Hannah Murphy: The Financial Times Tech Correspondent Shaping Global Conversations on Social Media and Innovation
Who is Hannah Murphy?
Hannah Murphy is an accomplished British journalist and Tech Correspondent at the Financial Times (FT), based in San Francisco, California. With a career spanning over a decade at one of the world’s most respected financial publications, she has become a prominent voice in global technology journalism. Known for her insightful coverage of Meta, Twitter (X), TikTok, AI, AR/VR, and cybersecurity, Hannah Murphy stands at the intersection of technology, media, and society, analysing how innovations shape economies and influence public discourse.
Her professional journey reflects a rare blend of financial acumen and technological curiosity — qualities that make her reporting both rigorous and deeply relevant in an age defined by digital transformation.
Hannah Murphy’s Early Career and Academic Background
Education and Training
Hannah Murphy’s academic foundation is impressive. She earned a Master’s Degree in Financial Journalism from City, University of London, graduating with distinction. Her postgraduate studies were fully funded through the prestigious Marjorie Deane Foundation Grant, awarded to promising journalists committed to excellence in financial reporting.
Before that, she completed her Bachelor of Arts (Hons) at the University of Oxford, achieving a 2:1 and gaining exposure to critical thinking, research, and analytical writing — skills that later shaped her approach to complex tech and finance stories.
Early Career in Data and Financial Reporting
Before becoming the FT’s tech voice in Silicon Valley, Hannah Murphy began her career in London. She joined the Financial Times in 2015 as a Data Journalist and Researcher on the World News Desk. Her early work involved deep data analysis and investigative reporting, helping readers understand the numbers behind global events.
In 2017, she transitioned into a Finance Reporter role at FT’s London office, where she covered online trading, market structure, stockbroking, and the emerging world of crypto assets. Her analytical depth and ability to simplify complex subjects quickly earned her recognition across the newsroom.
Rising to Prominence: Tech Correspondent at Financial Times
Reporting from San Francisco
Since 2019, Hannah Murphy has served as a Tech Correspondent at the Financial Times, stationed in San Francisco Bay Area — the world’s innovation capital. In this position, she has covered major developments in the social media industry, focusing on how platforms like Meta, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok influence global communication, privacy, and regulation.
Her stories often blend corporate strategy, ethical challenges, and the social consequences of technological power. Murphy’s analytical clarity helps readers navigate topics such as AI governance, virtual reality markets, disinformation, and online safety. Her balanced coverage positions her as one of the most respected voices interpreting Silicon Valley for a global audience.
Notable Achievements and Awards
Recognition for Journalistic Excellence
Hannah Murphy’s work has been recognised by leading journalism organisations for its accuracy, depth, and societal relevance. Her achievements include:
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SABEW Best in Business Award (2025): Winner in the technology division for her coverage of Telegram and its founder Pavel Durov, showcasing her investigative skill in tracking digital communication networks.
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UK Tech Awards (2024): Nominated for Tech Commentator of the Year, a testament to her influence and authority in technology commentary.
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San Francisco Press Club Award (2023): Honoured for her continuing coverage of Elon Musk’s Twitter takeover, a series that offered readers exclusive insights into one of the most disruptive events in recent media history.
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MHP 30 Under 30: Young Journalists of the Year (2018): Recognition early in her career for outstanding reporting potential and impact.
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Marjorie Deane Foundation Grant (2014): A prestigious scholarship that laid the foundation for her journey in financial journalism.
These honours underline her reputation as a journalist of integrity, depth, and international relevance.
Hannah Murphy’s Coverage and Style
Expertise in Social Media and Emerging Technology
Murphy’s coverage consistently explores the intersection of business, technology, and ethics. She investigates how social media companies manage privacy, disinformation, and AI-driven recommendation systems. Her analysis goes beyond headlines, uncovering corporate decisions that shape digital behaviour and public policy.
She has written extensively on Meta’s shifting strategy, TikTok’s global data dilemmas, and X’s turbulent leadership under Elon Musk. Through these investigations, she captures not just the technological aspects but also the human and political implications of innovation.
Moderator and Speaker at Global Events
Beyond her writing, Hannah Murphy is a sought-after moderator and public speaker. She has chaired sessions at high-profile gatherings such as the World Economic Forum and Web Summit, where she interviews CEOs, policymakers, and innovators about the evolving relationship between technology, business, and society.
Her sharp questioning style and ability to connect complex global issues make her a respected figure on the conference circuit, bridging the gap between journalism and thought leadership.
Previous Work and Broader Contributions
Before focusing on Silicon Valley, Murphy contributed to publications including Reuters, Bloomberg, The Independent, and The Evening Standard. Her international exposure — from London to Paris and now California — provides her with a global lens on economic and technological shifts.
Her experience as a data journalist has honed her precision with numbers and evidence, while her time covering finance and fintech continues to inform her reporting on the commercial realities behind digital transformation.
This multidisciplinary background allows her to examine technology not only as a tool but as a business ecosystem driven by regulation, innovation, and human behaviour.
Personal Interests and Life Beyond Journalism
While her professional identity revolves around technology and finance, Hannah Murphy’s Instagram (@mshannahmurphy) reveals a creative side. Based between San Francisco and London, she also enjoys music and performance, often sharing snippets from live gigs and jazz shows. Her passion for music underscores her versatile personality — balancing analytical journalism with artistic expression.
She frequently engages with readers and professionals through her social channels and encourages transparent discussions on digital ethics, AI, and media accountability.
The Voice of Tech Journalism for a New Era
Hannah Murphy represents the new generation of journalists redefining how we understand technology. With her financial literacy, ethical awareness, and international perspective, she decodes complex corporate narratives and explains how emerging technologies affect everyday life.
Her commitment to factual, evidence-based reporting — coupled with a nuanced understanding of global tech politics — ensures that her work continues to shape informed conversations worldwide.
Conclusion
In an era where technology influences every sector, Hannah Murphy stands out as a journalist who combines integrity, intellect, and insight. From her beginnings as a data journalist in London to her current role as the Financial Times’ leading technology correspondent in San Francisco, her career reflects the power of curiosity and critical thinking.
Her stories inform policymakers, business leaders, and the public alike, bridging continents and disciplines. Whether reporting on artificial intelligence, social media regulation, or cybersecurity, Hannah Murphy’s journalism continues to illuminate the evolving landscape of the digital age — making her one of the most influential media voices of her generation.
