Journalist Spotlight | Interview with James Kirby, Associate Editor – Wealth at The Australian

In this interview, James Kirby reflects on the realities of financial journalism and why clear, accessible communication matters more than credentials alone. As Associate Editor – Wealth at The Australian and host of The Money Puzzle podcast, he turns complex markets into practical insights for everyday audiences. He emphasises cutting through jargon, explaining risk and building trust, a focus that also informs his role with financial literacy foundation Ecstra, amid concerns that Australia is slipping behind on financial education. Drawing on lessons from the GFC, he encourages emerging finance journalists to build in-person relationships and observe how people behave in moments of crisis, knowing the next major shock is never far away.

Hi James! Thank you for speaking with me. Firstly, could you tell me about your role at The Australian? What does your work as a Wealth Editor entail on a day-to-day basis: ie media cycle, pitched v commissioned pieces, etc?

The job involves writing daily for The Australian and hosting a twice-weekly podcast called The Money Puzzle. It’s all about translating for the everyday reader or listener what they need to know about business and investment.

Financial journalism seems a lot more technical, so I was wondering what your opinions are on what makes a “good” finance reporter? Are more formal qualifications (like a degree in economics, or actuarial studies, even sociology) necessary in understanding money and markets? And how did you come into writing about finance?

My material is drawn from direct contacts, market news, information presented to me by the investment industry, and increasingly, the topics I spot on social media.

Some financial material is a little technical, but I have found the issues that matter most are often relatively easy to understand once you get a grip on the jargon. Formal qualifications in relevant areas are useful in this role, but it’s always been primarily about communicating effectively. A good finance reporter tells people what is really happening in the investment markets and gets their attention while building their trust: The criterion doesn’t change.

It also says in your bio for The Australian that you are the director of Ecstra. Could you tell me about this financial literacy foundation and its place in the current economic/political climate?

I became a board director of Ecstra, the financial literacy foundation, in 2024. I discovered in my work that most people who lose money do so because they did not really understand the risks they were taking: it’s less about ‘fear and greed’ and more about a lack of financial literacy. Australia used to be a world leader in financial literacy, but now we are falling behind. I am hopeful the government, through the new financial services minister, Daniel Mulino, will take action soon.

Finally, as a seasoned and prolific writer, what advice would you give to journalists who are hoping to enter a career in finance journalism? What has been the moment in your career thus far that has taught you a valuable (pun intended) lesson?

Anyone starting in financial journalism should make the effort to meet people in person; it’s become exceptionally difficult with time pressures, but there is a lot that nobody will ever tell you over the phone or by email.

The biggest lesson in financial journalism - so far - was watching who kept their head and who lost control in the GFC - the great market collapse of 2008. The next crisis is never far away; you learn more every time.