An Indian-origin journalist based in the United Kingdom has been conferred with one of London's most prestigious civic honours. Shruti Tripathi Chopra, the Editor-in-Chief of Dow Jones publications 'Financial News' and 'Private Equity News', was awarded the Freedom of the City of London on Saturday.
A Historic Honour for Groundbreaking Work
The ceremony, which took place at London's historic Guildhall, recognised Chopra's significant contributions to financial journalism and her relentless championing of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the global finance sector. The honour, which dates back to the 13th century, is bestowed upon individuals who have made an outstanding impact on London's financial district, known as the City or the Square Mile.
"Receiving the Freedom of the City of London is an incredibly humbling moment," said Chopra. She reflected on her journey, stating, "I came to the UK as a student with big hopes, and I never imagined my career would bring me here. This honour reflects years of hard work, resilience, and the support of so many people who believed in me."
Expressing her pride, she added, "I feel immensely proud, not just for myself, but for Indians everywhere working hard to do their country proud across the globe." Her parents, who travelled from Delhi, and her four-year-old daughter attended the special ceremony officiated by the Clerk of the Court.
Pioneering a Path in Financial Media
According to an official statement, Shruti Chopra holds several pioneering titles. She is the youngest editor to lead both *Financial News* and *Private Equity News*. Furthermore, she is the first woman and the first person of colour to hold the Editor-in-Chief role in the publications' nearly three-decade-long history. Chopra has been with Dow Jones since January 2019.
Her advocacy for diversity is action-oriented. She has spearheaded influential initiatives like the "100 Most Influential Women in Finance" list and launched the "Pride of Finance" list. The latter platform highlights the coming-out-at-work stories of senior LGBTQIA+ professionals in the finance industry, amplifying voices that are often underrepresented.
Joining an Illustrious List of Recipients
The Freedom of the City of London places Chopra in a distinguished group of global luminaries. Previous Indian recipients include the country's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, industrialist Ratan Tata, and acclaimed actor Shabana Azmi, who received the honour last year. Internationally, figures like Nelson Mandela and Winston Churchill have also been conferred with this distinction.
Chopra's academic and professional credentials are equally impressive. She holds a master’s degree in International Journalism from Cardiff University. Her excellence has been recognised through awards, including being named Social Value Journalist of the Year at the Aviva Investors Media Awards and Journalist of the Year – Stewardship at the State Street Awards.
The honour solidifies her status as a leading voice who has successfully merged rigorous financial reporting with a steadfast commitment to making the sector more inclusive and representative for everyone.
