What did the Central Bank director say about Vorcaro and Mastercard?

Ailton de Aquino, the Central Bank's head of supervision, testified to the Federal Police (PF) that he was approached — likely by representatives of former banker Daniel Vorcaro — to intervene with Mastercard when the card network threatened to end its partnership with Will Bank, a subsidiary of Banco Master.

Why did the Mastercard partnership matter so much?

According to Aquino's testimony, the end of the Mastercard deal would have triggered Will Bank's immediate liquidation. He stated with certainty that the issue was brought to his attention and required immediate action. Aquino also confirmed he spoke with Marcelo Tangioni, Mastercard's president in Brazil, though he gave no details about the conversation's content.

Who were the civil servants under investigation?

The PF asked Aquino whether two Central Bank employees — Bellini Santana and Paulo Sérgio Souza, both investigated for allegedly receiving bribes from Vorcaro — had presented him with the Mastercard threat and requested BC intervention. Aquino confirmed the topic was raised, and while he was unsure whether Vorcaro's name was explicitly mentioned, he had no doubt that Vorcaro had alerted the employees, given the intense supervision environment around Banco Master.

What actually happened to Will Bank?

Mastercard stopped accepting Will Bank card transactions on January 20 and executed its guarantees, acquiring stakes in companies including Banco de Brasília (BRB) and Westwing. The Central Bank decreed Will Bank's liquidation the following day. Mastercard declined to comment on Aquino's testimony or his conversation with Tangioni.

What does Paulo Souza's defense say?

The legal team for Paulo Souza argues that after the Master liquidation, efforts focused on finding a solution for Will Financeira, with Aquino himself working hard on that front. They contend that a November 17, 2025 meeting was not about Mastercard withdrawing its product, but about whether Mastercard would lend funds to cover the 6:30 a.m. settlement grid — part of a special monitoring programme for the Master group that began on December 4, 2024.

Key Facts:
  • Central Bank supervision director Ailton de Aquino testified to Federal Police about Vorcaro's alleged pressure.
  • Aquino confirmed he spoke with Mastercard Brazil president Marcelo Tangioni.
  • Mastercard halted Will Bank transactions on January 20; BC ordered liquidation the next day.
  • Mastercard acquired stakes in BRB and Westwing after executing its guarantees.
  • Two BC employees — Bellini Santana and Paulo Sérgio Souza — are under investigation for allegedly receiving bribes.
  • Mastercard declined to comment on the matter.