Have you ever wanted to learn more about the leaders that have helped drive Inter to over 40 million users? Perhaps you were curious about the stories and experiences that made them who they are today and make up Inter’s DNA. That’s why we’re launching Meet Our Leaders, a new interview series spotlighting the individuals shaping Inter’s future from within.
To kick off this series we sat down with Cassio Segura, Country Manager for Inter in the United States. With more than 35 years of experience in the financial sector, Cassio brings a unique blend of strategic insight and human connection to his role, rooted in his own powerful personal journey.
Here’s his story.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your role at Inter?
Sure. I was born in Brazil, but I also hold U.S. citizenship now, along with a Spanish passport thanks to my grandfather, who immigrated from Spain. I come from a very humble background my family worked on coffee plantations in the São Paulo countryside. I grew up on a farm, walking 8 kilometers every day to attend school. I lost my father at 14 and left home at 17 to start building my life in the Amazon region.
When I was 18, I began working in banking, and I’ve been in the industry for 38 years. I’ve worked at major banks like Banco Itaú and Banco do Brasil, where I spent 30 years and was eventually transferred to the U.S.
In 2018, I left that role and moved into real estate and mortgages, creating an investment fund and joining a mortgage company. In 2023, Inter acquired that company, and that’s how I joined the team as Country Manager for the U.S.
What about your family?
I’ve been married for 26 years, with two kids who are both attending college here in the U.S. I’m also the only one in my family with a university degree, including a Master’s in Behavioral Finance and an Advanced Management Program from the University of Chicago.
What would you say were some key milestones that shaped your career?
I started in a very junior, clerical role, helping clients with basic banking needs. Over the years, I’ve worked as a teller, account manager, investment head, private banking head, and eventually CEO of the American branch of Banco do Brasil.
What was that like?
That CEO role was a turning point. I was tasked with leading a bank that was under a consent order, which means we had to essentially rebuild the institution from the ground up, under regulatory supervision. That experience gave me a deep understanding of the U.S. banking system and shaped how I lead today especially in terms of managing complexity, compliance, and innovation.
I’ve also served as President of the Brazilian-American Chamber in Miami and worked closely with the Brazilian consulate on citizenship and immigrant affairs, which helped me stay connected with the immigrant community in Florida.
How has your early experience working directly with clients influenced your leadership style?
Working face-to-face with clients taught me everything. In banking even digital banking everything still comes down to people.
One thing I’ve learned: Don’t just listen to customers try to understand them. Often, they don’t even know exactly what they need. You have to read between the lines.
I always share this example: as a kid, if someone asked me what kind of phone I wanted, I might have said a green one. I couldn’t have imagined a wireless smartphone in my pocket that concept didn’t exist for me. It’s the same with financial needs.
Also, I’ve learned the importance of speaking the client’s language. I can talk with a farmer, a garbage collector, or a politician and meet them at their level. That kind of empathy and adaptability is essential.
What do you value most about working at Inter? What makes Inter different?
Two things come to mind.
First is our corporate culture. Inter has built a strong, ethical culture with a real sense of unity. When we hire or promote, we prioritize cultural fit. That doesn’t mean everyone thinks the same we welcome different perspectives. But we share core values, and that’s what sustains a company in the long run.
The second is our ability to simplify complex financial processes. Our team can take something very technical, like an international investment transaction, and make it feel easy inside the app. That’s part of why we’ve reached 40 million clients. We democratize access by making things intuitive and transparent.
Looking ahead, what excites you most about Inter and the financial industry?
Money is a part of everyone’s life whether we like it or not. And conversations around money can be difficult. I even experience that in my own home. But I believe Inter has a special role in making finance more approachable, more human.
What really excites me is our global vision becoming a global super financial app. We’re based in the U.S., but we’re building for the world. We want to offer accessible financial solutions for people in Argentina, Chile, Europe, Africa anywhere. Technology connects us globally, and finance should too. That mission keeps me motivated every single day.
Finally, what advice would you give to Inter team members who want to grow in the company?
First: Be consistent. Don’t look for shortcuts. Growth takes time, and the key is to move forward step by step with patience, discipline, and integrity. Progress isn’t about big leaps; it’s about showing up every day and staying true to your path.
Second: Treat everyone with respect, no matter their role. The way you interact with others whether they’re company leaders or the people who clean the office says a lot about who you are. I’ve never asked for a promotion in my life. I focused on doing my job well and treating others with kindness. In the end, your work and your values speak louder than anything else.
And third: Give back. Whether it’s your time, your experience, or your support find ways to contribute beyond your role. Get involved in causes, help your community, share what you’ve learned. The truth is, when you give, you often end up receiving even more in return. Those moments of service shape you, teach you, and help you grow as a person and as a leader.
We hope you enjoyed this first edition of Meet Our Leaders. Stay tuned for more stories from the people helping shape Inter’s future and building financial solutions for a more connected world.
Cassio’s journey reminds us that true leadership begins with purpose, resilience, and heart.
And this is just the beginning. Stay tuned for more for more inspiring stories in Meet Our Leaders and discover the people moving Inter forward.
