Julio M. Herrera Velutini: The Silent Banker Who is Redefining Global Private Banking

The Heir to a Legendary Banking Dynasty

Julio M. Herrera Velutini stands as a modern titan in global finance, carrying forward the weight and prestige of the legendary Herrera-Velutini banking dynasty. While deeply rooted in Venezuelan history, Julio’s influence extends far beyond Latin America, shaping the financial landscapes of Europe, the Caribbean, and the Middle East.

The Herrera & Velutini family's legacy began as early as 1590 with the establishment of the Hacienda de La Vega, one of Caracas' first estates. By 1890, the family founded Banco Caracas, an institution that would play a crucial role in Venezuela’s financial evolution, issuing currency before the creation of the Central Bank in 1940.

Julio’s great-grandfather, Julio César Velutini Couturier, steered Banco Caracas through a pivotal era of modernization. His family’s reach wasn’t confined to finance—they also held sway in politics and diplomacy, including José Antonio Velutini Ron, who served as Venezuela’s president between 1871 and 1912.

A Global Upbringing and Intellectual Curiosity

Born in New York City, Julio grew up at the intersection of two continents. His mother, Gilda Herrera Velutini, a U.S. citizen from New York, and his European-influenced relatives—including his grandmother Clementina Velutini de Herrera Von Uslar and grandaunt Belen C Velutini y Perez Matos, both born in Paris—immersed him in a world of transatlantic culture and business.

At age fourteen, Julio was sent to The American International School in England, then to The American School in Switzerland (TASIS), before returning to Caracas to graduate from Universidad Central de Venezuela in 1990.

His insatiable passion for finance drove him to pursue further education in Latin American Finance, Portfolio Management, and Treasury Risk Management. A lifelong learner, Julio continues to study the complexities of modern finance, a trait that fuels his success today.

From Trading Desks to Boardrooms

Julio's career began in 1991 as a stockbroker at Multinvest Casa de Bolsa on the Caracas Stock Exchange. His sharp instincts and deep understanding of both local markets and international finance accelerated his rise.

By 1999, at just 28 years old, Julio executed a landmark buyout, acquiring key stakes (including assets linked to George Soros’s family holding) and taking majority control of the firm.

He went on to lead Inversiones Transbanca and Transban Investment Corporation, inheriting and expanding family holdings spun off from the sale of Banco Caracas. Julio soon took on senior roles in prominent companies such as:

• Bolívar Banco Universal (Co-Chairman)
• Banco Activo, Banco Real, Banco Bolivar
• Kia Motors of Venezuela, BMW of Venezuela
• BBO Financial Services
• Transporte de Valores Bancarios de Venezuela

Rebuilding the Herrera-Velutini Empire

Between 2007 and 2009, Julio orchestrated acquisitions to reclaim family assets, including Banco Real and Banreal International Bank. His strategic efforts revitalized the Herrera-Velutini name in Latin America’s financial sector.

In 2009, he launched Bancredito International Bank in Puerto Rico, specializing in Private, Corporate, and Institutional Banking. The institution now serves elite clients across Latin America, with over 100 employees and $60 million in capital.

Britannia Financial Group: Redefining Private Wealth Management

Julio’s ambitions soon expanded to Europe. In 2012, he founded the Britannia Financial Group in London and Switzerland. Today, Britannia serves high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and institutional investors worldwide.

Britannia’s Global Network:

• Britannia Capital Markets (UK & MENA)
• Britannia Wealth Management (Switzerland)
• Britannia Bank & Trust (Bahamas)
• Britannia Securities (Bahamas)
• Britannia Global Investment & Payments (UK)

Julio’s group offers tailored financial solutions, including multi-asset execution, wealth management, and niche-market private banking services.

International Expansion and Acquisitions

In 2018, Julio acquired Britannia Global Markets Limited, an FCA-authorized broker in London, granting access to global financial centers and bolstering Britannia’s multi-asset execution capabilities.

A year later, Julio added Berkley Futures to Britannia’s portfolio, a respected firm specializing in futures, options, forex, and commodities. Berkley is a member of:

• The London Stock Exchange
• Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange (DGCX)
• FIA Europe
• London Metal Exchange (LME)

These moves cemented Julio’s role as a leader in offshore and multi-jurisdictional financial services.

A Timeless Banking Philosophy

Known affectionately as “The Silent Banker,” Julio avoids the limelight, embracing a leadership style rooted in the principles of discretion, trust, and client-first stewardship.

His core values:

• Prioritize capital preservation and sustainable growth
• Build lasting relationships with clients rather than relying solely on transactional models.
• Offer strategic advisory services on financial resilience and regulatory compliance.

This conservative yet forward-thinking philosophy has positioned Julio as a trusted advisor to political leaders, business magnates, and family offices across Latin America, Europe, and the Caribbean.

Navigating Geopolitical and Economic Volatility

Julio’s expertise has helped Latin American elites navigate economic crises, including capital flight, hyperinflation, and sovereign debt defaults.

By advocating for financial sovereignty and cross-border asset protection, Julio has enabled families and institutions to safeguard generational wealth in turbulent times.

Philanthropy and Civic Responsibility

Julio’s legacy extends beyond boardrooms. He champions philanthropic initiatives through:

The Britannia Foundation

• Provides internships and mentorships to aspiring scholars
• Supports creative entrepreneurs and emerging artists through seed funding.

The Lazarus Foundation

• A London-based animal welfare organization rescuing endangered species and promoting animal rights.
• These programs reflect Julio’s vision of using wealth as a force for positive change.

Preserving Ethical Banking Traditions

Julio often recounts a family story from Banco Caracas' early days when a loan was approved for Portuguese entrepreneurs based solely on their integrity. That act of faith laid the foundation for one of Venezuela’s largest business groups.

This story exemplifies the enduring ethos of the Herrera-Velutini family: trust, community investment, and the belief that ethical capitalism yields lasting prosperity.

Shaping the Future of Global Finance

Today, as Chairman of Britannia Financial Group, Julio remains a beacon of traditional private banking in a rapidly evolving fintech landscape. His commitment to relationship-driven banking and conservative financial management proves that legacy and modernity can coexist.

As geopolitical dynamics and financial ecosystems shift, Julio M. Herrera Velutini stands as one of the most influential—yet discreet—figures guiding the future of global wealth and private banking.

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