Payments made by Banco Master for services provided by influential politicians are considered atypical by executives familiar with the banking market interviewed with reserve by GLOBO. The high values draw attention, especially considering the size of the bank, which was medium-sized, the extensive number of contracts and the variety of ideological positions, from left to right.
As GLOBO showed, Master declared at least R$65.83 million in payments to politicians, party leaders, former ministers and a former president between 2023 and 2025, Federal Revenue documents show. The values appear in the declaration presented to the agency by the financial institution of Daniel Vorcaro, arrested on suspicion of fraud.
Transfers were identified to companies linked to former president Michel Temer (MDB), totaling R$10 million, and to former Finance Ministers, Henrique Meirelles, R$18.4 million, and Guido Mantega (R$14 million). Payments were also identified for companies owned by former ministers Ronaldo Bento (R$6.2 million), Ricardo Lewandowski (R$5.93 million) and Ricardo Wajngarten (R$3.8 million).
There were also transfers to the companies of pre-candidate for the government of Bahia ACM Neto (R$ 5.4 million) and the president of União Brasil, Antônio Rueda (R$ 2.1 million).
Master’s statements also show payments totaling R$80 million over two years to the office of the wife of Federal Supreme Court (STF) minister Alexandre de Moraes.
In the 2024 Master balance sheet, an expenditure of R$580.650 million was declared on specialized technical services, an increase of almost 75% compared to 2023, justified, according to the bank, mainly by legal consultancy services. In both years, expenditure was R$915.3 million. As a basis for comparison, in BRB, the same item totaled R$90 million in both years.
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Banking sector executives say that the hiring of consultancy services by banks is not uncommon, but that Master’s “support network” draws attention due to its extension and the high amounts transferred, considering the bank’s medium size. All those consulted believe that the high amounts are outside the standard, although some consider that it is necessary to analyze the scope of the contract, as there may be demands that require a large volume of work and, therefore, a higher remuneration.
Others say that boastful names also play a role in determining the price. In this context, some interlocutors state that hiring consultants linked to politicians is viewed with reservations, especially with high values, even though it is not illegal. Normally, people with experience in the Three Powers are hired to explain the intricacies of the legislative process or the elaboration of public policies, but they can also “facilitate entry” into the political environment.
