Overview

Principal Researcher - Macro & Geopolitical Perspective Remote Freelance Competitive Retainer About SMCO Straits Meridian Capital Office (SMCO) is a research-driven capital platform. We operate at the intersection of capital, systems, and long-horizon structural change. We do not follow market narratives. We read the structures beneath them. What that means in practice: We are not a trading desk. We do not chase short-term volatility. Our decisions are informed by deep, structural research across geopolitics, macroeconomics, and industrial systems. Your analysis will directly inform investment decisions - not sit on a shelf. We are a lean team. No bureaucracy. No revenue targets driving your work. Just research, rigour, and conviction. The Role We are looking for an analyst with a deep understanding of how geopolitical developments, macroeconomic transitions, and industrial policy intersect to shape capital flows and investment risk - with primary coverage across East Asia, Southeast Asia, North America, and Europe. Your work will inform internal capital allocation decisions across industrial systems, infrastructure, and technology-adjacent domains. This is a remote, freelance engagement with a competitive monthly retainer and long-term potential. You will work directly with our research team, producing analysis that shapes capital allocation decisions across multiple sectors. What You'll Do - Day to Day Your typical week might include: Geopolitical monitoring: Tracking developments affecting global capital flows, trade relationships, and industrial positioning across your coverage regions Regional security analysis: Assessing security dynamics, policy shifts, and regulatory changes across East Asia, Southeast Asia, North America, and Europe Decision-grade analysis: Providing structured analysis on sanctions, trade controls, supply chain resilience, strategic competition, and economic statecraft Cross-domain integration: Connecting geopolitical and macroeconomic developments to specific industrial and infrastructure sectors - translating broad trends into investment implications Report writing: Producing structured, decision-grade analytical reports - typically 2-4 per month - that translate complex political and economic developments into clear investment implications The work is independent but not isolated. You will have access to our research team for discussion, review, and debate. You will be expected to bring your own hypotheses, defend them with evidence, and revise them when the facts change. Who You Are - Core Competencies We are looking for someone who brings: Exceptional analytical and research skills - you can deconstruct complex geopolitical and policy issues and deliver nuanced, actionable insights Excellent written English - you have a proven ability to write structured, precise, professional reports for senior decision-makers Deep subject matter expertise in one or more of: regional security (East Asia, Southeast Asia, Europe, North America), great-power competition, defense policy, economic statecraft, sanctions, trade policy, or supply chain resilience Strong project execution - you can independently deliver high-quality work under tight deadlines Network leverage - you can effectively leverage professional networks to validate findings and provide contextual insight Experience required: 2+ years in a relevant analytical or research role. Exceptions may be made for exceptional candidates with strong institutional backgrounds. Preferred Backgrounds We are particularly interested in candidates whose professional experience has been shaped by one or more of the following environments: Government service - foreign affairs, defense-related policy, trade or development agencies Policy analysis roles at top-tier research institutions International organisations - UN, EU, World Bank, IMF - in policy or analytical functions Defense industry, corporate security, or political risk analysis Investigative or internationa