Rajesh Agrawal appointed as Deputy Mayor of London
Sadiq Khan appoints founder and CEO of Rational FX and Xend Pay as deputy mayor for business to champion London’s financial interests amid the fall-out of the EU referendum
With Brexit looming over the country’s financial capital, Mayor Sadiq Khan has entrusted fintech entrepreneur and innovator Rajesh Agrawal as the Deputy Mayor to promote the interests of London businesses and calm the jittery nerves of investors.
As founder and CEO of Xendpay, an international money transfer service, and RationalFX, an online foreign exchange service – both of which have grown into globally successful businesses, Rajesh Agrawal’s primary task is to champion London’s interests following the EU referendum, and protect jobs and growth while the negotiation process takes place.
On the appointment Sadiq Khan said: “Having arrived in London equipped with the ambition to succeed, Rajesh has created a multi-million pound business from scratch and knows first-hand the challenges that our business leaders face, and what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur. I know that Rajesh is the best person for the job of protecting jobs and growth in London as we deal with the fallout of the referendum.”
Rajesh Agrawal said: “Having run my own global businesses, I know how important it is that London remains welcoming to European and international trade. I stepped on a plane for the first time 15 years ago to make the journey to London, and found a city that welcomed me with open arms and didn’t make me feel like a stranger. This openness to talent and enterprise must not change as a result of the referendum.
“I share Sadiq’s belief that a thriving economy is critical to ensure that all Londoners can share in our great city’s future success. The Mayor and I are determined to build a coalition that ensures the needs of business and financial services are at the fore over the coming months of negotiations with the EU. My first priority will be to listen and engage with businesses, to hear their concerns and deliver reassurance.”
Having worked with Rajesh Agrawal in the past, Here and Now 365‘s Managing Director Manish Tiwari said: “The City of London is going through a sensitive time post the referendum, but it is heartening to know that Rajesh Agrawal who has been a successful innovator and entrepreneur has taken up the challenge to champion London businesses as Deputy Mayor. As a fellow member of the Asian Business Association and having worked with him in the past, it instils a sense of confidence and pride along with reflecting upon the diversity of London’s businesses.”
Here and Now 365 congratulates Rajesh Agrawal for his appointment and wishes him all the best on his journey towards making London a global financial hub even post Brexit.
