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FinanceTeam Decision Making2 members

FTDM

Financial Services Team Decision Making

Two competitors analyze a case involving a financial services firm or financial decision. Cases may cover banking strategy, investment advisory, insurance, lending, or personal financial planning scenarios.

Prep Time

30 min

With Judge

15 min

PI Source

Finance + BA Core

Team Size

2 members

Format

Team Case + Objective Test

Who Should Compete

Students interested in banking, investment management, insurance, or financial advisory careers.

The Judge's Role

Panel of finance executives or financial services professionals

Competition Format

Event structure.

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Preparation

30 min

Both team members receive the case study. Divide the analysis, identify the key problem and sub-issues, and build a cohesive recommendation. You may use the printed case and scratch paper provided.

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Presentation

15 min

Present your analysis and solution to the judges panel. Split delivery evenly. Use clear structure: situation overview, alternatives considered, recommended solution, and implementation steps.

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Q&A

5 min

Judges ask clarifying or challenge questions. Both members should be ready to answer any aspect of the case. Stay composed and defend your recommendations with data from the case.

Performance Indicators

What you'll be tested on.

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Financial planning and analysis

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Investment vehicles and portfolio management

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Banking operations and regulations

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Insurance products and risk assessment

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Consumer and commercial lending

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Regulatory compliance (Dodd-Frank, FDIC, SEC)

Browse all performance indicators

How to Prepare

Preparation framework.

01

Master PI lists for your cluster + BA Core

Both members should know all relevant PIs cold. Questions from judges often test PI knowledge directly.

02

Develop a team case-cracking framework

Agree on a shared structure: problem statement → root causes → alternatives (at least 2) → recommendation → implementation → metrics for success.

03

Practice splitting the presentation evenly

Each member must speak substantially. Assign sections, but both must understand the full case, judges direct questions to either member.

04

Work through past cases

Request sample cases from your advisor or use DECA's official resources. Time the 30-min prep and 15-min presentation.

05

Study together, take the objective test seriously

The objective test score is averaged, so a weak score from one member pulls both scores down.

Sample Scenario Themes

Representative topics.

Not official DECA scenarios, representative themes based on past competitions.

Recommending a product mix for a financial advisory client

Addressing a regional bank's declining loan portfolio

Evaluating whether to expand into wealth management services

Developing a strategy for a fintech startup entering traditional banking

Advising on insurance product pricing adjustments

Competition Tips

Notes from experienced competitors.

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Know the difference between financial products: mutual funds, ETFs, bonds, annuities.

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Be prepared to discuss regulatory context: how regulations shape financial services strategy.

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Cases sometimes involve ethical dimensions, financial advisors have fiduciary duties.

Ready to prep for FTDM?

Practice exams for Finance · Review Finance + BA Core performance indicators · Roleplay framework.