Overview
Join the programme to become an intern with the Market and Infrastructure Observatory team at the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance (CCAF) and help generate impactful research that enables best industry practices in the realms of digital public infrastructure and digital finance.
Duration:
3 to 6 months (possibility of extension)
Time commitment:
- Part-time: 20 hours/week
- Full-time: 37.5 hours/week
Format:
Remote – worldwide (onsite internship in Cambridge may be considered)
The programme
The Cambridge Market and Infrastructure Observatory (MIO) is the CCAF’s flagship programme to research the development of digital finance channels, instruments, infrastructure and systems. The MIO aims to empower stakeholders across the ecosystem with the tools, knowledge, and frameworks necessary to support informed decision-making and facilitate sustainable market development.
The internship aims to support and maintain the University’s national and international reputation for excellence in teaching and research. You will contribute to research excellence by supporting the delivery of initiatives under the MIO.
Responsibilities include conducting research activities such as data collection, analysis, interpretation, and report writing. Additionally, you will participate in and contribute to the overall efforts of the Centre as appropriate.
Summary of project work
You will contribute to the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) research team within the MIO programme and support the team in creating a conceptual framework to understand how digital infrastructures interact and create value across the financial services landscape, examining how innovations like open banking APIs and fast payment systems influence adoption patterns, network effects and value creation. The focus will also be on the role of regulatory authorities and central banks on the development and adoption of DPIs.
The CCAF’s MIO internship programme has a remote-first approach and is therefore open to applications worldwide. We are looking for market research interns with excellent communication, analytical and writing skills.
The role
In this role, your primary responsibility is to support the research team in the DPI project by assisting with data collection through desktop research and participating in interviews, analysis, and the write-up of findings.
Main responsibilities
- Conduct desktop research with a focus on DPI. The research methodology combines theoretical analysis with targeted qualitative research, including desk research of existing initiatives and case studies of key markets.
- Assist in identifying and engaging with key stakeholders effectively.
- Assist in conducting interviews with stakeholders in the capacity of a notetaker.
- Interpret the data and write up research findings for the final output.
- Contributing to the analysis, presentation and visualisation of the data, wherever applicable.
- Support the dissemination of the final output to ensure its impact.
- Facilitate the organisation and execution of roundtable discussions and workshops tailored for high-level stakeholders.
Benefits
As an intern you:
- will work in a stimulating working environment with friendly, highly motivated colleagues
- will gain practical research experience and insights into the inner workings of a leading research institute
- will be offered financial reimbursement for expenses (relative to your personal circumstances up to £800/month in case of full-time commitment and £400/month for part-time)
- will work with a world-leading research institute and have access to knowledge-sharing sessions with peers and experts from the Centre
- will be recognised in the publications of the Centre
- will get opportunities to join events with industry, academicians, researchers, regulators and policymakers regarding the most pressing themes in fintech
- will receive a certificate upon successful completion of the internship programme to accelerate your career in fintech by enhancing your CV
About you
The ideal candidate should have the following qualities, skills and attributes. You are asked to provide a CV and cover letter and complete an application form demonstrating how your experience meets these requirements.
Essential characteristics
- Understanding of DPI/financial infrastructure in the context of the broader financial system.
- Bachelor, masters degree or PhD, ideally in finance, economics, statistics, technology or a similar field (final year bachelor students will be considered with exceptional writing samples and research experience).
- Proficiency in performing research and to gather, interpret, and present data effectively.
- Hands-on experience working with Microsoft Office.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively report data findings/insights.
- Driven and committed, demonstrating initiative, self-motivation, and eagerness to familiarise with new concepts.
- Excellent time management and planning skills with a commitment to deliver and being held accountable.
- Ability to work independently as well as being part of an interdisciplinary team in a collaborative project.
Desirable characteristics
- Experience in conducting desk research, qualitative research, content analysis, data curation, and stakeholder management.
- Market research experience would be advantageous, especially in any fintech and DPI activities.
- Familiarity with industry trends, news and regulatory changes impacting the financial and DPI landscape.
Application timelines
Out Winter cohort starts in January/February 2025.
Winter cohort
Applications accepted:
10-31 January
Interviews & decisions:
January/February
Starts:
January/February
Ready to apply?
If you meet the criteria for this internship we’d love to hear from you.
It is easy to apply you only need to complete two simple steps:
Step 1
Once you have your CV ready you can: