The Legend of Leadership: Jay Almeida’s Impact as an International Bank President and Rotarian – 9×90™ (#23)
9×90 Episode 23
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All opinions expressed by the guests are their own. 9×90™ and its affiliates do not endorse or guarantee any specific outcomes discussed in this episode. This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or investment advice. Listeners should conduct their own due diligence and consult with professional advisors before making any investment or business decisions. Nothing discussed in this episode constitutes an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities. Any such offer or solicitation will be made only through official offering documents and to qualified, accredited investors, in accordance with applicable securities laws. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or 9×90™.
About this episode
Jay Almeida is a distinguished business leader and bank executive whose background in both global finance and prestigious philanthropy set him apart as a trailblazer in every endeavor he undertakes. With a wealth of international experience, Jay has become a respected figure in the worlds of banking, commercial real estate, and philanthropy.
His visionary leadership has spanned notable organizations, including his tenure as the past president of Citibank Latin America (Latam) and his current role as President and CEO of BankVision US Corp. Throughout his career, Jay has consistently demonstrated his ability to drive growth, innovation, and strategic insight, solidifying his position as a key figure in the global financial sector.
As a dedicated member of the Rotary Club of Miami, Jay has played a pivotal role in spearheading initiatives that continue to have a lasting impact on the community. Under his leadership, the club flourished, featuring the successful Magic 88 campaign, which set a new benchmark for membership recruitment and fundraising. His involvement in the Scholarship Program, awarded over $8 million in scholarships to medical students over the course of 35 years, highlights his commitment to education and creating pathways for future leaders.
Beyond his professional and philanthropic contributions, Jay is a dynamic and passionate mentor who seeks to elevate those around him. Drawing from his extensive network of connections, he adheres to the belief that learning is a lifelong pursuit. Whether as a Rotarian, business leader, or community advocate, Jay Almeida exemplifies the principles of service, innovation, and leadership, leaving a legacy of positive change in every project he embraces.
His exceptional ability to empower people, foster creativity, and deliver impactful results makes Jay a sought-after leader and a true luminary in both the corporate and philanthropic sectors.
Read the Article
This article was generated by AI & edited by ChatGPT:
In today’s episode, I’m thrilled to introduce a remarkable individual who has been a true inspiration to me—Jay Almeida. I had the privilege of meeting Jay through Rotary International, and it’s an honor to have him here with us today. Jay’s story is one of exceptional accomplishments, both professionally and personally.
Jay’s journey to prominence began with an impressive career at Citibank, where he served as the president for Citibank Latin America in the 80s and 90s. His leadership and expertise helped shape the financial landscape of the region during a transformative period. In recognition of his impact, Jay received the Lifetime Achievement Award from five different U.S. presidents—a testament to his lasting influence in the business world.
But Jay’s success is not just measured by his professional achievements. His daughters, who have made their own marks in the world, are a source of immense pride. One of them has been crowned Miss Doral, Miss FIU, Miss Miami, and Miss Florida, while the other was Miss UF and Miss Miami. Jay’s personal life is just as remarkable as his career, as he has raised two extraordinary women who continue to shine.
When asked about his family, Jay humbly shares, “The beauty, of course, did not come from me, it came from my wife.” He speaks of his daughters with admiration, grateful for the opportunity to raise such wonderful human beings.
Now, let’s dive into the world of Jay’s ventures. When I asked about his current endeavors, Jay didn’t shy away from revealing the full scope of his businesses. He’s the owner of two banks, a merchant bank, a financial bank, and two insurance companies. His merchant bank is involved in IPOs, business plans, mergers and acquisitions, and investment opportunities. The financial bank focuses on asset management and investments, helping people allocate their funds wisely. Additionally, Jay’s insurance companies are making waves in travel and telemedicine, offering services that span 44 countries. Through telemedicine, individuals can consult doctors worldwide, all from the comfort of their own homes.
Jay’s commitment to these industries comes from his vast experiences. Having traveled to 186 countries and 300 cities, he’s gained a unique perspective on the global market. His travels, which began as a water polo player for Brazil’s national team, have fueled his passion for exploring the world and expanding his business ventures.
I also learned that Jay’s foray into banking wasn’t accidental. It stemmed from a desire to make a difference after his time at Citibank. Following the 2008 financial crisis, Jay took a bold step and opened his own banks to help people through the unstable financial climate. He started from scratch, founding both a merchant bank and a financial bank that have since flourished.
When I asked about his journey to becoming the president of Citibank Latin America, Jay’s eyes lit up. His path was anything but easy, but he credits his success to the invaluable lessons he learned along the way. Starting out in a small town in Brazil, he worked tirelessly to rise through the ranks. Over time, he built a vast network of over 13,000 employees and led several hundred bank presidents, directors, and vice presidents throughout Latin America, the Caribbean, and Mexico. The experience was nothing short of transformative.
One of the things that has always stood out about Jay is his ability to inspire high performers and keep them focused, even in the face of adversity. I’ve personally reached out to him during some challenging moments in my career, and his advice has been nothing short of life-changing. I remember a time when I had to sit next to a gentleman with $48 billion in assets under management, and I was completely intimidated. I called Jay for a pep talk, and he helped me center myself and move forward with confidence.
Recently, I faced a difficult political situation that left me feeling broken. Once again, I turned to Jay, and he offered me guidance that helped me focus on positive actions and projects, rather than dwelling on the negative. His perspective is invaluable, and it’s clear that he possesses a rare ability to help people maintain their resilience and continue striving for success.
Jay credits much of his mindset to the lessons he’s learned throughout his career and personal life. He emphasizes that life is about taking it step by step, just as a baby learns to crawl before they can walk. Through his travels, courses, career and public speaking, Jay has cultivated the wisdom to handle stress and reduce vulnerability, passing on those lessons to others. He also encourages anyone who wants to improve their public speaking to practice in front of a mirror, relax, and be confident in their abilities.
Not only is Jay a successful entrepreneur, but he is also an economist from the University of Chicago—a qualification he’s never shared publicly until now. His breadth of knowledge and experience is truly inspiring, and he continues to make an impact in every project he undertakes.
In conclusion, Jay Almeida’s life story is one of perseverance, achievement, and mentorship. Whether in business, banking, or personal development, Jay’s wisdom and generosity in helping others are evident. It’s clear that his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. Thank you, Jay, for being with us today and for sharing your incredible journey.
If there’s one thing we can all take away from Jay’s story, it’s the importance of resilience and the power of focusing on the bigger picture. As Jay would say, life is a series of steps—each one bringing us closer to our goals. Let’s all take those steps with determination, just as Jay has done throughout his extraordinary life.

This interview was conducted by Adi Soozin, Best-selling author of Tools of Marketing Titans™, Managing Partner of Heritage Real Estate Fund, creator of Molo9.com.
If you are looking to build your name as an industry titan, we would love to help you. Fill in this application to get started: 9×90.co/apply-now, or start with our emails on bite-sized, high-powered marketing tricks:
Listen to this episode using your favorite app







⚖️ Legal Disclaimer
All opinions expressed by the guests are their own. 9×90™ and its affiliates do not endorse or guarantee any specific outcomes discussed in this episode. This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or investment advice. Listeners should conduct their own due diligence and consult with professional advisors before making any investment or business decisions. Nothing discussed in this episode constitutes an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities. Any such offer or solicitation will be made only through official offering documents and to qualified, accredited investors, in accordance with applicable securities laws. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or 9×90™.
