General counsel | Citibank
Michael Contreras
General counsel | Citibank
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?
I receive clear and objective advice from our Regional Office in Latam and from outside counsel as well, during or after a crisis has occurred, receiving strategic solutions to help me deal with any situation.
What are the main cases or transactions you have been involved in recently?
Total Return Swap with Securities Intermediaries having onshore securities and offshore securities. Total Return Swap with Banking Institutions having onshore securities and offshore securities. Five-year term syndicated loan with an issuance and placement of bonds in the securities markets.
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?
Understanding our impact; activities and material usage. Improving Energy Efficiency. Implementing Waste Reduction Strategies. Considering Product Life Cycle. Engaging Employees and Stakeholders.
The general counsel is helping to drive the modernisation of long-standing governance practices in helping to create effective corporate governance.
What emerging technologies do you see as having the most significant impact on the legal profession in the near future, and how do you stay updated on these developments?
Innovations like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and data analytics are the most prominent in my opinion. I stay updated reading articles on these emerging technologies and how they are reshaping the landscape of legal practice and what it means for the future of the legal profession.
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?
By providing them with education, training, coaching, mentoring, and feedback on diversity and inclusion topics and skills.
In your opinion, what are the main trends that are salient in your country currently?
Authoritarianism and fundamental freedoms, corruption and trust, security and criminal justice.
Vice president of legal, country counsel | Citibank
Vice president of legal | Citibank