About

About Gonzalo Lopez Jordan

Gonzalo Lopez Jordan is an influential figure in private equity and investment management. He has an extensive background in international business, real estate, and cross-border investments. His roots are in Mendoza, Argentina, but his career and achievements have taken him across the globe. Gonzalo’s work has impacted finance, renewable energy, sports, and social responsibility.

Early Life and Family Heritage

Gonzalo was born in Mendoza, Argentina. His family has a rich history in Argentina, with deep ties to the country’s past. One of his ancestors was Ricardo Lopez Jordan, a respected military leader known as one of northeast Argentina’s prominent “caudillos.” His family history also includes royal connections to Spain, tracing to Felipe V and other historical figures like Juan Jose de Vertiz y Salcedo, the former Viceroy of Rio de la Plata.

Education and International Experience

Gonzalo was an ambitious student who, at just 16 years old, became the first boy from Argentina’s countryside to earn a scholarship to the United World College of the Adriatic (UWCAD) in Duino, Italy. UWCAD’s mission is to make education a force to unite peoples, nations, and cultures for peace and a sustainable future. The current president of the movement is Queen Noor of Jordan, and former presidents include Lord Mountbatten, King Charles III of the UK, and Nelson Mandela. At UWCAD, Gonzalo studied with students from more than 80 countries and earned an International Baccalaureate Diploma.

After completing his studies at UWCAD, Gonzalo took a gap year and moved to Dublin, Ireland. There, he worked as a Social Assistant technician, helping young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. Later, he returned to Mendoza, Argentina, to work at a ski resort in Las Leñas.

Studying Law in Italy and Spain

Gonzalo’s interest in global issues led him to study law at the Universita degli Studi di Pisa in Italy, where he earned his Juris Doctorate. His doctoral thesis focused on international cooperation between Europe and Latin America. Gonzalo received an Erasmus scholarship from the European Union, allowing him to study at the Facultad de Derecho of the Universidad de Oviedo in Spain. Where he earned his Spanish JD and later an MBA. He was admitted to the Oviedo Bar Association in January 1995, beginning his professional career in law and finance.

Starting a Career in Private Banking

Gonzalo’s first major role was with Banco Santander in 1995, when he was hired to develop the bank’s Private Banking portfolio in Miami, Florida. He served as Vice President of International Private Banking, working with clients from different countries to help them manage their financial needs.

Moving to Citigroup

After several years with Banco Santander, Gonzalo moved to Citigroup, where he worked as First Vice President and Senior Investment Manager Specialist. He focused on asset management and handled client investments, helping them grow their assets while providing tailored financial solutions. After more than 15 years in banking, he began managing a Multifamily Office in Miami, further expanding his finance and investment management expertise.

Founding Patagonia Financial Holdings

With a vision for direct investments and impact, Gonzalo co-founded Patagonia Financial Holdings, a private equity firm based in Miami. Over the last 15 years, he has served as CEO and is now Chairman and Strategic Advisor. Patagonia Financial Holdings focuses on direct investments and managing various international projects, including real estate, renewable energy, and other financial services. His work includes projects like:

• Developing luxury residential towers and hotels in Miami, Panama, and Colombia
• Financing geothermal and lithium extraction plants in the United States
• Managing a U.S.-based Broker Dealer and Registered Investment Advisor in Miami
• Financing an MLS soccer stadium in Orlando, Florida, with a capacity of 25,500 seats
• Supporting the expansion of both a dining and a coffee-shop franchise in Florida
• Structuring capitalization for CarSaver, an automotive e-commerce platform and a fintech service for vehicle financing.

Public Speaking and Global Impact

As an expert in private equity and cross-border investments, Gonzalo has frequently spoken at global events. He has presented at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, EB5 Investors Magazine, and IIUSA events worldwide. These events have taken him to countries like India, China, Vietnam, South Korea, Argentina, Colombia, Brazil, and Mexico. He has shared his knowledge on investment strategies, the EB-5 immigration program, and the role of private equity in renewable energy projects.

Gonzalo’s projects and expertise have attracted media attention globally. His work has been featured in major media outlets such as The New York Times, Forbes, Bloomberg, Guardian, Folha de São Paolo, Q Magazine, Globo, and the SunSentinel. His projects have also been covered in financial and investment circles due to their impact on real estate, energy, and immigration law.

Family Life and Personal Interests

Gonzalo Lopez Jordan is married and has four daughters. He enjoys spending time with his family and taking long walks with his wife and their two Italian greyhounds. His daughters are a source of pride, and he often travels to visit them.

In his spare time, Gonzalo remains active in the United World College Alumni Association, where he mentors students and supports the UWC movement. His dedication to education and mentoring reflects his belief in giving back to the community and helping young people reach their potential. He also served as executive producer for the award-winning movie Duino, showing his interest in the creative arts.