We’re extremely proud to share that our co-founder and Chairman, Dhaval Patel, was presented with two awards at last night’s Forty under 40 awards. These were for ‘Banking and Finance’ and overall award winner – ‘First Among Equals’.
These awards were curated to recognise and celebrate 40 emerging UK leaders under the age of 40, from a wide range of sectors, who demonstrate their impact on the world personally or professionally through exceptional leadership.
Dhaval’s path to date is a true testament to his resilience, perseverance, and entrepreneurial spirit. His story is an inspiration for anyone facing adversity—proving that with grit and determination, you can achieve greatness.
On receiving the awards Dhaval commented, “I’m incredibly proud and humbled to have been named one of the Forty Under 40 winners and to have also won two awards. This is one of the most prestigious awards in our country, and to be recognised alongside such an elite group of leaders across the UK is truly an honour. It’s no small feat to achieve this, and I’m deeply grateful for the recognition. A very special thank you goes to some amazing people who were with me on the night of the announcement, including my wife. Sharing this proud moment with her and others who have been part of my journey made it all the more meaningful. This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the relentless support and hard work of so many people.
To my incredible colleagues at Universal Partners—your dedication and passion inspire me every day. Together, we’ve built something extraordinary, and I’m proud to lead such a talented and driven team. To our suppliers and partners, your trust and collaboration have been instrumental in our success. We couldn’t have reached these heights without you. Finally, and most importantly, to my family – thank you for standing by me through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. Your unwavering love, encouragement, and belief in me have been my greatest source of strength. It’s a privilege to be able to share this moment with everyone who knows me and thank you all for your continued support. Here’s to the future, as we continue this incredible journey together.”
Dhaval Patel, born on 1 September 1990, is the Chairman and co-founder of Universal Partners, a leading cross-border payments company. His journey from overcoming personal adversity to establishing a multi-million-pound enterprise embodies resilience, determination, and entrepreneurial prowess. Growing up amidst financial struggles and adapting to a new culture, Dhaval drew strength from these challenges and his mother’s encouragement to pursue greatness.
Dhaval’s entrepreneurial spirit was evident early in life, from selling sweets and collectible cards as a teenager to co-founding Universal Partners. After completing an NVQ in Electrical / Electronic Engineering and opting to enter the workforce directly, he started his career at Santander.
His rapid progression from cashier to personal banking advisor, recognized by Ana Botin, showcased his exceptional talent. However, disillusioned with banking practices, Dhaval moved to a privately-owned currency company, where his performance as Salesperson of the Year for three consecutive years highlighted his leadership and sales acumen.
In 2015, Dhaval co-founded Universal Partners with a vision of creating the UK’s largest payments company. Despite facing significant legal and financial hurdles, his leadership transformed the company into a thriving business with an annual turnover exceeding £1.5 billion. Today, Universal Partners, with 80 employees, is recognized as one of the fastest-growing cross-border payment firms in the UK.
The company has earned accolades including Fast Growth 50, FXC Intelligence’s Most Promising Cross-Border Payment Companies, and FEBE 100, and Dhaval was a finalist in the Great British Entrepreneur Awards in 2023 and 2024.
Beyond his professional success, Dhaval is deeply committed to community support and philanthropy. He founded the FX Academy to provide young people with a head start in financial services, reflecting his desire to give back and support future generations.
Dhaval is also involved with E2E, a network of entrepreneurs, where he contributes thought-leadership articles and speaks at prestigious events, including those hosted at the House of Lords.
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