Aaron Smith is a veteran journalist with over 20 years of experience covering business, finance, and high-profile industries for major media outlets. Currently, he serves as a business reporter at Life Annuity Specialist, a trade publication under Money-Media, part of the Financial Times group. In this role, Aaron covers the insurance and annuity landscape with depth, clarity, and a critical eye—offering insider analysis on financial trends, executive strategy, and regulatory developments shaping the future of the life insurance industry.
Prior to joining Life Annuity Specialist, Aaron was a longtime staff writer at CNNMoney.com, where he reported on everything from white-collar crime and biotech to Big Pharma, the economy, and financial markets. Over his 13-year tenure, he conducted high-profile interviews—including with Bernie Madoff and Donald Trump—and earned a reputation for asking the tough questions that matter to both investors and consumers.
Aaron also contributes as a freelance journalist at Forbes, where his writing focuses on the intersection of business and public policy, including the U.S. firearms industry, background check data, and political influence. He previously worked in strategic communications at firms like Marino PR and KCSA, helping CEOs and executives shape narratives in emerging sectors such as cannabis, technology, and fintech.
Aaron’s unique experience on both sides of the media fence—as a reporter and PR strategist—gives him an unmatched perspective into how stories are shaped, sourced, and shared.
At InsurTech NY’s 2025 Match Education Day, Aaron Smith will join the panel “Deep Dive into a Journalist’s Mind” to provide a candid look at what journalists look for in a story, how InsurTech leaders can build stronger media relationships, and what not to say when the cameras are rolling.
