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?   

The experience we lived in 2020 with the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic generated great learning in all senses. We realised that the protocols for working periods of instability or crisis were insufficient to face the challenges imposed by an event of such magnitude. On the one hand, we faced a general fear because we felt that our health and that of our loved ones were at risk, on the other hand we had to keep the Bank operation going because it was an essential activity, in accordance with the guidelines established by the health authorities and thirdly, in the face of a scenario of state of uncertainty in all economic activities, take the necessary measures to avoid a deterioration of our portfolio. Fortunately, Banco del Bajio reacted quickly to implement support for our clients through payment deferral programmes, as well as protect the integrity and safety of all its collaborators, establishing work-at-home policies and exploiting the use of technological tools to facilitate communication with clients and work team. In this context, the legal area had to work in a coordinated manner with all responsible areas so that our operations could continue to be carried out in a safe way. This experience enhanced the use of technological tools and led us to reflect on the need to adopt credit operations with the support of technology and artificial intelligence, in an accelerated manner and in accordance with the regulatory framework that applies to banks in Mexico. Today we are in that implementation process. This recent experience has forced us to establish crisis management policies with a rapid response capacity, in order to adapt to any event that may occur in the future. Without a doubt, the great learning as head of the legal business department of Banco del Bajio was working collaboratively, with empathy and resilience.  

What are the main cases or transactions you have been involved in recently?   

In the particular case of Banco del Bajio, we have developed a growth strategy in all economic activities: in business banking, corporate banking, government banking, banking for small and medium-sized companies, known as PYMES and which are the most important economic activity in Mexico, as well as in the agribusiness sector, in which we have been leaders for many years, which leads us to have a high level of specialisation in legal processes. This has allowed us to achieve a diversified and high-quality loan portfolio. However, recently Banco del Bajio has been participating very actively in syndicated loans in different sectors such as housing, infrastructure, agribusiness, financial intermediaries, large corporations and other relevant activities, which have allowed us to interact with other banks and law firms, which has been a very enriching and great learning experience.  

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 Mexico there is a strict regulatory framework for the protection of personal data and to carrying out operations through electronic means. Cybercrime is also a problem that we must face. In the first semester of 2024 by itself, the losses of financial institutions due to cyber-attacks has doubled compared to the same period in 2023, according to the Mexican Central Bank. Therefore, although we are on the path of digital transformation, to carry out banking operations through technological platforms, the use of electronic signature and other means of identification and authentication methods, we must do so in accordance with the current legal framework and guaranteeing cybersecurity and the confidentiality of our operations.

In your opinion, what are the main trends that are salient in your country currently (these can be legal, political, economy or business-based)?    

In Mexico we are facing relevant changes in the short-term period. A reform to the judiciary is in progress that must be analysed very carefully, because it may have on the judicial system and on the right of access to prompt, rapid and impartial justice for all citizens. Additionally, a new national code of civil and family procedures will soon come into force, which will replace the federal and local procedural codes, which implements online trials and orality. Without a doubt, the above will have an impact not only on the financial system, but in general, on Mexico´s legal system. This constitutes a challenge that requires a continuous updating of lawyers to be ready when these changes get implemented.