Regional firm Aguilar Castillo Love enjoys a stellar reputation for handling cross-border financial transactions, with a notable strong suit in advising major international and regional lenders on loans to domestic companies, although the practice is equally adept at acting for borrowers (particularly on energy-related financings). International capital markets matters are also a core area of expertise for the ‘excellent’ team, whose impressive recent caseload includes advising the bookrunner on two sovereign bond issuances by the Republic of Guatemala. On the regulatory front, the team is frequently sought out by foreign clients for advice on fintech matters. At the head of the practice, Juan Carlos Castillo Chacón is widely regarded as a market leader in energy finance and capital markets transactions, while Natalia Callejas Aquino shines on project finance and fintech mandates. Associate Rudy Villatoro provides key support, particularly on regulatory matters.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'When we work with Natalia Callejas, there is a greater level of depth in the legal analysis she carries out compared to lawyers at other firms. Likewise, she delivers added value when bringing other relevant compliance issues to the table. Her client service and prompt responses are what sets her apart.'
  • 'With Natalia Callejas, we get in-depth analysis, relevant political context that may affect the matter in question and knowledge of issues related to compliance and best practice.'
  • 'Excellent team. It is always a pleasure to work with them.'

Key clients

  • Banco Santander
  • Credit Suisse (now UBS)
  • Morgan Stanley
  • Torrecom
  • TMF Group
  • Citibank
  • Banco Agromercantil (BAM)
  • Banco Ficohsa Panamá
  • Peter Dominici
  • WaterEquity

Work highlights

  • Advised Santander, acting as bookrunner, on the issuance of sovereign bonds by the Republic of Guatemala under Rule 144A/Reg S with a 6.6% interest rate and a maturity date of 2032.
  • Advised Santander on the issuance of sovereign bonds by the Republic of Guatemala under Rule 144A/Reg S with a 7.05% interest rate and a maturity date of October 2032.
  • Assisted TMF Group in connection with its participation as collateral agent in Promerica Financial Corporation's issuance of bonds for $200m with an interest rate of 9.7% due 2024.

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.

Juan Carlos Castillo Chacón, Natalia Callejas Aquino