Winning a prestigious international finance competition requires more than just academic knowledge; it demands practical skill, strategic thinking, and the ability to perform under pressure. In 2025, Krish Banka, a finance student at the American University in Dubai (AUD), demonstrated all these qualities and more. By outperforming participants from 52 universities across 16 countries, his victory in the LSEG Workspace Portfolio Competition highlights a critical component of modern business education: the transition from theory to real-world application.
This achievement is not just a personal milestone for Krish but a testament to the practical, career-focused training embedded within the AUD School of Business curriculum. It underscores the value of mastering professional tools like the LSEG Workspace platform and the impact of dedicated faculty mentorship.
Excelling in a High-Stakes Global Finance Arena
The LSEG Workspace Portfolio Competition is a significant event in the academic finance calendar, attracting top-tier talent from across the Central & Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (CEEMEA) region. Participants are tasked with constructing and managing a portfolio using the LSEG Workspace, a leading professional-grade platform for financial analysis and execution. Success in this environment requires a blend of quantitative analysis, market foresight, and disciplined decision-making.
Krish Banka’s performance set him apart from a competitive field of students from 16 different nations. His ability to navigate complex market data and build a winning strategy showcases a level of proficiency that is highly sought after by global financial institutions. This accomplishment confirms that students graduating from programs with a strong emphasis on applied finance are prepared to make an immediate impact in the industry.
The Role of Experiential Learning and Mentorship
Behind every student success story is a supportive academic environment. Krish was mentored by Dr. Rima Assaf, Director of the Center for Executive Programs and Professional Services (CEPPS) and an Assistant Professor of Finance at AUD. Dr. Assaf’s guidance was instrumental in helping Krish translate classroom theories into a practical, high-performing portfolio.
“AUD was the only university in the UAE to win this year, and we are incredibly proud of Krish. Throughout the challenge, he demonstrated discipline, analytical rigor, and the ability to apply classroom knowledge to a real-world financial environment. This accomplishment reflects the spirit of our School of Business: excellence, ambition, and readiness for a global financial world.”
— Dr. Rima Assaf, Director of CEPPS and Assistant Professor of Finance
This mentorship model is central to the educational philosophy at the American University in Dubai. It ensures that students are not just passive recipients of information but active participants in their professional development. By engaging with faculty who have deep industry connections and academic expertise, students gain the confidence to compete and succeed on a global stage.
Developing In-Demand Financial Skills
Krish’s victory provides a clear blueprint for aspiring finance professionals. To thrive in today’s competitive market, students must cultivate a specific set of skills that bridge the gap between academic study and professional practice. The AUD finance program is designed to foster these exact competencies:
- Advanced Analytical Rigor: The ability to dissect financial statements, evaluate market trends, and use data to inform investment decisions.
- Practical Platform Proficiency: Gaining hands-on experience with industry-standard tools like LSEG Workspace is no longer optional; it is a prerequisite for efficiency and effectiveness in financial roles.
- Strategic Portfolio Management: Understanding risk, asset allocation, and the dynamics of building a resilient portfolio that can withstand market volatility.
- Global Market Perspective: Operating effectively in an interconnected world requires an awareness of international economic factors and diverse market conditions.
These skills are cultivated through a rigorous curriculum, case studies, and opportunities to engage with real-world challenges, ensuring graduates are not just knowledgeable but also highly capable.
Building a Career in a Global Financial Hub
Studying finance in the UAE, particularly at a respected institution like the American University in Dubai, offers a distinct advantage. The region is a dynamic and rapidly growing global financial hub, providing students with unparalleled access to diverse industries, multinational corporations, and innovative financial ventures.
AUD’s strategic location and its multicultural campus environment prepare students to operate effectively in international teams and navigate the complexities of global finance. A win like Krish’s serves as a powerful endorsement of the talent being developed within the university, signaling to employers that AUD graduates possess the skills and global mindset needed to lead in the financial sector.
Conclusion: A Launchpad for Future Success
Krish Banka’s success in the LSEG Workspace Portfolio Competition 2025 is a clear indicator of the high-caliber education and practical training offered at the American University in Dubai. It reinforces the importance of choosing a program that prioritizes experiential learning and provides students with the tools to excel in demanding professional environments.
For those aspiring to a career in finance, this achievement is an inspiring example of what is possible when ambition is met with the right academic foundation and mentorship.
