At a Glance
- Tasks: Report on UK banking and capital markets, delivering original journalism and interviews.
- Company: Join the Financial Times, a leading news organisation known for integrity and quality.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, medical cover, gym memberships, and a hybrid work model.
- Other info: Diverse workplace committed to inclusion and personal growth.
- Why this job: Shape impactful financial stories and connect with industry leaders in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Strong financial journalism background and excellent writing skills required.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
This job is with Financial Times, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.
About us
The Financial Times is one of the world’s leading news organisations, globally recognised for its authority, integrity and accuracy, with a mission to deliver quality information and services worldwide. At the FT, curiosity thrives and ambitious thinking is rewarded. Here, you’re given the chance to reach millions, create work that matters and deliver impartial journalism in a polarised world. In our warm, collaborative culture, you’ll connect with a diverse community of experts who support your growth, career aspirations and wellbeing. Your future at the FT will be filled with opportunities that challenge and inspire you. With no fixed path, you’ll discover new skills and forge a career that can take you anywhere. Build a newsworthy career at the FT.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
We believe in the power of unique perspectives and want all voices in our organisation to be heard, respected and valued. A supportive workplace is one where employees feel they can be themselves and operate to their full potential. We are committed to removing barriers for everyone, with a focus on addressing those faced by underrepresented groups.
The Role
The Banker is looking for an experienced financial journalist to support its coverage of the UK banking industry, as well as broader capital markets and investment banking stories. The Banker is a premier financial intelligence magazine offering critical data, expert analysis, and insights into global financial trends. It is tailored for senior finance professionals, banking executives, and policymakers seeking authoritative perspectives on the financial sector. We cover a breadth of topics, from global financial markets and banking regulations to risk management, financial technology, and international economic policy. You will play a central role in shaping coverage priorities, contributing to The Banker’s products, and ensuring our journalism remains authoritative, insightful and ahead of the curve. You will have the opportunity to work across a varied editorial agenda, from news and in-depth features to interviews with senior industry figures. This is a temporary role providing parental leave cover from mid-October 2026 to the end of August 2027.
Key Responsibilities
- Report on the UK banking industry, alongside broader capital markets and investment banking stories.
- Pitch and deliver a consistent stream of original journalism, including exclusives, interviews and analysis (typically 3–4 stories per week).
- Pitch and develop a range of stories, including news, in-depth features and interviews.
- Turn complex financial subjects into clear, engaging and accurate copy.
- Deliver high-quality journalism in a timely and accurate manner and tailored to both general and specialist audiences.
- Interview senior executives and ask comprehensive, well-informed questions.
- Write beyond the core beat when needed to support wider editorial priorities.
- Contribute to multimedia output including podcasts and video.
- Represent The Banker at industry events and contribute to FT Live activity where appropriate.
Required Skills and Experience
- Strong track record in financial journalism.
- A solid understanding of banking and financial markets.
- Proven track record to break exclusive stories and deliver agenda-setting journalism.
- The ability to explain sophisticated subjects clearly and accurately, considering the end user.
- Excellent writing and editing skills with a clear, authoritative voice and able to work in a timely manner.
- Established network of high-level sources within regulatory and financial institutions.
- Confidence interviewing and questioning senior executives.
- Experience working collaboratively within a fast-paced newsroom.
- Ability to handle multiple priorities in a timely manner.
Desirable
- Familiarity with multimedia storytelling formats (podcasts, video).
- Experience contributing to newsletters or subscription editorial products.
What's in it for You?
Our benefits vary by location but we are committed to providing best-in-class perks across all our offices. These include generous annual leave, medical cover, inclusive parental leave packages, subsidised gym memberships and opportunities to give back to the community. Full details of our benefits are available here.
We currently operate a hybrid model which requires staff to work onsite 50% of the time, subject to role requirements & regular review. While flexible working requests will be considered, not all patterns are suitable for all roles. We believe this balanced approach supports flexibility and protects our culture, making collaboration and communication easier, building stronger relationships and team cohesion, and supporting peer learning. We reserve discretion on reasonable notice to change this approach either generally or for specific individuals or teams.
Accessibility
We are a disability confident employer and Valuable 500 signatory. Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments/personalisation as part of the application process or to enable you to attend an interview. If you would like to discuss your requirements or have any questions, email talent@ft.com and a member of our team will be happy to help.
Further Information
At the FT, we embrace innovation and the use of technology and appreciate that individuals may use AI tools as part of their job application process. Whilst we are happy for you to use AI to assist with your application, it is essential that all information provided is authentic and accurately represents your skills, experience, and qualifications. Candidates should be aware that the use of AI throughout the application process may be monitored to ensure a fair and transparent hiring process for all. Please beware of fraudulent job postings and offers claiming to be from the Financial Times. All legitimate opportunities will direct you to apply through the official Financial Times careers site, and the FT will never ask for financial information, payments, or referrals to third parties during the hiring process. If you have any concerns about the legitimacy of a job posting or suspect any scam activity, please contact talent@ft.com.
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Reporter, The Banker (10-month fixed term contract) employer: Financial Times
The Financial Times is an exceptional employer that champions diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering a warm and collaborative culture where employees can thrive. With a commitment to employee growth, the FT offers a range of benefits including generous annual leave, medical cover, and a flexible hybrid working model, ensuring that you can balance your professional and personal life while contributing to impactful journalism. Join a diverse community of experts and enjoy opportunities that challenge and inspire you in a role that connects influential decision-makers across the globe.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Reporter, The Banker (10-month fixed term contract)
✨Get Involved in Local Journalism
Join local journalism groups or community events to meet industry folks and make connections. Try volunteering for community newspapers or online platforms – it's a great way to get your foot in the door and show your commitment to the craft.
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Create a personal website or a blog to showcase your best articles, videos, or multimedia projects. This not only highlights your skills but also demonstrates your passion for journalism and helps establish your personal brand in the media landscape.
✨Stay Updated on the Industry Trends
Follow industry leaders on social media and stay updated on the latest trends in journalism. Engage with them by sharing your thoughts or asking questions – you never know when an informative tweet might catch the eye of a recruiter or journalist at Financial Times!
✨Explore Internships for Full-Time Opportunities
Don’t shy away from internships, even if you’re looking for full-time roles. Many journalism companies, like Financial Times, often hire from their intern pool, so using these as stepping stones can really pay off. Keep an eye on their career page for any openings!
We think you need these skills to ace Reporter, The Banker (10-month fixed term contract)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Writing Skills:In journalism and media, your ability to write well is essential, so make sure your CV and cover letter reflect that. Include diverse writing samples, whether they’re articles, blog posts, or reports, that showcase your style and versatility. We want to see your voice and ability to engage an audience from the get-go!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you've interned at a media outlet or contributed to any publications—whether student-run or professional—don't keep it a secret! We love seeing real-world experience, so clearly detail your responsibilities and achievements. Quantify your impact where possible, like mentioning audience growth or story reach.
Tailor Your Application for Financial Times:When applying for the Reporter, The Banker (10-month fixed term contract) role at Financial Times, really dig into what makes their content stand out. Reference their tone, style, or any recent articles that resonated with you in your cover letter. This shows we you’re not just sending out generic applications—you’re genuinely interested in what we do!
Prepare for a Portfolio Spotlight:Since you're applying for a full-time role, you're likely expected to have a portfolio ready to go. Make sure to curate a selection of your best work that aligns with what Financial Times produces. Provide a link to your online portfolio in your CV and be prepared to discuss your favourite pieces in interviews—this is your chance to shine!
How to prepare for a job interview at Financial Times
✨Show Off Your Writing Skills
Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best writing samples. This is crucial in journalism as hiring managers want to see your voice and style. Make sure to include a variety of pieces, like news articles, features, and opinion pieces, showing your versatility.
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
During the interview, be ready to discuss how you approach storytelling. You might be asked to outline a story you reported on, your process for gathering information, and how you engage your audience. Practice telling a couple of your best stories concisely and compellingly.
✨Know the Current Media Landscape
Be prepared to discuss industry trends and how they affect journalism today. Familiarise yourself with key developments in media, and have opinions ready for discussions about digital versus traditional platforms, as well as ethical considerations in reporting.
✨Convey Your Passion and Drive
As you’re applying for a full-time role, they’ll want to know about your long-term commitment to journalism. Share your aspirations for future projects, any internships or freelance work, and how you see yourself growing within Financial Times. Show that you’re not just looking for a job, but a career in journalism.
