more perspective on life and even started to motivate me knowing I want to visit again one day. Indeed what many say is true, there is not another time you get to do this in your life when work is awaiting you upon graduation.

Now, I am contented. My exchange experience is much more than what I imagined. So if you are on the fence about an exchange program, I urge you to go. If your exchange is coming up, I cannot wait to hear your stories.

Derek FUNG (CFIN 2021), Semester Exchange at University of Sheffield

During my second year, I took part in an exchange program at the University of Sheffield, where I studied Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science courses. This experience wasn't just about academics; it was a journey into new cultures and friendships. I connected with students from Austria, Chile, Brazil, the USA, and Indonesia, gaining insights into their diverse cultures and perspectives. These interactions were invaluable, enriching my understanding of the world and enhancing my studies in Computational Finance and Financial Technology.

The adventure extended beyond the university walls. I explored the UK, visiting historical marvels like Stonehenge and the picturesque village of Castle Combe. During the holidays, I traveled across Europe, witnessing the stunning aurora borealis in Finland, savoring the rich history of Paris, and immersing myself in the art and culture of Italy. These experiences broadened my horizons, contributing to my personal and professional growth, and left me with memories and skills that I'll carry into my future career.

Being involved in DeFi also requires me to stay updated on the latest developments in blockchain technology, smart contracts, and security practices. I continuously adapt my strategies to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Richard FENG (FT 2020)
Grand Prize of 18th "Citi Cup" Financial Innovation Application Competition Special Award of "Citigroup Challenge - Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance"

Winning the Grand Prize at the 18th "Citi Cup" was a defining chapter in my FinTech journey. Our project, "Epiphany Insights," was conceived to seamlessly integrate the dynamism of FinTech with the essential principles of ESG. Leading over twenty of my CityU peers through the intense seven-month endeavor was no small task—it tested our limits, expanded our capabilities, and taught us the true meaning of teamwork.

During the competition, I came to appreciate that FinTech is not just about theoretical knowledge—it's about how well to translate that knowledge into practical, real-world solutions. The task of transforming intricate ideas into a viable platform was both intimidating and invigorating. However, this hands-on expedition didn't conclude with the competition; rather, it was the foundation upon which I am building my startup, with the invaluable support of HK Tech 300 and HKSTP.

Winning the grand prize at the 18th "Citi Cup" wasn't just a line on our Resumes—it was a moment of realization for all of us. For me, it taught me about the importance of aligning innovation with social responsibility, about the resilience needed to overcome obstacles, and about the leadership required to bring out the best in a diverse team. This Competition instilled in me a firm belief in the power of integrating academic research, internships, and competitive engagements to forge a deep and actionable understanding of FinTech. This experience wasn't just for the judges or the prize; it was for us to see how far we could go. And as we move forward, it is evident that to truly hone our skills and make meaningful contributions, we must actively seek opportunities to explore and practice beyond academia. It's in these practical arenas where our talents are not just tested, but also sharpened, readying us for the complexities of the financial world.

Andreas (CFIN 2019)
Champion at HSBC/HKU Hong Kong Business Case Competition 2023
1st Runner Up at HSBC/HKU Asia Pacific Business Case Competition 2023

I was exposed to an international case competition in my third year when I took CB3045 class that was taught by Dr. Zachary Leung (Zach) before. During my time taking those class, Zach have a selection round to choose the team that will represent CityU in two completely different format of case competition, the first one being Mc Donough Business Strategy Challenge (MBSC) and HSBC/HKU Case Competition. When I took the class, I got selected to represent CityU in the MBSC.

Given the backdrop, when CB sent out an email in my last semester in University to select the team that will represent CityU in the HSBC/HKU Case Competition, I decided to give it a shot without expecting anything. The result of the selection came out a few weeks later and I was selected and paired with three other students from different majors: Rafiza from the Department of Accounting, Richard from Global Business System Management, and Gwen from Global Business. Given the different nature of majors, I believe we complement each other skills which would lead us to perform well in the competition.

When I was selected, my reaction was mixed given it was the last semester of my university and the time commitment that is required for the training leading up to the case competition is quite immense. However, I believe the case competition was a very eye-opening experience as it gave me and my teammates exposure to real-life business problems and we even got to present our solutions to people from the company, forcing us to make sure that we completely understood the business and providing a solution that is both feasible and innovative at the same time within the span of 6 hours. All in all, I believe the case competition experience was really great given that I got a chance to meet people from other departments in CB, and also got to meet people from HSBC that is the main sponsor of the competition which allowed me to build my connection in the finance industry and also learn from their real-life experience and pick their mind on how they would approach the same case that was given to us.

Harry HO (CFIN 2018)
Rotman International Trading Competition 2023 (RITC) Global 10th place

My journey with the Rotman International Trading Competition (RITC) in 2023, anchored by CityU’s Computational Finance and Financial Technology (CFFT) program, marked a remarkable convergence of education and real-world success. As the team leader, our dynamic quartet harnessed the knowledge gained from CityU to secure 10th place in the world's largest student trading competition, outshining 50+ teams globally.

Our success was a testament to the program's efficacy in preparing us for the intricacies of the competition. A highlight of our performance was the design of a cutting-edge quantitative trading algorithm, integrating ETF arbitrage and market-making strategies. The algorithm's adaptability to real-time market conditions showcased our ability to innovate under pressure.

CityU's financial derivative courses played a pivotal role, enabling us to implement sophisticated options strategies like straddles and calendar spreads for volatility trading. Our adept risk management through dynamic hedging set us apart, contributing significantly to our team's success. Beyond the competition, RITC served as a global networking hub, connecting us with students and industry practitioners worldwide. The exposure to diverse trading cases on the RIT Market Simulator platform, featuring realistic scenarios, reinforced the practical applicability of our CityU education.

The 10th place achievement in RITC 2023, recognized by BMO Financial Group Finance Research and Trading Lab, underscores the excellence of the CFFT program. This triumph not only validates our preparation for the competition but also positions us for success in our future financial careers.

Phitchayapha SITTHITAN (CFIN 2019) & Richard PONTO (FT 2021)
Champion at HSBC/HKU Business Case Competition 2022

Back in December 2021, I by chance, participate in a selection process for the international case competition. Back then, I had quite little idea of how exactly the case competition works. However, I decided to give it a go, and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

Having a chance to participate in HSBC/HKU Business Case Competition and made it to APAC round, thanks to Dr. Zachary and all the case crews, was such an eye-opening experience and it was really opening so many doors for me. Participating in this 6-hour case competition was so rewarding as it allowed me to explore what I truly like and apply what I have learned to solve a real-life business problem. It allowed me to explore various business cases and come up with a feasible solution, discuss with like-mined people and learn from them that it is okay to be wrong, make mistakes, or think differently. I also had a chance to learn from the other teams during the competition – learn from how they see the challenge in the different point of views and how they find the ways to solve it.

 It is undeniable that participating in the competition, dedicating your after-class and weekends for the training and preparation can be exhausting, but trust me, the hard work does pay off.

Kenny CHEN (FT 2021) & Ada PENG (CFIN 2021)
Global Crypto Algo Trading Challenge 2022 Third Place for Best Shape Award

Before this challenge, our understanding of machine learning and natural language processing (NLP) was minimal. The world of crypto trading and algorithmic strategies seemed daunting, filled with complexities that were initially beyond my grasp. However, driven by a deep-seated curiosity and a passion for coding, we embarked on a self-taught journey into these intricate domains.

Taking responsibility for developing the algorithm was both challenging and exhilarating. Every line of code was a step into uncharted territory, but it was also a step towards innovation and mastery.
When our algorithm began to yield results, demonstrating efficiency and robustness in the volatile world of crypto trading, the sense of achievement was overwhelming.

Securing third place for the best Sharpe ratio in the Global Crypto Algo Trading Challenge 2022 was a moment of profound triumph and validation for us. This achievement was not just a testament to our algorithmic prowess but also a celebration of my journey in self-learning and overcoming the odds in a field that was once foreign to us.

Henry SUN (FT 2021) & Sara ZHANG (CFIN 2021)
Fintech Olympiad 2023 Finalist

The Fintech Olympiad 2023 aimed to foster students' understanding of the Fintech industry and inspire innovative ideas on how to utilize fintech to create values for social and economic advancements. I feel privileged that our team was able to participate in this competition in its entirety.

During the preparation of our competition entry, we were fortunate to engage in insightful exchanges with many pioneers from emerging industries. These dialogues offered us a wealth of professional advice, which not only benefited us immensely in refining our project but more importantly, sparked our innovative solutions.

Our project centered around creating a decentralized auditing system based on a consortium chain to provide real-time financial information about a company. Throughout the preparation process, the six members of our team collaborated closely and effectively, resulting in a high-quality final delivery.

In the end, we were thrilled to have reached the finalist stage. However, more than the accolade, the journey itself was invaluable. Our innovative spirit was greatly ignited throughout this process, and that, to us, is the most significant achievement. Participating in the Fintech Olympiad 2023 has been a truly enriching and enlightening experience, and we look forward to carrying the lessons learned into our future endeavors.

Charles WONG (CFIN 2021) & Ethan ZHOU (CFIN 2021)
National Investment Banking Competition (NIBC) 2022-23 Finalist

Our team acted as a representative to join the final conference of the competition and competed for the chance to get interviewed by several investment banks including RBC and JP Morgan.

We did a comprehensive investigation for a dental company in Canada called Dentalcorp (DNTL). Our first round project is to value the company's fair stock price and suggest several methods to raise its share price. In the final round, we were given a case to choose from a given option to better suit the shareholder's benefit. And within two days time, we conduct an in-person proposal pitch to the investment banking analysts.

We learned much of the financial knowledge like how to conduct DCF, LBO, and other financial models and how to conduct industry research. Moreover, we have a chance to enjoy the live talk conducted by Amin Shivji, the CEO of a Canadian Dental Support Organization with a market value of over 1 billion, on how to be an entrepreneur. In addition, we also take several lessons from existing Ibankers for career planning, business knowledge, and techniques.

Nikita CHE (CFIN 2020) & Shubhojoy Sinha (CFIN 2019)
Top 1.3% of Prosperity by IMC Trading

Bachelor of Science in Computational Finance and Financial Technology program equips students with a comprehensive skill set to excel in the rapidly evolving world of finance. This was exemplified by my participation in the prestigious Global Algo Trading Competition organized by IMC Trading, where our team achieved an impressive ranking of top 1.3% globally out of 8000+ teams.

During the competition, my extensive training in mathematics, statistics, programming, and finance proved invaluable. I successfully implemented a robust Statistical Arbitrage strategy and FX arbitrage strategy by utilizing advanced statistical and programming techniques that I learned throughout my studies. This allowed us to capitalize on market inefficiencies and maximize returns.

Successful competition experience in algorithmic trading later was extremely valuable in my job interviewing process, as interviewers were impressed with my hands-on experience with implementing and optimizing trading strategies.

These achievements highlight the program's emphasis on practical application and interdisciplinary learning. The curriculum's integration of mathematics, statistics, programming, and finance provided me with the necessary tools to excel in a competitive environment. As a result, the Bachelor of Science in Computational Finance and Financial Technology program offers students an exceptional opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge required for success in the ever-changing field of finance.

Peeti Piyanawin (FT 2019)
Second Runner-Up of HSBC Fintech Challenge 2021

I always believe that challenging yourself is the key to improvement, which is why I decided to participate in the HSBC Fintech Challenge. The competition's objective was to generate a practical FinTech solution with a focus on both technological innovation and economic feasibility.

Our team identified a business opportunity within the crowdfunding landscape, specifically addressing the lack of a trust layer that resulted in additional costs for both project initiators and investors. To tackle this issue, we developed a blockchain-based crowdfunding website that utilized an Ethereum-based smart contract. This allowed us to tokenize project ownership and implement a voting system in each project, similar to DAO.

In addition to the technical aspect, the competition demanded a blend of business acumen to develop a robust business model and effective communication skills to articulate and justify our plans while managing the judges' expectations. I discovered that the competition required an unique yet satisfying skill set encompassing Fintech, business, coding, and pitching.

Stamgul ORUNBAEVA (FT 2020)
Champion of PolyHack 2023

Winning PolyHack 2023 was a thrilling adventure fueled by the collaboration of a dedicated team of students. Our goal was to revolutionize parenting through an AI-driven app aimed at ensuring the healthy growth of children. The competition not only provided a platform to showcase our innovation but also facilitated learning and growth from our peers.

Our efforts were rewarded with the Best AI Award, 1st place, and the Best Deloitte Digital Award. These accomplishments showed the transformative potential of our AI-driven parenting solution and validated our hard work.

PolyHack 2023 was more than a competition; it was a holistic learning experience. Presenting our project improved my presentation skills, and business plan writing skills and enhanced my technical capabilities. The competition served as a platform for exploring the intersection of technology and human needs by leveraging my academic and professional skillsets. Reflecting on this rewarding experience, I carry forward the lessons learned, the friendships created, and the confidence gained. PolyHack 2023 was a pivotal moment in my journey of innovation and technology.