Overview
Join the programme as an intern within the Artificial Intelligence (AI) research team and contribute to timely, policy-relevant global industry and regulatory research on AI adoption across the financial ecosystem.
Duration:
3 to 6 months (possibility of extension)
Start date:
Immediate
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 AI research team at the CCAF is conducting a landmark global study on the adoption of artificial intelligence across the financial ecosystem. By collecting comparative data from regulators, industry stakeholders (including incumbents and fintechs) and AI solution providers, the initiative aims to develop a comprehensive view of the sector’s evolving challenges and strategic priorities from now through to 2030.
Summary of project work
As a research intern, you will contribute to this valuable research by engaging in activities such as data collection, analysis, interpretation, and report writing. You will also support wider Centre initiatives as required. Applicants with relevant experience in AI for financial industry operations or regulatory engagement are particularly encouraged to apply.
This internship aligns with the University’s commitment to maintaining excellence in teaching and research on both national and international levels. The programme follows a remote-first format and is therefore open to applications worldwide. We’re looking for motivated individuals with strong communication, analytical, and writing skills to join our team.
The role
In this role, your primary responsibility is to support the AI research team by assisting with data collection through outreach and desktop research, participating in interviews, analysis, and the write-up of findings.
When applying for the role, please let us know which area you are most interested in, given your relevant experience and network:
- AI third party vendors – firms providing AI products and services to the financial services sector
- AI in financial authorities – central banks, securities regulators and other relevant authorities
- AI in the financial industry – both traditional institutions and fintech companies
Main responsibilities
- Ecosystem mapping, identifying relevant survey participants, and conducting outreach for data collection.
- Scoping and summarising of literature (including academic, regulatory and industry-specific publications).
- Performing desk-based research to identify suitable secondary data sources and conducting secondary research to support verification and validation of hypotheses being tested.
- Working alongside the data analytics team and assisting data leads in data processes.
- Assisting in identifying and engaging key stakeholders efficiently.
- Assisting in conducting interviews with stakeholders in the capacity of a notetaker.
- Interpreting the data and presenting the research findings in the final output.
- Contributing to the analysis, presentation and visualisation of the data, wherever applicable.
- Supporting the dissemination of the final output to ensure its impact.
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 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 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 artificial intelligence within the financial ecosystem, including industry or regulatory knowledge related to AI adoption, approaches, implementation and challenges.
- Bachelors, masters or PhD, preferably in finance, economics, statistics, technology or a similar field (final year undergraduate students will be considered with exceptional writing samples and research experience).
- Existing network within the financial services sector – in industry, fintech, regulatory authorities and/or AI product/service providers.
- Proficiency in conducting research and gathering, interpreting and presenting data effectively.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively report data findings/insights.
- Hands-on experience working with the Microsoft Office Suite.
- 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
- Prior hands-on experience with a financial sector entity, regulator, central bank or related authority.
- Experience in desk research, qualitative studies, content analysis, data organisation and stakeholder engagement.
- Market research background, particularly in fintech and regulatory domains, is beneficial.
- Familiarity with industry trends, news and regulatory shifts impacting the financial sector.
Application timelines
Our Autumn cohort starts August/September 2025.
Autumn cohort
Interviews and decisions:
Rolling basis, by August/September 2025
Starts:
August/September 2025
Applications
The AI Research internship is currently closed to applications.