Members of the Nevada Student Investment Organization (NISO) showcased their knowledge in the financial realm when they participated in the Rotman International Trading Competition (RITC) last month. They placed 28th out of 42 global teams. The RITC is a prestigious international trading competition event that extends invitations to over 50 countries to compete.

The intensive weekend of challenges contained diverse cases, ranging from options and liquidity – how easily an asset, like stocks or bonds, can be bought or sold in the market – to algorithmic trading, which is the method of trading financial assets using computer algorithms to execute trades automatically.

The NSIO members, representing the University of Nevada, Reno, navigated through the three days of financial strategy challenges and emerged as a skilled contenders on the international stage. The competition tested participants' analytical skills and provided a unique platform for networking and knowledge exchange among students and professionals in the finance industry. 

"Five years ago, I initiated this endeavor, but what truly distinguishes this year is the incorporation of NSIO," Professor Dongjoon Lee said. "The majority of participants being members of the club has unified the students, creating a sense of cohesion and teamwork that has been unparalleled."  

For more than six years, students from the University have competed in the Rotman International Trading Competition, in close partnership between the faculty of the College of Business and the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto. The NSIO stands out as the University’s primary club dedicated to instructing students in trading and investing, which is why the organization's members are selected each year to represent the University in Toronto. 

NSIO President Antonio Arellanes said, “My team and I dedicated extensive effort to planning the most streamlined communication methods for the competition days, creating codewords only we could decipher to maintain the advantage during trading sessions. The six members of the University’s team delegated assigned tasks according to our individual areas of trading expertise. Some of us provided guidance based on technical analysis, while others handled the implementation of Python scripts for algorithmic trading cases.” 

In 2024, the Rotman International Trading Competition (RITC) celebrated its 20th anniversary at the renowned Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto. In this milestone event, the participation from the University of Nevada, Reno, exemplifies the caliber of University programs and the unwavering support extended by faculty. This global endeavor highlights the University's commitment to fostering a dynamic learning environment and its dedication to empowering students with real-world experiences.  

Students Antonio Arellanes, Joshua Palabay, Nicholas Learner, Andy Bhanver, Ryan McNeal and Noah Holliday not only competed with distinction on behalf of the University at the 20th annual RITC but also embarked on a journey of self-discovery. Beyond the confines of the trading floor, the team navigated challenges that tested their financial understanding and their resilience, teamwork and adaptability.  

Looking ahead, the University eagerly awaits the NSIO's next competition. With their recent success as inspiration, the University anticipates seeing how the team prepares and excels in the future. Supported by faculty and the University community, the NSIO embodies persistence and innovation, promising even greater achievements to come.