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Deltec Bank and Trust
Deltec Bank and Trust traces its roots to 1949 as a Bahamas-based private bank.
Deltec Bank and Trust
Deltec Bank and Trust traces its roots to 1949 as a Bahamas-based private bank. In 1998, Jean Chalopin — the French businessman who co-created Inspector Gadget — acquired the institution and transformed it into a multi-family office that blends banking with wealth management. The firm serves as a fiduciary for wealthy families seeking both legacy preservation and exposure to alternative assets. The firm deploys capital across private credit, real estate, infrastructure, hedge funds, and digital assets — a sector in which it is an early institutional mover. Deltec's blockchain division, Deltec Digital Assets, provides custody and trading services. The bank's in-house investment arm has taken direct positions in private placements and growth-stage ventures, often alongside clients co-investing. Its geographic focus spans the Caribbean, Europe, and North America. Deltec's client base remains opaque; it does not publicly disclose AUM or total professionals. The firm has not announced any recent operational events. Adjacent structures include Deltec Asset Management and the Deltec Charitable Foundation. The bank has maintained its B-license under Bahamas regulation since 1999. Its structural differentiator lies in combining a regulated bank license with a multi-family office — a setup rare outside Switzerland. This allows Deltec to offer clients on-balance-sheet lending, fiduciary custody, and direct deal flow under one roof. The bank's digital-asset push, including early backing of the Tether stablecoin issuer, has drawn both scrutiny and institutional attention.
General information
Firm type
Multi Family Office
Year founded
1949
AUM
Undisclosed
Location
Region
Latin America
Country
Bahamas
City
Nassau
Corporate office
Nassau, Bahamas
Principals
Travis Kimmel
CEO
Jean Chalopin
Chairman
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
Who controls investment decisions at Deltec Bank and Trust?
Chairman Jean Chalopin sets the strategic direction, while CEO Travis Kimmel oversees day-to-day operations. Investment decisions are led by the firm’s in-house team, which includes experienced private bankers and asset managers. The bank does not publicly name a dedicated CIO.
How does Deltec’s multi-family office structure differ from a traditional private bank?
Deltec combines a regulated bank license with a multi-family office, allowing it to provide banking services — such as lending and custody — alongside wealth planning and direct investments. This integrated model is similar to European private banks but remains rare in the Caribbean. Clients can co-invest in private deals through the bank's advisory arm.
What is Deltec’s involvement in the digital asset space?
Deltec was an early institutional backer of blockchain infrastructure, including the Tether stablecoin issuer. It operates Deltec Digital Assets, which offers custody and trading for cryptocurrencies. The bank has expanded its crypto services amid regulatory developments in the Bahamas, which passed formal digital-asset legislation.
Does Deltec disclose its assets under management?
No. Deltec Bank and Trust does not publicly report AUM or total client assets. The firm has maintained this policy throughout its history, consistent with the confidentiality norms of offshore financial centers.
Which investment sectors does Deltec prioritize?
Deltec allocates to private credit, real estate, infrastructure, hedge funds, and digital assets. It also engages in direct placements and growth-equity deals, often with a cross-border angle. The bank avoids retail-facing businesses and speculative early-stage tech without revenue.
How is Deltec regulated?
Deltec holds a B-license from the Central Bank of The Bahamas and is subject to supervision under the Banks and Trust Companies Regulation Act. It also complies with anti-money laundering and economic substance requirements. The firm has faced periodic scrutiny but retains its license.
Can external investors access Deltec’s deals?
Deltec’s investment platform is generally limited to existing banking clients. However, the firm has participated in club deals and syndicated investments alongside other family offices. Prospective investors must go through the bank’s client onboarding process.
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