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Francisco Lopes SuassoDutch banker
Country:
 Netherlands |
Content:
- Francisco Lopez Suasso: A Dutch Banker with Spanish Connections
- A Prominent Banking Dynasty
- Becoming a Banker
- A Strategic Marriage
- Supporting William of Orange
- A Successful Second Marriage
Francisco Lopez Suasso: A Dutch Banker with Spanish Connections
Francisco Lopez Suasso was born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, to Antonio Lopez Suasso and Violenta de Pinto. The Suasso family were Sephardic Jews who had converted to Christianity under pressure from the Portuguese Inquisition before returning to their Jewish roots in Amsterdam. Francisco was the eldest of their children, with four sisters and a younger brother.
A Prominent Banking Dynasty
The Suasso family had strong ties with Spain and considered themselves a part of the country. In recognition of his diplomatic achievements, Francisco's father was granted the title of Baron de Avern le Gra by Charles II of Spain on January 3, 1676. The Suasso family also had good relations with the stadtholders of the Netherlands and often provided financial support to them.
Becoming a Banker
Following in his father's footsteps, Francisco pursued a career in banking. He gained practical experience in the family business and continued to manage it after his father's death in 1685, inheriting a substantial fortune. A significant part of his inheritance consisted of shares in the Dutch East India Company.
A Strategic Marriage
In 1682, Francisco married Judith Francisco Teixeira, the daughter of Manuel Teixeira, another prominent Portuguese-Jewish banker. The marriage aimed to unite two already wealthy families. Unfortunately, Judith passed away in 1689 without bearing any children.
Supporting William of Orange
In 1688, the Suasso family provided significant support to William of Orange during his invasion of England to claim the throne from James II. They loaned him two million guilders, and according to legend, did not require any collateral, trusting William's integrity. However, the authenticity of this legend is uncertain. The Suasso family also played a role in organizing transportation for Swedish and Pomeranian troops that came to support William.
A Successful Second Marriage
In his second marriage to Leonora da Costa, Francisco had seven sons and three daughters. He passed away on April 22, 1710, in The Hague, leaving behind a legacy as a prominent Dutch banker with strong connections to Spain and a significant impact on European history.
