The Hylander Financial Group (HFG) is a UCR club open to students of all disciplines and levels of financial expertise. The organization provides a platform for students who are curious about the world of finance to come together, learn, and apply their knowledge in both academic and practical settings. Whether students are brand new to financial concepts or already pursuing careers in investment banking, asset management, or corporate finance, HFG welcomes participants at every level of experience.
“I have learned so much about valuation and asset management since I’ve joined HFG,” says finance student George Maalouf ’24, the club’s vice president. For Maalouf, HFG became more than just a student organization — it offered the chance to transform classroom theories into actionable skills. By working alongside peers with similar goals, he was able to deepen his understanding of core financial practices while also building confidence in applying them to real-world problems.
Along with fellow HFG members, Maalouf has competed in various student finance competitions, each of which mirrors the type of analysis and decision-making expected in professional financial roles. These experiences have pushed members to think critically, collaborate effectively, and perform under pressure. One such event was the Request for Proposal Challenge hosted by CFA Orange County, where Maalouf served as director of equity. His team’s strong performance resulted in a $35,000 reward for the club to manage over the following year. This funding not only gave HFG students more responsibility but also allowed them to experience the challenges of portfolio management in a hands-on way.
Maalouf also participated as an analyst in the Institute Research Challenge, a globally recognized competition that brings students together to prepare detailed equity research reports. His team’s work stood out and earned recognition for its quality and thoroughness. “Engaging in these competitions gives me real-world experience on how an actual firm would value a company,” he explains. The reports and presentations prepared by students in these contests replicate the kind of deliverables expected in financial institutions, bridging the gap between academic coursework and professional application.
In addition to his work with HFG, Maalouf is also the managing director of the Hylander Student Investment Fund (HSIF). Established in 2019 with a $200,000 donation from a generous alumnus, HSIF empowers students to manage real funds while learning the intricacies of investing. The fund has become a cornerstone of applied learning in finance at UCR, providing members with invaluable exposure to portfolio construction, risk assessment, and performance tracking. Under Maalouf’s leadership, the HSIF has continued to build a reputation as a serious student-run investment group where decisions carry real financial consequences.
“With this experience,” he adds, “I was able to get my first summer internship in business valuation at Stout Investment Bank.” For Maalouf and many others, involvement in HFG and HSIF serves as a stepping stone into highly competitive internships and full-time positions. By combining academic knowledge with experiential learning opportunities, the organizations prepare students to thrive in industries where analytical skills, teamwork, and ethical decision-making are essential.
Through its competitions, student-managed fund, and supportive community, the Hylander Financial Group demonstrates the value of hands-on learning in finance. Students gain not only technical expertise but also the professional readiness that comes from making real investment decisions, presenting to industry judges, and applying classroom lessons to market realities. As the organization continues to grow, it remains committed to helping UCR students of all backgrounds discover opportunities in finance and build the skills that will carry them into successful careers.
