Team size: 70

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?

During 2020, due to the pandemic, I promoted the Colombian government’s drafting and issuance of Decree 806/20, which adopted measures to implement ICTs in the processes, reactivate the judicial system, which had been paralysed for three months, and facilitate access to justice for natural and legal persons. After the pandemic, I promoted from the ICDP the law 2213/22 issued by the Colombian Congress, through which ICT applications in justice were adopted as permanent. This law achieved efficiency, modernisation, access, ease, transparency, speed, sustainability, and economy in the judicial process in favour of the community and made Colombia one of the pioneering countries in the world with virtuality in procedural matters. This project was decisive for public and private entities, legal areas and law firms, and the judicial system itself, to improve the speed and efficiency, reducing costs in terms of time, travel, printing, and more. In addition, these rules contribute to protecting the environment and, in general, to improving the quality of life for all.

Can you foresee any key developments to the way general counsel work over the next five years?

I foresee several developments, firstly, the progressive recognition of human rights, and diversity on all fronts, with increasing inclusiveness; secondly, we need to be aware of the benefits of technology to ensure efficiency, innovation, timeliness, and cost reduction. Through training and refresher initiatives we keep lawyers at the forefront of these developments, with forums being broadcast on Wednesdays at 18:00 from the ICDP to the whole community.

How do you prioritise diversity and inclusion within your legal department, and what initiatives have you implemented to foster a more inclusive and equitable work environment?

Diversity and inclusion are essential pillars of BBVA and our legal area. I recognise and value diversity as part of our purpose, which is to make the opportunities of this new era available to all. We are aware of the importance of treating our employees with dignity, respect and, of course, equality, which guarantees inclusion and recognition of people’s rights. Together with my team, we promote the socialisation of these values so that all members of the vice-presidency apply them, encouraging the participation of everyone in the Group’s diversity and inclusion plan and ensuring diversity in recruitment processes. We have nine corporate groups: women, people with disabilities, ethnic groups, LGTBIQ+, men, baby boomers, generation z, social responsibility, and conciliation, in which the lawyers actively participate. In addition, since 2021 we have been deepening the strategy of support for the executive chairmanship to increase the participation of women in BBVA’s governing bodies in Colombia.

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?

BBVA Colombia has been a pioneer in promoting sustainable products in the financial sector, which demonstrates our commitment and support to our customers in the transition to a greener and more inclusive future. An example of this is the many products in our portfolio linked to sustainability and oriented towards caring for the environment and the impact on society. Our legal team has actively participated in the structuring of these products, always promoting the timely implementation of these projects that we consider relevant for society and for the evolution of business and good banking practices.

From a social perspective, we also promote pro bono work among our lawyers. We are active members of the ProBono Colombia Foundation, whose main objective is to guarantee access to justice for those who do not have the economic resources to hire quality legal services. In 2021 we were recognised as the “Best ProBono Company”, thanks to the solidarity and dedication of our lawyers, who have honoured their profession by fully promoting the purpose of the foundation.

What is a cause, business-related or otherwise, you are passionate about, and why?

The academy, where I have been a professor for more than 30 years in several universities in Colombia and abroad, and working in entities that do social work such as pro bono work and, mainly, the Colombian Institute of Procedural Law.