Joseph Safra facts for kids

Joseph Safra (Arabic: يوسف صفرا‎; born September 1, 1938 – died December 10, 2020) was a very successful banker and businessman. He was from Lebanon and Brazil, and he lived in Switzerland. He led a big group of banks and investment companies called the Safra Group.

Joseph Safra was in charge of all the Safra companies. This included important banks like Safra National Bank of New York and Banco Safra in Brazil. In 2020, he was known as the richest person in Brazil. Forbes magazine said he was the 52nd richest person in the world.

Early Life and Family History

Joseph Safra was born and grew up in Beirut, Lebanon. His family had a long history in banking. They were Sephardic Jews from Lebanon and Syria. Their family's banking business started a long time ago, even during the Ottoman Empire. They helped traders move goods between cities like Aleppo, Beirut, and Istanbul. In 1952, Joseph's family moved to Brazil.

Building a Banking Empire

In 1955, Joseph's older brother, Edmond Safra, and their father, Jacob Safra, began working in Brazil. They helped people get money to buy things in São Paulo.

Soon after, Edmond Safra started his own bank in New York City. Joseph Safra then founded Banco Safra in Brazil in 1955. Today, it is one of the largest private banks in Brazil. In 2006, Joseph Safra bought the rest of the shares of Banco Safra from his brother Moise Safra. He continued to lead the Safra Group until he passed away. His company offered banking services in Europe, North America, and South America.

Important Properties

Joseph Safra's family bought many buildings in the United States, especially in New York City. They also owned many business properties in Brazil.

In 2014, Safra bought a famous building in London called The Gherkin. It cost him a lot of money, over £700 million. He also wanted to build a new skyscraper in London called the Tulip, but the city's mayor did not approve it. Joseph Safra also started a Jewish school in Brazil called Beit Yaacov in 2001.

Companies He Owned

Joseph Safra owned parts of several large companies, including:

• Chiquita (a fruit company)
• Safra Group
  • Banco Safra
  • J. Safra Sarasin
  • Safra National Bank of New York

Personal Life

Joseph Safra lived in Geneva, Switzerland. In 1969, he married Vicky Sarfati. They had four children: Jacob J. Safra, Esther Safra, Alberto J. Safra, and David J. Safra. His son Jacob is in charge of the international parts of the business. His son David manages Banco Safra in Brazil.

Joseph Safra died on December 10, 2020, in São Paulo, Brazil. He was 82 years old and had Parkinson's disease.

See also

• List of Brazilians by net worth