James Matthews is a British billionaire who started off as a race car driver. Despite having an apparent “need for speed,” Matthews slowed things down on the track and dove into finance. In 1997, he worked as a senior equity options trader for Nordic Options Ltd. In 2001, he opened his own hedge fund company called Eden Rock Capital Management Group.
Although his family is wealthy (his parents, David and Jane Matthews, own Eden Rock St. Barths, which will set you back about $1000 per night), Matthews built his business from the ground up and enjoys a comfortable lifestyle because of it.
Here is what you need to know:
1. He Is Estimated to be Worth More Than $2.5 Billion (£2 Billion)
According to the-net-worth.com, Matthews has an estimated net worth of over $2.6 billion (£2 billion). Matthews owns a private jet that costs around $4 million (£3 million).
Even though he didn’t get any closer to becoming British royalty by marrying the Duchess of Cambridge’s sister, Matthews still has his own title to be had.
“James is heir to the Scottish title of Laird of Glen Affric, a position his father currently holds, owning a 10,000-acre Scottish estate near Loch Ness. When James inherits the title, Pippa will become Lady Glen Affric,” reports Business Insider.
Laird is the Scottish word used to describe someone who owns a large estate.
2. He Is the Chief Executive of Eden Rock Capital Management Group
After spending a few years learning the ropes in the world of finance, Matthews decided to open his own hedge fund company. In 2001, he opened Eden Rock Capital Management Group. He gave the company the name “Eden Rock” after the resort that his parents own.
“Eden Rock invests its own capital and also advises third party investors that include pension funds, endowments, corporations, banks and private clients. Eden Rock invests in UK-based, early stage growth companies. The firm also provides services to other Eden Rock Group companies including fixed income portfolio management, analysis of third party mutual funds, marketing support, operational assistance and legal advice,” reads part of the “About” section on the company’s website.
According to the Telegraph, the firm takes handles $1.4 billion (£1.1 billion) worth of investments each year.
3. He Purchased His 6-Bedroom Home for $21 Million (£17 Million) in 2014
Matthews’ impressive home, that he now shares with Middleton, is equipped with a gym, an underground cinema, a lift and a ‘staff room,’ according to the Standard.
Shortly after Middleton moved her things into the Chelsea home, the Daily Mail reported that the home was set to undergo some minor renovations.
“Plans were recently approved for a car-stacking garage in the basement, with further permission just granted for a first-floor extension that will allow a ‘vanity basin’ complete with ‘his and hers’ sinks to be added to the bathroom, along with male and female dressing rooms off the master bedroom.
4. He Spent $250,000 (£200,000) on Pippa Middleton’s Engagement Ring
Matthews didn’t hold back when it came to showering his lady with love. The classic ring he purchased was designed by London jeweler Robinson Pelham. The center stone — believed to be about 3.5 carats — is an Asscher-cut diamond. It is surrounded by a halo of smaller diamonds, giving it an Art-Deco look.
“It’s hugely practical because it’s quite flat and it will be very easy for her to wear. It’s a very timeless piece that will look as good now as it will in 50 years time. It’s bezel fit making it a bit more modern, which fits in very well with her style. If he has chosen that on his own then he has done brilliantly,” jeweler Annoushka Ducas told People Magazine last year.
5. He Attended the Pricey Uppingham School
Matthews attended the prestigious Uppingham School in Rutland, a co-ed boarding school with a tuition of approximately $42,000 (£33,000) per year.
Several reports indicate that Matthews attended Eton College, a few years before his brother-in-law, Prince William. However, it was his brother, Spencer, who boarded there. With an annual tuition of $50,000 (£38,000) in 2012, Eton made Huffington Post’s list of “Ten Extremely Expensive Schools,” coming in at No. 5.
Matthews did not further his education by heading to college like many of the other kids at the British boys’ boarding school. Instead, he went over to Spear Leeds & Kellogg to get some training in finance.
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