People

Strategic Vision

At the helm of BB Americas, Delano Valentim de Andrade leads with a global perspective — driving strategic growth and fostering innovation through a customer-focused, forward-thinking approach to modern banking
Words // Patricia Maldonado | Photos // Nick Garcia | August 28, 2025 | People

With a solid and respected career in the financial sector, Delano Valentim de Andrade leads BB Americas with a strategic vision that blends tradition and innovation. Since taking over the institution in 2023, he has driven the bank’s growth in the U.S., emphasizing technology, tailored service, and solutions designed for a multicultural audience. “I’ve worked in banking for 40 years. I started as a youth intern at the Banco do Brasil training school, where I also built my core values. That’s where I shaped my character, work ethic, and sense of purpose,” he shares. “To me, leadership means creating an environment where everyone shares the same vision and grows together.”

As a senior executive, Valentim de Andrade stands out for his expertise in strategic leadership, corporate governance, compliance and managing multinational financial institutions. He has served as CEO, president, executive, and board member at banks in Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and the U.S., with experience at institutions such as Banco do Brasil S.A., Banco Patagonia, and GPAT Cia Financeira. His leadership has had a strong impact in the areas of marketing, innovation, communications and sustainability.

Now leading BB Americas with a focus on secure, digital and personalized financial solutions, he holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from UNEB, a Master’s in Strategic Leadership from INEPAD/Unisinos, and an MBA in Project Management from UPIS. He is fluent in English, Portuguese and Spanish. “My greatest strength is my genuine passion for connecting with people and offering support — a value that stems from the meaningful help I once received myself,” he says. “I believe in charismatic leadership that engages and walks alongside the team.”

His career has been instrumental in leading the wholly owned U.S. subsidiary of Banco do Brasil S.A. Founded in 2012 in Florida, BB Americas was created to bring the strength and reputation of its parent company — with over 200 years of history and a presence in more than 24 countries — to the North American market. “In recent years, Miami has become one of the world’s most attractive destinations — not only for its climate and lifestyle but also for its strength as a global business hub,” says Delano.

In the U.S., the bank provides secure, digital and accessible financial services to Brazilians, Americans, and international investors. Its close client relationships continue to expand brand reach and attract new partners. The slogan “The Most Brazilian of American Banks” reinforces its strong connection with the Brazilian community. BB Americas offers trilingual service and a team ready to make customers feel at home. The mission is to deliver personalized solutions with service excellence and a focus on individual needs.

The bank is transforming the way Brazilians manage finances in the U.S. Today, Banco do Brasil clients can access their accounts through the BB S.A. app, ensuring a seamless and integrated experience. The goal is to reach 100% of shared clients by the end of 2025. “The banking sector is going through a digital revolution, driven by technologies like blockchain and artificial intelligence. But in the end, technology becomes standardized. What truly sets us apart is human capital,” he says. “Even if we reach the same technological level as our competitors, our greatest strength will always be our people.”

For Brazilians and foreigners with no prior relationship with Banco do Brasil in Brazil, the bank offers a complete experience through its own app, online banking, and physical branches. Services such as credit cards, international transfers, and loans based on Brazilian documentation are available in three languages. Recent highlights include Zelle integration for clients with international data and the opening of a new business office in Orlando. The bank’s card portfolio has also grown, with options such as Visa Signature and a Multi-Currency Card.  With over $3 billion in total assets, BB Americas continues to show steady growth in the U.S. financial market. It is a leader in residential and commercial real estate financing, serving clients from more than 40 nationalities.

Its reputation is built on community trust and financial strength. The bank holds a 5-star rating from Bauer Financial, ranks among the Top 200 Healthiest Banks (American Banker), is featured in Newsweek rankings, is FDIC-insured, has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, and is certified as a Great Place to Work.

Community engagement is a strategic pillar. The bank supports the Brazilian consulates in Miami and Orlando and initiatives like the Adopt A School program, which promotes Portuguese language education. It also supports cultural activations with figures such as skateboarder Rayssa Leal and participates in events like Art Basel. “In 2024, we carried out more than 60 volunteer initiatives that positively impacted various communities,” says Valentim de Andrade. “My dream is for every BB Americas employee to experience this. There’s nothing more rewarding than knowing you’ve made a difference in someone’s life.”

BB Americas’ initiative under the CRA (Community Reinvestment Act) aims to meet the credit needs of the communities it serves. The bank is committed to community development through investments in local projects and services, financial support for affordable housing, and the delivery of financial education programs for small business owners and youth, in partnership with nonprofit organizations. BB Americas also offers services such as credit counseling, homebuyer and home maintenance guidance, and financial planning.

Also on the social front, the bank allocated $1 million in tax liability to the Step Up Scholarship Foundation, expanding access to personalized education for students from preschool through high school, including those with special needs. “This is more than a donation — it’s a commitment to the future and to making a real impact in the community,” he affirms.

With Brazilian roots and a strong presence in the U.S., BB Americas continues to invest in technology, relationships and client experience — proving that tradition and innovation are the key to building and maintaining trust in two of the world’s most important markets; BBAmericas.com.