Joseph Safra

$19.90 B

Ranked #39 in World

About Joseph Safra

Joseph Safra (1938-2020), a Swiss-based Lebanese Brazilian banker of Syrian descent, was celebrated as Brazil's wealthiest individual and the world's foremost banker, with an estimated fortune of US$22.8 billion in 2020. Safra, the cornerstone behind the Safra Group, a prominent banking and investment empire, maintained chairmanship across its entities, including Safra National Bank of New York and Banco Safra in São Paulo. Born in Beirut to a Sephardic Jewish family with historical banking ties, he moved to Brazil in 1952, embarking on a career that saw the founding of Banco Safra and an extensive acquisition of real estate, including London's The Gherkin. Safra's legacy, surviving through his children, marked a significant chapter in global finance history upon his death in São Paulo due to Parkinson's disease.

Born

September 01, 1938 in Beirut, Lebanon

Died

December 10, 2020 (aged 82)

Source Of Wealth

Banking

Industries

Finance & Investments

Citizenship

Brazil

Spouse

Vicky Sarfati

Children

4, including Alberto J. Safra

Parent

Jacob Safra, Esther Safra

Joseph Safra, born on September 1, 1938, in Beirut, Lebanon, hailed from a Sephardic Jewish family with a rich banking heritage that traced back to Ottoman times. His early years were spent in Beirut, where he was raised in a close-knit family environment.

Joseph Safra: Family

Joseph Safra's family played a pivotal role in shaping his life and career. His father, Jacob Safra, was a successful banker, and his brother, Edmond, became a prominent figure in the banking industry as well. In 1952, the Safra family made a significant decision to relocate to Brazil, seeking new opportunities and expanding their banking ventures.

Joseph Safra: Career Highlights

Joseph Safra's career in banking began in 1955 when he joined forces with his brother Edmond and father Jacob in Brazil. Together, they financed assets in São Paulo, laying the foundation for their future banking empire. The same year, Joseph Safra founded Banco Safra, which has since grown to become the 6th largest private bank in Brazil.

In 2006, Joseph Safra acquired the remaining shares of Banco Safra from his brother Moise, solidifying his control over the bank. Under his leadership, the Safra Group expanded its reach across Europe, North America, and South America, offering a wide range of banking services.

Joseph Safra: Companies

Joseph Safra's business empire encompassed a diverse portfolio of companies, including:

Chiquita
Safra Group
Banco Safra
J. Safra Sarasin
Safra National Bank of New York

Joseph Safra: Major Achievements

Joseph Safra's remarkable achievements in the banking industry earned him widespread recognition and accolades. He was renowned for his astute business acumen, financial expertise, and unwavering commitment to excellence. His leadership transformed Banco Safra into a global banking powerhouse, providing exceptional services to clients worldwide.

Joseph Safra: Awards & Achievements

Joseph Safra's contributions to the banking industry were duly recognized through numerous prestigious awards and honors. He received accolades such as the "Lifetime Achievement Award" from the Brazilian Banking Federation and was named "Banker of the Year" by various financial publications.

Joseph Safra: Personal Life & Legacy

Joseph Safra resided in Geneva, Switzerland, where he established his primary residence.

In 1969, he married Vicky Sarfati, and together they raised four children: Jacob J. Safra, Esther Safra, Alberto J. Safra, and David J. Safra. Jacob oversees the international operations of the Safra Group, while David manages Banco Safra in Brazil.

Sadly, Joseph Safra passed away on December 10, 2020, in São Paulo, Brazil, at the age of 82. His passing was a profound loss for the banking industry and the global business community. He left behind a remarkable legacy of financial success, philanthropy, and unwavering dedication to his family and business.

Joseph Safra: Trivia

Beyond his banking prowess, Joseph Safra was known for his passion for collecting art and real estate. He amassed an impressive art collection, featuring works by renowned artists such as Picasso, Monet, and Van Gogh. Additionally, the Safra family acquired over a dozen properties in the United States, primarily in New York City, and owned a substantial portfolio of commercial real estate in Brazil.

One of Joseph Safra's notable real estate ventures was the acquisition of The Gherkin, a distinctive tower in London, for over £700 million in 2014. He also proposed building the Tulip skyscraper in London, but the project faced opposition and was ultimately rejected by the mayor in 2019.

Wealth History

Timeline

1938

Joseph Safra is born in Beirut, Lebanon.

1952

Safra's family moves to Brazil.

1955

Safra starts working in Brazil with his brother Edmond and father Jacob, financing assets in São Paulo.

1955

Safra founds Banco Safra, now the 6th largest private bank in Brazil.

2006

Safra acquires the remaining shares of Banco Safra from his brother Moise.

2014

Safra purchases The Gherkin, a distinctive tower in London, for over £700 million.

2019

Safra's proposal to build the Tulip skyscraper in London is rejected by the mayor.

2020

Safra passes away on 10 December in São Paulo at the age of 82 due to Parkinson's disease.

Joseph Safra : FAQs

What is Joseph Safra's net worth?

As of 2020, Joseph Safra's net worth was $19.90 billion.

What are Joseph Safra's main sources of wealth?

Joseph Safra's main source of income comes from Banking.

In which industry does Joseph Safra primarily operate?

Joseph Safra is primarily involved in the Finance & Investments industry.

Is Joseph Safra dead?

Yes, Joseph Safra died on December 10, 2020 (aged 82).

How many children does Joseph Safra have?

Joseph Safra has 4 children.

Who was Joseph Safra and what is he known for?

Joseph Safra was a Swiss-based Lebanese Brazilian banker and billionaire businessman of Syrian descent, known for being Brazil's richest man and the richest banker in the world until his passing in 2020.

What empire did Joseph Safra run and what were its components?

Joseph Safra ran the Brazilian banking and investment empire, Safra Group, and was the Chairman of all Safra companies, including Safra National Bank of New York and Banco Safra in São Paulo, Brazil.

How did Joseph Safra's early life and family background contribute to his career in banking?

Born and raised in Beirut, Lebanon, to a Sephardic Jewish family with banking connections dating back to Ottoman times, Safra's family moved to Brazil in 1952, paving the way for his fruitful career in banking starting in 1955.

What were some key milestones in Joseph Safra's career?

Key milestones in Joseph Safra's career include founding Banco Safra in 1955, becoming the 6th largest private bank in Brazil, acquiring the remaining shares of Banco Safra from his brother in 2006, and maintaining chairmanship of the Safra Group.

What significant properties and business holdings did Joseph Safra acquire?

Joseph Safra acquired over a dozen properties in the United States, mainly in New York City, owned a significant portfolio of commercial real estate in Brazil, purchased The Gherkin in London, and held business interests in Chiquita, Safra Group, Banco Safra, J. Safra Sarasin, and Safra National Bank of New York.