Cambridge Market and Infrastructure Observatory (MIO) Internship

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)

Start date:
October 2025

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 role
The person
Application timelines

The programme

The Cambridge Market and Infrastructure Observatory (MIO) is the CCAF’s market research arm that delivers flagship research programmes on 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 Government-to-Person (G2P) and Data Protection research teams within the MIO programme, supporting foundational research on G2P payments and data protection regulations. Your responsibilities will include contributing to scoping studies, country analysis, policy and regulatory reviews, and risk assessments. You will also assist in organising and facilitating workshops and working groups with key stakeholders, including regulators, policymakers, and industry representatives.

The CCAF’s MIO internship programme has a remote-first approach and is therefore open to applications from all around the world. We are looking for market research interns with excellent communication, analytical and writing skills.

The role

In this role, your primary responsibility will be to support the research team by assisting with data collection through desktop research and participating in interviews, conducting analysis, writing up findings, and assisting in facilitating stakeholder convenings and community engagement activities.

When applying for the role, please let us know which area you are most interested in, given your relevant experience and network:

Data Protection in digital financial services (DFS).
Government-to-Person (G2P) payment systems.

Main responsibilities

Government-to-Person (G2P) payment systems

Conduct research and comparative analysis on Open Source G2P Payment systems, such as market dynamics (solutions, service providers), implementation approaches, risks, country case studies, regulatory environment (policy, regulation, and supervision), with a focus on best practices in regulation and implementation across the world.
Assist in designing and delivering workshops and working groups with key stakeholders, including regulators, policymakers, and industry representatives, to foster deeper understanding, build collective knowledge, and develop and evaluate key learnings.

Data protection in DFS

Conduct research and analysis on global and national data protection and privacy frameworks, drawing on regulatory comparison and policy analysis to identify cross-regulatory gaps, alignment opportunities, and implementation challenges (particularly in the financial services sector).

Assistingin designing and delivering regulatory engagement workshops to promote collaboration between financial regulators and data protection authorities.

Other responsibilities

Scoping and summarising of literature (including academic, regulatory and industry-specific publications).
Conduct ecosystem mapping by identifying key stakeholders and carrying out outreach activities to support data collection.
Assist in conducting interviews with stakeholders in the capacity of a notetaker.
Developing and preparing communication and marketing materials to support engagement initiatives and promote effective stakeholder collaboration.
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.

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 research reports from 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 digital payment systems for social protection programmes/data protection frameworks and regulations in the context of the broader financial system.
Background in law, economics, public policy, technology, or financial regulation (students in final year or graduates at Bachelor, Master’s or PhD level are welcome to apply).
Demonstrated research skills in legal analysis, policy frameworks, or financial infrastructure.
Ability to develop strong links with relevant stakeholders including regulatory authorities, standard-setting bodies, development partners, and other relevant governmental and international bodies.
Proficiency in performing research and to gather, interpret, and present data effectively.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively report data findings/insights.
Hands-on experience working with 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

Understanding of digital payment architecture, open-source software, or public service delivery systems.
Knowledge of global and national data protection frameworks, with an ability to analyse their implications for financial services and identify opportunities for regulatory alignment.
Experience in qualitative research, stakeholder mapping, or case study development.
Knowledge of gender-related aspects of G2P transfers and data protection is desirable.
Proven experience in effective stakeholder management, including the organisation and facilitation of community engagement activities with key stakeholders.