Students Compete In KPMG Investment Challenge
KPMG in Bermuda recently held their Senior School Investment Challenge, with Warwick Academy winning, the Berkeley Institute placing second, while Somersfield Academy earned third place. The participating students secured cash prizes for their schools to support educational initiatives, including $10,000 for first place, $6,000 for second and $4,000 for third.
A spokesperson said, “KPMG in Bermuda hosted a celebration for its annual Senior School Investment Challenge on Monday, May 4, 2026 at City Hall, celebrating the achievements of senior school students who participated in this year’s six-month capital markets competition. The ceremony was attended by The Hon. Crystal C. Caesar, JP, MP, Minister of Education; Craig Bridgewater, one of the founders of the Investment Challenge; KPMG Partners and mentors; and representatives from external organisations including LOM, Butterfield Asset Management, and the CFA Society.
“Warwick Academy’s team Madoff with the Money was awarded first place, for the second year in a row, after ranking highest among 21 teams from eight participating schools. The Berkeley Institute’s All or Nothin team secured second place, while RiskyBusiness SA from Somersfield Academy earned third place.”
The winning team, Warwick Academy
The Challenge, now in its 21st year, continues to reflect KPMG’s long-standing commitment to education, financial literacy, and youth development in Bermuda, as Felicia Wilsen, Partner at KPMG in Bermuda and Chair of the Lift Off Programme explains, “As part of our Lift Off programme, the Senior School Investment Challenge continues to provide students with meaningful exposure to investing, financial markets, and global business influences.
“Through real-world market simulations and mentorship, students gain essential skills in research, analysis, decision-making, and teamwork, while also exploring potential career paths within Bermuda’s financial services sector.”
The spokesperson said, “Launched in 2005, the Investment Challenge gives student teams $100,000 in virtual funds to invest across global capital markets over a six-month period, using real-time data. Students are required to navigate market volatility, assess risk, and develop investment strategies influenced by economic, geopolitical, and industry-specific factors.
“This year’s Challenge introduced cryptocurrency trading for the first time, reflecting the evolving global investment landscape. By incorporating digital assets alongside traditional securities, students gained exposure to emerging market trends and the unique risks and opportunities associated with crypto investing. The addition encouraged participants to think critically about volatility, diversification, and the impact of global events on both traditional and digital markets, further enhancing the real-world relevance of the programme.
21st Senior School Investment Challenge Final Rankings
“Schools that participated this year included Bermuda Institute, The Berkeley Institute, CedarBridge Academy, Mount Saint Agnes Academy, Saltus Grammar School, Somersfield Academy, and Warwick Academy.
“A student panel discussion formed part of this year’s ceremony, with one representative from each school reflecting on their experience throughout the Challenge. Students spoke thoughtfully about the unpredictability of the markets and the importance of adaptability and research when building an investment strategy.
“The top three teams earned real cash prizes awarded to their schools to support educational initiatives: $10,000 for first place, $6,000 for second place, and $4,000 for third place. KPMG also presented special awards recognising exceptional performance, including Most Profitable Trading Month, Highest Average Portfolio Value, and Boldest Crypto Strategy.”
Reflecting on Warwick Academy’s success, Matt Mitchell, Head of Business, Economics, and Computing, said, “This was the second year in a row that Warwick Academy have clinched first place. Much of the $10,000 will be donated towards the school’s bursary fund to assist WA families requiring financial assistance.
“Some of the funds will be reinvested within the Business, Economics, and Computing Department to allow further educational resources to be purchased to maintain high academic attainment as well as help fund future school trips.
“Warwick Academy would like to graciously thank KPMG for the many initiatives such as the Investment Challenge, and the other amazing opportunities they offer to students in Bermuda to develop financial literacy and increase awareness of possible career opportunities in the financial sector.”
