The banking and finance group at Consortium Legal harnesses the bench strength of offices in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua to assist a diverse client base of government agencies, major multinational businesses, banks and financial institutions (including Credit Suisse, Citibank and the Bank of Nova Scotia) involved in high-value, cross-border transactions. In addition, the practice provides comprehensive advisory services for regional crypto exchanges and fintech payment platforms on the structuring of their businesses. The practice is headed by Salvadoran office managing partner Oscar Samour, who brings over 20 years of experience to the team and is noted for his expertise in multi-jurisdictional deals. Felipe Aragón, who was promoted to partner in September 2023, specialises in financing structures and regulated sector matters. Key support is provided by senior associate Roberto Castro, who arrived in December 2023 from an in-house role at Banco Cuscatlán.
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Key clients
- Banco Agricola (Bancolombia)
- Credit Suisse
- DEG Invest
- The Bank of Nova Scotia
- Oikocredit, Ecumenical Development Cooperative Society
- Banco Atlantida
- Banco Davivienda
- Banco General
- CABEI
- Banco de América Central (Grupo Aval)
- Corporación Andina de Fomento
- Citibank
- DFC
- First Citizens Bank
- Banco Cuscatlán
- Lemon Cash
- Bitso
- Volcan Processing
- Strike
- Cabal App
- Monifai
Work highlights
- Advised the Bank of Nova Scotia on a $60m loan to Exell Business, a holding entity for a vehicle dealership with operations throughout the region and the Caribbean.
- Advised Bitso, a Mexican fintech crypto exchange and payment platform, on the creation of its corporate structure to operate in El Salvador.
- Advised Digicel Group on a bridge loan for up to $75m granted by Citibank to be used as part of its corporate debt restructuring.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Oscar Samour