Youth Finance First
YFF X NSRI Essay Challenge
The YFF × NSRI Essay Challenge is a research-focused competition for students interested in finance and economics.
Participants are expected to write an essay on a topic of their choice, based on any one of the following guiding themes:
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Technology, AI, and the Future of Finance
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Behavioral Finance: How Human Psychology Shapes Financial Decisions
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Market Structure and Financial Markets
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Corporate Finance and Governance
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Money, Currency, and Central Banking
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Macroeconomics OR Microeconomics
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Risk, Regulation, and Financial Stability
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International Economics and Global Trade
Sample topics :
-Does algorithmic and passive investing change how markets absorb shocks?
-Buy Now, Pay Later: How Technology Is Changing Consumer Spending
-How Does Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) Influence Investing Among Young People?
-What happens to financial stability when non-banks do the lending?
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The chosen topic should have sufficient scope and depth to be further developed into a research paper/project.Â
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Few things to take note of:
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Word limit : 1500 words
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Relevant pictures, graphs, charts, and other visual aids that support the essay are permitted.
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A short source list (not counted in the 1,500-word limit) should accompany the essay, listing any data, reports, or articles referenced.
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In-text citations don't need to follow a strict academic format (APA/MLA), but every fact or figure should be attributable to a real source, either via a footnote, bracketed reference, or inline mention (e.g. "According to a 2024 IMF report...").
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Usage of AI: AI should only be used for brainstorming purposes. AI must not be used to write, generate, or substantially produce any part of the student’s essay. Each essay will be screened using an AI detection tool.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Open to all students aged 13-18
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Registration Deadline: November 20, 2026, 11:59 PM SGT
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Submission Deadline: November 30, 2026, 11:59 PM SGT
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December 10th 2026: Top 10 essays will be shortlisted and annouced
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December 21st 2026: Top three winning essays will be selected by qualified judges
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KEY DATES
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PRIZESÂ
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Research pathway via NSRI: The top three winners will receive a guaranteed research development pathway with NSRI, including mentorship and guidance to develop their winning essays into more formal research projects.Â
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Certificate of Achievement: Awarded to the top three winners.
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Certificate of Recognition: Awarded to the top ten finalists
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Recognition on YFF’s Website: The winners will be featured and recognized on YFF's website.
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