Harsh Girish Patel: From Mumbai to Global Legal Leader

Transforming Challenges into Opportunities

Harsh Girish Patel, the visionary behind Water & Shark, has turned a humble start in Mumbai into a prominent legal and consulting firm headquartered in Dubai, UAE. In this exclusive discussion, he reveals how his company has provided guidance to family offices, celebrities, corporate entities, and royal families across 12 nations, specializing in international law, tax structuring, and cross-border advisory.

The Mumbai Influence

Q1: Mumbai’s vibrancy is legendary. How did growing up there, with its challenges and energy, ignite your entrepreneurial spirit at such a young age?

Reply: Mumbai is more than just a city; it’s a masterclass in resilience and opportunity. Coming from a modest background, I learned that every chance had to be earned. Financial limitations were present, but we compensated with strong values. My father exemplified relentless dedication, while my mother’s quiet sacrifices instilled humility and strength in me.

I embarked on my entrepreneurial path at 19, starting with just a rented desk and a vision—believing that Indian professionals could compete globally with authority and precision. The fast-paced environment of Mumbai honed my ability to think quickly, act decisively, and remain grounded, regardless of where I am in the world.

Building Trust in High-Stakes Environments

Q2: Working with clients like Vivek Oberoi, Zepto, and Middle Eastern royalty sounds exhilarating. What’s the human side of navigating these high-stakes relationships, and how do you build trust with such diverse figures?

Reply: It’s not about seeking the spotlight; it’s about embracing responsibility. When advising ultra-high-net-worth individuals or royal families, they prioritize discretion, foresight, and precision. At Water & Shark, we’ve had the honor of collaborating with BNW Developments, led by Ankur Agarwal and Vivek Anand Oberoi, providing comprehensive advisory for their family office and international ventures. We’ve also supported multinational corporations like Apparel Group and advised unicorns such as Zepto and Bizongo.

On the royal front, we assist various royal family offices in the Middle East, including the Royal Office of His Highness Sheikh Tahnoon bin Saeed bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, offering legal structuring and succession planning solutions. At this level, expectations are high; clients seek clarity, confidentiality, and competence. They don’t want vendors; they want partners who understand the stakes and deliver with integrity. This principle is the foundation of Water & Shark.

A Voice on Global Platforms

Q3: Your 2023 European Parliament speech was a bold moment for a Mumbai native. What personal journey led you to that global stage, and how did it feel to represent India’s voice in such a setting?

Reply: It was more than just a speaking opportunity; it was a chance to represent a confident India. At the EU–India Leaders Conference, I discussed the evolving partnership between India and Europe, particularly in industrial collaboration and sustainable manufacturing. I emphasized how India could become a strategic hub for European manufacturing with the right policies and technological readiness.

This wasn’t merely a legal or financial address; it was a diplomatic pitch reflecting a nation ready to lead. I believe diplomacy is as crucial as expertise. India must engage in global discussions not just as a participant but as a partner. I’ve also had the privilege of speaking at the British Parliament, viewing these platforms as opportunities to elevate dialogue and ensure India’s voice is respected worldwide. My heart belongs to India, while my vision is global.

Recognition and Motivation

Q4. Your career is marked by prestigious awards like “Champions of Change Award, Divya Chakra, and Acharya Abhinav Gupta award. How have these recognitions shaped your perspective, and what keeps you motivated beyond the accolades?

Reply: Awards signify trust but are not the end goal. Receiving the Champions of Change Award from the Governor of Maharashtra was particularly meaningful, as it acknowledged my efforts in fostering positive change. The Divya Chakra award from the Indian Consulate in Dubai recognized my role in enhancing international relations between India and the UAE. The Acharya Abhinav Gupta award celebrated my commitment to cultural exchange.

These accolades reinforce the significance of my work and its impact on communities. They remind me of my responsibility to continue pushing boundaries. However, what truly drives me are the tangible outcomes and the people I collaborate with. The moments when a client expresses gratitude for solving a complex issue or when a team member evolves into a leader are what keep me grounded. My mission transcends recognition; it’s about making a meaningful difference.

Education and Global Mindset

Q5: Your education spans commerce, law, and accounting. How did it shape your global mindset?

Reply: My education at Narsee Monjee College for commerce, G.J. Advani Law College for law, and ICAI for chartered accountancy laid a solid foundation. I further expanded my global professional membership with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) in the UK and Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts. It’s not merely about degrees; it’s about applying knowledge to tackle cross-border challenges. By connecting law and finance, I learned to create practical, compliant solutions driven by precision and vision, which shaped me into a global professional.

Driving Growth at Water & Shark

Q6: Water & Shark’s global reach is impressive, spanning over 12 countries. What’s the driving force behind its growth, and how do you maintain that edge in a competitive field?

Reply: Our growth was never about visibility; it was about delivering value. From the beginning, our aim was not to be the largest but the most relevant and reliable partner for cross-border strategies. We assembled multidisciplinary teams—lawyers, chartered accountants, tax experts—who work seamlessly across borders.

Today, Water & Shark operates in over 12 countries, including India, the UAE, the UK, the US, and Singapore, earning the trust of royal family offices, unicorn founders, and growth-stage businesses. Our services range from international tax structuring to family office succession and regulatory compliance.

We’ve also ventured into new areas—Water & Shark Capital focuses on investment and real estate advisory, while Water & Shark eMoney is our fintech initiative aimed at developing compliant digital banking solutions.

What distinguishes us is our ability to simplify complexity. We don’t just provide advice; we engineer strategic outcomes across jurisdictions. The true measure of our success isn’t the number of offices we have but how many borders we’ve helped our clients navigate with confidence and compliance.

Overcoming Challenges

Q7: Every journey has its lows. What was your toughest challenge, and how did you find the strength to push through?

Reply: There have been numerous defining moments, but one of the most challenging was expanding into new jurisdictions during the pandemic. We were establishing operations in Singapore, the UK, and the Middle East while managing remote teams and navigating regulatory changes, all while meeting the expectations of high-stakes clients.

However, the real challenge began much earlier—when I decided to create this firm at 19, with no capital or infrastructure, just a vision to build a global firm from India that could rival the Big Four. When pursuing such ambition, you don’t wait for perfect conditions; you adapt, build, and grow through uncertainty.

There’s no manual for this journey. What propelled us forward was our commitment to clarity, consistency, and character. I wasn’t merely establishing a company; I was setting a standard. Even now, I wouldn’t claim that the toughest moments are behind us. Challenges evolve, and I embrace them. They refine us, elevate our standards, and sharpen our focus.

As H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said, “Opportunities are made; they do not just lie around waiting for someone to grab them.” This mindset has guided every step of my journey.

Advice for Aspiring Dreamers

Q8: For young Indians chasing big dreams, what’s the one piece of advice you’d share from your remarkable journey?

Reply: Dream big, but build even bigger. Don’t wait for validation—start creating value now. Competence surpasses confidence, and credibility opens more doors than mere contacts. Think globally, act locally, and remain humble. In a rapidly changing world, those who uphold ethics while striving for excellence will truly lead—not just for themselves, but for the world.