29-Year-Old Paulo Costa Named Goldman’s Youngest MD Today

UPDATE: In a groundbreaking achievement, Paulo Costa, just 29 years old, has been promoted as the youngest managing director at Goldman Sachs in its newly announced 2025 class. The announcement was made this Thursday, marking a significant milestone in Costa’s career as a trader based in London.

As the head of dividend trading in Goldman’s synthetic products group for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), Costa’s promotion is a testament to his exceptional performance during a year that saw Goldman’s equities division revenues rise by 7% compared to last year. The bank’s strategic moves in financing have greatly contributed to this surge, further solidifying Costa’s role.

By early Thursday afternoon, excitement filled the air at Goldman’s London office. Costa described the moment he received the call confirming his promotion: “It was surreal, especially hearing the cheers around me.” He shared the news first with his wife, who also works at Goldman as a prime broker, emphasizing the personal and professional significance of the moment.

Costa’s journey to managing director has been anything but conventional. Raised in a family of doctors in Portugal, he initially pursued medicine before discovering his passion for finance during the European sovereign crisis. “It was a shock for my parents, but I think they’re proud of my choice,” he said, reflecting on his early interest in financial markets.

Before joining Goldman as a summer analyst in 2016, Costa attended the University of Warwick, where he served as the equities chief investment officer for the Warwick Investment Fund. His career has been marked by resilience, navigating volatile markets from the COVID pandemic to recent market fluctuations.

After the announcement, Costa celebrated with colleagues at a Champagne toast organized by Goldman’s European Management Committee, followed by a larger gathering attended by around 150 people at a nearby venue. Former colleagues and mentors, including Lorenzo Longo, joined in the festivities, underscoring the communal support that has fueled Costa’s career.

Costa expressed confidence about stepping into his new role, stating: “I don’t feel pressure to impose myself as a leader beyond what I already was.” However, he acknowledged the newfound responsibilities that accompany his promotion.

As Costa embarks on this exciting new chapter, he reflects on his journey and advises future finance professionals: “Find what interests you and work hard at it. Mastery comes from dedication.”

With his promotion, Costa not only represents a new generation of leadership at Goldman Sachs but also serves as an inspiration for young professionals across the globe. This milestone is not just a personal victory for Costa but also a significant moment for the financial industry as it embraces talent and diversity at the highest levels.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story and its implications for the finance sector.