IFSA Network
The IFSA Network formerly known as the International Finance Students Association Network, is a global non-profit network of finance student associations to help student members develop the skills and contacts to be active in the financial market. It is exclusively run by students. It was initially based at the Rotterdam School of Management.
The network operates under a decentralized yet cohesive organizational structure and is split into regional chapters.
History
The International Finance Student Association traces its roots back to 2014 in Rotterdam, specifically at the Rotterdam School of Management. The initial purpose of the network was to create a community for individuals studying Finance, fostering connections both amongst themselves and with established figures in the financial sector.A new structure was brought in from the 2024-25 tenure to better deal with the delegation of responsibilities as the network continued to expand. The leadership team now consists of a three-member board - the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and Treasurer - and a five-member Executive Committee, comprising the respective heads of APAC, EMEA and LATAM, Head of Communications and Head of Operations.
Structure
Chapters
The IFSA Network operates under a decentralized yet cohesive organizational structure designed to balance local autonomy with global coordination. Situated in educational institutions across the world, the individual chapters serve as semi-independent units, each governed by their own board comprising at least a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Treasurer, and General Secretary. These boards manage day-to-day operations and supervise regional activities tailored to meet the specific needs and interests of their local student bodies. Chapters also usually have specialized departments, such as Finance, Marketing, and Events, each headed by a department manager who oversees a team of analysts.New structure (2024-25 to present)
From 2024-25, the leadership team was changed to of a three-member board - the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and Treasurer - and a five-member Executive Committee, comprising the respective heads of APAC, EMEA and LATAM, Head of Communications and Head of Operations.Key initiatives
Traders' Cup
The IFSA Trader’s Cup is the world’s largest student run trading challenge. All people studying in a recognised university are free to participate. The competition relies on securities trading, and aims to give students an opportunity to distinguish themselves from the competition. The competition is held once per academic year, starting in spring of 2016. For the second edition of the competition, students from more than 35 universities, located in 28 countries on 6 continents competed.Global Case Competition at Harvard
The Global Case Competition at Harvard is the world’s most prestigious case competition organized by students.During the first edition, a team from HEC Paris, a leading French university, won the challenge.
The second edition was won by the London Business School.
Local venues
The various IFSA Network chapters try to offer their communities various local events to connect with the professional world. Often, an industry professional will come to the IFSA Network events and meet students. The purpose of those venues is to give students a taste of the professional world, share tips and knowledge, and give an opportunity to network.Boston Consulting Group Case Competition
In 2018, the IFSA Network in cooperation with the Boston Consulting Group and InvestSoc, organised the first, three-week long International Cape Town Case Competition. The competition has a unique format where teams consisting of 2 to 4 participants, propose solutions for crises that are presented to them. In their solutions, participants are able to showcase their knowledge, creativity and problem-solving skills on a current macroeconomic issue.A jury picks the 15 best international teams and the best local teams, from Cape Town. The selected teams arrive in Cape Town, South Africa, to participate in the second round, and present in front of a select panel. The winning team is awarded a cash prize of 5000 South African Rand.