Freelance Research Analyst

Freelance Research Analyst NBFC, Lending Products & Sector Intelligence

Company: FinnUp.in

Engagement Type: Freelance | Open Assignments | Remote

Compensation: Per-assignment / Milestone based (clearly defined before start)

About FinnUp

FinnUp is a fintech and capital advisory platform working closely with startups, MSMEs, and mid-market companies across India. Over the last 3+ years, we have supported 2,000+ businesses in structuring and raising non-dilutive debt, structured finance solutions, and selective equity transactions.

Our ecosystem works with NBFCs, banks, funds, family offices, and institutional lenders, enabling efficient capital deployment and well-structured lending strategies.

Role Overview

We are onboarding serious, high-calibre freelance research analysts who can work on real, decision-impacting assignments. The research output will directly influence NBFC strategy, lending product design, portfolio construction, sector entry decisions, and risk frameworks.

This role is ideal for professionals who are comfortable with independent thinking, ambiguity, and converting research into actionable business insights not just data collection.

Core Research Areas (Indicative, Not Limited To)

NBFC & Lending Product Research

Identify loan products suitable for a new or upcoming NBFC in India

Comparative analysis of MSME loans, small business loans, supply chain & invoice financing, revenue-based financing, asset-backed lending, co-lending and partnership-led models

Study risk-return profile, ticket size, tenure, yield, NPA trends, scalability, and regulatory considerations of each product

Portfolio & Lending Ecosystem Analysis

Performance analysis of single-product vs multi-product lending portfolios

Behaviour of diversified lending books across different economic and credit cycles

Portfolio-level insights on yield optimisation, defaults, seasoning, concentration risk, and capital efficiency

Sector & Industry Research

In-depth research on sectors including (but not limited to):

Medical equipment & devices

Pharma & healthcare services

EV ecosystem (manufacturing, components, charging, financing)

Solar, renewable energy and allied sectors

Identify financing demand drivers, operating risks, margins, regulatory tailwinds, and policy impact

Emerging Themes & New Opportunities

Research on upcoming lending opportunities and innovative financial products

Impact assessment of regulatory changes, government schemes, and market trends

Early identification of new sectors or sub-sectors with strong financing potential

Key Responsibilities

Conduct deep, structured desktop and secondary research using reliable public and industry sources

Convert complex information into clear research notes, frameworks, and recommendations

Ensure accuracy, logical consistency, and source validation in all deliverables

Present insights in a decision-ready format for founders, leadership, and partners

Adhere to defined timelines, scope, and quality benchmarks

Ideal Candidate Profile

Strong analytical, logical, and structured thinking ability

Comfortable working with open-ended problem statements and ambiguity

High ownership mindset with minimal supervision

Prior exposure to finance, NBFCs, credit, consulting, research, or startups preferred

Ability to write clearly, crisply, and professionally

Tools & Skill Set

Advanced online research (Google, LinkedIn, industry reports, public filings)

Excel / Google Sheets for structuring and analysis

Understanding of financial statements and lending concepts is a strong plus

Engagement Model

Freelance, assignment-based engagement

Scope, timelines, and fees agreed before starting each assignment

Opportunity for long-term collaboration based on quality and consistency

Direct exposure to live NBFC strategy, lending, and capital deployment decisions

Who Should Apply

Freelancers & independent researchers

Finance / consulting professionals

MBAs, CAs, CFA aspirants with strong research orientation

Professionals seeking serious, high-impact research work

Not suitable for candidates seeking fixed salary roles or purely academic research

How to Apply

Interested candidates may reach out via LinkedIn DM with:

Short background

Relevant experience

Sample research work (if available)