Yasmin Rufo: Rising Star in Journalism and Media
Yasmin Rufo is an emerging and influential figure in British journalism, renowned for her dynamic career across major media outlets such as BBC News, Evening Standard, and CNBC. With a background that spans investment banking to cutting-edge reporting, Yasmin’s journey illustrates her diverse skill set, tenacity, and commitment to storytelling that resonates with a broad audience. This article explores Yasmin Rufo’s impressive career path, educational background, and her growing impact within the media industry, offering insights into why she is fast becoming a recognised name in British journalism.
Early Career and Education: Foundation of Excellence
Yasmin Rufo’s academic foundation played a crucial role in shaping her professional trajectory. She studied at Durham University, one of the UK’s leading institutions, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences from 2017 to 2020. During her time at Durham, Yasmin was not only focused on her academic studies but also actively engaged in extracurricular leadership. She served as Co-President of the Durham University Finance Society from 2019 to 2020, demonstrating her early interest in finance, leadership, and organisational skills.
Before university, Yasmin attended The Tiffin Girls’ School, where she studied a combination of Economics, English, History, and Politics — subjects that naturally paved the way for her future career in media and journalism. The breadth of her education equipped her with a nuanced understanding of social sciences and economic frameworks, essential for the analytical rigour required in journalism.
Transition from Finance to Journalism
Interestingly, Yasmin Rufo’s career began far from the newsroom. After graduating, she initially embarked on a career in finance, which allowed her to develop a strong analytical mindset and business acumen. Yasmin worked as an Investment Banking Analyst at Jefferies from January 2020 to February 2021. Her role was focused on TMT (Technology, Media, and Telecom) M&A (Mergers and Acquisitions), dealing with tech and software IPOs (Initial Public Offerings), a field that requires precise attention to detail and a deep understanding of market dynamics.
Before Jefferies, Yasmin also spent four months as a Sales & Trading Analyst at Morgan Stanley in London, working within the Multi-Asset team handling equities and fixed income sales. These experiences in prestigious financial institutions provided Yasmin with a solid grasp of global markets and corporate finance, skills which have undoubtedly enriched her journalistic work, especially when reporting on business, technology, and economic topics.
Yasmin Rufo at CNBC: Developing a Reporting Voice
In April 2021, Yasmin transitioned into journalism, joining CNBC as a Producer and Writer. Over the course of a year at CNBC, she assisted in producing the daily shows Squawk Box and Street Signs, covering equity markets, macroeconomic news, and Italian corporates. She also contributed written content for CNBC Pro, focusing on tech stocks, ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds), and investing trends.
Her reporting during this period combined her financial expertise with an emerging journalistic style, offering valuable insights into complex financial topics for CNBC’s audience. This role marked Yasmin’s formal entry into the world of media and set the stage for her future as a news reporter.
Yasmin Rufo’s Impact at Evening Standard
In March 2022, Yasmin Rufo joined the Evening Standard as a Digital Features Writer, where she worked for eight months. Here, she honed her skills in producing daily digital-friendly articles on theatre reviews, book content, and the intersection between technology and lifestyle.
Yasmin made significant contributions to the paper’s digital presence, notably creating a successful weekly cooking reel series on social media that gained above-average engagement and sustained audience interest for 15 weeks. This innovative content showcased her ability to connect with audiences through varied media formats, blending traditional journalism with social media savvy.
Moreover, she secured high-profile interviews with notable figures such as Mo Farah, Raheem Sterling, and Bastille, discussing their personal lives and social causes. Yasmin’s role at the Evening Standard elevated her profile as a versatile reporter capable of covering culture, lifestyle, and social issues with depth and engagement.
Yasmin Rufo at BBC News: A Cultural and Political Voice
Yasmin’s career took a significant leap forward when she joined BBC News in October 2022. Initially, she worked as a BBC London political reporter, covering major events including the General Election and Mayoral Election campaigns. Her political reporting demonstrated her ability to handle fast-paced, complex stories with precision and clarity.
In November 2023, Yasmin transitioned to the role of Culture, Arts and Entertainment reporter at BBC News, a position she holds to the present day. In this capacity, she covers a wide range of topics including theatre, film, literature, and social trends. Yasmin has quickly established herself as a prominent figure in arts journalism, known for delivering engaging stories that appeal to youth, women, and diverse communities.
Her reports have featured interviews with celebrities like Blake Lively, Lady Gaga, Sofia Vergara, and Skepta, further solidifying her reputation in cultural journalism. Yasmin’s work appears regularly across multiple BBC platforms such as BBC Breakfast, BBC News at Six and Ten, and the Today programme. She also brings culture news to younger audiences via TikTok and Instagram, showcasing her adaptability across traditional and digital media.
A Commitment to Diversity and Impactful Storytelling
Yasmin Rufo’s reporting style is marked by a commitment to diverse voices and impactful storytelling. Her investigations have included probing topics such as potential foreign interference in London’s Mayoral Elections and controversial issues surrounding the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) expansion, including exclusive interviews with activist groups.
She utilises her platform not only to inform but also to explore societal themes that resonate widely, such as social justice, environmental concerns, and the arts. This approach has positioned Yasmin as a journalist who balances hard-hitting political coverage with lighter cultural content — a balance that makes her work accessible and relevant.
Online Presence and Professional Reach
Yasmin Rufo actively maintains an online presence through her official website https://www.yasminrufo.com, which showcases her portfolio and latest work. She is also active on social media platforms including Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn, where she engages with her audience and shares her latest reports.
Her digital engagement is a testament to her understanding of the evolving media landscape, blending traditional journalism with digital storytelling techniques that maximise reach and impact.
Conclusion: A Journalist to Watch
Yasmin Rufo’s rapid ascent in the world of journalism is a result of her academic excellence, professional versatility, and authentic storytelling. From her early beginnings in finance and investment banking to her current role as a leading culture and political reporter at BBC News, Yasmin embodies the modern journalist — well-educated, adaptable, and deeply connected to her audience.
Her contributions to major media outlets like CNBC, Evening Standard, and BBC News reflect a broad skill set and an ability to engage with diverse subject matter. As she continues to grow her career, Yasmin Rufo remains a journalist to watch, poised to make significant impacts in British media.
