The award recognises leaders of a young company that demonstrate innovation, strategic direction, entrepreneurial vision, financial performance, passion and social impact. The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year awards programme runs in 145 cities in more than 60 countries.
TransferWise was praised by the judging panel for its simple but innovative approach to disrupting the traditional payments industry.
The award follows the company’s announcement that it has transferred over $1bn in the American market alone, since launching there in February. People are using TransferWise to transfer over £500 million globally through the platform every month.
On collecting the prize, Kristo Käärmann said: “It’s a great achievement by the whole team to win an EY Entrepreneur Of The Year award. Right now we’re saving customers more than £22 million each month, but really we’re only at the beginning of our mission of making the world of finance a little fairer. Our goal is to bring low-cost, fast and fair international money transfers to everyone who needs to send money abroad.”
Dave Hales, EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Partner Sponsor, said: “TransferWise really impressed the national judges with their bold vision, innovative approach and both their national and global impact to challenge the status quo of the financial services industry.
“They are a great example of the entrepreneurial spirit being shown by many new businesses that we are seeing in the UK. Their continued growth and success shows what UK entrepreneurs can and do achieve, and demonstrates why we must continue to encourage and support businesses like TransferWise.”