Team size: Ten

What are the major projects or initiatives you have worked on that you are most proud of?

Our Bank is in the midst of the implementation of its 5-year strategic plan and our Legal Department plays a very important role in ensuring that all the relevant initiatives are in line with the legal framework and that the agreements entered into with third parties that participate in the process take into account and protect the interests of all our stakeholders. All this, while taking care of business as usual and keeping up with the growing demand from our internal clients. I’m very proud of a Legal Team that has been able to provide sound timely advice to its clients, documenting complex transactions and managing relations with external counsel throughout the Americas, while assisting the support functions of the Bank in the implementation of the different projects and initiatives that the strategic plan requires to ensure the sought-after success.

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?

As a company listed in the New York Stock Exchange, the pillars of Sustainability (Environmental, Social and Governance), have played a prominent role in many of the decision-making processes of our Bank. The Board of Directors and Management have been taking the necessary steps to ensure good governance practices in that respect, aiming to have the appropriate oversight, thus reinforcing its Corporate Governance.

In my capacity as Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary, it is crucial that we keep our organisation appraised with respect to the changing legal and regulatory environment regarding Sustainability as well as ensuring that our governing bodies are being presented with the relevant information for them to make informed and timely decisions.

In your opinion, what are the main trends that are salient in your country currently?

Panama is immersed in a variety of topics that need to be addressed soon. The Social Security System requires deep structural changes to prevent a social and economic crisis in the short term. Balancing the political and economic aspects related thereto will be of paramount importance to all players, while also dealing with balancing the hurting fiscal balance in order to prolong the potential loss of investment grade status that the country has benefited from for many years.

As new risks arise in the near horizon, Panama will have to navigate geopolitical challenges in the next few years that will put its most important asset (the Panama Canal) at the center of a major Global Trade war involving the largest economies in the world.