Six high performing finance students will be representing the Telfer School of Management at the 2015 Rotman International Trading Competition from February 19-22 in Toronto. RITC is a three-day intensive trading competition and conference that invites teams from 50 of the best universities around the world. The environment is fiercely competitive, and attracts the brightest students from a variety of different undergraduate and graduate programs. The Telfer 2015 team will consist of Cassy Aite, Ian Harten, Malanga Mposha, Daniel Shannon, William Tu, and Ethan Zhang.

Pouya Safi is the manager of the School’s Financial Research and Learning Lab and is in charge of managing and overseeing the development of this year’s team.  He helps ensure that his students have all the necessary resources and guidance in order to succeed and compete at the highest level.  Pouya has been coaching the team with both training sessions and preparation workshops/competitions.  Pouya believes that the frequent training and meetings for the competition since November is something that the team has grown accustomed to and will be their competitive advantage over teams who put in little preparation.

The idea of intense focus and dedication is nothing new to any of these students who had to compete and interview for their spots on the team. Their regular meetings consist of creating complex models, constructing trading algorithms, and stress-testing strategies. William Tu comments, “The preparation towards the competition alone has been an amazing experience in terms of developing camaraderie, thinking strategically as a team, and embracing the fast-paced nature of trading”. Cassy Aite adds, “Our effectiveness comes from the synergetic skills that each and every member brings to the team”.

With the competition date of February 19 fast approaching, the atmosphere of eagerness continues to rise further. The team is concentrated and ready to challenge any obstacles that come their way.   

Photo: Daniel Shannon, Ethan Zhang, William Tu, Malanga Mposha, Ian Harten and Cassy Aite