Rafael Steinmetz Leffa

Rafael Steinmetz Leffa (born January 1992) is a Brazilian-English financier, financial commentator and philanthropist.

Leffa has been cited in international media for commentary on financial and economic issues, including by The Times and Forbes. He has participated and led civic, charitable, and institutional activities in the United Kingdom, including with the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, Order Of St John, and the Worshipful Company of International Bankers.

Leffa is a Freeman of the City of London and member of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment.

Career and public commentary

Leffa began his career in Beijing, where he worked in the trading of physical commodities. He subsequently worked with corporate, private, and institutional clients, including state-owned enterprises, assisting with financing arrangements for infrastructure projects, foreign investment, and strategic partnerships.

In 2020, he was quoted in Forbes, examining the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on international education, commenting on decision-making by affluent Chinese families considering study in the United Kingdom.

Since 2023, Leffa served as a speaker at the London School of Economics and as a lecturer at Birkbeck, University of London.

He has worked in advisory and consultative capacities on matters relating to finance, education, and international engagement, including providing advice to public and private initiatives associated with figures such as Anthony Scaramucci and former UK prime minister Theresa May. In addition to his professional work, he has participated in civic and charitable activities in London and is listed in the Heraldry Society’s register of members’ arms.

Arms

In 2023, Leffa was granted a coat of arms by the College of Arms, issued under the authority of Garter and Clarenceux Kings of Arms. His arms are recorded in the Members’ Arms register of The Heraldry Society. Leffa's petitioner was Windsor Herald John Allen-Petrie.

Blazon

Arms: Azure, three sea-griffins sejant erect Or, each holding with the feet a boa constrictor Argent.

Crest: Upon a helm with a wreath Or and Azure, a demi-jaguar Azure spotted Or, holding in the mouth and dexter foot a boa constrictor nowed Or.

Mantling: Gules, lined Or.

Motto: NUMQUAM RECEDAM (“I will never retreat”).