Akoni, the cash management platform within Stubben Edge Group, has appointed Mark Ettridge as Director of Banking as it prepares for its next phase of growth.

In his new role, Ettridge will lead the development of Akoni’s banking partnerships and cash management capabilities, with a focus on integrating the platform across the wider Stubben Edge Group ecosystem.

Akoni helps businesses, advisers and individuals manage cash deposits more efficiently through one platform. By providing access to a panel of partner banks, the platform makes it easier for users to compare savings options, spread deposits across providers and reduce the admin involved in opening and managing multiple banking relationships.

The appointment comes as many UK SMEs continue to face pressure from rising costs, higher wages and increased National Insurance contributions. For businesses holding cash reserves, regularly reviewing where that money is held can help support better visibility, access to competitive rates and a more structured approach to cash management.

Mark Ettridge, Director of Banking at Akoni, commented:

“My immediate priority is to help Akoni reach its full potential and make it easier for businesses, advisers and savers to manage cash across multiple banks through one platform.

“Many UK businesses are under pressure from rising costs, higher wages and increased National Insurance contributions. In that environment, cash reserves cannot afford to sit in the background. Reviewing where cash is held, how it is spread and whether it is earning a competitive return can make a meaningful difference.

“What drew me to Stubben Edge was the opportunity across the wider group. Akoni has a strong platform and a clear use case. By integrating its cash management capabilities across Stubben Edge Group, we can give more clients access to a simpler, more joined-up way to manage cash.”

Ettridge brings extensive experience across commercial banking, corporate finance and financial technology. He joins Akoni from Flagstone Group, where he was Head of Bank Partnerships. Prior to this, he spent more than 16 years at Barclays, developing expertise across corporate banking, fintech partnerships, business development and client-led digital solutions.

Chris Kenning, CEO of Stubben Edge Group, added:

“We are delighted to welcome Mark to Akoni and the wider Stubben Edge Group.

“His experience across traditional banking and fintech is exactly what we need as we look to build Akoni’s role within the Group. Many businesses and intermediaries want a simpler way to manage cash, access a wider range of savings options and reduce the admin involved in dealing with multiple providers.

“By bringing Akoni more closely into the Stubben Edge ecosystem, we can make cash management more accessible to the clients and partners we work with.”

Over the next 12 to 18 months, Ettridge will focus on strengthening Akoni’s banking relationships, supporting platform integration across Stubben Edge Group and developing partner distribution channels to help more UK businesses, advisers and intermediaries access cash management services.