What are the most significant cases or transactions that your legal team has recently been involved in?

Upon joining PayJoy Ecuador, I identified the lack of a coherent compliance culture and well-defined legal framework within the business model. Challenges stemming from a lack of structured compliance practices and unclear legal structures necessitated substantial improvements for regulatory alignment and operational fortification.

To resolve this, I orchestrated a business model overhaul, harmonising economic viability with legal compliance. Collaborating across legal, financial, accounting, product, and engineering teams, I spearheaded a seamless partnership. We conducted thorough analyses, stress tests, and scenario modeling, ensuring economic viability; and translated conceptual shifts into practical implementations aligned with regulatory demands and operational capabilities. My role as a bridge between these teams produced a robust framework that aligned with legal requirements and financial objectives, optimised services for efficiency, and mitigated legal contingencies.

I have also championed a robust compliance culture through tailored training programs, enhancing comprehension of regulatory expectations and fostering ethical decision-making. My dedication to seamless legal and compliance operations across markets for sustained success prompted advancement, overseeing compliance in Panama, and handling legal matters in Mexico.

How important is choosing to work with external lawyers who align with your company’s values? Are you likely to reconsider what firms you work with based on this?

Collaborating with external lawyers who share company values is crucial. Beyond legal expertise, alignment fosters a seamless relationship where decisions and communication resonate with the organisation’s mission. Such collaboration is vital during ethical challenges.

Transitioning to my current role revealed a misalignment with external legal values. This signaled the need for a change. Spingarn Abogados, my current legal team, aligns with our values—transparency, speed, ownership, and diversity. Choosing partners who uphold values ensures compliance and a harmonious environment. My journey emphasises this, as misalignment prompted change. Spingarn Abogados highlights positive outcomes from shared values. Value alignment will guide future legal partnerships, uniting professional, and personal principles.

Why are in-house lawyers well-placed to drive change in their organisations?

In-house lawyers uniquely drive organisational transformation, leveraging their deep immersion in operations for effective change leadership. In my role at PayJoy, as a fintech, I faced complexity and regulatory gaps in an innovative product’s launch.

As an in-house lawyer, I engaged with cross-functional teams, tailoring legal solutions to align with the company’s vision. This hands-on approach unveiled product intricacies and nurtured stakeholder relationships, fostering a holistic perspective. Becoming a bridge between innovation and regulation, I advocated for regulatory frameworks that enable growth while protecting consumers. In-house lawyers possess contextual understanding, which is vital for strategic legal frameworks.

What are some of the main legislative or regulatory changes that have impacted you?

One of the significant legislative changes that have impacted our company is the 2022 enactment of the Fintech Law, which reformed the Monetary Code. This legal development created the framework for digital credit, aligning perfectly with our focus on providing digital microloans to enhance financial inclusion.

While this presents a promising opportunity, we are currently awaiting regulatory guidelines from the governing authority to fully implement this innovative product, designed to cater to individuals with limited access to credit, thereby underscoring our commitment to fostering financial inclusivity.