Reimagining Global Investment in the Digital Age

Andre Cardoso, Head of Global Investments, Inter

1. Reflecting on your career, what pivotal milestones and experiences have uniquely prepared you for your current role at Inter, and how have they shaped your leadership philosophy?

Throughout my 20-year career, pivotal experiences have shaped a leadership philosophy rooted in adaptability, strategic vision, and team empowerment. Early in my career, building risk infrastructure at BTG Pactual taught me the importance of governance and controls in scaling investment platforms. Leading proprietary trading across global markets refined my ability to navigate volatility and align tactical moves with macro trends. More recently, scaling Inter’s investment platform by over 320 percent in AuC/AuM within 14 months was only possible by aligning diverse teams—product, distribution, and UX—around a shared strategic vision. These milestones reinforced that effective leadership is less about issuing directives and more about fostering alignment, trust, and a clear purpose.

2. With your experience leading investment platforms, what frameworks have helped you enhance client engagement and retention across different investor segments?

Client engagement starts with segmentation and empathy. I’ve used a hybrid framework combining behavioral finance insights, advisor feedback loops, and digital analytics. At Inter, we created distinct engagement journeys for retail, HNW, and advisory clients—blending product personalization with intuitive UX. I also emphasize advisor enablement—equipping them with realtime dashboards, investment narratives, and custom allocation tools to deepen client trust. Consistency in communication, transparency in performance, and value-added insights are the cornerstones of retention across all segments.

“We’re building that future, one where innovation meets inclusivity and data enhances rather than replaces human insight”

3. Having led investment growth across multiple global markets how is your approach to strategy and execution set you apart from others in the industry?

My approach is integrative and cross-disciplinary. I draw from experience in proprietary trading, wealth management, and product development to design strategies that are both topdown informed and bottom-up executable. What sets me apart is the ability to synthesize global macro views with client-centric innovation and then execute through agile team structures. I don’t see borders—only investor needs that require localized delivery with international standards. Whether in London, Miami, or São Paulo, my playbook strikes a balance between data, market intelligence, and cultural nuance.

4. While scaling investment platforms across global markets how do you personally turn complex data into strategic decisions that support the organization?

I view data as a strategic enabler—not a report card. Whether it’s client behavior, macro indicators, or performance attribution, I work closely with analytics and product teams to transform raw data into actionable intelligence. At Inter, we established a feedback loop between digital touchpoints and portfolio outcomes, enabling us to iterate on our product offerings in real time. My background in quantitative analysis and risk modeling allows me to ask the right questions, stress-test assumptions, and ensure that decisions align with both short-term goals and longterm value creation.

5. How do you see AI and automation changing the role of advisors, and do you think the human element still has a central place in investment strategy?

AI and automation are transforming the mechanics of investing—optimizing execution, personalizing offerings, and scaling operations. However, the human element remains central, especially in moments of uncertainty. Advisors play a critical role in interpreting context, managing emotions, and delivering reassurance. I see the future as a hybrid model: AI handles the “what,” and humans explain the “why.” At Inter, we’ve empowered advisors with AI tools that enhance their productivity while preserving the human connection that builds long-term trust.

6. As someone who’s scaled investment platforms globally, what excites you most about the digital future of investing, and how do you see yourself driving that change?

What excites me most is the democratization of sophisticated investment tools. Digital platforms now enable tailored solutions once reserved for institutional clients. I see myself driving this change by continuing to blend institutional-grade offerings with consumer-grade experiences. We’re moving toward a future where advice is hyper-personalized, portfolios are dynamic, and engagement is continuous. At Inter, we’re building that future— one where innovation meets inclusivity and data enhances rather than replaces human insight.

7. What’s one piece of advice you’d offer emerging leaders looking to navigate global investment through digital transformation?

Build range. The best leaders today understand investments, technology, regulation, and human behavior. My advice: don’t confine yourself to one silo. Sit with engineers, talk to clients, and debate with economists. The intersections are where innovation happens. Digital transformation isn’t just about adopting tools—it’s about reimagining processes, incentives, and experiences. Stay curious, stay humble, and lead with clarity in a world that’s constantly evolving.

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