Research Assistant (FinTech)

Research Assistants manage, conduct, and assist in studies for clients on various topics relevant to the industry. Identifying key trends or meaningful solutions to industry problems.

Research Assistant Job Description

Pinpoint issues or operational inefficiencies within the FinTech sector, aiming for strategic improvements.

Explore current technological advancements, crafting innovative solutions for industry challenges like blockchain applications.

Gather, scrutinise, and organise data pertinent to project research focus or logistical aspects.

Create and propose impactful solutions to identified problems, including the fusion of AI technologies in asset management.

Facilitate collaboration between clients and in-house teams to ensure seamless project execution and alignment with objectives.

Note

Good software skills, presentation, writing, and interpersonal skills are important! Research is typically conducted in teams, and a good rapport with your teammates produces better results.

What you should know about Research Assistant jobs in Singapore

Nature of Work

Conduct in-depth financial data analysis, market trends, and technologies to inform investment decisions and product development strategies.

Key Advice

Ongoing research projects may be affected due to new developments in the industry. Do mentally prepare yourself for such situations.

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements
A degree in Computer Science or a related field is a minimum requirement.

Having a good background in deep learning, transfer learning, and reinforcement learning, with good knowledge of common deep learning models, such as Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), and being computationally efficient in CNN is highly valued.

Experience with programming languages such as Python, especially libraries like TensorFlow or PyTorch, is essential.

Strong analytical skills and the ability to work with complex datasets.

Capability to contribute to research that can be published in top academic journals.
Possible Pathway

Possible Pathway

Skills you need to pursue a Research Assistant career in Singapore

Hard Skills

Programming Proficiency

Competent in Python, C++ and Java, used for data analysis, model development, and research simulations.

Machine Learning Frameworks

Implement and test advanced computational models using TensorFlow, PyTorch, Keras and Scikit-learn

Report Writing and Presentation Skills

Necessary for communicating research findings clearly and effectively to stakeholders.

Soft Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Important for collaborating effectively with research teams and stakeholders.

Critical Thinking

Vital for analysing data, questioning assumptions, and solving complex research problems.

Time Management

Crucial for prioritising tasks, meeting deadlines, and efficiently managing research projects.

“Just remember that failure is the stepping stone to success, learn from it and improve from there.”

Adrian, Research Assistant

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Do Research Assistants just do menial work?

No, Research Assistants still contribute to a project's research aims in meaningful and vital ways. They can also pick up many skills and methodologies that will help them further down the line as a researcher.
What are the types of research projects done by Research Assistants in FinTech?

Every sector within the FinTech industry has Research and Development projects. Research Assistants may be involved in Research projects ranging from trends in the Banking industry to using crypto blockchains in Banking services.
Why do Research Assistants publish their work?

Publishing is the way that professionals either thrive or stall in their work. Like other Academics, Research Assistants' work should be published in journals to make their mark professionally in the industry, paving the way for them to pursue their research in-depth or create connections with other Academics.
How do Research Assistants handle a failed experiment or inconclusive research?

It's normal for research to end up being a failure. However, Research Assistants should not get too affected by it and should instead start working on another project if they know their project cannot succeed.
What are the challenges faced by FinTech Research Assistants?

Challenges may include navigating complex regulatory environments, staying up-to-date on rapidly evolving technologies, and ensuring the accuracy and relevance of research findings in a dynamic industry landscape.