In the Financial Literacy Competition, ninth graders test their financial literacy skills with questions about current financial and economic issues in society. The competition questions are based on the social studies syllabus for comprehensive schools and on current economic issues. This year, nearly 17,000 students from 324 schools around Finland participated in the high-standard competition.
"Good financial literacy skills help each of us make better financial choices. Improving financial literacy is a key element of the targets of OP Financial Group's sustainability programme. It's a pleasure to be able to contribute to this competition. Thanks to all the participants and congratulations to the winners," says Satu Kuoppamäki, Head of ESG, Retail Banking, at OP Financial Group.
"In lower secondary school, we can reach the entire age group. That's why it's important that ninth graders gain the skills to adequately understand the economy and to manage their personal finances. The preliminary phase of the Financial Literacy Competition was organised in 324 schools across Finland. We also want to thank all the schools and teachers involved for participating in this year's competition," says Kirsi Ruhanen, Executive Director of HYOL (Association for Teachers of History and Social Studies in Finland), which organises the competition.
The national final was arranged at OP Financial Group's Vallila offices in Helsinki on Tuesday, 20 May 2025. In this year's final, ninth graders answered questions about topics such as demand for housing loans, critical raw materials and various investment strategies. The essay assignment concerned globalisation and tariffs. The finalists also had the opportunity to attend two presentations on topical subjects. In the first of these, OP Financial Group's specialists discussed saving and investing, and in the second, they focused on the importance of strong financial literacy skills in staying safe from scams.
The top three students in the Financial Literacy Competition were awarded cash prizes: 500 euros for the winner, 350 euros for the runner-up and 250 euros for the third place. The top three in the final round were:
1st place: Pinja-Miina Lindholm, Turku
2nd place: Joonas Halttunen, Helsinki
3rd place: Miikka Kilpinen, Espoo
OP Financial Group helps improve the financial literacy of young people in cooperation with HYOL. Our goal is that all young people have equal opportunities to manage their finances. OP Financial Group annually meets more than 70,000 children and young people through the financial literacy activities of OP cooperative banks and partners.