Strategic Excellence in Global Markets
In the world of high finance, theory is only as valuable as its execution. This month, the IUM Finance Society proved that IUM students aren’t just observing the markets, they are leading them.
We are proud to announce that our team has secured 1st place at the EuroPitch European University Trading Competition, finishing at the top of the leaderboard with a commanding score of 82 points. Competing against a field of elite universities from across the continent, our students demonstrated the technical rigor and strategic depth that define the IUM academic experience.
What is EuroPitch?
EuroPitch was founded in April 2025 with a clear mission: to bridge the gap between academic stock pitching and the high-stakes reality of global markets. Pioneered by Raj Aryan Upadhyaya of the Irish Student Managed Fund and supported by leading student finance societies across Europe, the competition has quickly become a premier Pan-European platform for future investment professionals.
The competition is a grueling multi-stage journey. Participants must navigate:
- University Selection Rounds: Proving their fundamental research skills at a local level.
- Live Online Trading: Executing strategies in real-time market conditions.
- The Final Conference: Presenting and defending their investment thesis before a panel of industry experts.
For the 2025–26 inaugural season, the focus remained on “career-ready” skills—specifically risk management, research integrity, and the ability to communicate complex financial strategies under pressure.
The Winning Strategy: Scenarios over Predictions
The IUM team—composed of Giuseppe Ferraro, Roger McKay Makanjuola, Ferdinando Lo Presti, Carlo Alberto Torrero, and Christian Filoni—built their victory on a foundation of disciplined scenario analysis.
In a volatile market environment, the team adopted a sophisticated risk management approach. As team member Roger McKay Makanjuola noted, echoing the philosophy of George Soros:
“Markets are unpredictable, so you build scenarios, not predictions.”
Instead of chasing speculative trends, the team focused on identifying quality opportunities with clear, measurable catalysts. This discipline enabled them to remain adaptable while maintaining a rigorous risk-management framework—a combination that ultimately set them apart from their European peers.
The Power of Student-Led Excellence
At IUM, we believe that student-run organizations like the Finance Society are the ultimate incubators for professional growth. This victory is a testament to the autonomy and initiative of our students. Through the Finance Society, students create a collaborative ecosystem where classroom theories are tested in high-stakes environments. It is here that the transition from “student” to “professional” truly happens.
This achievement reflects weeks of market research and strategy development. I’m proud of the discipline and resilience our team demonstrated throughout.
Carlo Alberto Torrero
MSc in Finance student
Setting a New Standard
The IUM Finance Society has not only brought home a trophy; they have set a new benchmark for excellence. Their success at EuroPitch 2026 highlights the IUM’s commitment to providing an education that is globally competitive and deeply connected to the industry.
We extend our deepest congratulations to Giuseppe Ferraro, Christian Filoni, Ferdinando Lo Presti, Roger McKay Makanjuola, and Carlo Alberto Torrero. You have represented the International University of Monaco at the highest level, proving that with preparation and conviction, our students are ready to lead the future of finance.
If you would like more information about our MSc in Finance program, please visit our website.
Feel free to also contact the Admissions Team directly at admissions@monaco
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