Head of legal department | Greenock Trust
Nicolás Barizo Peyre
Head of legal department | Greenock Trust
Team size: 4
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?
I believe the value of the legal department during times of instability or crisis cannot be overstated. As legal counsel, we must analyse legal implications and find solutions that best suit the company’s future, without disrupting its day-to-day operations. I recall the decisions we had to make during COVID and the subsequent developments in Uruguay, such as those related to remote work, mandatory requirements for the company, the introduction of new technologies, and the confidentiality issues that arose from these changes.
The key lesson companies have learnt from the “Covid years” is the need for adaptability within their business plans and vision. Every department within the company must be aligned with that vision.
What are the main cases or transactions that you have been involved in recently?
I have been working on the legal analysis and development of a significant international private fund, as well as handling the company’s business licences and reviewing legal developments in the international jurisdictions where we operate, to provide internal reports for our business development department. My team is continuously focused on creating internal policies to meet current legal substance requirements, as well as ensuring compliance with both local and international regulations in the regions where we do business.
What do you see as the major legal challenges for businesses in Uruguay over the next five years, and how are you preparing to address them?
Next year, Uruguay will see a new president take office, and along with changes in parliament, this could lead to amendments to current legislation. While Uruguay enjoys strong legal security and stability, these shifts may present us with new legal developments to analyse and consider.
I believe the greatest challenge in the coming years will be economic, as business costs in Uruguay are high. It is an expensive country not only to live in but also to conduct business. We will, as always, closely monitor the situation in Argentina, one of our major neighbours, and, of course, the next US presidential election.
Head of corporate legal department | Greenock Trust
Head of corporate legal department | Greenok Trust