Inside Vanderpump FX: The Foreign Exchange Brokerage Transacting £10 Million a Month
The Beyond the Boardroom podcast with Aleksandra King provides a rare glimpse into the serious business ventures of high-profile figures. In this episode, we spotlight Vanderpump FX, the Foreign Exchange brokerage founded and operated by Sam Vanderpump. Far from the frivolity of Made in Chelsea, this company represents a decade of hard work and calculated risk by its founder.
Origins in the City
Vanderpump FX is the culmination of Sam Vanderpump’s 10-year immersion in the financial services sector. Starting immediately after his A-Levels, Sam built his career from the ground up, moving from an employee role to eventually achieving the status of singular shareholder of his current brokerage. This journey underscores the self-made ambition that drives the company. “I've worked in the same line of industry for the last 10 years of my life, and that's all I've ever done. The whole reality side... has only come around over the last year.”
The Core Product and success
The Made in Chelsea star’s provides essential Foreign Exchange services, acting as a crucial intermediary for clients needing to exchange large sums of currency. The brokerage operates in a highly competitive and fast-paced market, and its success is a testament to its disciplined approach. Sam cited a record period where the company transacted “quite a lot,” including a peak month where the brokerage exchanged £10 million.
The success of Vanderpump FX is anchored in Sam Vanderpump’s philosophy of calculated risk. He doesn't shy away from high-stakes decisions if the evidence supports the opportunity for slingshot growth. This approach is vital in the FX market where timing and conviction are paramount. “The bigger the risks are what slingshot you that extra mile. And if you’re not willing to take the risk, then you’re not willing to be an entrepreneur.”