Team size: 35

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?

First of all, I believe that in order to navigate today’s ways of work, we need to understand that instability and crises are becoming a part of our lives, especially given that we are based in Latin America. Having said that, what is expected from us as general counsel is to provide the best legal advice despite difficult scenarios.

We need to be prepared to face situations where our job may be considered a hindrance, as we must protect the company from committing infractions. Consequently, we need to find an equilibrium between regulations and the execution of the company’s strategies. For me, the most difficult part is deciding when to say no and when to assume risks.

As general counsel, we need to be completely aligned with the company’s strategy. It is important to redirect our legal advice to ensure the feasibility and resilience of the company. To achieve our objectives, the legal area needs to be built up with the goal of helping to fulfil the company’s strategy. We must actively participate in the construction and execution of the strategy, rather than being mere observers.

What measures has your company taken to embed sustainability practices into its core business operations, and how does the role of the general counsel contribute to driving and ensuring sustainable practices within the company?

As a company that manages pension funds for more than four million affiliates, holding almost 40% of the local market share and the number one AFP in funds under administration, it is important for us to incorporate sustainability practices into our strategy. As the general counsel, I am working on the execution of two main pillars.

The first one is related to the incorporation of responsible investment principles within the investment decision-making process. By doing so, we ensure (i) the long-term value of the portfolios we manage and, most importantly, (ii) the possibility for our affiliates to have better pensions.

The second one is related to public policies. We are committed to working towards obtaining better regulations that will help construct the sustainability of the local private pension system.

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?

As a woman, this topic is especially important to me, and because of that, I have decided to take more direct measures to address this issue. As of last year, I am a part of the diversity and inclusion committee of the company. This has been an important accomplishment within my career because it allows me to participate in the decision-making process of changes concerning this topic within the company. It also gives me more accountability in the development of better policies that will help us address all topics related to diversity and inclusion in a more efficient way.