There are many different ways for leaders to enter finance. Some may have found themselves in finance by accident; others have taken advantage of the opportunities that finance offered them. However, there are a select few leaders such as Fernando Bergallo, Founder & CEO of FB Capital, who have created completely new avenues for themselves in finance where none existed previously. Fernando did not have the benefit of wealth or institutional support at the beginning of his career but instead identified an opportunity in the marketplace and steadfastly pursued it through hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in his vision. As a result of his relentless pursuit, FB Capital has become a highly respected player in the forex market in Brazil. FB Capital has demonstrated that a start-up built on insight and determination has the potential to be successful against much larger and more established companies.
Fernando has historically built his view on the basis of what he has observed. One of the first things that struck him while working at a bank was that the Brazilian Market for Foreign Currency was almost monopolized by just a few banks that offered no true service or intelligence to assist their clients in their trading efforts. “The market was so concentrated in just a few banks, and they did not provide the level of service that clients should have received,” he said.
By linking his realisation of the lack of client service that was available with his prior professional experience, Fernando saw an opportunity to form a financial company based on three main components, which included a significant focus on quality and precision, outstanding service and a high level of understanding of clients. The foundation of FB Capital was built on these three components and has become known for its integrity, superior skills and capabilities and a dedication to values-driven leadership.
A Defining Leap into Entrepreneurship
While decisions can influence an individual’s career, there are always those few decisions that will define what they become. One defining moment for Fernando was when he decided to leave the relative predictability of a bank job and venture out into the uncertain world of starting his own business as an entrepreneur. “The most important decision was to leave my position as an employee of a bank and create my own business where I could develop it based on my core values,” he said. Although many people would think twice before taking such a significant risk, especially in a marketplace dominated by large institutions, Fernando’s acceptance of taking risks has been fundamental to how he leads others.
Building FB Capital from the ground up was far from simple. Competing with banks meant competing with institutions that possessed immense influence, unlimited budgets, and decades of client loyalty. “Breaking into a sector dominated by five or six major players was an enormous challenge,” he recalled. But he approached the challenge with discipline and intentionality, centering the company around refined processes, expert service, and a culture that treated clients as partners rather than account numbers. Over time, FB Capital became recognized for its accuracy, operational excellence, and trustworthiness, earning a place among Brazil’s most respected independent foreign-exchange specialists.
Leading with Vision, Integrity, and Personal Accountability
At the heart of Fernando’s leadership lies a clear sense of values. He speaks often about integrity, responsibility, and the commitment necessary to provide true service. As CEO, his responsibilities are both strategic and operational. “Beyond representing the company, I am responsible for building commercial traction and for training and supervising our client service team,” he noted. His leadership style emphasizes closeness to clients, constant availability, and deep understanding of every transaction—not just from a financial perspective but through the lens of credibility.
Reputation, for him, is a core measure of success. Instead of focusing solely on numbers, Fernando believes leadership should be evaluated by the esteem one earns in the industry. “Success is not only about financial gains but also about the reputation one builds,” he said. This philosophy guides his decisions and shapes the expectations he sets for his team. It has also helped make FB Capital a benchmark in its segment, admired not only for its service quality but for the consistency of its principles.
Balancing Leadership and Family with Purpose
Despite the demands of running an expanding financial enterprise, Fernando approaches personal life with equal dedication. As a father of two children, he considers balance essential but acknowledges that leadership requires intentional effort. “I try to balance my role as a business leader with my role as a parent. The company requires intense involvement, but I dedicate a significant part of my time to my children,” he shared. This view reflects his wider belief that true success extends beyond the office—it includes the relationships and responsibilities that shape a meaningful life.
Building a Culture Grounded in Standards and Entrepreneurial Drive
Leadership also carries the responsibility of cultivating a strong culture, and Fernando places great importance on transmitting his non-negotiable values to his team. He describes his approach as clear, structured, and closely aligned with the entrepreneurial mindset he hopes to instill. “I have always been demanding with my team about values I consider fundamental,” he explained. He expects his team not only to deliver excellence but to internalize what it means to build something of their own. This philosophy has created a collective spirit within the company, where each team member understands the weight and significance of their role.
His own growth was shaped by perseverance, analytical thinking, and resilience, traits he now encourages in future business leaders. He hopes the company’s story serves as inspiration, particularly for those hesitant to take the first step. “Our journey proves that it is possible to start from absolutely nothing and still reach market leadership,” he said. This emphasis on courage and conviction has helped shape FB Capital’s identity as a company built not only on expertise but on belief.
Industry Impact and Future Vision
As the foreign-exchange market and broader financial services sector evolve, Fernando remains focused on how technology, regulation, and global trends will reshape the future. While open to the changes artificial intelligence may bring, he also acknowledges the irreplaceable importance of human insight. “Many processes may be automated, but there will still be real need for human-driven work like ours,” he emphasized. His perspective highlights a balance between innovation and humanity, ensuring FB Capital remains prepared for the future without losing the personal integrity that defines its culture.
Looking forward, he expects the industry to undergo significant transformation. Yet FB Capital’s role will remain guided by expertise, precision, and relationships. As regulatory frameworks shift and digital tools expand, Fernando intends for his firm to stay attentive and responsive, building on its established credibility while embracing new opportunities.
A Leader Creating Space for Future Entrepreneurs
Perhaps one of Fernando’s most meaningful contributions is the way his story resonates with younger entrepreneurs. He frequently tells aspiring leaders that success requires dedication, humility, and accountability to those they serve. His advice is straightforward but powerful: “Do not treat your client as a number. Dedicate your time to truly understanding them. Always be available and deliver more than they expect.” These principles have shaped FB Capital’s growth and will influence many who hope to follow similar paths in the financial sector.
Fernando Bergallo’s journey exemplifies a remarkable display of willpower through adversity – his career as an executive for a major bank underpinned with a strong desire to succeed against insurmountable odds. By founding one of the few independent foreign exchange firms in Brazil, FB Capital, he demonstrated that dedication, dedication, and integrity could elevate one from being a relative amateur at their trade to become a major influence within the foreign exchange industry in Brazil and beyond. As FB Capital expands, Fernando hopes to leave behind a legacy of producing a new class of financial leaders who will perpetuate his vision of success for their own firms and create value within their communities while they do so.
