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.

Doli Patel holds the position of The Director of Tax & Regulatory Services and chairs the Women Committee at Water & Shark. She has been instrumental in helping a number of firms set up their businesses across the world. Her core competence & experience lies in Indian Tax systems and their regulatory compliances. She has been a reliable team member who can effectively help firms with their tax & regulatory hassles. She takes her achievements to newer heights by being an Associate Member of IPA (Australia) and the Institute of Financial Accountants, UK.

Her experience and expertise in the industry add further character and mettle to her position within the firm. She is a known name within the industry who guides firms across niches with advisory services such as GST, Income Tax compliances, and more to entities like SMEs, Startups, Corporates. She adds experience, vigor, and integrity to her role within W&S.

Doli also serves as the Co-Chair of the Water & Shark Foundation. This foundation focuses on providing support to children and their communities, and Doli actively contributes to its mission of empowering and uplifting the lives of children in need.

She is deeply committed to creating a brighter future for children by addressing their educational, healthcare, and social needs. Her dedication to the Water & Shark Foundation demonstrates her compassion and commitment to making a significant difference in the lives of vulnerable communities.

Dhruvin Dave is a CA and a Company Secretary with over 12 years of experience in providing accounting, auditing, risk assessment, and tax consultancy services. His impressive work record boasts of several big names in the consultancy industry in India and the UAE.

Outside of the consultancy industry, he has also acquired in depth-experience in the Middle East and INDIA in various verticals, such as Mobility Distribution, Internal Audit, Retail, Service Center, 3PL Logistics, to name a few.

His latest stint before joining W&S included handling the financial and operational audits in the Healthcare sector for the Middle East and ASIA regions.

He sports a rich portfolio of business and consulting services, such as accounting, auditing, trading, shipping, contracting and manufacturing. He is also experienced in implementing Computerized Accounting Systems in large organizations and providing guidance for VAT, ESR and AML Compliances.

Karina Patel is a seasoned professional with a rich educational background and over a decade of diverse industry experience. She holds a Master's degree in Economics from St. Petersburg State Trade and Economic University, as well as a Master's degree in Fine Arts from St. Petersburg State University of Industrial Technologies and Design.

Karina's extensive career spans various sectors including Fashion Industry, Events, and more. Her expertise and leadership have made her a sought-after coach for entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals. With hands-on experience in Russia, Turkey, and the UAE, Karina brings a global perspective to her role as Partner, heading the Russia and CIS countries division at Water & Shark (W&S).

Her dynamic approach and multifaceted skills make her an invaluable asset to our team. Karina is committed to driving innovation and excellence, ensuring our clients achieve their business goals with strategic insights and unwavering support. Empowering seamless business across the globe for Russian entrepreneurs, HNIs, and UHNIs.

Keshav Kondamuri brings over 40 years of diverse experience in technology, international finance, and business development. With a proven track record of scaling startup companies to multi-billion-dollar exits, Keshav has held C-level roles in both publicly listed and private enterprises across technology, life sciences, and venture capital sectors. His extensive experience includes raising over $1.5 billion in funding, driving the growth of over 50 startups, and leading them through successful exits.

Keshav’s professional journey spans multiple continents, having served in key executive positions in Europe, the USA, Asia, and Africa. He has played a pivotal role in the success of several venture capital firms, managing over $500 million in assets under management (AUM), and has a unique talent for forging strategic partnerships and alliances that accelerate business growth. His ability to develop major accounts and drive revenue, profit, and market growth is well-documented.

Currently, Keshav is a prominent figure in the sports industry, owning professional sports teams in Europe, including the legendary KKCibona Basketball Club in Croatia and Dacia Unirii Braila Football Club in Romania. He is also the co-founder and General Partner of Blue Jade Capital, a real estate and FX trading fund, and a private investor in numerous high-growth companies across various sectors.

In addition to his entrepreneurial and investment endeavors, Keshav serves as an Advisory Board Member for Verseon International, a cutting-edge AI-based computational biology company, which has raised over €150 million in capital and is currently valued at over $1.5 billion.

Keshav’s wealth of experience in business development, venture capital investing, and his deep understanding of technology and finance make him an invaluable asset to Water & Shark. As Senior Advisor & Director, Global, Keshav will play a crucial role in guiding the firm’s international expansion, strategic partnerships, and investment initiatives.

A Chartered Accountant from the prestigious Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, Amit brings over 23 years of rich and diverse experience spanning senior management roles across large conglomerates, multinational corporations, and SMEs in regions including India, the UAE, and several African countries.

An accomplished finance professional and former Group CFO, Amit's expertise lies in creating tax-efficient cross-border holding-subsidiary structures, treasury and risk management, working capital optimization, credit insurance strategies, ERP implementations, company valuations, and mergers & acquisitions. His ability to navigate complex financial landscapes has made him a trusted advisor to businesses worldwide.

Over the past decade, Amit has held Key Management positions for reputed organisations engaged in Distribution, Retail & Management Consulting activities. His leadership style thrives on embracing diversity and fostering creativity, which, combined with his effective problem-solving skills and ability to deliver breakthrough results, positions him as a true asset to the corporate world.

Amit's dedication to continuous learning is reflected in his completion of advanced certificate programs at prestigious institutions, including INSEAD (France) and the Indian Institute of Management (Ahmedabad).

With his unparalleled expertise and global perspective, Amit Mulgund is a driving force in the strategic and financial arenas, consistently delivering exceptional value to businesses.

Valentina Khlavich is a seasoned legal professional with over 15 years of experience in the legal industry. Holding a law degree from the Russian Federation, Valentina's extensive expertise spans a broad range of legal disciplines, including corporate law, international transactions, and dispute resolution. She furthered her academic pursuits at the University of Passau, Germany, and is fluent in Russian, English, and German, enabling her to navigate complex legal matters across multiple jurisdictions.

Valentina began her career at Beiten Burkhardt, one of the leading international law firms, where she worked as a lawyer from 2007. In 2012, she took the entrepreneurial step of founding VALEN, a firm where she now serves as the Managing Partner. Under her leadership, VALEN has garnered a reputation for excellence in providing strategic legal solutions to clients worldwide, particularly in areas related to Russian and cross-border law.

Her deep understanding of both Russian and international legal frameworks, combined with her entrepreneurial vision, allows her to provide invaluable guidance to clients in navigating the complexities of global business, investments, and litigation.

Dmitry Kofanov is an accomplished legal professional specializing in labour law, with over 20 years of experience in both Russian and international legal practices. Certified as a lawyer in the Russian Federation, Dmitry's expertise covers a wide range of labour-related matters, including employment disputes, collective bargaining, and corporate labour compliance.

Since 2003, Dmitry has built a distinguished career working with top Russian and foreign law firms, honing his skills and expanding his knowledge in the ever-evolving field of labour law. His deep understanding of both Russian legal principles and international labour standards allows him to provide clients with strategic guidance on complex employment matters.

In 2021, Dmitry became a partner at VALEN, where he currently leads the firm's Labor Law Practice. Under his leadership, the practice has flourished, offering tailored legal solutions for employers and employees alike, with a focus on resolving disputes, ensuring compliance, and protecting clients’ interests in the workplace.

Dmitry’s wealth of experience and his in-depth knowledge of labour law make him a trusted advisor for clients seeking expert advice on employment matters in Russia and across borders.

Syed Jibran Nasir is an accomplished Chartered Accountant with over a decade of experience in multinational corporate environments, including tenure with a Big Four Public Accounting Firm. Holding prestigious qualifications such as ACCA (UK) and a bachelor’s degree in applied accounting, as well as a Diploma in ERP Implementations, Jibran brings a wealth of expertise to his role at Water & Shark.

Throughout his career, Jibran has been deeply involved in planning, executing, supervising, and finalizing statutory audit assignments for multinational clients across various industries. His proficiency in financial reporting and analysis has played a critical role in assisting Boards of Directors with pivotal corporate decision-making.

Jibran's experience extends to coordinating significant ad-hoc assignments at a regional level, including international arbitrations, group ISO certifications, joint venture audits, and government audits. His hands-on involvement in ERP system migrations, where he assisted the MIS department in reconciling financial data, further showcases his versatility and technical acumen.

As Associate Partner in Singapore, Jibran is responsible for coordinating with clients and managing the operations team to ensure the delivery of high-quality outputs. His commitment to excellence and his comprehensive understanding of financial and operational dynamics makes him a key asset to the firm and its clients.

Kenric Tan is a seasoned professional with over 6 years of experience in go-to-market (GTM) strategies and business development. As the Global Director of Business Development at Water & Shark, he leverages his rich entrepreneurial background to help businesses grow.

By the age of 23, Kenric had started 5 businesses, failed at 4 and have successfully automated 1, gaining firsthand knowledge of the common pitfalls that founders face when transitioning from inception to scaling to multi-million dollar enterprises.

He specializes in helping small and medium businesses systematize and scale their sales, marketing, operations, and finance functions. Kenric guides founders in creating systems that enable them to buy back their time and focus on their strengths while fostering a thriving corporate culture that alleviates the bottlenecks that hinder long-term sustainable growth.

In addition to his consulting work and entrepreneurial ventures, Kenric has served as a marketing manager for a mid-market apparel manufacturer, an e-commerce manager for a tech startup, and briefly worked as a business development lead for a cryptocurrency exchange.

Siddhant Shah brings over a decade of extensive experience in Accounting Advisory, Audit, and Tax Advisory to his role as Managing Partner, Audit and Assurance for Water & Shark India. His expertise in conducting Internal Audits and Internal Control Reviews has been instrumental in supporting a wide range of Corporates, SMEs, and various institutions in enhancing their financial operations and governance.

Siddhant is a distinguished Chartered Accountant and a Fellow Member of both the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and the Institute of Public Accountants of Australia. His leadership extends beyond his core responsibilities, as he actively contributes to various Water & Shark Global Steering Committees, playing a crucial role in shaping the firm’s strategic direction.

While Siddhant has successfully collaborated with clients across diverse industries, his specialized focus lies in the Real Estate sector, where his insights and expertise have proven invaluable.

CA Akash Prajapati is a distinguished Chartered Accountant with extensive experience in taxation and audit. Over the years, he has earned a strong reputation for his deep understanding of complex tax laws, audit procedures, and financial regulations. His expertise spans various industries, allowing him to provide tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of his clients.

Akash’s comprehensive knowledge of the Indian tax landscape, including direct and indirect taxes, has enabled him to successfully guide clients through tax planning, compliance, and dispute resolution. His strategic approach focuses on long-term benefits and risk mitigation, ensuring clients optimize their tax liabilities while remaining compliant.

In audit and assurance, Akash excels in conducting statutory, internal, and management audits. His meticulous attention to detail and adherence to auditing standards have earned him the trust of corporations, SMEs, and nonprofits. He is known for identifying areas of improvement in financial reporting, providing insights that enhance operational efficiency and financial performance.

Akash’s commitment to his clients is unwavering. He believes in building long-term relationships based on trust and integrity, ensuring each client receives the personalized attention they deserve. His ability to simplify complex financial concepts has made him a trusted advisor to many businesses.

Outside of the consultancy industry, he has also acquired in-depth experience in the Middle East and India in various verticals, such as Mobility Distribution, Internal Audit, Retail, Service Center, 3PL Logistics, to name a few.

His latest stint before joining W&S included handling the financial and operational audits in the Healthcare sector for the Middle East and Asia regions.

He sports a rich portfolio of business and consulting services, such as accounting, auditing, trading, shipping, contracting, and manufacturing. He is also experienced in implementing Computerized Accounting Systems in large organizations and providing guidance for VAT, ESR, and AML Compliances.

Dr. Alaa El Essawy is a highly accomplished chartered accountant from Egypt, Managing Partner, PEG - Collaborating Firm in Egypt, with over 30 years of experience in accounting, taxation, and audit. He is currently the Chairman and Director of Professional Experiences Group (PEG) Egypt, where he provides expert guidance to clients in various industries.

In addition to his chartered accountant designation, Dr. Essawy holds a PhD in Business Administration from the United States, as well as a master’s degree in Intellectual Property and Innovation Management. This combination of expertise has made him a highly sought-after advisor for businesses looking to navigate the complexities of intellectual property and innovation management in today's global economy.

Dr. Essawy is also a respected leader in the business community, serving as the Executive Director of the International Federation of Arab Businessmen and Investors Abroad. He is also the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Seeds of Mercy, a non-profit organization that provides humanitarian aid to those in need. With his extensive experience, impressive credentials, and commitment to serving others, Dr. Alaa El Essawy is a highly respected figure in the accounting and business communities in Egypt and beyond.

Aya Barrada is the Managing Partner at Solid Law Firm, a leading full-service international law firm based in Egypt. With a Diploma in International Commerce and an LL.M. in International Commercial Law from Indiana University School of Law, Indianapolis, Aya brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the firm.

With years of experience working in both law firms and multinational corporations, Aya has honed her skills in drafting and reviewing contracts, as well as managing local and cross-border business setups. Her deep understanding of corporate law, construction, claims management, and business development has established her as a trusted advisor to clients both locally and internationally.

Under her leadership, Solid Law Firm has become one of the most reliable law firms in Egypt, providing high-quality legal services across various legal matters. The firm specializes in international corporate and commercial law, business setup across different jurisdictions, and international taxation.

Aya’s vision and strategic insight have led to a significant collaboration between Solid Law Firm and Water & Shark International Inc. This partnership is set to elevate investments in Egypt, the GCC, and the Middle East, attracting foreign investors to the Egyptian and Saudi markets. The collaboration aims to provide comprehensive legal and audit services, creating a one-stop-shop experience for clients and expanding the business operations of both firms.

Aya’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence continue to drive the success of Solid Law Firm, making her a key figure in the legal industry across the region.

Shehbaaz is the Associate Partner in the Water & Shark Legal team, bringing three years of diverse experience in resolving corporate and legal challenges for multinational clients. A skilled corporate lawyer and an All-India Ranker company secretary, Shehbaaz has a strong foundation in legal practice and corporate governance.

Prior to joining Water & Shark, Shehbaaz served as in-house legal counsel for Firmenich India, where he managed and advised on a wide range of legal and compliance matters. He also gained significant experience as a Senior Associate at Vaish Associates Advocates, where he provided legal guidance to a prestigious global clientele.

Over the years, Shehbaaz has honed his expertise in compliance, corporate restructuring, and foreign investments, transforming from a promising legal professional into a highly valued asset with a strong corporate focus.

For Shehbaaz, law is not just a profession but a business, which drives his passion for corporate law. He is committed to delivering excellence to every client he serves, and now, as part of a team that nurtures and complements his dedication, Shehbaaz is poised to make a significant impact at Water & Shark.

Bhavesh Jogani is a Bachelor of Commerce from Mumbai University and a Seasoned Chartered Accountant with more than 8 years of extensive experience in the field of Auditing, Taxation as well as proficiency in International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS). With a diverse portfolio, he has handled Statutory Audits, Internal Audits, Tax Audits, Concurrent Audits, Treasury Audits, Stock Exchange Audit and Ind AS implementation assignments for the firm. His expertise lies in delivering meticulous audit services and providing strategic advice to clients on implementation of IFRS and IND AS.

He has been the team leader of Concurrent and Treasury audit teams of a large private sector bank, Internal Audit Team of Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFC) and Stock Brokers. His in-depth knowledge and proficiency makes him a trusted advisor for navigating complex financial landscapes and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. . His vision encompasses continuous learning, staying updated with evolving regulatory frameworks, and delivering exceptional value to clients. He is committed to fostering growth opportunities, enhancing service offerings, and building enduring relationships with clients and stakeholders. With a forward-thinking approach and a dedication to excellence, he aims to remain at the forefront of the auditing profession and contribute meaningfully to the success of his clients and the broader professional community.

Drashti Prajapati is a highly qualified Chartered Accountant based in India and possesses extensive expertise in the field of taxation. Her proficiency spans tax planning and advisory, Tax Audit, compliance and litigation across clients from varied industries including Manufacturing, Information Technology, Service, Retail, Construction and Pharmaceutics.

Here at Water and Shark, Drashti leverages her comprehensive knowledge to assist clients in Singapore, the USA, Canada and India. She provides valuable guidance on tax policy and complex tax issues, tax governance, tax technology processes, reporting changes, and transfer pricing.

Known for her collaborative approach, Drashti is a dedicated team player committed to staying abreast of the latest developments in tax laws, rules, and regulations.

Adnan Khan took on the role of Manager in Water & Shark's Tax and Regulatory Services practice in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in July 2022. Prior to this, he served as a Senior Associate in Water & Shark’s Indian operations. With over 5 years of experience at the firm, Adnan has been instrumental in advising clients on a broad spectrum of services including onshore and offshore business setup, banking solutions, global corporate restructuring, international transfer pricing, real estate regulatory compliance, cross-border direct and indirect tax consultancy, and multinational audits and assurance functions.

Adnan has worked with a diverse clientele, ranging from public and private entities to institutions of higher education, real estate conglomerates, foundations, and other organizations with local, national, and multinational operations. He is particularly well-versed in the tax laws and regulations of India, the UAE, and Singapore, providing expert guidance to clients conducting business in these regions.

Throughout his career, Adnan has developed a strong ability to foster team collaboration, understand client needs, and deliver tailored solutions that add significant value to their ventures. He is highly regarded for his capacity to explain complex tax and regulatory matters in a clear and straightforward manner, making it easier for clients to understand and implement his advice.

Adnan holds a degree in Finance from the University of Mumbai and is currently pursuing both Chartered Accountancy through The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and a bachelor’s degree in Corporate Law. Outside of work, Adnan is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys hiking, camping, traveling, and exploring new destinations.

Abdul Rahim M brings a wealth of experience to his role as Senior Associate - Global Advisory at Water & Shark. Specializing in business incorporation and operational setup, he has successfully guided clients through the complexities of establishing businesses across diverse jurisdictions, including Singapore, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, and Canada. With a deep understanding of compliance, Abdul Rahim ensures that clients are well-informed about the legal requirements and regulations necessary for smooth and successful operations in these markets.

Beyond his expertise in company incorporation, Abdul Rahim has a strong background in business development. His keen eye for identifying growth opportunities has enabled numerous clients to expand and thrive in the global marketplace.

Dedicated to client success, Abdul Rahim is committed to navigating the complexities of international business setup and growth. He continually seeks to expand his knowledge and expertise, ensuring he delivers the highest level of service and value to his clients.

Vikshita Poojary is a dynamic legal professional specializing in corporate legal advisory, with a strong focus on resolving complex, legal and regulatory challenges for multinational clients. She is deeply committed to providing practical and strategic legal solutions that empower businesses to navigate the complexities of an increasingly globalized market. Her work involves advising on a range of corporate, commercial, and compliance matters, where she combines sharp analytical skills with a strong understanding of international business frameworks.

Demonstrating leadership and early excellence in the field, Vikshita Poojary was selected as the youngest fellow of the prestigious One Future Collective Fellowship, a program that recognizes and nurtures promising young leaders committed to social impact and legal innovation.

Her academic journey further reflects her commitment to excellence. She completed her bachelor’s degree in literature from Wilson College, Mumbai University, where she was awarded the Principal Borde Memorial Prize and the Harish Gohil Memorial Prize for securing the highest marks in Economics.

Following her undergraduate studies, she pursued her LL.B. at Mumbai University, consistently achieving the highest academic standing in her class throughout her years in law school and receiving formal recognition for her academic achievements. During her legal studies, she represented her college at prominent national law fests, and her research work has been nationally recognized, with her paper selected among the top 10 entries at the University of Lucknow.

An avid legal researcher and writer, Vikshita Poojary has published various research papers and case analyses, showcasing her deeper understanding with evolving legal trends and thought leadership within the profession. She remains committed to building a career that bridges academic insight with real-world corporate legal practice, offering clients robust and tailored advisory support in an increasingly complex legal landscape.