The House of Herrera: From Conquerors to Financial Pioneers

The House of Herrera, tracing its origins to 14th-century Spain, has profoundly influenced economic landscapes across continents. Renowned as landowners, conquerors, merchants, and eventually bankers, the family’s legacy expanded from Spain to the Canary Islands, Latin America, Germany, and England. In 1590, the establishment of Hacienda La Vega in Caracas marked one of their earliest footprints in Latin America. By 1890, Julio César Velutini Couturier, an ancestor of Julio Herrera Velutini, founded Banco Caracas, a pioneering force in Venezuela's modern banking system.

This transformation from territorial lords to financial innovators showcases the family’s adaptability and foresight. The Herrera legacy, deeply rooted in promoting economic growth and private enterprise, set the stage for significant advancements in international trade and finance in Latin America. These values were inherited and expanded upon by Julio Herrera Velutini, who continues to champion free enterprise as a vehicle for empowerment and economic progress throughout the region.