Early Life
Vicky Safra, born Vicky Sarfati on July 1, 1952, in Thessaloniki, Greece, immigrated to Brazil with her family in the 1950s. At 17, she married Joseph Safra, beginning a long partnership that would be pivotal to the family's financial success.
Rise to Success
Vicky Safra's late husband, Joseph Safra, expanded Banco Safra in Brazil, turning it into a prominent private bank. The Safra family's banking heritage began in Aleppo, Syria, in 1841. After Joseph Safra's passing in 2020, Vicky inherited his fortune and assumed leadership, overseeing the family's multinational Safra Group. Their global presence includes Banco Safra, Safra National Bank of New York, and J. Safra Sarasin in Switzerland.
Key Business Strategies
The Safra family's success is rooted in their banking operations, conservative investment approach, and focus on long-term stability. The family has expanded geographically, initially throughout the Middle East, then to Switzerland, Latin America, the United States, and Asia. The family is also known for maintaining a low public profile, prioritizing privacy and discretion in their business dealings.
Philanthropy
Vicky Safra is known for her philanthropic work through the Joseph Safra Philanthropic Foundation. The foundation supports hospitals, education, and the arts.