Britain’s mystery richest man is worth £14 billion

LONDON: He is reportedly worth £14.3billion -- and yet his identity remains shrouded in mystery, British media reported.

Michael Platt, 56, is the richest person in Britain and his immense fortune even surpasses well-known billionaires Sir Jim Ratcliffe and James Dyson. But despite his eye-watering net worth, the Preston-born billionaire stays largely under the radar -- so much so, that his own company’s receptionist doesn’t even know his name.

Back in 2000, Michael and businessman William Reeves co-founded investment firm BlueCrest Capital Management. Unlike most hedge funds, it uniquely operates as a personal investment vehicle for its employees and senior partners, instead of external clients, and has racked up billions of pounds for wealthy tycoon Michael. And yet, his low-key presence means even the receptionist who works at the entrance of BlueCrest’s London headquarters doesn’t know his identity. It’s been over a decade since Michael was interviewed publicly and he reportedly doesn’t respond to emails directed towards him.

He isn’t a fan of paparazzi or photoshoots either. Back in 2006, when Michael and William were interviewed by The Times, they refused to be photographed under any circumstances. Financial editor Patrick Hosking wrote: “They guard their privacy fiercely and detest their regular appearances in newspaper rich lists.”