The Legacy of the Safra Family: Banking, Real Estate, and Global Influence

The Safra family, a name synonymous with wealth and banking, has its roots in the legacy of Joseph Safra, the late patriarch who built a banking empire with a strong presence across the globe. Vicky Safra, his widow, is the matriarch of the family, and together with their four adult children, she inherited a fortune from Joseph when he passed away in December 2020. Vicky, born in Greece, holds both Greek and Brazilian citizenship and has chosen Switzerland as her primary residence. The family’s assets are extensive, spanning a range of industries with a particular emphasis on banking, real estate, and investments. The Safra family’s fortune, which was accumulated through years of banking and investment successes, is now managed by Vicky and her children.

Joseph Safra, a legendary banker, founded the Safra Group, which includes several prominent financial institutions and businesses. One of the cornerstones of the family’s legacy is the J. Safra Sarasin bank, a Swiss private banking institution that is now overseen by Jacob Safra, the oldest of the Safra children. Jacob, who is 49 years old, is deeply involved in managing the family’s financial empire. He oversees not only the Swiss banking operation but also Safra National Bank of New York, a significant institution in the U.S. banking landscape, as well as the family’s global real estate holdings. His leadership ensures the continued growth and sustainability of the family’s banking operations, which are central to the Safra fortune.

David Safra, the 40-year-old son of Joseph and Vicky, plays a crucial role in managing the family’s interests in Brazil. He is responsible for Banco Safra, one of Brazil’s largest private banks, which has remained a key player in the country’s banking sector. In addition to his responsibilities at Banco Safra, David is in charge of the family’s extensive real estate investments in Brazil, which include both commercial and residential properties. Under his leadership, the Safra family’s business in Brazil has flourished, maintaining a dominant presence in one of the world’s most rapidly growing economies.

Alberto Safra, 45, has carved his own path within the family’s diverse business empire. He founded ASA Investments, an asset management firm that deals with global investment opportunities. Despite his success, Alberto’s relationship with the family has been complicated. In 2023, he sued his relatives, claiming that his stake in Safra National Bank had been unfairly diluted. The case, however, was dismissed in March 2024. This legal battle highlighted the complexities that can arise even in the most successful of family-run enterprises. Nonetheless, Alberto continues to play an integral role in managing the family’s investments and business activities.

Esther Safra Dayan, the youngest of the four children at 47 years old, has a life that straddles both the business world and her family’s legacy. Married to Carlos Dayan, the son of a well-known Brazilian banker, Esther lives in São Paulo and contributes to the family’s interests, particularly in Brazil. Though not as publicly visible as her brothers, Esther’s influence within the family is undeniable, and she shares the responsibility for managing the Safra Group’s wide-ranging interests.

The Safra family’s banking empire remains at the core of their wealth, but their holdings extend far beyond finance. The family has a considerable presence in real estate, with significant investments in commercial and residential properties across the globe. From New York to São Paulo to Geneva, the Safras own and manage some of the most sought-after real estate in major cities, contributing to their status as one of the wealthiest families in the world.

One of the key aspects of the Safra family’s approach to wealth management is their commitment to maintaining a low profile. While many of the world’s richest families are publicly visible in the media, the Safras have largely kept to themselves, preferring to operate behind the scenes. This discretion has helped them build and preserve their fortune, with little of the public scrutiny that many other wealthy families face.

Despite this desire for privacy, the Safras are known for their philanthropic efforts, especially in the fields of education, healthcare, and cultural preservation. The family’s charitable contributions are vast, with a particular focus on supporting initiatives that align with their values. While they do not publicize all their philanthropic activities, it is well known that the Safra Foundation, which was established by Joseph Safra, continues to support causes that make a meaningful impact on communities around the world.

As Vicky Safra continues to oversee the family’s interests, she does so with a steady hand, ensuring the family legacy remains intact for future generations. With the next generation of Safras already deeply involved in the family business, it is clear that the Safra family’s influence and wealth will continue to grow, ensuring that their name remains synonymous with success in banking and beyond.

The Safra family’s story is one of ambition, resilience, and strategic acumen, and it serves as an example of how a legacy built on hard work and careful investment can endure through the generations. From Vicky’s leadership to her children’s various roles in the family business, the Safra family continues to play a significant role in global finance, real estate, and philanthropy.