Senior Affiliate Researcher

Are you passionate about shaping the future of finance through research? Do you thrive on translating complex ideas into actionable insights? Are you fluent in English and Mandarin and eager to make a mark on the global investment community?

CFA Institute is hiring a Senior Affiliate Researcher for our Research & Policy Center. In this role, you will deliver influential research that drives innovation in investment management, regulation, and market integrity. This is a 2-year fixed-term opportunity based in Hong Kong, with a hybrid work model (minimum of 2 days in-office/week) and the potential to impact global thinking through high-quality publications and thought leadership

🔗 Examples of past research by the CFA Institute Research and Policy Center: rpc.cfainstitute.org/en

What You’ll Do

As a Senior Affiliate Researcher, you will play a central role in advancing CFA Institute’s global research agenda. You will:

• Develop high-impact, original research that informs practitioners, institutions, and policymakers.

• Drive innovation in investment management best practices, regulation, and market integrity.

• Lead and author independent research projects, papers, and articles on capital markets and other priority topics.

• Translate industry trends and technical topics into accessible, actionable insights and policy recommendations.

• Publish research under the CFA Institute Research & Policy Center, with opportunities for external academic or industry publication.

• Collaborate closely with the Senior Head, Research, and mentor junior affiliate researchers.

• Contribute to the strategic direction of research initiatives aligned to the Institute’s global mission.

Research Experience Required

This role requires demonstrated experience in producing original research publications, either in academic, industry, or policy contexts.

Your Research Interests

We are especially keen to hear from candidates with expertise or interest in:

• Machine Learning / Artificial Intelligence / NLP / LLMs

• Big data, alternative data, and visualisation techniques

• Cryptoassets, Blockchain, Central Bank Digital Currencies

• Retirement systems and pension innovation

• Private markets, wealth management, investment products

• ESG, climate change, net zero

• Asset allocation and portfolio theory

What We’re Looking For

• A Master’s or PhD in Finance, Economics, Law, STEM, or a related field.

• Direct experience authoring published research or articles—either in academia, industry, or policy.

• Fluent in English and Mandarin, with excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Proven ability to distill complex issues into accessible, compelling narratives.

• Highly self-motivated and collaborative, with a global mindset.

• CFA Charterholder or candidate preferred, but not required.

Why Join CFA Institute?

• Be part of a globally respected organisation shaping the future of finance.

• Engage with cutting-edge topics that influence markets, regulators, and investors.

• Work closely with world-class researchers, advocates, and standard-setters.

• Publish under a globally recognised brand, with the potential for external academic exposure.

• Contribute to the visibility of thought leadership from the APAC region.

Compensation

At CFA Institute, we are committed to transparency and equity in our hiring process. In compliance with wage transparency laws in many of the jurisdictions in which we recruit, we provide the following information regarding compensation for this position: Salary: 532,000 HKD (annual, gross)

About CFA Institute

CFA Institute are the global leader in investment excellence and ethics. With nearly 200,000 charterholders across 160 markets, we drive professional growth, ethical behavior, and better markets. We care about our employees’ well-being, offering industry-leading benefits like:

• Comprehensive health coverage for you and your family

• Generous leave and time off

• Competitive retirement plans

• Flexible work options

• Wellness, education, and support programs

If you feel this opportunity could be the next step in your career, we encourage you to click “Apply” and complete our three-minute application.

Be part of a team committed to putting investors first and growing economies. Follow us @CFAInstitute on LinkedIn and X.

Important Message: Your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet the requirements as CFA Institute cannot make assumptions about your education, experience, or location. We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. CFA Institute prohibits both discrimination and harassment with regard to all identifying characteristics: any individual employee, group of employees, or prospective employee on the basis of race, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, religion, creed or belief, age, marital or partnership status, marital or family status, care giver status, pregnancy and maternity, sexual and other reproductive health decisions, physical abilities/qualities, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, predisposing genetic characteristic, military or veteran status, status as a victim or witness of domestic violence or sex offense or stalking, unemployment status, infectious disease carrier status, migrant worker status, educational background, socio-economic status, geographic location and culture or any other basis protected by applicable law. This policy impacts all aspects of employment, including but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, compensation, training, development, promotion, demotion, layoff, recall, furlough, transfer, leave of absence, and dismissal. This is a global policy that applies to all CFA Institute employees, regardless of location.

If, due to a disability or current medical condition, you need an accommodation or assistance to complete a job application, you can request one at any stage of the recruitment process. Please send an email to humanresources@cfainstitute.org noting the accommodations or assistance you are requesting. Please do not include any medical or health information in this email. We will review your request and contact you to discuss the possible options and arrangements. We will try our best to provide you with an accommodation or assistance that meets your needs and respects your preferences.

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