Financial service provider, Universal Partners, has officially opened its doors to applicants interested in becoming part of a new cohort for its ‘FX Academy’, a comprehensive 12-month training scheme to identify, train and recruit diverse talent looking to launch careers in financial markets.
With a focus on breaking down barriers to career progression, the Universal Partners FX Academy represents an opportunity for individuals from ‘all walks of life’ to develop the necessary skills to become a business development executive at the firm, through an on-the-job training placement, regardless of their previous educational credentials or work experience.
Through the structured programme, individuals will be paid to learn a valuable skill set that includes research, client communication and effective business outreach, as well as training on sales, macroeconomics, financial markets, FX technical and fundamentals, corporate finance and accounting, business studies, customer service and FX risk management.
Upon completion of the FX Academy, graduates will join Universal Partners with a competitive salary and bonus – as well as unlimited opportunities for career growth. Responsibilities of the role will include reaching out to key decision makers of large corporations and understanding their current FX exposure and strategy before presenting Universal Partners’ bespoke solutions and product suite.
Individuals beginning the FX Academy programme will be paid a salary of £21,000 to learn, with pay rises to £24,000 halfway and £27,000 upon graduation, typically within six to eight months, focusing on various financial and business skills, supplemented with bonuses and based on measurable results and success. Graduates of the scheme who progress onto senior roles can see their earnings reach six figures per annum within 12-18 months.
Now in its fourth year, the FX Academy has previously attracted a diverse group of individuals aged 17 to 30 – all from various socioeconomic backgrounds as well as educational levels, from college dropouts to master’s degree holders. A number have been promoted to several leadership positions at Universal Partners and play an instrumental role in accelerating the growth of the company.
‘Talent is not confined to traditional educational backgrounds or socioeconomic status’
Looking ahead, Universal Partners has also revealed plans to increase its workforce to help deliver more global payment services and to establish key partnerships with global financial institutions.
Oliver Carson, chief executive and co-founder of Universal Partners, commented: “The FX Academy is more than just a training programme; it’s an embodiment of our core values and our dedication to creating a truly inclusive workplace.
“We believe talent is not confined to traditional educational backgrounds or socioeconomic status. Having started my career in finance upon leaving school myself, without a degree, we wanted to give that opportunity to many more young, ambitious hard-working individuals, and that is exactly what we have done through creating our very own academy, providing a platform for individuals with the drive, determination, and passion to pursue a rewarding career in financial markets.
“It’s been very rewarding to see so many successful candidates progress into senior management positions throughout the business and now play a key part in the company’s overall strategic vision.”
Universal Partners saw volumes almost double to £1.3billion last year, making it one of the UK’s fastest-growing fintechs. The company has set itself apart by utilising an analytical approach to provide customers with tailored cross-border payments and bespoke risk management strategies.
The FX Academy has been instrumental in identifying and nurturing top talent, ensuring a consistent pipeline of highly skilled and motivated individuals who contribute to the company’s continued success. It goes beyond traditional training, providing participants with a holistic development experience that encompasses not only financial expertise but also personal and professional growth.
