General legal counsel and corporate secretary | BBVA Valores Colombia
María Margarita Suárez Camargo
General legal counsel and corporate secretary | BBVA Valores Colombia
Team size: 55
How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises, and how does your legal strategy align with the broader business strategy to ensure the organisation’s resilience?
My approach to managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises is being up to date with the new regulations. In periods of crisis new regulations, decrees, and laws may be issued; it is important to keep track of them and how they might affect the organisation and even the organisation’s strategy.
What are the main cases or transactions you have been involved in recently?
I was involved in a case where the local autoregulator opened a file against the company and, afterwards, included the other two companies of the group. From November to June, I was involved in the active legal defense of the company to avoid economic sanctions, reputational risks and other possible fees. At the end we received recommendations on the processes but no economic sanction.
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?
I prioritise diversity and inclusion in the company by guaranteeing a 50/50 women and men. We are always seeking to have inclusion and an equitable work environment by guaranteeing every worker has the same rights as the other, no difference because of race, sexual identity or religion.
In your opinion, what are the main trends that are salient in your country currently?
In my opinion, the main trends that are salient in my country are the aim of young people not wanting to go the university but preferring to be media recognized and businesses caring more about an ‘emotional salary’ and new ways of work instead of regular office practices.