Florida Banking December 2024-January 2025

Farias spent the last five years visiting 4,000 families in Brazil to understand this phenomenon. He found the low percentage of offshore wealth is due in part to high interest rates and a general fear of sending money abroad. Concerns about the safety and management of their funds also contribute to this hesitation. “Given Brazil’s size, its historical internal growth was natural,” Farias said. “Now, with developments in technology and access to better products and services through trusted institutions, we’re helping with the diversification process of Brazilian wealth management.” Farias acknowledged that while the current complex economic environment poses concerns, it also presents opportunities, particularly due to Banco Bradesco's strong on-the-ground presence. He emphasized

their approach to managing these challenges and opportunities on a daily basis. Lima highlighted the advantage of being part of a large institution, benefiting from Bradesco’s resources while establishing a local governance structure. Their board, he said, includes experts in wealth management, commercial real estate and compliance, blending local knowledge with international support to guide the bank’s strategic execution. This governance model balances local expertise with the strengths of a major banking organization. “We’re optimistic about the bank’s potential for continued growth,” Lima said. “Strategic execution, maintaining strong relationships and participating in industry discussions are extremely important.”

HENRIQUE LIMA, PRESIDENT & CEO

Henrique Lima was appointed President & CEO of Bradesco Bank in October 2020. He has over 25 years of experience in corporate and investment banking in Brazil and the U.S., helping clients in several landmark transactions. In 2008, Lima joined Banco Bradesco BBI in the Banco de Investimentos (Investment Banking) division. Here, he played a pivotal role in sector coverage and actively engaged in strategic transactions for internal and external clients. His exemplary leadership skills led him to serve as the Executive Superintendent responsible for the Merger & Acquisition area. Subsequently, Lima assumed the leadership position in the department, becoming the Head of Investment Banking.

Lima was a key player in the acquisition of BAC Florida Bank in 2020, a significant milestone in Bradesco Bank’s expansion strategy. This strategic move further solidified Bradesco’s presence in the international market.

MAURICIO FARIAS HEAD OF PRIVATE WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Mauricio Farias has more than 30 years of experience in the banking and financial services industry. During the 25 years of his career in Brazil, Farias led treasury, corporate and investment banking, and debt capital markets teams with direct client relationship responsibilities.

In November 2022, Farias joined Bradesco Bank. As head of Bradesco’s Private Wealth Management, Farias is committed to the bank's significant growth plan and focused on new business development, process improvement and financial risk management. Farias’ field of expertise is domestic and international client advisory. He leverages his extensive network, market knowledge and analytical skills to provide tailored solutions for high-net-worth individuals and corporations across Latin America, Europe and the U.S.

JEFFREY GROSS HEAD OF REAL ESTATE FINANCE

Jeff Gross has been in the real estate lending business for 43 years and has run the real estate lending business of Bradesco Bank, formerly BAC Florida Bank, since 1996. Gross founded and continues to run the bank's biggest asset-generation business. Gross developed the bank's main business, which specializes in providing real estate loans for foreign nationals who buy in the U.S. He is recognized as the preeminent banking expert in this type of business.

Gross has expertise in real estate loan work-outs and special assets, having successfully navigated BAC Florida Bank through the real estate crises beginning in 2006. He also has expertise in residential and commercial real estate loan secondary marketing. He is a native of South Florida and has a B.A. from the University of Florida.

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