Website 

https://wakelet.com/@Jon_Yarker

What do you freelance about?

Most areas of financial services, nearly always in the B2B world.

Do you specialise in any particular areas?

Asset management is my primary area of focus. One of my first roles was an investment reporter for Money Marketing so I understand the industry and how it works – plus I’m something of a geek when it comes to the nitty gritty investment side of it all.

Are you happy doing corporate work?

Yes – I’ve worked for a range of asset managers, insurers, wealth managers, advice firms, crypto platforms and consultancy firms. I was at content agency Rhotic Media for over four years and wrote for nearly all of their clients.

How can PRs help you with your work?

Do your research – the amount of PRs who pitch me and think I write for a specific title, when I don’t and I’m actually freelance, is alarming.

Tell us about the pieces of work you’re most proud of, or any recent highlights?

I literally wrote the book on tax – I wrote the Daily Telegraph’s Tax Guide for 2022 to be precise. It was a mammoth job that I’m quite proud of.

What are the main advantages and disadvantages of being freelance financial journalist?

The main advantage is the flexibility and freedom to do work you enjoy, and when, without being held back by an employer.

The disadvantage is finding the work. People make the mistake of thinking tough times in the economy means they should cut back on content – ironically it’s the reverse.

What advice would you give to a new freelance journalist?

Stick with it and give it time.

When you’re telling a story, what’s the most important thing to remember?

That people are sick of ‘stories’…

What’s the commission you’d most like to undertake?

I don’t do sports journalism but I’m a big boxing fan so being sent to cover a major fight in Vegas would be a dream come true.

What was the last article you read that really shocked you?

Something court-reporting related about a horrific crime, the write up really shocked me. The financial services stories don’t shock me anymore.

Have you won any awards/gained specific financial qualifications?

I have the Investment Management Certificate (IMC).

We’re now well into 2024, what are your predictions for the main stories that will dominate the rest of the year?

The state of the economy will continue to dominate headlines, especially as its an election year. Unfortunately, the coverage of this is extremely limited and short-term focused. There’s barely any balanced analysis and I think it’s going to get worse in the hunt for clicks.

If you were up for an award for any hobbies/activities outside of work, what would you be likely to win, and why?

I’d like to think I’d get shortlisted for something linked to parenting. I’m a father of two and, the cliches are true, it’s my whole life.

Sum up your time as a financial journalist in three words:

Exhausting but fun.

Finally, if you had to eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Pizza, morning noon and night.