Focus on: My career 

Inês Caria is a highly accomplished professional with a diverse background in law, finance, and corporate governance. Currently serving as the Director reporting to the executive board of Banco Santander Totta in Lisbon, Portugal, Inês leads and manages the corporate legal department. With over 12 years of experience as a lawyer at the prestigious firm Uría Menéndez, she specialised in banking and Finance and corporate law. Inês has gained international work experience and education in Paris, London, and Madrid, which has provided her with a broad perspective and cultural fluency. 

During her tenure at Banco Santander Totta, Inês has made significant contributions. As head of the corporate legal department, she oversees an 11-person team providing legal support across all areas of the bank. Her responsibilities include drafting contracts, issuing legal opinions, managing litigation matters, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Inês also represents the legal department in internal committees and actively contributes to the bank’s management controls. 

Inês’ earlier career at Uría Menéndez was marked by professional growth and noteworthy achievements. Starting as a trainee in London, she progressed through the ranks to become a managing associate in Lisbon. Her expertise spans various aspects of banking and finance, including regulatory compliance, financing transactions, and structured finance deals. Additionally, she has extensive experience in corporate law, handling mergers and acquisitions, joint venture arrangements, and corporate restructurings. 

Beyond her professional endeavors, Inês is a proud volunteer and advocate for social causes. She has actively engaged in initiatives such as volunteering programs, fundraising activities, and pro bono legal work. Inês has also demonstrated leadership qualities, spearheading the development of environmental plans, enhancing employee well-being through gym programs, and participating in training and networking events. 

Inês holds an LLM in corporate law from King’s College, University of London, and a law degree from Faculdade de Direito, Universidade Nova de Lisboa. Her educational journey also includes an Erasmus Program at the University Sorbonne and specialised training in English law at the London School of Economics and Political Science. 

Outside of her professional pursuits, Inês enjoys a range of hobbies and personal interests, including reading, visiting museums, classical music, traveling, and engaging in physical activities such as pilates, tennis, boxing, and cross fit. She is a multilingual individual, fluent in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, with elementary proficiency in French. 

Inês Caria’s extensive experience, expertise, and dedication to both her professional and volunteer endeavours make her a valuable asset in the legal and financial sectors, and a committed advocate for social causes.