My Story

years of media and FDI experience

countries visited on assignment

conferences as a speaker

I’m Courtney Fingar, a business journalist who has traveled the world covering foreign direct investment (FDI) for more than two decades.

My travels have taken me to investment destinations large and small, developed and undeveloped, urban and rural, industrial and post-industrial – and one thing I have learned is every place has its own unique story. But often that story is overlooked or unknown, or the narrative is out of date. 

I have also seen first-hand the positive impact FDI can have on both people and places, beginning in my own home state of Alabama, USA, where a single automotive factory in the 1990s changed forever the entire economy of the state. 

I believe that not only does every city, country or region deserve the opportunity to develop its economy through inward investment but also that every place is worthy of respect. My professional passion is to help bridge the gap between investor expectations and economic-development goals. I want to shine a light on the investment potential of overlooked or misunderstood locations for the betterment of their economies and most importantly the lives of their citizens.  

I can do that through my years of experience as an editor, writer and FDI thought leader. I have had editorial leadership roles at both established and challenger media brands, and worked in Washington, DC, and London as a journalist. I have covered business stories in all major regions of the world and have been on assignment to more than 80 countries in my career. I have deep knowledge of investment dynamics and extensive experience working with C-suite executives, investors, economic developers and investment promotion authorities worldwide.

Most recently the editor-in-chief of Investment Monitor, a digital publication focused on cross-border investment, I previously spent 15 years with the Financial Times where I was head of content for fDi Intelligence and editor-in-chief of fDi Magazine. As part of these roles, I oversaw the creation of sponsored content campaigns for clients (investment promotion agencies, economic development organizations and free zones) aimed at promoting their locations for inward investment and generating leads.

In early 2023, I set up Fingar Direct Investment, a boutique consultancy advising governments on investment promotion, location marketing and content creation. 

I am also a contributor to Forbes.com, writing a regular column on FDI; and a contributing editor for Real Asset Media, which provides market insight, thought leadership, strategy and research with a global audience of senior leaders in the real estate and real asset markets. In 2023 I was also appointed regional director for Europe and communications advisor for the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies. 

An in-demand event moderator and professional speaker on matters of global business and investment, I have participated in hundreds of events worldwide and now advise event organisers on content and assist with promotion. I have appeared on television and radio in dozens of countries as a commentator on international investment and have twice been called to give evidence to the UK Parliament about inward investment. 

Check out my portfolio

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“Her commitment to and passion for economic development shines through in all her endeavours and has benefited investment promotion agencies and economic zones worldwide.” 

Dr Samir Hamrouni, CEO, World Free Zones Organization 

“Beyond her outstanding ability to moderate international events, conduct interviews, and write articles, Courtney has been an important figure to guide the world of foreign direct investment with her deep knowledge and intellectual background in the area.” 

Ismail Ersahin, CEO, World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies