Our people
21 October 2025
Felipe Oliveira’s path to Macquarie demonstrates the transformative power of education. After earning a scholarship to a well-regarded school in São Paulo, Felipe was first introduced to Macquarie. Today, he is an Associate with Macquarie’s Commodities and Global Markets Group in Brazil. Felipe credits education, hard work, and a commitment to effecting change as the key values that have shaped his journey.
The value of education was always emphasized by Felipe’s grandfather, who built the first school in the state of Bahia, and his mother, a teacher. These early influences shaped his belief that education is not just a tool for personal growth but also a means to make a meaningful difference in the world.
My grandfather always told me that education can change lives and is the best way to improve society.”
Felipe’s life took a pivotal turn in high school when he earned a scholarship from the Social Institute to Motivate, Support, and Recognize Talents (Ismart), an organization that works with talented young individuals from low socioeconomic backgrounds and supports them in fulfilling their potential. This opportunity enabled him to attend Colégio Bandeirantes, a top-performing school in São Paulo, and opened doors that would ultimately lead him to Macquarie.
“Being awarded that scholarship changed my life,” Felipe reflects.
Felipe wears a t-shirt designed for the school founded by his grandfather in 1995. - the very first school established in the state of Bahia, Brazil.
Felipe’s introduction to Macquarie came through a mentor, which led to an internship with the Commodities and Global Markets group. This marked the beginning of his career in finance and gave him a good introduction to our global business. Guided by the late Hitoshi Castro, a respected leader at Macquarie in Brazil for nearly three decades, Felipe transitioned from intern to an Associate on the Brazil sales desk.
“Everyone says that no two days are the same, but it’s really true,” Felipe says, emphasizing the variety and challenges that his role brings. “I am very fortunate to work with my manager, Veronica Downey. She leads with integrity and always encourages me to take on more responsibility and really own my work.”
Felipe works closely with financial institutions such as asset managers, local banks and hedge funds, focusing on innovative financial solutions for local clients in Brazil, leveraging Macquarie’s global expertise. His role includes ensuring that Macquarie’s range of capabilities is delivered to each client, working collaboratively across products and teams. Institutional clients in Brazil, led by Felipe, trade futures, global equities, currencies, and commodities; gain access to markets such as Chinese financial instruments; and invest in tailor-made systematic investment strategies with Macquarie.
Macquarie has been present in Brazil for more than 25 years and over that time, all three business groups have established teams that work from the São Paulo office and collaborate with colleagues across South America and the rest of the world.
Collaboration is a cornerstone of Felipe’s work. He partners frequently with Macquarie’s global teams, including colleagues in London, New York, and Houston.
“It’s important that I maintain strong relationships with colleagues across a number of Macquarie’s global offices,” he says. “I find it exciting to learn from my peers in different countries and cultures, and it helps me deliver innovative solutions for my local clients.”
By collaborating with Macquarie teams around the world, Felipe can bring fresh perspectives to his clients in Brazil. This global network helps him tailor strategies that address local challenges and create real impact.
“By helping our clients make better financial decisions, I know I’m contributing to projects that improve lives in Brazil, like building roads or helping people buy homes,” he says.
Felipe credits Macquarie’s commitment to professional development as a key factor in his career growth. He has made the most of continuous learning opportunities, enabling him to develop new skills.
“Working at Macquarie has given me the opportunity to take language courses to improve my English and Spanish. This support has greatly helped me in my career, especially since Brazil is one of the largest economies in South America and Spanish is so important for doing business in the region.”
Felipe’s commitment to education extends beyond his own journey. He has made it a priority to support his younger brother’s education, a goal that working at Macquarie has helped him achieve. He’s grateful that his role not only allows him to pursue his own ambitions but also gives him the means to invest in his brother’s future.
“I’ve always believed in the importance of education, and I’m grateful that Macquarie has given me the opportunity to pay that forward.”
Reflecting on his journey, Felipe emphasizes the importance of a strong work ethic, mentorship, and surrounding yourself with inspiring people. “To anyone starting their career, I’d say always do your best and find people you admire to work with and can learn from,” Felipe advises.
As Felipe looks ahead, he is excited about the future and the opportunities to continue growing within Macquarie. “The most valuable part of my experience has been working alongside smart, capable people who genuinely want to see me succeed. I’m excited to see what my future holds at Macquarie.”
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