Joseph Safra A legend in the finance world, Joseph Safra leads Brazilian banking and investment giant Safra Group – acting as chairman of all Safra companies. Safra’s banking heritage reaches back to the caravan trade of the Ottoman Empire, and his steady hand has meant the family business has maintained its position in the upper echelons of… A legend in the finance world, Joseph Safra leads Brazilian banking and investment giant Safra Group – acting as chairman of all Safra companies. Safra’s banking heritage reaches back to the caravan trade of the Ottoman Empire, and his steady hand has meant the family business has maintained its position in the upper echelons of the banking hierarchy. Keeping a low profile after a corruption case against one of Safra Group’s staff was dropped in December 2016, the chairman has kept business running smoothly – achieving more column inches for non-banking related news. Looking to extend its real estate portfolio of more than 200 properties worldwide, the group hit the headlines late last year after submitting a proposal for a new London landmark next to the iconic ‘Gherkin’ tower, which it also owns. If granted, the new tower would be the tallest in London at 305.3 metres – a visual representation, perhaps, of the Safra family’s towering successes. Chairman, Safra Group Origin:Syria Residence:Brazil Sector:Finance