OUR HISTORY
The financial markets are constantly evolving, and we take pride
in always being part of these transformations. Evolving with
the market is our tradition. That's why one of our most solid assets
is our legacy, which fosters results in the present and future,
generating value across generations.
THE IMPACT OF THE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION
In the wake of the Industrial Revolution, the global economy was reshaped in the 19th century. Financial institutions evolved from mere depositaries to active players in currency trading, precious metals, and project financing.
THE ORIGIN OF THE SAFRA FAMILY AND THE GOLD TRADITION
Within this context, the Safra family laid the foundations of the contemporary financial system in the Middle East, supporting infrastructure and trade between nations. The city of Aleppo, home to the family, was a major commercial hub in the Mediterranean. Cosmopolitan by nature, the Safras financed caravans and traded currencies, silver, and gold. Their surname became synonymous with the color of the precious metal: Safra.
SAFRA FRÈRES ET CIE. IN ALEPPO
In 1840, they founded Safra Frères Et Cie, headquartered in Aleppo with offices in Istanbul and Alexandria. Among the partners were Ezra and Elie Safra, father of Jacob, born in 1891. Exceptionally talented, Jacob stood out for his ability to calculate currency conversions. After his father’s passing, he was taken in by his uncle Ezra, who prepared him to lead the business.
THE BRANCHING OUT OF THE SAFRA FAMILY
Following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, Jacob opened a branch in Beirut and, in 1920, founded Jacob E. Safra Bank, which quickly prospered. There, he raised his family, including future financiers Edmond, Moise, and Joseph Safra.
The creation of the State of Israel and subsequent conflicts led Jacob to Latin America. In 1952, he settled in São Paulo, a thriving city with a large Syrian-Lebanese Jewish community.
INTERNATIONAL EXPANSION IN THE 20TH CENTURY
After his death in 1963, his sons elevated the family businesses into a global empire. Joseph Safra became one of the most prominent financiers of his generation, recognized for his risk aversion and tireless dedication, turning the family into a global benchmark in the financial sector, while his wife Vicky Safra played a vital role in supporting the family’s business and philanthropic initiatives.
To preserve this legacy, Joseph guided his children toward the financial markets and philanthropy until his passing in 2020.
GENERATING VALUE ACROSS GENERATIONS
A graduate of the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, Alberto Safra began his career in 2003 working in the family businesses. In 2007, he took over the commercial bank in Brazil. Known for his ability to identify risks and manage crises swiftly, Alberto built a reputation for rigorous control over credit and financial operations.
In 2019, Alberto founded ASA, a financial institution that quickly expanded its operations with a focus on Investments, Corporate Banking, Private Banking, and Asset Management.
Beyond his work in the financial sector, Alberto is deeply dedicated to philanthropy, preserving his family’s legacy of community responsibility. In recent years, he has made it a personal priority to set aside regular time for Jewish study, cultivating a deep appreciation for Torah scholars. He is a strong supporter of philanthropic institutions worldwide, investing not only his resources but also his heart to ensure their continued growth and stability.
Timeline
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
Foundation of ASA Investments
- ASA Investments begins Asset Management operations in an office on Europa Av., in São Paulo (SP).
- Introduction of ASA Hedge, a macro multimarket fund designed to operate across diverse asset classes, including fixed income, equities, and currencies.
New Headquarters on Alameda Santos
- Opening of the new headquarters at Alameda Santos, 2159, in São Paulo (SP).
- Establishment of the Special Situations division, focused on identifying and capturing opportunities in complex market scenarios, and launch of the ASA Distressed fund.
Regional Expansion and Internationalization
- Opening of the office in Rio de Janeiro (RJ) marked the beginning of regional expansion, while the start of operations in New York (USA) represented the first step in the internationalization plan.
- Expansion of the Asset Management division with the launch of ASA Long Biased, an equity fund.
Multi-Strategy Asset Management
- ASA Investments consolidates its position as a Multi-Strategy Asset Management, operating across fixed income, equities, multimarket, pension, and credit segments.
- ASA Hedge, the multimarket fund, delivers the highest return among 188 funds in the market, achieving 318% of the CDI.
ASA Private: Focus on ultra-high-net-worth clients
- Launch of operations dedicated to individual clients through the structuring of the Private segment, with a focus on ultra-high-net-worth individuals.
ASA Empresas: Expansion and Comprehensive Portfolio for Corporate Clients
- Launch of ASA Empresas, offering a portfolio that includes corporate accounts, payments, collections, loans, and investments.
- Authorization to operate as a Direct Credit Society (SCD) and expansion of the financial solutions portfolio.
- Structuring of the Onshore Wealth Management division, featuring a platform with proprietary funds and third-party products.
- Introduction of Wealth and Private cards, along with access to ASA Rewards, a program where spending converts into points for investment.
- Implementation of Internet Banking channels and a mobile app for individual and corporate clients.
- With a focus on offshore investments, ASA launches Asset Management operations in Bahamas.
- Strengthening of the regional growth strategy with the opening of offices in 10 cities, including Campinas, Ribeirão Preto, São José do Rio Preto (SP), Curitiba (PR), among others.
- Rebranding: ASA Investments becomes simply ASA, adopting the new tagline “Generating Value Across Generations.”
Diversification and Strengthening of Banking Products and Services Portfolio
- Authorization from the Central Bank to operate as a Finance Company, enhancing its product offering with CDBs, LIGs, LCAs, LCIs, and CRIs, new loan modalities, and a comprehensive suite of banking services.
- Structuring of the Offshore Wealth Management division in New York and Miami, United States, featuring a platform with proprietary funds and third-party products.
- Expansion of regional presence to 20 Brazilian cities, including the opening of offices in Porto Alegre (RS), Goiânia (GO), Recife (PE), and Belém (PA), among other locations.
- Implementation of Digital Assets, dedicated to connecting investors to global opportunities in the cryptoasset market.
- Acquisition of an 8,000 m² plot on Rebouças Av. for the construction of the new headquarters. The site will feature a building over 200 meters tall and 80,000 m² of built area, making it one of the tallest and most modern real estate complexes in the city.