CEO | Valores AFISA
Sebastián Pérez Dominguez
CEO | Valores AFISA
Could you share an example of a time when you came up with an innovation that improved how your legal team works and did not come at a large expense?
We identified a change in the structuring of a particular commercial transaction that allowed us considerable tax relief. Specifically, what we did was to look at how this particular transaction was structured in other jurisdictions to take advantage of foreign experiences, and we looked at how it would translate into Uruguayan law.
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?
We have pursued several business opportunities with social impact companies, prioritising the provision of our services to companies that aim to make a difference in various fields. Given that we are a start-up in our second year, pursuing these opportunities comes at a high cost, because it involves neglecting other opportunities that involve less risk or better margins. With a small team, the selection of opportunities to pursue is a critical factor. There is no margin for error. Wasting time and resources on bad choices can jeopardise the whole project, so we can say that sustainability is significant for us.
What are some of the key developments that have affected your business over the past year?
There was a frustrated party-driven bill that sought to impose severe limits on credit under a debtor protection paradigm. This failed bill has recently evolved into a proposed constitutional amendment. We see this as a threat to credit markets, as the amendments will undoubtedly limit the availability of credit, rather than protect debtors. Hopefully, this amendment does not gain the required endorsement to pass.
CEO and legal | Valores Administradora de Fondos de Inversión y Fideicomisos