KPMG Adds Crypto To Student Challenge

The KPMG Senior School Investment Challenge has returned for its 21st year, with senior students from eight schools trading since the competition began in early November.

A spokesperson said, “This year, for the first time, the 2025 KPMG Investment Challenge is introducing cryptocurrency trading. By adding digital assets, the program reflects today’s evolving investment landscape and offers students a dynamic learning experience aligned with real-world market trends.

“Each participating school may enter up to three teams, and every team is allocated a virtual $100,000 BMD to manage over a six-month period through the StockTrak trading platform. This hands-on approach provides students with meaningful exposure to capital markets, finance, and accounting, while prompting them to consider how global events shape financial outcomes.

“Throughout the challenge, students trade securities in real-time simulated markets, applying practical investment strategies to grow their portfolios. While teams compete for the highest returns, the challenge’s broader purpose is to foster financial literacy, strategic thinking, and an interest in investing. Many students leave the program with a deeper appreciation for financial markets and the discipline required to navigate them.

“At the end of the challenge, the first-place team will be awarded $10,000 BMD, with additional recognitions for categories such as portfolio diversity, profit per trade, and comeback performance. These awards highlight the multifaceted nature of successful investing and encourage students to pursue well-rounded strategies.

“This year’s challenge has seen strong engagement, with 21 teams competing for the top spot and the chance to bring winnings back to their schools. Participating schools include:

“The Berkeley Institute, CedarBridge Academy, Warwick Academy, Bermuda Institute, Somersfield Academy, Mount Saint Agnes Academy [MSA], Bermuda High School [BHS], and Saltus Grammar School.”

Felicia Wilsen, Partner and Chair, Lift off Program, commented on the purpose behind the program: “Through the Investment Challenge, teams have the opportunity to see firsthand how external conditions influence financial markets and their own portfolios. This experience encourages students to engage more deeply with global events and develop a broader understanding of the world around them.

“The initiative is a key pillar of KPMG’s Lift off Program, designed to give senior school students insight into the firm’s activities, exposure to diverse career paths, an introduction to investing for the future, and a broader understanding of international business and its impacts. We are delighted to see such strong participation this year and look forward to watching students rise to the investment challenge.”

The spokesperson said, “KPMG provides an introductory session on investing at the start of the program and publishes monthly rankings throughout the competition. After the first month, here are the rankings:

“Interested in more student opportunities with KPMG? Sign up for K-Nect, KPMG in Bermuda’s second biannual student networking event being held on Monday, December 15, from 5:30–7:00 p.m. at Crown House, 4 Par-la-Ville Road, Pembroke. Open to high school and university students, K-Nect offers an introduction to the financial services industry and the career pathways available at KPMG in Bermuda. Students can register for the event here.”

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