Research

Current studentships

Big Data Analytics (BDA), Machine Learning (ML), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Financial Innovation and Fraud Prevention – An exploration of Ethical and Cultural Issues in Financial Services

Deadline: 09/01/2026 5:00PM
Studentship code: RDS
Staff name: Dr Yongsheng Guo
Research centre: The Institute for Collective Place Leadership
Start date: Successful applicants start in March or May 2026

While much of the existing literature celebrates the benefits of AI-driven financial innovation, less attention has been paid to the ethical and cultural implications. This study aims to fill that gap by exploring how financial institutions adopt Big Data Analytics (BDA), Machine Learning (ML), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems for innovation and fraud prevention and dealing with ethical and cultural issues.

This study adopts a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative surveys to assess levels of technology adoption, perceived ethical risks, and cultural attitudes, and qualitative interviews to explore deeper perceptions and experiences from diverse cultural and organizational contexts.

This study makes theoretical contribution by developing a conceptual framework linking ethical and cultural factors with BDA, ML and AI adoption in finance. It provides managers and policy makers guidance for implementing culturally sensitive and ethically grounded AI systems in the era of digital finance.

Funding eligibility

This PhD Studentship covers tuition fees for the period of a full-time PhD Registration of up to four years, subject to satisfactory progress.

Applications are welcome from UK or international students.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold or expect to obtain a good honours degree (2.1 or above) in a relevant discipline, and a master’s level qualification in a relevant discipline. Further details of the expected background may appear in the specific project details. International students are subject to the standard entry criteria relating to English language ability, ATAS clearance and, when relevant, UK visa requirements and procedures.

How to apply

Applicants should apply online for this opportunity using the Online Application (Funded PHD) application form.

When asked to specify funding select ‘other’ and enter ‘RDS’ and the title of the PhD project that you are applying for. You should ensure that you clearly indicate that you are applying for a Funded Studentship and the title of the topic or project on the proposal that you will need to upload when applying. If you would like to apply for more than one project, you need to complete a further application form and specify the relevant title for each application to a topic or project.

If you do not clearly indicate that your application is for a Funded Studentship and state the title of the project applied for on the proposal, it may not be possible to consider your application for the appropriate funding.

Apply now

Selection process

All applications received by the closing date will be considered. Successful applicants at the application stage are shortlisted and contacted to arrange an interview. All interviews are held online. Unsuccessful applicants are contacted to confirm that the application will not be progressed. After interview, all interviewed applicants are contacted to inform them of the outcome. Successful applicants progress to an offer of a place, to commence in March or May 2026.

About Teesside

We are committed to providing a safe, welcoming and inclusive campus and to supporting all members of our University community to thrive whatever their age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, marital status, nationality or any other characteristic.
More about our Inclusive campus

As a Teesside University research student, you will join a growing and dynamic research community, allowing you to share your experiences, insight and inspiration with fellow researchers. You will benefit from our academic expertise and be supported through a strong programme of research training. You will be offered opportunities and support at each stage of your research degree. Our research is designed to have impact, and to influence policy and practice within our region, the UK and beyond. We work with external organisations to anticipate and respond to research needs, and to put our research into practice in sectors as diverse as the arts, engineering, healthcare and computing.

PhD students are encouraged to work with their supervisors to explore the potential impact of their work.

The successful candidate will be expected to participate fully in research group and centre activities, including training sessions and workshops, and will become a member of the University's wider postgraduate research community. Mentoring and support will be provided for the development of a strong academic and professional CV during the PhD.

Academic enquiries

For academic enquiries, please contact y.guo@tees.ac.uk.

For administrative enquiries before or when making your application, contact research.enquiries@tees.ac.uk.

After an application has been made, please contact research.admissions@tees.ac.uk.

Key dates

Deadline: 09/01/2026 5:00PM
Interview date: Interviews will take place from 19 January 2026
Start date: Successful applicants start in March or May 2026