Could you share an example of a time when you came up with an innovation that improved how your legal team works and did not come at a large expense?  

When it comes to team management, we are constantly looking for ways to empower our co-workers: (i) keeping team morale high; (ii) reaffirming the positive results of relevant achievements (identifying those involved in having achieved set goals and giving positive support); and (iii) establishing management and communication processes and reviewing them, are examples of how, without neglecting the service we render to clients, we emphasise boosting productivity by being strong ourselves first. There is innovation in caring. 

Can you foresee any key developments to the way general counsel work over the next five years?  

In accordance with the different roles that I have assumed recently as well as those I have seen my colleagues have assumed, the role of general counsel is increasing its relationship with aspects that are not purely legal but also associated with compliance, public relations and to a lesser extent the commercial area. I interpret this process as something positive. The foregoing means that we can assume that this type of role will develop other skills in the future beyond leadership and advice on legal matters for the company, but rather taking a step forward in becoming a vital part of the decision-making process in companies. 

What are some of the main trends impacting the industry sector you work in in Uruguay?  

As service providers of the financial industry, the main trend that can be seen is the great concern of the different key players in aspects relating to ESG. Uruguay is taking a step forward as a country in this sense, with the issuance of green bonds and a marked involvement of the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Uruguay in promoting policies in this regard. 

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?  

Winterbotham has voluntarily committed before the Central Bank of Uruguay to form part of a permanent working group that will promote and apply policies in this regard. Regarding internal compliance, the role of the general counsel and his team is fundamental in giving advice to the company on compliance and development of processes, manuals, audits, etc. It also plays a role in assisting entities under the company´s administration such as public trusts or mutual funds to adhere to sustainable practices. As far as outside the company is concerned, the general counsel may actively participate in discussion forums on these issues and therefore be a key player in the design and application of future policies.