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:
September 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 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 Open Banking and Open Finance (OBOF) research team within the MIO programme and support the team in developing a blueprint for sustainable Open Finance ecosystems in emerging and developing markets. This includes contributing to research on incentive structures, liability frameworks and performance measurement. Candidates with a legal or policy background are especially encouraged to apply, as this role will involve research on legal liabilities, accountability structures and regulatory design in the context of open banking and open finance.

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 Open Banking and Open Finance (OBOF) project by assisting with data collection through desktop research and participating in interviews, analysis and the write-up of findings.

Main responsibilities

Conduct comparative legal research on liability and redress mechanisms across jurisdictions with open banking or open finance systems.
Analyse how responsibilities are assigned across data providers, users and intermediaries under different legal regimes.
Map relevant data protection, financial and contractual liability provisions and how they interact with OBOF.
Assist in constructing country-specific case studies (eg Brazil, India, Indonesia, South Africa) with a legal and regulatory lens.
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 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 open banking and open finance/data sharing/digital public infrastructure in the context of the broader financial system.
Background in law, economics, public policy or financial regulation (students in final year or graduates at bachelor, masters or PhD level are welcome).
Demonstrated research skills in legal analysis, policy frameworks or financial infrastructure.
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

Prior exposure to data governance, liability regimes or API-based financial ecosystems.
Experience in qualitative research, stakeholder mapping or case study development.
Comfort working across jurisdictions and distilling diverse legal documents into comparative insights.
Awareness of regional digital finance trends in Africa, Asia or Latin America.