Entry: PhD Enrolment October 2022 start.
Applications are invited for a fully funded PhD studentship at the King’s Business School under the supervision of Professor Alex Preda, Co-director of the FinWork Futures Centre.
The Project
Cryptocurrencies have become increasingly popular among both retail and institutional investors over the past few years, with significant funds flowing into this asset class to support the major innovations driving the decentralization of financial applications. The size of the crypto economy has been estimated in November 2021 at over $3tn. While this asset class has witnessed growth rates that dwarf those found in other traditional asset classes, several concerns and opportunities have been brought to light, with the aim of improving the environmental, social, as well as governance (ESG) aspects of cryptocurrencies. ESG in the crypto space has gained major attention due to multiple events, including the growing concerns about climate change, social movements on equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as (financial) governance in the wake of newfound policies and government stimuli due to the COVID-19 virus. As such, an overarching question that various stakeholders, including investors and academics have been contemplating is whether cryptocurrencies and ESG are compatible investment strategies.
The Future of Financial Work research centre at King’s Business School, King’s College London has partnered with 21 Shares AG in setting up a collaborative PhD studentship for investigating issues of ESG in the cryptoeconomy. 21 Shares is one of the world’s largest issuers of crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs) with around $2 billion in assets under management. The ETP suite simplifies access to crypto for both institutional and retail investors in the traditional finance community. The team is comprised of entrepreneurs, engineers, and financial product developers who are uniquely placed to revolutionize cryptocurrency investing through the issuance of innovative investable indices and services that are key to building a solid crypto foundation. This has enabled 21Shares to work directly with top organizations including the Bitcoin Cash Foundation, Bitcoin Suisse, Binance, Bitwise, Coinbase, FlowTraders, Sygnum, and the Tezos Foundation as launch partners or customers of Onyx, a full-stack issuance platform. The holder of the studentship will work in close collaboration with the research centre and the industry in investigating these issues.
We are seeking an outstanding student with a background in economics, sociology, or public policy, with strong quantitative and qualitative research skills, excellent command of English, and excellent communication skills to embark on this exciting PhD project.
What King’s Business School offers:
Based in the iconic Bush House in the heart of London, King’s Business School has strong quantitative and qualitative researchers in its Accounting and Financial Management (AFM) and Work, Interaction and Technology (WIT) groups. We offer a unique opportunity to conduct an exciting PhD project on a salient topic with a major, international asset management firm. Advanced PhD research training will be provided through the King’s Business School and the London Interdisciplinary Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (LISS-DTP).
Eligibility
Academic requirements:
· Satisfy the entry requirements of the King’s Business School PhD programme - Master's degree with at least Merit and a Bachelor's degree with at least 2:1 in a relevant subject.
· English Language requirements (ILETS 7.0 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in each skill)
The studentship covers:
· Full Tuition fees
· An annual stipend (approx. £17,609)
· A generous annual conference and training grant
· Additional paid teaching opportunities
How to Apply
Your application should consist of:
· A letter of interest of up to three pages in length outlining your background, interest and research skills related to the topic, and how you satisfy the requirements described above.
· A detailed CV
· A writing sample of no more than 20 pages
· One academic reference letters, recently dated
These should be e-mailed to [Email Address Removed] by 28th March 2022, 5PM. Please put “Application KBS Collaborative Studentship” in the subject title
Formal appointment will be subject to checks on references, certificates/qualifications/etc., English test scores (if relevant)
To discuss the project, contact Professor Alex Preda ([Email Address Removed]).
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