Research Analyst - Intern

ABOUT IBS INTELLIGENCE

IBS Intelligence (IBSi) is one of the world’s leading specialist FinTech research and advisory firms. Established in the UK in 1991, it has built a three-decade legacy of independent, data-driven research and strategic advisory for global technology firms, consulting organisations, institutional investors, and banks.

Since 2009, IBSi’s research platform has tracked 36,000+ banking technology system purchases, 5,000+ technology vendors, and 11,000+ banks across 195 countries — supporting critical business, technology, and investment decisions across the global financial services ecosystem.

IBSi delivers a comprehensive portfolio of research, intelligence, and advisory products that provides actionable intelligence to key decision-makers: technology firms sharpening market positioning, competitive intelligence, and product strategy; consulting firms deepening sector knowledge and advisory quality; investment firms seeking rapid industry understanding, sector prioritisation, and valuation perspectives; and banks and financial institutions developing technology strategies, evaluating vendors, and implementing systems that enhance long-term competitiveness.

ROLE PURPOSE

The Research Analyst Intern supports the research team in conducting primary and secondary research on banking, financial services, and financial technology markets. The internship is designed to provide hands-on exposure to industry research methodologies, data analysis, and report preparation while enabling interns to develop strong analytical, research, and communication skills. The role contributes to IBS Intelligence's research publications, market intelligence products, and advisory assignments under the guidance of experienced research professionals.

ROLE OVERVIEW

The Research Analyst Intern assists in executing research activities across banking and FinTech topics by gathering, validating, and analysing information from multiple sources. The role involves supporting data collection, market research, competitive analysis, vendor profiling, and preparation of research outputs. Interns will work closely with research, editorial, and data teams, gain exposure to industry experts and market participants, and learn to apply structured research methodologies and AI-enabled research tools. This internship offers an excellent opportunity for students and recent graduates to build domain knowledge in banking technology while developing practical research and analytical capabilities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Research & Analysis

• Conduct primary and secondary research on banking, financial services, and FinTech markets.
  


• Collect, validate, and organize data from public sources, industry reports, company websites, and databases.
  


• Assist in analysing market trends, technology vendors, products, and competitive landscapes.
  


• Support quantitative and qualitative analysis for research reports and intelligence products.
  

Deliverables

• Assist in preparing research summaries, vendor profiles, market reports, presentations, and other research deliverables.
  


• Create charts, tables, and basic data visualizations to support research findings.
  


• Maintain research documentation and ensure accurate referencing of information sources.
  


• Support ongoing research projects, surveys, and database updates.
  

Learning & Collaboration

• Participate in stakeholder and industry interviews where appropriate.
  


• Collaborate with research, editorial, and data teams to deliver high-quality research outputs.
  


• Learn and apply IBS Intelligence's research methodologies, quality standards, and AI-enabled research tools.
  


• Continuously build knowledge of banking technology, digital banking, payments, lending, and emerging FinTech trends.
  
  

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Education: Final-year students or recent graduates pursuing or holding a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business, Economics, Finance, Technology, Statistics, Information Technology, or a related discipline.

Experience: No prior work experience is required. Fresh graduates and students are encouraged to apply. Academic projects, internships, certifications, or coursework related to research, business analysis, finance, economics, or technology will be considered an advantage.

SKILLS, DOMAIN & COMPETENCIES

Functional & Technical Skills:

• Strong research and analytical aptitude
  


• Basic quantitative and qualitative analysis skills
  


• Good business writing and documentation skills
  


• Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
  


• Ability to work with research databases and AI-enabled research tools
  


• Data organization and attention to detail
  

Banking & FinTech Domain Knowledge:

• Interest in banking, financial services, and financial technology
  


• Basic understanding of digital banking, payments, lending, or emerging technologies such as AI and cloud is desirable but not mandatory
  

Behavioral Competencies:

• Intellectual curiosity
  


• Analytical thinking
  


• Attention to detail
  


• Willingness to learn
  


• Strong written and verbal communication
  


• Teamwork and collaboration
  


• Ownership and accountability
  


• Time management
  

KEY STAKEHOLDERS

Internal: Research team, Head of Digital Properties, editorial team, data team, and commercial teams.

External: Industry experts, research participants, technology vendors, and banking and financial-services professionals (as part of research activities).

CAREER PROGRESSION & SUCCESS

Progression: High-performing interns may be considered for a full-time Research Analyst opportunity, subject to performance, business requirements, and the availability of suitable openings.

Success (Internship): Assigned research tasks are completed accurately and on time; research methodologies are applied effectively; contributions support published research and intelligence products; domain knowledge of banking technology develops steadily; and the intern demonstrates strong learning ability, professionalism, and collaboration throughout the internship.