Team size: 11 lawyers. 

How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises, and how does your legal strategy align with the broader business strategy to ensure the organisation’s resilience?

To effectively manage legal aspects during periods of instability or crisis, at Investment Banking at Bancolombia (BIB), we adopt an approach rooted in innovation and strategic foresight. This involves generating novel ideas and conducting comprehensive studies, including on a regional or international scale, to explore disruptive approaches tailored to each scenario. This methodology closely aligns with our overarching business strategy and reinforces our organisation’s resilience. 

What are the main cases or transactions you have been involved in recently? 

Our main cases and transactions for M&A is Grupo Bancolombia Capital acting as the exclusive financial advisor to Grupo Calleja in the acquisition of 86.8% of Grupo Éxito for USD$1.020m, through public offerings in Colombia and the United States. 

For structured financing, Grupo Bancolombia acted as the lead structuring bank and bookrunner for the financing of Grupo Calleja’s acquisition of Grupo Éxito. This included the structuring of a syndicated loan for USD$700m, involving 15 banks and te structuring of bilateral loans amounting to USD$297m through Grupo Bancolombia.

Next is the Troncales del Magdalena: Fifth generation (5G) Troncal del Magdalena, which includes 259.6 kilometers between Puerto Salgar (Cundinamarca) and Barrancabermeja (Santander), improving connectivity from the center of the country to the Caribbean coast. In this transaction BIB acts as coleader arrenger.  

We were also involved in the public securitisation of future budget allocations (Vigencias Futuras) granted by the national government and the District of Bogota to Transmilenio for a total amount of USD $748,750,000)and their issuance in the local securities market to finance the construction, operation, and maintenance of the main routes (Troncales Avenida 68 y Avenida Ciudad de Cali_) of the first line of the Bogota Metro. Lastly, the creation of a joint venture with the company Patria for an alternative assets platform that we expect will be a leader in Colombia. 

What measures has your company taken to embed sustainability practices into its core business operations, and how does the role of the general counsel contribute to driving and ensuring sustainable practices within the company?  

Since the purpose of the Bancolombia Group is to seek the economic, social and environmental well-being of the territories in which it is present, in our organisation we have integrated sustainability into our mission, vision, and values. That is why we have developed long-term sustainability goals aligned with global frameworks. 

To achieve these goals, among other actions, Investment Banking at Bancolombia, advises transactions that respond to our purpose, focusing on energy efficiency, renewable energy, and social impact. Additionally, we collaborate with stakeholders, including customers, employees, investors, and communities, to promote sustainable practices. Furthermore, we promote a corporate culture that values and encourages sustainability. 

Regarding the general counsel, we play a fundamental role in ensuring sustainable practices within a company through: ensuring compliance with environmental laws, regulations, and industry standards; monitoring legislation and policy trends related to sustainability; supporting the integration of sustainability into corporate policies and procedures; drafting and negotiating contracts to include sustainability provisions and requirements; ensuring suppliers and partners adhere to the company’s sustainability standards; and to promote ethical business practices and corporate social responsibility. 

How do you prioritise diversity and inclusion within your legal department, and what initiatives have you implemented to foster a more inclusive and equitable work environment? 

To prioritise diversity and inclusion in my legal department, I focus on empowering women and promoting inclusivity across all Bancolombia’s groups, not just within BIB. I emphasise the importance of work-life balance for everyone, encouraging participation in family and community activities. As an instructor, I encourage engagement from all stakeholders in these efforts. By participating in forums and discussions, I share my journey and personal experiences to inspire women to believe in themselves and their abilities. These actions aim to create a fair and supportive work environment where diversity is celebrated, and everyone feels valued and respected.