Co-founder and chairman, Dhaval Patel, wins top honours at the Forty under 40 Awards, taking home both the ‘Banking and Finance’ and ‘First Among Equals’ titles.

Recognising Emerging UK Leaders

The Forty under 40 Awards celebrate 40 influential UK leaders under the age of 40. These individuals make a strong impact personally or professionally through exceptional leadership across diverse industries.

A Story of Resilience and Ambition

Dhaval’s journey highlights his perseverance and entrepreneurial mindset. He turned personal adversity into a powerful drive for success. His story shows that grit and determination can lead to incredible achievements.

Dhaval’s Reaction to the Win

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.”

From Humble Beginnings to Business Success

Born on 1 September 1990, Dhaval co-founded 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.

Industry Recognition and Awards

Universal Partners has earned major accolades, including:

• Fast Growth 50

• FXC Intelligence’s Most Promising Cross-Border Payment Companies

• FEBE 100

Giving Back Through Education and Community

Dhaval launched the FX Academy to help young people enter financial services. He also plays an active role in E2E, a network of entrepreneurs. He shares thought leadership and speaks at high-profile events, including those at the House of Lords.

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To read more about the Forty under 40 awards, click here: https://lnkd.in/dtk54gU9