PAULO ABRANTES - General Director of the Decisions & Solutions Group
«[…] I want to continue to grow the DS Group in Portugal and other countries […]»
“I learned the importance of trying to switch off so I can come back stronger.”
Year after year, the Decisões&Soluções Group achieves new results and new goals. Paulo Abrantes, the Group's General Director, spoke with Villas&Golfe about business, success, and the importance of slow living, which, according to him, translates into a new paradigm: the luxury of living in balance.
The Decisões e Soluções Group closed 2024 with 45% growth compared to the previous year in terms of revenue and income. Does this result meet expectations?
2024 was our best year ever, and we grew in all areas of DS Group's operations, as has been the case every year. Therefore, it not only confirms my expectations but, above all, proves that we have achieved the goals we set since the DS Group's founding in 2003: to provide a highly valuable service that helps our clients and the general public have a better life, and to provide professional opportunities to a variety of people in different fields and positions, providing them with all the necessary conditions to succeed and earn according to their dreams and goals. Thus, 21 years after it all began, DS Group's goals and mission remain the same and are even stronger.
Among the DS Group's different areas of activity - credit intermediation, insurance brokerage, real estate consulting, car buying and selling, and travel and tourism - which has grown the most in the last year and how can this growth be explained?
In 2024, all areas continued to consolidate results, but I would highlight the growth in the credit intermediation area. The DS Group's network of stores, duly authorized by the Bank of Portugal, reached a historic milestone of €2.44 billion in registered credit in 2024, representing a 44% increase compared to the €1.7 billion registered in 2023. This growth is explained by the significant growth in new credit intermediation, driven by the continued strong demand for these products in a sector that also remains very dynamic. Also noteworthy is the increase in mortgage transfers, reflecting the current context, in which a large portion of Portuguese people seek to renegotiate their credit to achieve greater savings and better conditions to cover their expenses. At DS Intermediários de Crédito, our professionals work daily to provide personalized, hands-on service and help as many people as possible obtain new credit or renegotiate existing credit, allowing them the best savings conditions. We believe our brand will continue to drive strong growth in this area.
«Simplicity, when it is a conscious choice, is a sign of sophistication.»
In such a competitive market, in all these areas, what really distinguishes the work carried out by the DS Group?
The Decisões e Soluções Group stands out in the market, above all, by offering a consulting service that covers several areas, allowing our clients access to a range of integrated services, including purchasing, renting, or even building a property, credit brokerage, insurance under the best market conditions, and car buying and selling, travel, and real estate investments. In this highly competitive and increasingly technological market, we believe that comprehensive, personalized service with 360° solutions will be essential for our continued growth and offering the best possible solutions to our clients throughout the country and the islands.
When it comes to real estate, we're experiencing a new market reality, based on a new social reality. What's your opinion on this topic?
The current real estate sector remains very dynamic and unchanged compared to recent years. We continue to live in a market where housing affordability is one of the most pressing issues of our time, and where demand continues to far exceed supply.
Slow living is undeniably an increasingly popular lifestyle, and it's also reflected in the housing styles people seek. Do you think we can speak of a new luxury, more closely associated with the concept of simplicity?
Without a doubt. Today, true luxury lies in freedom of time, space to breathe, and the ability to live with presence. Simplicity, when a conscious choice, is a sign of sophistication. People seek homes that allow them to live a calmer pace, connected to nature, comfort, and less ostentation. Slow living translates into a new paradigm: the luxury of living in balance.
As a successful businessman with prominent public exposure, what do you do when you need to "slow down"?
I've learned the importance of trying to "switch off" so I can come back stronger. When I need to slow down, I try to spend time with my family, close to nature, or traveling to destinations that inspire me. Slowing down isn't about stopping—it's about taking a deep breath to maintain clarity. And sometimes, this downtime brings me the best ideas, which contribute greatly to improving results.
How do you take care of yourself, physically and mentally?
I have a disciplined routine. I take care of my body with regular exercise and a balanced diet. Mentally, I practice daily reflection—whether through music, reading, silence, or uplifting conversations. I surround myself with positive people and strive to stay aligned with my values.
What is quality of life for you?
Quality of life means having the time and freedom to do what we love, with those we love, and in places that inspire us. It means having health, inner peace, and purpose. For me, it also means knowing I'm building something that makes an impact, without sacrificing my essence.
What projects and desires does Paulo Abrantes have for the near future?
Looking to the future, I want to continue growing the DS Group in Portugal and other countries, in stores, employees, satisfied customers, and in business volume across its various areas of operation.
Text: Carla Martins
Photos: Ana Nogueira