“Wealth without control is a mirage. Real power lies in the ability to move freely across borders, jurisdictions, and opportunities.”
Harsh Patel
Founder & Global CEO – Water & Shark
Featured on
Harsh Patel
Harsh Patel is consistently ranked among the world’s most sought-after advisors in asset protection and cross-border tax strategy—an architect of trust, influence, and enduring legacies. Widely regarded as a global “Wealth Architect,” Harsh Patel is a dual-qualified Chartered Accountant and international lawyer, Founder & Global CEO of Water & Shark, he has built one of the most progressive multi-jurisdictional advisory platforms, spanning law, tax, finance, and strategic structuring. He advises royal offices, unicorn founders, UHNWIs and family enterprises on cross-border strategy, wealth management, governance, and succession.
Entrepreneur
Founded at nineteen, Water & Shark has, under Harsh Patel’s leadership, expanded to 12+ countries and now aims to become India’s own Big Four. A discreet, bespoke advisory at the nexus of accounting and law, it serves the who’s who of global enterprise—sovereign and royal offices, multinationals, family offices, dignitaries, and celebrated leaders across aviation, retail, technology, and real estate.
Author
An accessible thinker and practitioner, Harsh writes for decision-makers at the intersection of accounting and law. His essays translate cross-border tax, governance, succession, and policy into clear choices boards adopt. Published across platforms, his writing pairs case-grounded insight with human clarity—helping founders, family offices, and institutions modernise, document, and scale responsibly across jurisdictions without losing control, values, or pace.
Philanthropist
His philanthropy centres on education, ethics, and opportunity—mentoring young chartered accountants and lawyers, funding scholarships and skills bootcamps, and supporting rule-of-law programmes with credible partners. He backs technology-enabled classrooms, bar and ICAI mentorship, and integrity-in-practice workshops that strengthen communities and unlock social mobility across regions. The aim is simple: broaden access, protect dignity, and convert potential into leadership, equitably, worldwide.
The Visionary Journey of Harsh Patel From Founder to Global Wealth Architect
2012
Entrepreneurial Journey Begins
Launches Water & Shark, embracing entrepreneurship at 19.
Chartered Accountant (ICAI)
Conferred ICAI Chartered Accountant designation, cementing technical rigour in assurance, taxation, and corporate law.
Chief Financial Advisor: international Human rights Council
Appointed Honorary Chief Financial Advisor, advising on transparent stewardship and cross-border compliance.
Pride of Maharashtra Award
Awarded Exemplary Leader Award for Corporate Excellence by World HRD Congress.
Chief Financial Advisor to His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Khalifa bin Hamdan Al Nahyan
Appointment as the Chief Financial Advisor to His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Khalifa bin Hamdan Al Nahyan
Represented India at USA Investment Summit 2019 Held at Washington DC
Advanced bilateral investment dialogue and market-entry clarity at a premier forum.
Acharya Abhinav Gupt Award
Conferred by the then Governor of West Bengal, His Excellency Shri Keshari Nath Tripathi.
Hall of Fame (Chartered Accountancy) Award Inducted for enduring professional excellence, ethics, and mentorship.
International Partner, World Business Angels Investment Forum (Honorary)
Named Honorary International Partner, supporting entrepreneurship and capital flows globally.
FinNext Award for Excellence in Finance
Honoured for his innovative financial strategies and leadership, significantly impacting the international finance community.
Secretary (Foreign Trade and Investment Committee), Asian-African Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Drove Asia–Africa trade and investment facilitation with policy-aware execution.
Leaders Of Change
Acknowledged by Economic Times for transformative leadership and proactive changes in business, setting new benchmarks in the industry.
UAE’s Most Influential Finance and Legal Professional
Recognized by Gulf News for his influential role in shaping the UAE’s finance and legal landscapes, driving significant industry advancements.
Forbes Business Council Member
Inducted to the Forbes Business Council as Harsh Patel & his firm Water & Shark is a go-to professional for Advisory, Audit & Assurance, Taxation and Strategy in Middle East and across many countries.
Icons of the UAE
Awarded Youngest Icon of UAE by India Today for his iconic influence in the UAE, significantly shaping its accounting and legal sectors with visionary leadership.
Speaker at TEDxLLDIMS
Under the profound theme “Extraordinary dream for an ordinary man,” Harsh Patel’s speech finds itself at the receiving end of much laudation and recognition from IPS (Retd.) Kiran Bedi.
Divya Chakra Award
Harsh Patel honoured with Divya Chakra Award 2023 for exceptional contributions in finance and law
Times Exemplary Leaders: Excellence in Financial and Legal Consulting Firm
Recognized for leading a top accounting and legal consulting firm, showcasing unparalleled leadership and service excellence.
Champions of Change Award
Harsh Patel received the Champions of Change Award in Maharashtra! This recognition highlights his unwavering commitment to environmental impact and transformative change.
Speaker at EU-India Leaders Conference 2024, at The European Parliament Brussels, Belgium
Harsh Patel Discusses Opportunities for EU Companies in the Indian Market at the European Parliament
Chief Legal Advisor to His Highness Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Saeed Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan
Appointed Chief Legal Advisor to His Highness Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Saeed Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan
Keynote Speaker at UK-India SME Conclave, at the UK Parliament
Harsh Patel was the keynote speaker at the UK-India Conclave, at the UK Parliament where he spoke on the newly signed FTA deal between India and UK.
ET Indo Global Leaders 2025 Award: Global Legal Visionary in Asset Protection & International Tax
Recognized for “Global Legal Visionary in Asset Protection & International Tax”, a recognition for an individual who is not just leading in India but leaving a mark on the global stage.
Speaker at Hubbis Wealth Planning & Structuring Forum in Dubai
2012
Entrepreneurial Journey Begins
Launches Water & Shark, embracing entrepreneurship at 19.
Chartered Accountant (ICAI)
Conferred ICAI Chartered Accountant designation, cementing technical rigour in assurance, taxation, and corporate law.
2016
2017
Chief Financial Advisor: international Human rights Council
Appointed Honorary Chief Financial Advisor, advising on transparent stewardship and cross-border compliance.
Pride of Maharashtra Award
Awarded Exemplary Leader Award for Corporate Excellence by World HRD Congress.
2018
2019
Chief Financial Advisor to His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Khalifa bin Hamdan Al Nahyan
Appointment as the Chief Financial Advisor to His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Khalifa bin Hamdan Al Nahyan
Represented India at USA Investment Summit 2019 Held at Washington DC
Advanced bilateral investment dialogue and market-entry clarity at a premier forum.
Acharya Abhinav Gupt Award
Conferred by the then Governor of West Bengal, His Excellency Shri Keshari Nath Tripathi.
Hall of Fame (Chartered Accountancy) Award Inducted for enduring professional excellence, ethics, and mentorship.
International Partner, World Business Angels Investment Forum (Honorary)
Named Honorary International Partner, supporting entrepreneurship and capital flows globally.
FinNext Award for Excellence in Finance
Honoured for his innovative financial strategies and leadership, significantly impacting the international finance community.
2020
2021
Secretary (Foreign Trade and Investment Committee), Asian-African Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Drove Asia–Africa trade and investment facilitation with policy-aware execution.
Leaders Of Change
Acknowledged by Economic Times for transformative leadership and proactive changes in business, setting new benchmarks in the industry.
UAE’s Most Influential Finance and Legal Professional
Recognized by Gulf News for his influential role in shaping the UAE’s finance and legal landscapes, driving significant industry advancements.
2022
2023
Forbes Business Council Member
Inducted to the Forbes Business Council as Harsh Patel & his firm Water & Shark is a go-to professional for Advisory, Audit & Assurance, Taxation and Strategy in Middle East and across many countries.
Icons of the UAE
Awarded Youngest Icon of UAE by India Today for his iconic influence in the UAE, significantly shaping its accounting and legal sectors with visionary leadership.
Speaker at TEDxLLDIMS
Under the profound theme “Extraordinary dream for an ordinary man,” Harsh Patel’s speech finds itself at the receiving end of much laudation and recognition from IPS (Retd.) Kiran Bedi.
Divya Chakra Award
Harsh Patel honoured with Divya Chakra Award 2023 for exceptional contributions in finance and law
Times Exemplary Leaders: Excellence in Financial and Legal Consulting Firm
Recognized for leading a top accounting and legal consulting firm, showcasing unparalleled leadership and service excellence.
Champions of Change Award
Harsh Patel received the Champions of Change Award in Maharashtra! This recognition highlights his unwavering commitment to environmental impact and transformative change.
Speaker at EU-India Leaders Conference 2024, at The European Parliament Brussels, Belgium
Harsh Patel Discusses Opportunities for EU Companies in the Indian Market at the European Parliament
Chief Legal Advisor to His Highness Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Saeed Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan
Appointed Chief Legal Advisor to His Highness Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Saeed Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan
2024
2025
Keynote Speaker at UK-India SME Conclave, at the UK Parliament
Harsh Patel was the keynote speaker at the UK-India Conclave, at the UK Parliament where he spoke on the newly signed FTA deal between India and UK.
ET Indo Global Leaders 2025 Award: Global Legal Visionary in Asset Protection & International Tax
Recognized for “Global Legal Visionary in Asset Protection & International Tax”, a recognition for an individual who is not just leading in India but leaving a mark on the global stage.
Speaker at Hubbis Wealth Planning & Structuring Forum in Dubai
2012
Launches Water & Shark, embracing entrepreneurship at 19.
Forbes Business Council Member
As a member of the Forbes Business Council, Harsh Patel contributes his vast expertise in finance and law, offering invaluable insights through published articles and speaking engagements. His involvement highlights his commitment to influencing global financial practices and policies, driving innovation and ethical standards across industries. Harsh’s membership not only honors his achievements but also positions him among the foremost leaders shaping the future of business and law.
Find Harsh Patel on
Helping many young CAs to take their business to next level!
Unlock the doors to success with wisdom that transforms vision into achievement. Let inspiration be your guide and resilience your companion.
Want 1:1 Mentorship?
Harsh Patel offers private, invitation-only mentorship for chartered accountants, lawyers, and founders advising across borders. Sessions work on live matters: family-office design, holding companies, redomiciliation, JV architecture, succession instruments, disputes, and regulator engagement. Mentees receive annotated precedents, checklists, and precise redlines—no theatre, only execution. The result: steadier judgment, cleaner approvals, and files that travel cleanly between banks, counterparties, and authorities. Delivered personally, with discretion, precision, and pace, to build credibility where it matters most—boardrooms, regulators, and families, across jurisdictions worldwide.
Want 1:1 Mentorship?
Harsh Patel offers private, invitation-only mentorship for chartered accountants, lawyers, and founders advising across borders. Sessions work on live matters: family-office design, holding companies, redomiciliation, JV architecture, succession instruments, disputes, and regulator engagement. Mentees receive annotated precedents, checklists, and precise redlines—no theatre, only execution. The result: steadier judgment, cleaner approvals, and files that travel cleanly between banks, counterparties, and authorities. Delivered personally, with discretion, precision, and pace, to build credibility where it matters most—boardrooms, regulators, and families, across jurisdictions worldwide.
Unlock the doors to success with wisdom that transforms vision into achievement. Let inspiration be your guide and resilience your companion.
Awards and Recognition
From being an Philanthropist to a Great Speaker
Invite Harsh as a Speaker
Watch me on Youtube
Want to connect ?
Fill the form below to connect with me for a speaking engagementat your company, school, college or at an event.
I am usually booked out 4-6 weeks in advance, so please provide me with that flexibility.
Harsh Patel
Founder & CEO – Water & Shark
Harsh Patel
CEO & Founder Water & Sharks
Want to connect ?
Fill the form below to connect with me for a speaking engagementat your company, school, college or at an event.
I am usually booked out 4-6 weeks in advance, so please provide me with that flexibility.
