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Our Founder
Harsh Patel, the Founder and Global CEO of Water & Shark, is a distinguished figure in the international business sphere, blending expertise as an international corporate lawyer and chartered accountant. Starting his entrepreneurial journey at the impressive age of 19, Patel has become one of the youngest Indian professionals to hold dual qualifications as both a Chartered Accountant and Lawyer in multiple jurisdictions. Under Patel's transformative leadership, Water & Shark has evolved into a global nexus for legal and financial services, extending its influence across more than 12 countries on four continents. His pioneering strategies and acute insights into global markets have propelled the firm to the forefront of cross-border transactions, mergers and acquisitions, tax planning, and international corporate law. Patel also serves as the Chief Legal Advisor to the Private Office of His Highness Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Saeed Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, underscoring his pivotal role in international finance and legal circles. This prestigious role highlights his standing as a trusted advisor in the highest echelons of global finance and law. Recognized for his profound impact on the industry, Patel has received numerous accolades, such as the title of UAE's Most Influential Financial and Legal Professional, the Champions of Change award, and inclusion in Entrepreneur’s 35 Under 35. His achievements and thought leadership have earned him features in renowned publications like Forbes, cementing his reputation as a young icon of the UAE. An esteemed speaker and writer, Patel represents India on significant international platforms, including the European Parliament, where his insights resonate with global stakeholders. His consultancy spans high-net-worth individuals, unicorn startups, royal families, celebrities, and governments worldwide, covering areas such as diplomacy, international tax planning, and corporate and family succession. Beyond his professional endeavors, Patel is deeply committed to philanthropy. Through the Water & Shark Foundation, he supports the education and development of 30 children and mentors a new generation of Chartered Accountants and legal professionals. Harsh Patel’s remarkable journey is a beacon of visionary leadership and expert acumen, ensuring that Water & Shark remains at the cutting edge of global finance and law, consistently delivering superior value and innovative solutions to clients around the world.
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Navigating the complex waters of accounting and law requires the precision and agility of a shark. Excellence and foresight are key in steering through global markets and legal landscapes.
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Harsh Patel
Global CEO of Water & Shark
Our close-knit team believes in Mr. Patel’s encouraging, approachable,and learning-oriented leadership. With infectious energy, he motivates the team to scale new growth avenues in Tax & Regulatory Services, Strategic Advisory, Global Business Set-up, International Taxation, Family office Management & Transaction Advisory. The proof of Harsh Patel's brilliance is unmistakably reflected in the numerous accolades he has garnered from the industry. His outstanding contributions have earned him recognition across various prestigious platforms, including being honored with a Doctorate in Business Administration from California Public University. His work has been acknowledged with several awards, such as the 'Excellence in Finance Companies' in 2020, 'Emerging Multinational Tax & Accountancy Firm' in 2019, and the 'Acharya Abhinav Gupt Award' by the Governor of West Bengal. Harsh has also received the 'Pride of Maharashtra Award 2018 - Exemplary Leader Award,' and was ranked among the 'Top 10 Rising Startup Consultants to Watch' in 2018. Additionally, he was awarded membership by the All India Management Association (AIMA). His recent accolades include 'Icon of UAE,' the 'Leader Of Change Award,' 'UAE's Most Influential Finance and Legal Professional 2022,' the 'Divya Chakra Award 2023,' and the 'FinNext Award for Excellence in Finance,' each underscoring his profound impact and leadership in the global financial and legal arenas.

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'Water & Shark' refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more of the member firms of Water & Shark International Inc. each of which is a separate legal entity. Water & Shark International Inc. does not provide services to clients.
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