I was curious to understand how the succession works for one of Brazil's biggest fortunes. Vicky Safra is practically an enigma behind the financial scenes — a billionaire, discreet, and rarely appearing in the media. What few know is that behind this reserved figure lies a fascinating story of wealth building that spans nearly two centuries.

It all started long before Brazil. Back in the 1840s, the Safra family ancestors were already financing trade caravans in the Ottoman Empire. It sounds like something out of a movie, but it’s real. Later, in 1953, Jacob Safra brought this experience to Brazil and founded the foundation of what would become one of the world's largest private financial conglomerates.

Joseph Safra, Jacob’s son, was the one who truly consolidated the empire. He met Vicky Sarfaty in Brazil — it was 1969, she was 17 years old. The marriage lasted until his death in 2020, and throughout this time they built a fortune now around US$16.6 billion. Vicky Safra became the richest woman in Brazil in the process.

What catches my attention is how the family structured the succession. Vicky Safra and the children inherited almost the entire operation. Jacob Safra, the eldest, handles international operations. David J. Safra, the youngest son, plays a central role in Brazil. But here’s the interesting detail: not all children follow the same path. Alberto Safra, for example, left the board in 2019 and founded ASA Investments. Esther Teira Safra leads the Beit Yaacov school. Hélio Sarfaty, Vicky’s brother, works in payment systems.

The assets speak for themselves: Banco Safra here in Brazil, J. Safra Sarasin in Switzerland with a global presence in private banking, about US$90 billion under management. Additionally, iconic properties like The Gherkin in London and a property at 660 Madison Avenue in New York. It’s the classic strategy of those who understand wealth preservation: diversification and solidity above all.

What sets Vicky Safra apart from many billionaires is her profile. She lives in Switzerland, maintains an almost radical discretion, and channels her public activity through the Vicky and Joseph Safra Foundation — education, arts, health. She’s not the type of billionaire who seeks to appear. She’s the type who wants the money to work in silence.

In an increasingly volatile financial landscape, the Safra family’s model continues to be a global reference. Structured governance, long-term vision, and a succession that maintains continuity without losing flexibility. Vicky Safra and her children managed to do what many wealthy families cannot: preserve and grow the fortune without turning it into a media circus. That’s far too rare not to deserve attention.