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From Banks and Industries to Agribusiness, Meet the Dynasties That Concentrate Billions in the Country
Brazil is home to some of the largest family fortunes in the world, built over decades — and in some cases, over a century. In 2025, these families not only maintain prominent positions in the wealth ranking, but continue to expand their fortunes through banks, industries, retail, energy, and agribusiness.
Next, find out who the 10 richest families in Brazil are in 2025, how they made their money, and why they remain on top even in unstable economic scenarios.
Safra Family — Global Banking and Investments
- Estimated Fortune: over R$ 120 billion
- Origin: financial system
The family of Joseph Safra built an international banking empire. The Safra Bank is just part of a conglomerate with a presence in Europe, the USA, and the Middle East. The focus has always been on conservative management, large fortunes, and international operations.
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“No one will make us change the Pix,” says Lula after the US report.
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Lula responds directly to Trump and says that Pix is from Brazil and will not change under pressure from anyone, after a report from the United States pointed out the Brazilian payment system as an American trade barrier.
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Amazon has just announced a new fee on all deliveries, and your online purchases will become more expensive starting April 17, including for those buying from the United States here in Brazil.
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He sold his share for R$ 4 thousand, saw the company become a giant worth R$ 19 trillion, and missed the opportunity of a lifetime.
Moreira Salles Family — Banking and Mining
- Estimated Fortune: around R$ 110 billion
- Origin: banking and commodities
Controlling Itaú Unibanco and a significant shareholder in CBMM, the family transformed financial participation into global strategic assets, especially in niobium, an essential mineral for high-tech industries.
Lemann Family — Global Consumption and Investments
- Estimated Fortune: over R$ 100 billion
- Origin: beverages and consumer goods
The name Jorge Paulo Lemann is linked to the creation of Ambev and international expansion through AB InBev. The group also controls global food and consumer brands.
Marinho Family — Communication and Media
- Estimated Fortune: around R$ 95 billion
- Origin: media
The family controls Grupo Globo, the largest media group in Latin America. Diversification into streaming, sports, and content production has kept the group relevant even with digital transformation.
Batista Family — Animal Protein
- Estimated Fortune: around R$ 85 billion
- Origin: slaughterhouses
The Batista brothers transformed a regional butcher shop into a global giant with JBS, now one of the largest producers of animal protein in the world, with operations in dozens of countries.
Vilella Family — Agribusiness and Sugar
- Estimated Fortune: around R$ 75 billion
- Origin: agroindustry
Controllers of Cosan, the family built wealth by integrating sugar production, ethanol, energy, logistics, and fuel distribution.
Trajano Family — Retail and Technology
- Estimated Fortune: around R$ 60 billion
- Origin: retail
Leading Magazine Luiza, the Trajano family stood out by transforming a traditional chain into an integrated digital platform, uniting physical stores, e-commerce, and technology.
Ermírio de Moraes Family — Heavy Industry
- Estimated Fortune: around R$ 55 billion
- Origin: industry
The Votorantim Group operates in cement, metals, energy, and finance. The strategy has always focused on industry, family control, and gradual international expansion.
Setubal Family — Banks and Investments
- Estimated Fortune: around R$ 50 billion
- Origin: financial system
Historically linked to Itaú, the family remains influential in the Brazilian financial sector, participating in strategic investments and governance of major institutions.
Queiroz Galvão Family — Infrastructure and Energy
- Estimated Fortune: around R$ 45 billion
- Origin: heavy construction and energy
The family built their wealth from major infrastructure projects, concessions, and energy projects, sectors directly linked to the country’s economic growth.
What All These Families Have in Common
Despite operating in different sectors, there are clear points of convergence:
- Long-term Vision
- Constant Reinvestment
- Internationalization
- Structured Family Control
Wealth did not appear overnight. In almost all cases, it took decades — or generations — to build.
Why These Fortunes Continue to Grow
While much of the economy fluctuates, these families operate in essential sectors: food, banking, energy, media, and consumption. These are areas less vulnerable to specific crises and highly strategic in the global landscape.
Claro que é fácil fazer fortuna criando receitas e pedindo recuperação judicial para pagar pequenos fornecedores como eu que estou em dificuldades financeiras desde 2016 com uma Nota promissória do grupo Galvão Engenharia com promessa de pagamento em 30 anos. Será que meus filhos vão receber?
Muitas dessas famílias fazem parte do capitalismo de estado ou capitalismo de compadrio, frequente no Brasil desde o período colonial mas impulsionado pelo PT nos últimos 20 anos!! Tiram dos pobres para dar para os ricos. O BNDES com a JBS é exemplo disto. E quanto aos bancos, empreiteiras e outros exemplos, nem precisamos falar.. A realidade que vivemos no país ja mostra o modus operandi desses bilionários! Nada contra a riqueza meritória, mas isto é raro nestas famílias listados na reportagem.
Bem isso! O PT colaborou muito com esses sangue sugas da população!