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

The most relevant and challenging process we have been involved in is the expansion of the Group’s Insurance Division in Latin America. With Chile being the regional headquarters for Latin America, we have been working on obtaining the authorisation of the new Insurance Companies in Mexico and Colombia, for this year, and in several other countries for the future.

As part of our work, we coordinate with the external law firms hired in each country together with the head office legal team, on all the legal aspects related to these processes, and others in which different areas must also participate, such as tax or financing issues.

The cultural and regulatory differences and the multiple extensive legal requirements in each jurisdiction have made us grow, both in knowledge and in our ability to adapt to different realities and situations. Innovation has also been a pillar in this process, adapting existing methods, procedures, and protocols to the specific needs of each country.

As we live in a fast-paced world today, what skills will a corporate legal team need to succeed in the modern in-house industry?

Adaptability to change and innovation are fundamental to the success of a legal team. If we are not in tune with the business, we will not be able to fulfil our objective of being a partner and will merely remain a roadblock to the development of the business. This does not mean that we can ignore all the regulatory issues and risks involved in the operation, but that we should approach them with an open mind and try to find the best solution for achieving our objectives.

How do you suggest in-house lawyers build strong relationships with business partners?

It comes by default when you have an attitude like the one above. Being a true partner of the company by participating in the whole operation, advising on the best way to do things throughout the entire process, and not just saying ‘No’ when partners come up with an idea or project. To do this, there must be trust between the different areas as well as the sharing of relevant information so that we can make the best decisions together.