To further integrate investor education into the national education system and support the "Investor Education in Hundreds of Schools" initiative, the second "GF Securities Cup" National University Student Financial Literacy Challenge has officially begun. Guided by the Guangdong Securities Futures Association and organized by GF Securities in collaboration with leading universities nationwide—including South China University of Technology, Jinan University, the School of Economics at Zhejiang University, Lingnan College at Sun Yat-sen University, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, and Southwestern University of Finance and Economics—the competition opened for registration on March 1, 2026. The contest will take place from March 23 to May 8 via the "GF Yuanshigu" app.
Leveraging GF Securities' digital platforms, this year's event offers an immersive, market-realistic, and risk-controlled competition environment. It combines systematic investor education with professional guidance, moving beyond traditional one-way financial instruction. Through a scientifically designed multi-format competition structure, the challenge aims to foster rational investment attitudes among young participants and build a collaborative platform between universities and enterprises, thereby cultivating high-quality talent for the capital markets.
According to event organizers, the inaugural "GF Securities Cup" achieved notable success, reaching over 600 universities and attracting 10,315 participants. Its innovative dual-track model—featuring simulated investing and knowledge-based challenges—gained widespread recognition from both the industry and academic circles, setting a benchmark for securities firms in promoting campus-based financial education. In the simulated investment segment, one contestant achieved a 79% return using a virtual capital of 1 million yuan, while top performers in the knowledge challenge scored over 92% accuracy, demonstrating strong financial learning capabilities and practical potential among today's students.
The second edition continues this proven format, encouraging learning through competition. It maintains two independent segments: simulated trading and investment knowledge challenges. Students can participate in both with a single registration, balancing hands-on experience with theoretical reinforcement. Each segment will be ranked and awarded separately. Winners will receive cash prizes and certificates, with top performers offered internship opportunities at GF Securities' headquarters. A "Best Organization Award" has also been introduced to recognize universities that actively encourage student participation.
Against the backdrop of deepening reforms in China’s capital markets, young people have emerged as a vital new force driving high-quality market development. GF Securities, upholding its social responsibility as an industry leader, continues to deepen its engagement in campus investor education through this signature program. The initiative addresses key gaps in university financial literacy training—such as overemphasis on theory and lack of practical scenarios—by breaking down barriers between academic and industry resources and providing a professional financial practice platform for students nationwide.
The competition has garnered strong support from partner universities. Xu Feng, Vice Dean of the School of Economics and Finance at South China University of Technology, noted that the challenge bridges theory and practice, aligning closely with goals for cultivating versatile financial talent. Huang Wen, Party Secretary of the Economic and Management Research Institute at Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, emphasized financial literacy as a core competency for modern youth and encouraged students to approach investment decisions with rigor. Jiang Hai, Vice Dean of the School of Economics and Finance at Jinan University, urged participants to integrate knowledge with action, refining their financial understanding through competitive practice. Zhao Yinglan, Deputy Director of the Finance Department at Sichuan University’s School of Economics, highlighted GF Securities' industry influence and comprehensive business strength, encouraging students to seize this practical opportunity and contribute to building a stronger financial sector.
Financial literacy is a lifelong asset for the younger generation. Through professional event organization and immersive competitive experiences, GF Securities aims to help university students hone their investment judgment in highly realistic simulated environments and develop systematic financial thinking through knowledge-based challenges. With robust support and a fair competition framework, the initiative seeks to guide young participants in mastering personal wealth management and advancing their careers in finance.