Home to one of the premier banking and finance practices in Brazil, Machado Meyer Sendacz e Opice Advogados handles the full array of lending and structured finance transactions at the domestic and international levels. In addition to its solid transactional skills, the group is also proficient in administrative litigation and regulatory matters, often advising financial institutions and payment services companies on banking and payment regulations, foreign exchange, anti-money laundering issues and authorisations by the Central Bank and the Brazilian Securities Exchange Commission (CVM). Practice head Eduardo Avila de Castro and Nei Schilling Zelmanovits are key names to note for regulatory issues pertaining to the banking sector. Project finance and structured transactions in the transport, logistics and mining industries are key areas of activity for Adriano Schnur, while Renato Gomes Ribeiro Maggio stands out for his extensive experience in debt restructurings and special situations matters. Fully devoted to the banking sector, Rafael Carretero handles a mix of syndicated loans, debt restructurings, derivatives issues, and M&A.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The quality of the team and the availability to deliver according to the demands of the transaction is incomparable. The partners are always available and very close to the work, helping to think of innovative solutions for situations that arise throughout the deals. The most senior associates also have a high level of delivery and knowledge.'

  • ‘Renato Maggio is the most complete partner I worked with at Machado Meyer. Very fast, diligent, available and technical. Even when he does not have full command of a certain subject, he quickly brings another partner of the highest level into the transaction to provide the basis and security for decision-making.'

  • ‘The banking and finance team is fast, extremely technical and has a great understanding of what the client needs.'

  • ‘Renato Maggio has knowledge of all aspects of banking and finance. All the transactions we did with him were extremely successful.’

  • ‘Firm of excellent size, service and quality - perhaps the best in the country.'

Key clients

  • Mercado Crédito SCFI S.A (MercadoLivre Group)
  • Banco do Brasil
  • PayPal
  • C6 Bank
  • J.P. Morgan
  • BTG Pactual
  • Goldman Sachs
  • Citibank
  • Travelex Bank / Confidence (Grupo Travelex)
  • Banco Inter
  • Visa
  • CEF – Caixa Econômica Federal
  • IFC – International Finance Corporation
  • NDB – New Development Bank
  • IDB – Interamerican Development Bank
  • Santander
  • Banco Votorantim
  • FacilitaPay
  • Banco Toyota do Brasil
  • PagSeguro/BancoSeguro

Work highlights

  • Advised Banco C6 S.A. on the 6% increase in the indirect participation of JPMorgan Chase in C6 Bank.
  • Assisted Export Development Canada with a deal that consisted of a financing transaction based on a credit agreement with CMPC Celulose Riograndense Ltda.
  • Acted as local counsel to the International Finance Corporation (IFC) regarding the financing, in the total amount of $600m, to Suzano S.A., guaranteed by Suzano Pulp and Paper Europe SA and Suzano International Trade GMBH, for the financing of company activities and projects.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Eduardo Avila de Castro

Other key lawyers

Nei Schilling Zelmanovits, Adriano Schnur, Renato Gomes Ribeiro Maggio, Rafael Carretero, Alessandra Carolina Rossi Martins