Billionaire Profile
L
Global Rank
#2974

Image: Raphael Maria Galanti | Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Lia Maria Aguiar

CEO, Banking
BRAZIL
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.267B
Estimated based on Banking stock value as of April 20, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
88
Source
banking
Industry
finance-investments
Citizenship
BRAZIL

Biography

Lia Maria Aguiar, born in Brazil, is an 88-year-old businesswoman and philanthropist known for her significant holdings in the banking sector. As the adopted daughter of Amador Aguiar, the founder of Bradesco, one of Brazil's largest banks, she has amassed a net worth of $1.2 billion. Her career is highlighted by her substantial ownership in Banco Bradesco and shares in Bradespar. Aguiar is committed to philanthropy, having established the Fundação Lia Maria Aguiar, which is dedicated to social and cultural development, and will receive her entire estate.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/20/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Lia Maria Aguiar was born on June 2, 1938, in Brazil. She is the daughter of Amador Aguiar, the founder of Banco Bradesco, and twin sister to Lina Maria Aguiar. Lia and her twin sister were adopted by Amador Aguiar.

Rise to Success

Lia Maria Aguiar's wealth stems from her inheritance and strategic investments. She holds a significant stake in Banco Bradesco and Bradespar, a Brazilian conglomerate involved in various industries. Her involvement in these companies has contributed to her status as a billionaire. In 2017, her net worth was estimated to be $1.32 billion.

Key Business Strategies

Lia Maria Aguiar's business acumen is evident in her strategic holdings within Banco Bradesco and Bradespar. She is also a member of the administrative council of Bradesco. While specific business strategies aren't widely publicized, her sustained involvement in key financial institutions and investment holdings demonstrates a keen understanding of financial markets.

Philanthropy

Lia Maria Aguiar is renowned for her philanthropic efforts. In 2008, she established the Fundação Lia Maria Aguiar (FLMA) in Campos do Jordão, Brazil, where she resides. The FLMA focuses on sociocultural projects, including education, culture, environmental preservation, and social inclusion, supporting hundreds of children and young people. Aguiar has stated that she has no children and will donate her entire fortune to her foundation, making it one of the largest individual charitable donations in Brazilian history. She has invested over R$28 million in the foundation.

Career Milestones

1943

Bradesco Founded

Her father founded Bradesco, a key source of her wealth.

2000

Bradespar Created

She holds shares in Bradespar.

2008

Fundação Lia Maria Aguiar Founded

Established her foundation to support social and cultural initiatives.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education, Culture, Social Inclusion

Fundação Lia Maria Aguiar

Unknown (Estimated over $50M)

Focuses on education, culture, environment, and social inclusion, supporting hundreds of children and young people.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"Lia Maria Aguiar has publicly stated that she has no children and that she has decided to donate all of her assets to the foundation that bears her name."

Leadership Principles

Philanthropic Commitment

Dedication to giving back to society through her foundation.

Controversies & Challenges

2016

Dispute with Bradesco Partners

Lia Aguiar filed a lawsuit against Bradesco partners, alleging diversion of her assets.