Since the notice, the article has seen floods of comments from those in the industry who knew him as both a colleague and a friend.
“In my opinion, he was the real Mr Bridging - he was spearheading the industry and was instrumental to the ASTL. He always had a smile on his face - it is a sad loss to the industry,” said Marc Goldberg of Blemain Finance.
Benson Hersch, Chairman of the ASTL knew Sidney for 15 years. He said: “He was a great character who played a pivotal role in the bridging industry for many years. He will be very sadly missed by all who knew him. Sydney was always a larger than life character, he loved the industry and was still working almost until the day that he died.”
Sidney was known by many for his influential and colourful character, Eugene Esterkin of Affirmative Finance noted it as: “…the most charming personality the sector has ever seen.” He added: “Whose twinkling eyes, wide smile and sparkling sense of humour made him fun to be with both as a colleague at Affirmative and later within the finance industry.”
“He loved ultimately doing deals, talking with people and making a business hum. For him service and communication was the key factors to success and he taught us a lot for which we were always grateful. He will be sorely missed by all.”
While asking industry figures to recall memories of Sidney, it was clear he was a character to remember. On this note, Roger Morris said: “Some people come into your life and leave a mark. Some people take time to invest in you, educate and help you, way above what is expected. Some people are the true Grandfathers of an industry that will always be remembered as one of the true greats. This true gentleman, Sidney Cohen, was one of those people, one who changed my life and one I owe so much to.”
Laurence Goodman of Bridgebank Capital said: “It was with deep sadness that I heard of Sidney’s passing. I first met Sidney in early 2003, when I became more actively involved as a lender in the bridging sector, and always found him to be extremely helpful, with a depth of knowledge and experience that demanded instant respect.
“His hunger to see a massive seed change within the bridging industry, to create a level of acceptance and respect that the sector needed and deserved, was undoubted and as such the professional standing of our industry today with supporting Trade bodies such as the ASTL & AOBP is as much down to his initial vision as to that of anybody else.” Sidney acted as the first AOBP Chairman.
Sidney, had an extensive career in the bridging sector, which he started in 1998, when he joined bridging lender Cheval as Director of Marketing until 2005.
His colourful career advanced to other leading firms such as Affirmative Finance and Masthaven Bridging Finance, where he was a Consultant. Recognised for his dedicated work to the industry, Sidney also gained the B&C ‘Lifetime Achievement’ award while working at Masthaven in 2009, which he described as an “honour”.
Andrew Bloom, MD at Masthaven Finance, whom Sidney Cohen worked until recently, said: “I have had the pleasure of working with Sidney Cohen for the past six years. It has been a privilege to learn so much about the bridging market from a man who has been so intimately involved in the birth and development of what is now such a thriving sector of the lending market.
“All of us at Masthaven will miss him as a colleague and a friend.”
In his honour, London Bridge Plc, decided to make and invite contributions to Sidney’s chosen charity Chai Cancer Care at its FP show stand tomorrow.
Keep reading for a few remembrance notes on Sidney Cohen
“Sidney had THE most amazing memory. A walking talking Wikipedia of all things bridging,” Alan Margolis of United Trust Bank.
“Sidney was a true gentleman and his knowledge of the short term finance world was second to none, he was a great friend to Regentsmead and he will be sorely missed by the whole team. One of life’s really good guys has sadly left us and the finance world mourns his departure.” James Bloom of Regentsmead
“Having had the pleasure meeting Sidney on several occasions, it’s very sad to hear about his loss, our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family during this difficult time,” Yasin Patel of Mayfair Bridging.
"Sid had a wealth of knowledge and was always happy to assist and help, Sad loss to our industry. He will be missed by all." Dave Mant of 4u Commercial Mortgages
“The @AOBP_ would like to honour the passing of Sidney Cohen, our very first Chairman. A bridging luminary who brightened up the room.”
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