A strong performer in traditional cross-border and domestic financings, Bustamante Fabara demonstrates notable expertise in secured and unsecured corporate lending and project finance matters. On the capital markets front, the team excels in multijurisdicitonal securitisations and stands out for its strong track record in green, blue, social and sustainable bonds issuances in the Ecuadorian market. Co-head Jesús Beltrán focuses on cross-border finance, capital markets and investment banking deals, while fellow co-leader Diego Ramírez Mesec brings together experience in banking and finance, international trade, and commercial matters. José Rafael Bustamante C. handles secured and unsecured corporate loans; Juan Felipe Bustamante assists with the financing of infrastructure projects; Kirina González shines in corporate finance; and Patricio Santos is singled out for his banking regulatory expertise.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘A highly specialised team that understands client's needs and is used to working in cross-border transactions.'

  • ‘A pro-deal attitude, with high legal knowledge.'

  • ‘The Bustamante Fabara team shows great knowledge of the banking and financial sector, knowing how to easily convey complex issues about their jurisdiction, and quickly propose alternatives to adapt to the requirements of a transaction. It is a responsive team that is attentive to the client, following up on the issues.'

  • ‘Kirina González is an excellent associate, with great knowledge of the sector and client relationship management. In general, we can highlight excellent client service on the part of the team and great ease in working hand in hand with firms from other jurisdictions on cross-border projects.'

  • ‘The financial team of BF has full knowledge of the subject matter at hand, providing immediate and quality advice in any situation the company may require.’

  • ‘I work directly with Kirina González and José Rafael Bustamante Crespo, both of them attend in a direct, unique and personal way to the issues that are consulted, providing efficiency and quality in their answers. I would also like to mention Valentina Morillo for her speed in attending to our requests. ’

Key clients

  • IDB Invest
  • International Finance Corporation
  • PROPARCO
  • Japan International Cooperation Agency
  • Goldman Sachs
  • Development Finance Institute Canada (Findev Canada)
  • CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean
  • DEG
  • Banco Guayaquil
  • Banco del Austro

Work highlights

  • Advised Credit Suisse, as lead arranger, on the largest sovereign debt-for-nature swap, enabling the Republic of Ecuador to secure perpetual funding for conservation of the marine reserve in the Galapagos.
  • Advised IDB Invest, IDB and Findev Canada as international investors on the subscription of a $80m “Blue Bonds” issued by Banco Bolivariano, which was executed as a public offering through the Guayaquil Securities Exchange.
  • Advised Banco Guayaquil in connection with its $125m cross-border securitisation of direct payment rights arising from foreign remittances, the first by the bank.

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
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.

Jesús Beltrán, Diego Ramírez Mesec