What are the projects that you are most proud of working on over the past 12 months?

Over the past 12 months, I have had the opportunity to work on several high-impact projects that have challenged me professionally and contributed to institutional transformation, market integrity, and financial education. Among them, I am particularly proud of Decevale’s institutional transformation, our progress towards a future ISO 37001 certification, strengthening compliance and governance and my commitment to thought leadership in capital markets.

As the legal manager of Decevale, Ecuador’s only private securities depository, I played a key role in its institutional transformation process. This initiative was aimed at modernising Decevale’s operational framework, improving corporate governance, and ensuring compliance with international best practices. The transformation process involved redesigning internal controls, restructuring decision-making processes, and reinforcing transparency mechanisms to enhance market confidence. My involvement included providing legal oversight to ensure that all changes complied with regulatory frameworks while also fostering a culture of ethical conduct and accountability within the organisation. The impact of this project has been profound, as it has strengthened Decevale’s role in the Ecuadorian capital market and contributed to its long-term sustainability.

One of the most significant milestones of the past year has been our work toward a ISO 37001 certification in the short term, an internationally recognised standard for anti-bribery management systems. This initiative reflects Decevale’s firm commitment to ethical business practices, corporate integrity, and regulatory compliance. Working closely with the compliance officer, I have contributed to the development and implementation of policies, risk assessments, and control mechanisms that align with ISO 37001’s requirements.

Achieving ISO 37001 certification will not only reinforce Decevale’s credibility in the market but also set a precedent for higher anti-bribery standards in Ecuador’s financial sector.
A crucial part of the transformation involved strengthening compliance measures and reinforcing governance structures. Over the past year, I have worked closely with regulatory bodies, auditors, and industry stakeholders to implement enhanced compliance protocols that mitigate risks and prevent financial misconduct. Additionally, I have been deeply involved in reinforcing institutional integrity through the adoption of the best international practices and internal control mechanisms. This work has not only solidified Decevale’s credibility but has also set a precedent for higher transparency standards in the financial sector.

Beyond institutional initiatives, I have actively contributed to financial education and market awareness through content creation and thought leadership. I have published articles and insights on topics such as institutional transformation, regulatory trends, corporate governance, technological innovation in financial markets, and financial literacy. These efforts aim to bridge knowledge gaps and empower market participants with relevant and timely information. I believe that fostering financial education is fundamental to strengthening capital markets and ensuring investor protection.

The past year has been marked by significant progress in institutional integrity, compliance, and financial education. Leading Decevale’s transformation, advancing the ISO 37001 certification alongside our compliance officer, and fostering thought leadership have been rewarding experiences. I am proud of the tangible impact these initiatives have had on the financial sector and look forward to continuing to drive meaningful changes. Managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crisis requires a proactive, structured, and strategic approach to ensure institutional resilience. As the legal manager of Decevale, I have faced critical moments that demanded a balance between regulatory compliance, risk mitigation, and institutional transformation. My approach is built upon three key pillars: legal risk management, governance and compliance reinforcement, and transparent stakeholder engagement.

What is a cause, business or otherwise, that you are passionate about?

I am passionate about institutional integrity, transparency, and financial market security. I have worked to strengthen governance, compliance, and ethical business practices to ensure a stable and trustworthy financial ecosystem.

One of my key focus areas is reinforcing transparency and independence within financial institutions. Through strong legal frameworks, regulatory compliance, and risk management, I help create mechanisms that protect market participants and ensure fair, corruption-free operations.

Additionally, I am committed to financial security and investor confidence. By working closely with the compliance officer, the internal auditor, and other key areas, I ensure that internal controls, due diligence, and corporate governance structures align with international best practices. Educating stakeholders through thought leadership and strategic communication further promotes transparency and responsible decision-making.

Ultimately, my passion lies in building resilient institutions that operate with integrity, independence, and security, fostering a financial market that benefits all stakeholders while upholding the highest ethical standards.