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 Your Foot in the Door
Temporary roles often pop up when companies need extra hands for specific projects, so keep an eye on local job boards and news websites. Don’t hesitate to check out industry-specific platforms like Journalism.co.uk or local community groups for short-term gigs.
✨Network Like a Pro
Attend journalism and media events in your area, such as press launches or panel discussions. These are golden opportunities to meet industry insiders who might have the scoop on temporary openings. Plus, connecting with your peers can lead to unexpected recommendations.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a portfolio that showcases your best work, even if it’s just student projects or freelance articles. For journalism, a strong online presence is key, so make sure to share your pieces on platforms like Medium or your own blog to attract potential employers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Site
We often have temporary positions available at Financial Times. Keep an eye on our careers page and apply directly – you're one step closer to landing that opportunity. Tailor your application to highlight relevant skills and experiences that make you a standout candidate!
We think you need these skills to ace Reporter, The Banker (10-month fixed term contract)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Writing Style:When applying for a temporary role in journalism-media, it's crucial to exhibit your unique writing voice. Attach samples of your work that showcase not just your ability to report, but also to engage readers. A link to your online portfolio can really help us see your style and versatility!
Tailor Your CV to Highlight Relevant Experience:In the world of journalism-media, it’s all about storytelling and your CV should reflect that! Focus on any journalism-related internships, freelance articles, or relevant coursework. Make sure to include specific achievements, like publications or recognitions, that make you stand out.
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:For a temporary position, we want to know what excites you about journalism and why this role at Financial Times matters to you. Share your motivation for applying and what you hope to learn during your time with us. Let your passion for the media shine through!
Stay Current with Industry Trends:Show us that you’ve got your finger on the pulse of journalism-media trends. Reference recent developments or challenges in the industry in your application to demonstrate your enthusiasm and awareness. This can set you apart from other candidates who may not be as in-the-know!
How to prepare for a job interview at Financial Times
✨Showcase Your Versatility
In the world of journalism, adaptability is key. Be prepared to discuss various topics you've covered, whether it's breaking news, features, or investigative pieces. Bring along a portfolio that shows your range—think articles, videos, or even social media content you've created. This will demonstrate your ability to tackle different formats and subjects under pressure!
✨Nail That Story Pitch
As a temporary journalist, you'll need to hit the ground running. Before your interview with Financial Times, think about a compelling story idea you could pitch them. Tailor it to their audience and showcase your unique angle—this will show you're proactive and understand their publication's style, which is gold in fast-paced media environments.
✨Know Your Tools
Familiarise yourself with the tools journalists use—whether that’s content management systems, Adobe Suite, or video editing software. During the interview, highlight your proficiency with these tools. A temporary role at Financial Times might require you to jump into production quickly, and showing you're tech-savvy can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Demonstrate Quick Adaptation
In temporary roles, your ability to adapt and learn quickly is crucial. Be ready to discuss a time when you had to adjust your writing or reporting style to fit a new audience or medium. This will show Financial Times that you can thrive in dynamic situations and won't just be another warm body—but a valuable team member right from day one.
