Ahmed Mirza (PhD Researcher)

Ahmed was raised in Kuwait before moving into the United Kingdom for his undergraduate degree in 2012.

Ahmed is currently working as a Data Architect for Io.Finnet, a web3 fintech focused on cryptographic security of wallets and providing infrastructure for digital asset activity. Part of being a data architect in a web3 fintech start-up meant that

Prior to this, Ahmed was a PhD researcher at the University of Glasgow. His thesis examined the interactions and influence institutions have in the Total Entrepreneurial Activity (TEA), the start-up rates, within countries over a period of time. During this time, Ahmed worked as a data researcher at the Scottish Government for the department of housing and social justice (DHSJ) exploring knowledge gaps for various groups with multiple protected characteristics (as per the equality act of 2010) looking at particular socio/economic outcomes. The aim was to answer : i) If the knowledge gaps could be answered using existing data sets, and if not; ii) What would the most efficient and cost-effective way be to answer these knowledge gaps.

Prior to the PhD programme, Ahmed worked in a food franchise start-up, making his mark in the UK by opening 3 stores simultaneously. A wide array of areas, including HR, Marketing, Operations and Finance, were covered to ensure adequate procedures were in place across the 3 stores. His past work experiences include work experience two of the 'Big 4' auditing firms (KPMG and EY).

Ahmed completed both his undergraduate and postgraduate degree in Scotland. His theses for both degrees examined current contemporary issues regarding Multinationals originating from Emerging Markets. 

Ahmed aims to explore more data science and machine learning roles in his career. Ahmed is interested in the FinTech, blockchain and web3 roles understanding the intersection of research, contemporary technology and policy outcomes. His interests asides from the roles mentioned, lie in examining regulations and their influence on ventures and international trade (particularly surrounding emerging markets and Chinese multinationals) along with entrepreneurial ecosystems and start-up activity​. 
 

 

Skills and Work Experience

 

. Peer reviewer |Journal of Institutional Economics (2026 – Present)

- Initiated rigorous peer review and critical appraisal of research manuscripts, specifically assessing the structural integrity of model methodology and institutional data frameworks.

- Ensured analytical rigour by evaluating the robustness of evidence-based arguments to maintain the high standards of a premier global journal (ABS 3*).

- Provided expert technical guidance to authors on best practices in data management, and the application of institutional theory to economic outcomes.

- Functioned as an Intellectual Gatekeeper for contemporary research, applying deep domain expertise to safeguard the quality and impact of scholarly contributions.

. Honorary Lecturer |University of St.Andrews (2025 – Present)

- Spearheading the design of a practitioner-led research framework that integrates Data Architecture into the Business School’s core curriculum, bridging the gap between theoretical management and applied data science.

- Facilitating high-level technical workshops for senior academic stakeholders to embed Data Science and Architecture proficiencies into the institution's broader research culture.

- Designing and delivering research-led modules on Blockchain and Data Management, translating high-uncertainty technical environments into structured, academic learning frameworks for student cohorts.

- Partnering with cross-functional academic teams to develop new degree programs that synthesise complex, real-world data methodologies and core technologies intersecting with established social science research traditions.
 

. Data Architect | IO.FINNET (2022 – Present)
- Designed and executed a comprehensive data strategy that bridged high-level business objectives with scalable technical architecture.
-  Engineered secure, high-capacity data lakes for over 60 datasets, establishing the foundational infrastructure for high-velocity analytics.

- Spearheaded systematic database tuning and schema refinements, achieving a 40% reduction in query latency to support real-time insight generation.

- Architected robust governance frameworks and led rigorous audits to ensure 100% adherence to GDPR and SOC2 standards.

- Achieved near real-time integration, developed sophisticated integration mechanisms to eliminate data silos, enhancing stakeholder accessibility for evidence-based decision-making.
 

. Data Researcher | Scottish Government (2021 – 2022)

- Conducted systematic audits of 6 million observations across 70 disparate databases, establishing benchmarks for data quality and accessibility.

- Executed advanced statistical modelling and significance testing on a 35,000-participant dataset to identify social trends and inform policy regarding harmful attitudes.

- Produced high-impact interactive visualisations for a 3 million-record dataset, enabling ministers to translate complex findings into actionable policy improvements.

.Sales & Marketing Manager | Paramount Lebanese Kitchen (2018 – 2019)
- Leveraged multi-channel social media data to perform sentiment analysis and behavioural mapping, driving a 28% increase in annual revenue through data-informed customer engagement.

- Led marketing initiatives by synthesising real-time franchise data with social engagement metrics to identify and rehabilitate low-performing product lines.

- Deciphered site-specific performance data (including profitability, inventory, and labour costs) to optimise resource allocation and reduce expenditure by 33%.

. Auditor | Ernst & Young (2016 – 2016)
- Led comprehensive quality audits for high-value clients, employing rigorous testing of sales cut-offs and financial entries to ensure 100% procedural compliance.

- Constructed complex variance reports to analyse institutional financial ratios, translating technical financial data into strategic insights for senior management resulting in 8% error rates from forecasting .

- Built "financial skeletons" to model operational changes, providing clients with data-backed recommendations that reduced operational expenditure by 17%.
 

.Management Consultant | KPMG (2014 – 2015)
- Advised on strategic operational changes by constructing resource policies derived from turnover data, resulting in a 33% reduction in staff attrition.

-Orchestrated the creation of the first comprehensive national banking database, synthesising account rates and customer segmentation data for the top seven retail banks.

- Optimised retail banking performance by analysing CAPEX and OPEX indicators, utilising data-driven diagnostics to increase quarterly efficiency by 10%.