Matt Barkley
Matt Barkley
Managing Director
Matt Barkley is a Managing Director. He helps manage the firm's strategic growth plan and leads the firm’s research coverage of the Technology, Communication Services and crypto sectors.
Education
B.A. University of Southern California
My Story
I’ve been a quarterback for most of my life, yet I’ve learned that isn’t the only thing which defines me.
There are three core values that have been a consistent anchor throughout my life. Faith, Family, and Growth. Alongside Loyalty, Integrity, and Health these guiding principles have helped me navigate the many crossroads of life.
I have a short list of heroes, but my father stands tall at the top of that list. As a prolific athlete himself, he taught me life-lessons about hard work, dedication, and never backing down from a challenge. Even as I was excelling in youth sports, my dad taught me humility while still encouraging me to be the best I could be.
My mom instilled in me the value of delayed gratification, which ultimately strengthened the muscle of self-discipline. When I first started playing football at 11 years old, she even got down in a center’s stance in our backyard and practiced snapping me the ball. She taught me how to secure the snap, and that moms can do anything. Thanks Mom!
People often ask how my wife and I how we met. Well, it’s a bit of an epic saga. We first met in pre-school, when I couldn’t take my eyes off her fancy bow topping those beautiful blonde locks. After nearly twenty years we finally got married at Mariners Church. Talk about delayed gratification! Three kids later, we have our own little growing team.
After a storied football career at Mater Dei High School and then the University of Southern California, I achieved my dream of playing in the NFL for 11 years.
As a quarterback, I studied game plans and film extensively, learned to read complex situations quickly, make split-second decisions, and remain calm under immense pressure.
During my NFL career, I noticed similarities between football's geometric patterns and the technical trends in financial markets. This sparked my interest in trading and wealth management.
I've always been drawn to technology and innovation. In the offseason, I visited venture capital firms and startups in Silicon Valley. I was an early adopter of Bitcoin and Ethereum, and in 2017 I asked the San Francisco 49ers to pay my signing bonus in BTC.
At Silverlight, I apply the same strategic thinking that defined my football career to help clients achieve their goals. I help clients with financial planning, and I lead the firm’s research coverage of the Technology, Communication Services and crypto sectors.
Testimonials Content Block
More Than an Investment Manager—A Trusted Guide to Financial Growth
"I’ve had the great pleasure of having Michael as my investment manager for the past several years. In fact, he is way more than that. He is a trusted guide who coaches his clients to look first at life’s bigger picture and then align their financial decisions to support where they want to go. Michael and his firm take a unique and personal coaching approach that has really resonated for me and helped me to reflect upon my core values and aspirations throughout my investment journey.
Michael’s focus on guiding the "why" behind my financial decisions has been invaluable to me in helping to create a meaningful strategy that has supported both my short-term goals and my long-term dreams. He listens deeply, responds thoughtfully, and engages in a way that has made my investment decisions intentional and personally empowering. With Michael, it’s not just about numbers—it’s about crafting a story of financial growth that has truly supports the life I want to live."
-Karen W.
Beyond financial guidance!
"As a long-term client of Silverlight, I’ve experienced not only market-beating returns but also invaluable coaching and support. Their guidance goes beyond finances—helping me grow, make smarter decisions, and build a life I truly love. Silverlight isn’t just about wealth management; they’re invested in helping me secure my success & future legacy!"
-Chris B.
All You Need Know to Win
“You likely can’t run a four-minute mile but Michael’s new book parses all you need know to win the workaday retirement race. Readable, authoritative, and thorough, you’ll want to spend a lot more than four minutes with it.”
-Ken Fisher
Founder, Executive Chairman and Co-CIO, Fisher Investments
New York Times Bestselling Author and Global Columnist.
Packed with Investment Wisdom
“The sooner you embark on The Four-Minute Retirement Plan, the sooner you’ll start heading in the right direction. This fun, practical, and thoughtful book is packed with investment wisdom; investors of all ages should read it now.”
-Joel Greenblatt
Managing Principal, Gotham Asset Management;
New York Times bestselling author, The Little Book That Beats the Market
Great Full Cycle Investing
“In order to preserve and protect your pile of hard-earned capital, you need to be coached by pros like Michael. He has both the experience and performance in The Game to prove it. This is a great Full Cycle Investing #process book!”
-Keith McCullough
Chief Executive Officer, Hedgeye Risk Management
Author, Diary of a Hedge Fund Manager
Clear Guidance...Essential Reading
“The Four-Minute Retirement Plan masterfully distills the wisdom and experience Michael acquired through years of highly successful wealth management into a concise and actionable plan that can be implemented by everyone. With its clear guidance, hands-on approach, and empowering message, this book is essential reading for anyone who wants to take control of their finances and secure a prosperous future.”
-Vincent Deluard
Director of Global Macro Strategy, StoneX
