About Us
Welcome to Saudi Arabia Algo Trading Challenge 2025.
Code your trading algorithms, compete in live financial market, and pitch to make a name for yourself! Gain professional industry knowledge and practical skills to prepare yourself as the next-gen algo-trading professional.
This Challenge is open to public. Create teams of 1~4 members with diverse skills (maths, statistics, finance, coding, presentation) and register by 24 May 2025.
1st Round:
Code
Teams will code their trading algorithm and test on our back-testing engine, then submit the code
Each team can submit more than one algorithm. Each algorithm should be one of following portfolios:
1. US/HK/Saudi Large Cap Portfolio
2. FX Portfolio
3. Commodities Portfolio
Judges will backtest trading algorithms for return, volatility, robustness and practicality to select advancing teams
Submission deadline: 25 Jun 2025
2nd Round:
Compete
Shortlisted teams will be granted real capital to compete in live market trading and out-sample forward test
Real capital live trading will last for 2 months from 1-Jul-2025 to 31-Aug-2025
Completion: 31 Aug 2025
Final Round:
Pitch
Teams will present trading plan to judges in a 5-minute pitch session in Finale
The trading plan is a ppt less than 15 slides consisting of:
• Executive summary
• Trading idea description
• Implementation detail
• Stress test and risk management
• Team biography
Judges will select winners in each of these categories:
• Best Return
• Best Sharpe
• Best Strategy Design
Finale: 15/16/17 Sep 2025 at Money 20/20 Middle East
Parties
Premier Sponsors:
Gold Sponsors:
Supporting Organisations:
Participating Universities:
More universities joining ...
Technology Sponsors:
Schedule
Awards
There are 6 portfolio streams. For each stream, there are 3 award categories: (A) Best Return, (B) Best Sharpe, and (C) Best Strategy Design.
The winning teams from each category will be entitled to:
Employment Opportunities
All prize winners may have a chance to have internship / full-time employment from the Organisers
Free Subscription of Back-testing Engine
All prize winners will get 1-year free subscription of our back-testing platform
Join Algo Challenge Association (ACA)
All prize winners will connect with algo fund managers and industrial professionals in Algo Challenge Association (ACA)
Saudi Arabia Algo Trading Challenge 2025
Gain professional industry knowledge and practical skills to prepare yourself as the next-gen algo-trading professional !
Register NowResources
The dataset provided includes the historical trading records of Hong Kong and US equity market in past years. Kindly note that the data provided is strictly for trading strategy prototyping purposes only. Final round evaluations will be carried out using a new data set with the same structure but from a different time period. Thus, over-fitting of the data set is discouraged.
Datasets
Provide access to required historical data for model development and testing
• Market data
• News
• Economic Statistics
System
• Access to our back-testing engine, cloud simulation environment and relevant technical documents
• OpenAI GPT4.1 embeded in engine to copilot and assist your coding
Tutorial Clip: A Beginner Guide to Build Algorithmic Trading Strategies
Sample Screenshot: Copilot with OpenAI GPT4.1 to assist your coding
Judging Criteria
Judging panel criteria comprises team performance (30%), trading strategy (30%), and presentation (10%), plus the risk-adjusted return (30%) as computed by our back-test system.
A qualified algorithm must satisfy the following:
• Monthly negative return less than 4%
• Portfolio stop loss no more than 8%
(A) Best Return
A good return is the primary goal of every algo trading strategy. Our state-of-the-art trading system will back-test the trading strategies of Finale teams to ascertain outcomes. The team with the highest out-sample 1-year forward test and 2-month real capital live trading return will win this award.
(B) Best Sharpe
A good strategy does not only need to be profitable, but it is also important to take care of the risk taking. The team with the highest Sharpe will win this award.
(C) Best Strategy Design
Recognises Finale participants' knowledge and skills in developing the best algo trading strategy that demonstrated the following:
• Trading Strategy Logic: reasonable return, manageable risk, stability and predictability;
• Creativity: innovative use of statistical models, parameters, forecasting methodology or interpretation of data and novel ideas based on existing theory and models; and
• Execution Potential: a realistic strategy and full consideration of factors including capital, trading time, market impact and risk management.
Rules
- This Challenge is open to public.
- Each individual contestant is only allowed to be in one team.
- Each team must elect one representative to liaise with the organisers.
- All entries must be the original work of the contestant team. Any form of plagiarism is prohibited and the contestant team will be disqualified from the Challenge.
- Each individual contestant is required to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement with the organisers.
- Finalists must present valid ID cards and provide a copy for verification.
- The judging panel’s decision of the Challenge results is final. The organisers reserve the right to the final decision in all other areas.
- An online briefing session will be arranged after registration period to answer any inquiries about the Challenge.
FAQ
Q: If a person is in overseas, can he still join the competition via zoom?
A: Overseas participants are still able to join the Finale via Zoom, though the Finale will be held online and phyiscally in Saudi Arabia (to be confirmed later). The Finale and award presentation is on 15-17 Sep 2025 (TBC).
Register
Form a team of 1~4 members with diverse skills (maths, statistics, finance, coding, presentation) and register by 24 May 2025.
About Money 20/20 Middle East
Money 20/20 Middle East is where fintech’s most influential leaders come together to shape the future of financial services. From global thought leadership on the main stage to high-impact networking that drives real business growth, this is where opportunities happen. Gain international exposure, connect with key decision-makers, and position your business at the heart of a rapidly expanding market. It is the fintech ecosystem comes to build what’s next. With 45,000+ visitors, 450+ brands, 350+ speakers, and 400+ investors, this is the most influential gathering in the region, designed for those shaping the future of money.
About Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a global leader in financial technology (fintech) as part of its Vision 2030 initiative. The Kingdom is dedicated to diversifying its economy and enhancing its financial sector, aiming to create a vibrant hub for innovation and technology in the region. By focusing on developing a robust digital economy, Saudi Arabia seeks to attract both local and international fintech companies, fostering an ecosystem that encourages entrepreneurship and technological advancement.
Algorithmic trading, a key component of the fintech landscape, leverages advanced algorithms and data analytics to execute trades with speed and precision. This technology not only improves market efficiency but also equips traders with the tools to make informed decisions based on real-time data. With its strategic location connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa, Saudi Arabia is well-positioned to become a global trading hub. As the Kingdom invests in its financial infrastructure and regulatory frameworks, it invites participants from around the world to explore the exciting opportunities in fintech and algorithmic trading, paving the way for a dynamic and innovative future.