Mr Francisco Arias > Morgan & Morgan > Panama, Panama > Lawyer Profile

‘One of the most prestigious firms in Panama’, Morgan & Morgan has an impressive record of acting on both the lender and borrower side of complex financings, advising on cross-border loans, refinancings, acquisition finance and regulatory issues. Project finance is also a key pillar of the practice; the team’s recent workload includes assisting with high-profile transactions in the energy and mining sectors. Inocencio Galindo, who has a wealth of experience in infrastructure finance, leads the practice with the ‘fabulous’ Kharla Aizpurúa, who also oversees the firm’s fintech offering alongside regulatory specialist Roberto Vidal. Ramón Varela and Ana Carolina Castillo (who focus on energy-related financings) and Francisco Arias are also names to note. The deep bench also includes international associate Miguel Arias M. and associates Arantxa Fernández and Ariana Linares (who joined from BAC Credomatic in June 2023).

Morgan & Morgan fields a diverse capital markets practice that attracts particularly strong praise for its ‘excellent knowledge of the area of ​​real estate investment trusts (SII)’, frequently advising key players in the real estate industry on their conversion into SIIs, registration with the SMV and public offerings of shares. Also demonstrating strength in the mining and energy sectors, the team plays a prominent role in advising both issuers and underwriters on public bond offerings on Latinex (as well as international transactions) and is also active on the regulatory front. Ricardo Arias, the go-to adviser on SIIs, leads the team alongside Francisco Arias, who has extensive experience on both the transactional and regulatory side of capital markets matters. Other key names include Ana Carolina Castillo, a specialist in the energy sector, international associate Miguel Arias M., senior associate Alejandro Vasquez, and associate Arantxa Fernández.

Morgan & Morgan‘s team of ‘terrific’ lawyers is commended for its skill in high-profile domestic and cross-border M&A, with a standout recent record in the financial, logistics, food and beverages, real estate and pharmaceutical sectors. The firm also plays a prominent role in advising multinationals on establishing their headquarters in Panama, and on all related corporate, finance, antitrust, labour and regulatory issues. Francisco Arias, who also leads the real estate department, and ‘outstanding’ M&A and regulatory specialist Roberto Vidal oversee the team. Inocencio Galindo and the ‘exceptionally talented’ Aristides Anguizola, who are noted for their expertise in the mining and infrastructure sectors, Kharla Aizpurúa, and energy specialist Ana Carolina Castillo are other key names at top level. The capable pool of associates includes international associate Miguel Arias M., who wins praise for his real estate expertise, and senior associate Alejandro Vasquez. Clients also benefit from the firm’s MorganNet platform, which automises the management, preparation and follow-up of matters.

Morgan & Morgan‘s ‘reliable and efficient’ IP team draws on its close connections with international firms to advise key players in the automotive, luxury goods, food and beverages and retail sectors on the management of their IP portfolios in Panama, handling the registration of a high volume of trade marks. The team also assists with the IP aspects of M&A transactions, often joining forces with the firm’s busy corporate department, overseen by Francisco Arias. Senior associate Allan Candanedo has ‘vast experience’ in the field of IP law, including in litigation, while associate María Eugenia Brenes is well versed in IP issues in the health sector.

The team of ‘recognised experts‘ at Morgan & Morgan is experienced in advising real estate developers and investment companies on complex transactions and projects across the residential, commercial, retail and tourism sectors. In particular, the team is widely known for its niche expertise in advising real estate owners on their conversion into Panamanian real estate investment trusts (SIIs) and registration with the Superintendence of Capital Markets, as well as on subsequent offerings on the Latin American Stock Exchange (Latinex) – a key area of strength for practice head Francisco Arias and Ricardo Arias (both of whom also lead the securities department). Senior associate Giselle Moncada is head of firm’s office in David, Chiriquí, and is well versed in providing real estate advice to clients in western Panama.