Sidekick has unveiled a new digital wealth platform in the UK, specifically designed for high earners who have surpassed basic financial services yet do not possess the substantial wealth typically required by private banking institutions.
Emerging as a key player in the growing market for affluent consumers, Sidekick employs modern technology to provide financial products and services that were once exclusive to the ultra-wealthy. The platform was co-founded by seasoned entrepreneur Matthew Ford, who serves as CEO, and Peter Townsend, the CTO. Ford previously launched the mobile banking platform Pariti, where Townsend also held the role of CTO, which was sold to Tandem Bank in 2018.
“Individuals in this income bracket often remain unaware of the inefficiencies within their financial situations until it is too late,” Ford explains. “They face marginal tax rates of 60% on earnings between £100,000 and £125,000, may have idle cash, or are unwittingly overexposed to their own company.”
Among its range of offerings, Sidekick allows for private equity-style investments starting at £10,000. Eligible clients can access a regulated Long-Term Asset Fund, providing opportunities to invest in high-growth private enterprises through a professionally managed fund, bypassing the typically high minimum investment thresholds.
In addition to investment options, users have access to an account that distributes deposits across various UK-regulated banks, ensuring up to £255,000 of FSCS protection—all managed through a single interface. For those seeking higher returns, Sidekick’s Smart Cash product invests short-term funds into actively managed money market instruments, aiming to exceed traditional savings rates while ensuring liquidity.
Ford emphasizes, “High earners today are often offered the same financial tools as those just starting out, which is inadequate. You shouldn’t need a UBS account to tap into smarter wealth-building strategies. With Sidekick, we aim to ensure that those who have worked hard see their money work equally hard for them.”