Chief legal and compliance officer | Klar
Hernán Garza
Chief legal and compliance officer | Klar
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?
At Klar, we have successfully raised over USD$200m in equity, acquired three million users, and accumulated user deposits exceeding USD$600m. Despite our early-stage status, we face challenges typical of much larger companies. The rapid evolution of our teams, processes, and business needs demands resourcefulness and swift adaptation.
Our primary strategy for managing instability and crises involves cultivating a versatile skill set within our legal team. Regulatory specialised counsels frequently engage with employment issues, sophisticated corporate challenges, and more. This cross-functional approach has created a nimble, resilient team capable of addressing any problem or crisis that arises. By aligning our legal strategy with the broader business objectives, we ensure that Klar remains robust and adaptable, no matter the circumstances.
What are the main cases or transactions you have been involved in recently?
Our team has been engaged in a wide range of critical matters, from fundraising to securing essential regulatory licenses for our business operations. One notable achievement we are particularly proud of is the acquisition of a SOFIPO (Community Bank) and the subsequent transition of our business from a fintech entity. This complex process involved the regulatory digitalisation of the acquired SOFIPO and extensive work on product regulatory design. These efforts significantly reduced the time required for obtaining authorisations and completing necessary filings, underscoring our commitment to operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.
What strategies do you employ to ensure the successful digital transformation of a legal department while maintaining compliance with Mexico’s data protection laws?
In driving the digital transformation of our legal department, we prioritise maintaining strict compliance with Mexico’s data protection laws. For instance, when implementing AI initiatives within the company, our legal team works closely with business units to analyse privacy implications and establish safeguards. This ensures that technological advancements uphold user data protection as a paramount principle, while also adhering to applicable regulations. By integrating legal oversight into the digital transformation process, we maintain a robust compliance framework that supports both innovation and regulatory adherence.
How do you manage and motivate your legal team to ensure high performance and professional growth?
I believe that lawyers derive great satisfaction from tackling sophisticated legal challenges with a high degree of autonomy and ownership. In a fast-paced environment like Klar, our legal team is constantly challenged to be practical and efficient. This dynamic setting fosters self-motivation and resilience. By empowering our lawyers to take initiative and own their projects, we create an environment that encourages professional growth and high performance. We emphasise continuous learning and provide opportunities for our team to expand their skills and expertise, ensuring they remain motivated and engaged in their work.
Chief legal and compliance officer | Klar
Chief legal and compliance officer | Klar