Our Mission

March

Founded in 2017 by co-founders Oliver Carson and Dhaval Patel, Universal Partners was created to disrupt the cross-border payments industry, offering unrivalled value to corporate clients and high net-worth individuals.

April

Secured service provider partnerships with Currency Cloud and Ebury Partners, enabling the ability to service businesses and individuals with FX payment solutions and risk management products.

March

In the first year of trading, Universal Partners achieved an impressive £50m in FX volume from newly acquired clients.

November

After a successful first year, Universal Partners moved into their first permanent office space in the heart of Canary Wharf.

June

A huge milestone was achieved as the business became FCA regulated and recognised as an authorised payment provider.

September

After doubling the client-base, the FX turnover increased to over £150m, representing a phenomenal 200% rise in business.

May

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Universal Partners were recognised by the official procurement arm of the UK Government, being listed on the Crown Commercial Service as an FX provider following the decision to offer zero margin transactions to the NHS to facilitate seamless delivery of PPE around the country.

July

After more incredible growth, Universal Partners were named as the 20th best start-up on the Start-ups 100 index.

September

FX turnover grows to an astonishing £500m after successfully navigating the pandemic and diversifying our client base.

June

After a rapid growth in headcount, Universal Partners relocated to a 7,550 sq. ft office in Canary Wharf.

September

The rapid growth continues as the business achieves £1.3bn in FX turnover in yet another record year.

November

An exciting new partnership is announced as Universal Partners team up with ABTA, the leading trade association in the UK travel sector.

December

Our first global award is announced as Universal Partners are named 'Most Trusted Broker' at the PAN Finance Awards in 2022.

June

Universal Partners are nominated for the prestigious Lloyds British Business Excellence Awards as Scale-up Business of the Year.  Meanwhile, as part of a commitment to help corporate businesses grow internationally, Universal Partners expand the product suite to include finance products, including invoice and supplier financing.

August

The award nominations come thick and fast as co-founders Oliver Carson and Dhaval Patel are nominated for Scale-up Business of the Year at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards – the "Grammys of Entrepreneurship".

September

Universal Partners announce a partnership with E2E – an exclusive community for the UK's top 100 entrepreneurs across several different categories.

October

More recognition came our way as we were named 36th on the Fast Growth 50 listing as well as one of the top 30 Most Promising Cross-Border Companies by FXC Intelligence for 2023.

January

After running internally for 7 years, we announced the official external launch of the programme for young people looking for a career in Finance.

February

Universal Partners announced new partnerships with Swoop Funding and Spark Finance to further expand our lending offering.

March

Universal Partners named as Finalists at Drawdown Awards 2024.

May

Named in The Sunday Times Best Places To Work 2024.

June

Proud sponsors of the E2E International 100 track and named in FEBE Growth 100 list.

July

Shortlisted again at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards 2024.

August

Universal Partners named finalists at the Lloyds British Business Excellence Awards 2024 and recognised alongside Mastercard as finalists at the Payments Awards 2024.

October

Universal Partners wins the Money Transfer Provider of the Year Award.

November

Universal Partners Chairman, Dhaval Patel wins two of the Forty Under 40 awards -' Banking and Finance' and' First Among Equals'.