About

Portugal’s national postal network operator CTT Correios de Portugal was founded in 1520 and is known as one of the most trusted brands in the country. It listed on Euronext Lisbon in 2013, taking the first steps away from government ownership, and has since continued to evolve. As part of the group’s growth strategy, CTT has moved into payment solutions, postal banking, courier services and electronic document management. The legal team at CTT has managed this significant change over the years, adapting with impressive ease. Led by Magda Viçoso since January 2015, the team entered yet more new ground when they launched a brand new postal bank in late 2015. As one nominator stated, ‘Magda Viçoso has been heavily involved in Banco CTT’s successful strategy since the outset. Her experience and know-how were crucial in achieving practical, efficient and innovative solutions that allowed for the timely and successful implementation of Banco CTT’. This launch was unique for the market, and the structure was created by a team of gifted lawyers working in close collaboration with business counterparts and external counsel. The ambitious project saw the bank open its first branch in November 2015 and then launched 51 branches in one day in March 2016 – the largest such opening in the country’s history. The team’s willingness to innovate has undoubtedly had a positive effect on CTT’s prospects, hitting revenues of almost €700m in 2016.