Possessing top-level firepower in all key pillars of banking and finance law, Brigard Urrutia is primarily recognised for its close links with domestic and international lenders, where it represents financial institutions and alternative lenders in syndicated loans, project financings and asset-backed deals, among other financing structures. The team also stands out for its capability in regulatory work, with its growing activity in fintech-related matters particularly impressing. Managing partner Carlos Fradique-Méndez is highly sought after for his expertise in both finance transactions and regulatory issues; he recently paired up with talented next-generation partner María Fernanda Diago to advise Colombian energy giant, Ecopetrol, on a $250m loan provided by Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation. César Felipe Rodríguez is a go-to expert for banking and finance, energy and infrastructure work; together with Fradique-Méndez, he represented a syndicate of foreign financial institutions on a $330m lending transaction. Rounding out the group of department heads is senior partner Carlos Urrutia, whose broad practice spans banking, finance, energy and dispute resolution; and banking and finance specialist Sebastián Lora, who joined in March 2025 from Martínez Quintero Mendoza González Laguado & de la Rosa. The team additionally leans on a sizable band of senior associates including Santiago Jaramillo Martínez, who is recommended for project finance, and Andrés Díaz, who is well versed in lending transactions and financial regulation. In September 2024, senior associate Nicolás Alonso left to join the in-house team at Caliza.

Distinguished by its dominant lender-side practice, Pérez-Llorca (formerly Gómez-Pinzón Abogados until their June 2025 merger) acts for an exhaustive roster of domestic and foreign commercial banks, multilateral development agencies and alternative lenders on financing transactions — the practice is also routinely engaged by corporate borrowers. On the regulatory front, the team’s close relationships with a myriad of financial institutions and private funds ensures it is additionally well versed in navigating complex regulatory and compliance matters. Department head Ricardo Fandiño is widely acclaimed as a go-to expert for both transactional and regulatory work; he recently advised a group of major foreign banks (BBVA New York branch, JP Morgan, Itaú, Standard Chartered and Bank of Nova Scotia) on a $1.2bn loan to Ecopetrol. José Luis Suárez is another seasoned banking and finance veteran; he was recently selected by Citibank Colombia to support on local law matters related to the refinancing of a corporate credit facility denominated in three currencies. Other key contacts include Daniel Londoño, who acted for International Finance Corporation on a $120m sustainability-linked loan to retailer Jerónimo Martins; and Adriana Moreno, whose practice encompasses capital markets, financial law, and corporate and M&A. Key senior associate Catalina Prieto focuses on corporate and project financings. Former senior Daniel Flórez moved in house at Grupo Patria in mid-2025; sadly, we also have to report that fellow senior Jimena González has passed away.

The banking and finance group at Cuatrecasas primarily stands out for its high-level expertise in project finance transactions, where it acts for both corporate borrowers and lenders on financings in the energy and infrastructure spheres. Other practice sweet spots include cross-border work (where it can utilise its international network of offices across 12 countries), and acquisition finance. Recommended practitioners include Manuel Quinche, who maintains a broad finance practice with a focus on project finance, corporate finance and capital markets-related issues. Quinche recently acted alongside up-and-coming structured and project finance specialist Natalia Arango to advise Concesionaria Ruta al Sur — and its sponsors — on a $672.5m project financing for the Santana–Mocoa–Neiva highway concession. The team additionally benefits from the growing experience of next-generation partners Juan Carlos Puentes, who acts for a mix of financial institutions, multilateral development banks, export credit agencies, sponsors and public sector entities on structured and project finance deals; and Ana María Sánchez, who is widely recognised for her experience in infrastructure project finance, including PPP projects.

Dentons Cardenas & Cardenas’ banking and finance practice is well weighted between borrower and lender-side mandates, with notable experience in representing multilateral development banks as well as non-traditional lenders such as private debt funds. Managing partner Bernardo Cárdenas is a key figure in both the banking and finance, and corporate and M&A groups; he recently represented Inter-American Investment Corporation in a financing granted to On Vacation. Eduardo Cárdenas sits in the corporate, banking and finance, and private client teams; he recently supported Accial Capital Management on several lending transactions. The department is additionally co-led by Felipe Alarcón, whose strong regulatory credentials are evidenced by his former role as Deputy Head of Financial Regulation at the Superintendence of Finance; and Daniela Mejia Mariño, who re-joined the firm as a partner in September 2024, following a nearly three-year stint at Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría — she specialises in finance and corporate work. At senior associate level, Alejandro Parra provides dedicated support to the banking and finance team, with a focus on corporate lending, acquisition finance, and structured finance.

Fully equipped to handle the full range of banking and finance transactions, Garrigues is arguably best known for its track record in project finance work. Additionally, the team is widely admired for its regulatory prowess, where it is a popular choice to advise banks, financial institutions, alternative lenders, and payment companies on M&A and corporate restructurings — it also handles day-to-day compliance matters, including incorporations. Department co-head Roberto Borrás is a go-to expert for banking regulation and recently advised Grupo Bancolombia on its corporate restructuring process, aimed at separating the functions of Bancolombia as a banking institution and parent company of the group. Francisco Noguera co-heads the practice and enjoys a strong profile for project finance; he is advising Empresa Metro de Bogota and Financiera de Desarrollo Nacional (FDN) on the financing of the second line of the Bogotá Metro. A deep pool of talented principal associates includes Lissa Parra Alarcón, who handles a mix of transactional and regulatory work; Mónica Rodríguez G, who is noted for cross-border matters; and Nicolás Angulo, who focuses on banking and finance, securities and capital markets.

Martínez Quintero Mendoza González Laguado & de la Rosa is set apart by its formidable international offering, which remains strong following its May 2024 demerger from the DLA Piper network. Acting on behalf of lenders and corporate borrowers on transactions spanning Latin America, the US, Europe and beyond, the team handles a significant volume of cross-border project financings, acquisition financings and corporate lending matters. Managing partner and department co-head Camilo Martínez is dual New York- and Colombia-qualified and maintains a broad practice encompassing banking and finance, corporate and M&A, and dispute resolution. Martínez recently paired up with fellow co-head Juan Manuel de la Rosa to advise — in conjunction with A&O Shearman — Hoteles Decameron Colombia on a COP$306bn and a $68m financing granted by a syndicate of lenders. Rounding out the group heads is recently promoted (January 2025) partner Juan Camilo Varón, who handles a mix of corporate, finance and commercial work. The team also includes director Sebastian Celis, who returned from Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer in New York in January 2025; senior associate Nicolás Jaramillo; and Sebastián Pomárico, who was promoted to senior associate in January 2024. Sebastián Lora and senior associate Carlos E Guzmán both left the firm in December 2024.

Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría’s comprehensive banking, finance and capital markets offering frequently advises financial entities on transactional and regulatory issues, with a focus on corporate loans, and both project and structured finance. The group is also active in advising sponsors and corporate borrowers on financing matters. Juan Fernando Gaviria co-heads the department and has a focus on corporate and project finance; he recently acted as local counsel to Global Access Fund IV on the review and preparation of financing documents used to make loans to certain financial institutions in Colombia. Fellow co-head Hernando Padilla handles a diverse mix of banking, finance, corporate and private equity-related work; he recently acted as Colombian counsel to The Bank of Nova Scotia and Bancolombia on a loan to Armenta (as borrower) and Villar Treasury (as guarantor). Key supporting associates include intermediate Juliana Pérez, who handles corporate and project finance, and senior Ximena González, who specialises in project finance. In 2024, the team saw the departures of associates Ana María Ramirez, who left for IDB Invest, and Daniela Mejía Mariño.

Posse Herrera Ruiz fields a full-service banking and finance offering that strikes a balance between borrower- and lender-side transactions. Among its other key attributes, the team is sought after for its experience in advising on the local aspects of large-scale cross-border financings, while it also houses robust regulatory expertise. Natalia Escobar co-heads the department and recently teamed up with next-generation partner Juan José Huertas to advise Aligned Data Centers on the local aspects of the upsizing of a credit facility to $2.2bn, to fund its acquisition of ODATA. Jesús Albarrán co-heads the group and acted as local counsel to Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (New York branch) on the $320m refinancing of a syndicated loan facility granted to Contugas. The practice additionally draws on several supporting associates including senior Catalina Posada, whose experience spans banking and finance and capital markets work; and intermediate Juan Camilo Zuluaga, who focuses on regulatory issues concerning the finance and insurance fields. Former department co-head Mariana Posse retired in December 2024, while senior associate Julián Aguirre left in January 2025 to become head of legal at Cobre.

During 2024/25, Baker McKenzie S.A.S. recorded a significant uptick in regulatory work, including advising both domestic and international financial institutions and funds on compliance and product-related matters. On the transactional side, project finance is a key source of mandates and clients highlight the team’s ‘knowledge of the infrastructure, energy, and telecommunications sectors’ — it also routinely handles corporate financings. Department co-head Ricardo Trejos Robledo specialises in structured finance, debt capital markets, private equity funds and financial regulation; he was recently engaged by Fiduciaria Corficolombiana — one of the largest asset managers in Colombia — to advise on regulatory issues regarding its portfolio funds. Jaime Trujillo co-heads the group and combines strength in M&A, private equity and corporate finance law. At associate level, senior Mónica Cubillos Iregui brings to bear significant in-house experience gained during her previous role as chief lawyer at Itaú Corpbanca Colombia. Also noted are juniors Victoria Luque and Adriana Riobó, both of whom focus on banking and finance.

Regulatory work is a key pillar of CMS Rodríguez-Azuero’s banking and finance offering, with the team routinely representing financial institutions, fintechs, and payment platforms — among others — on compliance, new products, and regulatory approvals. The team also maintains an active transactional practice, where it enjoys particularly fruitful relationships with development banks. Regulatory specialist Sergio Rodríguez-Azuero co-heads the department and additionally spearheads the dispute resolution group; he recently advised fintech, Rapyd Financial Networks (2016), on its acquisition of Tecnipagos, as part of a larger international transaction. Fellow department co-head Daniel Rodríguez additionally co-heads the restructuring and insolvency, and compliance and corporate criminal law practices; he focuses mainly on transactional matters for clients including multilateral development banks, and other local and foreign financial entities. At associate level, senior María Paula Sandoval provides support to the banking and finance, and public procurement areas, while intermediate Camila Posada is noted for banking and finance, public procurement, and restructuring and insolvency law.

Demonstrating a marked focus on regulatory matters, Holland & Knight’s banking and finance team is also equipped to handle complex transactions on behalf of both lenders and corporate borrowers. Among its transactional strong suits, project finance is a key source of mandates, while it additionally shines in corporate finance and structured finance. Department co-head Juliana Saa has a focus on corporate, finance and capital markets work, and routinely represents banks, development finance institutions and alternative lenders on banking and finance deals. Fellow co-head Camilo Gantiva specialises in capital markets transactions and financial regulation; he recently advised e-commerce platform, Mercado Pago on compliance issues concerning the Colombian payments ecosystem. Also noted, Bogotá managing partner Enrique Gómez‐Pinzón splits his time between Colombia and the US; and intermediate associate Juan Felipe Fontecha, who was formerly an attorney at the Superintendence of Finance. Intermediate associate María Elvira Borrero joined Avianca in April 2025.

Corporate, project, and structured finance boutique, Mendoza, maintains a banking and finance team that ‘offers a perfect combination of agility and precision’, according to clients. Equally adept in representing lenders and borrowers, the group is particularly active in transactions involving the energy and infrastructure sectors. Founding partner Mateo Mendoza is singled out for his ability to provide ‘close and ongoing support’ and possesses strong experience in project finance, corporate lending and structured finance. Mendoza has recently undertaken work for a broad raft of corporate and banking clients, including Financiera de Desarrollo Nacional and Banco BTG Pactual Colombia. Other key contacts include counsel María Lucia Amador, who is noted for her focus on the project finance and infrastructure areas; counsel María Beatriz Segura, who contributes significant international experience; and senior associate Lina María Londoño, who handles a mix of corporate finance, capital markets and sovereign debt-related matters.  Intermediate associates Nicolás Pérez (who joined in September 2024 from Muñoz Aya Legal) and Luis Tolosa are also recommended.

An aviation finance powerhouse, Parra Rodríguez Abogados acts for major industry leaders on aircraft financing and leasing transactions, including global heavyweights such as AerCap, Avolon and SMBC Aviation. The team is additionally active on behalf of banks, investment funds, export credit agencies and borrowers. Among its highlights during 2024/25, the group secured key roles in a string of high-value, cross-border asset-based financings, including representing Nordea Bank in the refinancing of regasification vessel, Höegh Grace. Banking and finance head Bernardo Rodríguez Ossa is a go-to expert for asset-based finance; he co-led the Nordea Bank deal together with recently made up (June 2024) banking and finance partner César Barajas Ruiz. Further key contacts include Augusto Figueroa Sierra, whose broad experience encompasses finance, corporate and commercial, and administrative law matters; and senior associate Elisa Muskus Escamilla, whose work is concentrated in the banking and finance, and international law areas.

Displaying in-depth regulatory expertise, Lloreda Camacho & Co.’s financial law and capital markets team keeps busy advising financial entities on company incorporations before the Superintendence of Finance, as well as assisting with new financial products, fintech issues, and day-to-day compliance matters. The group is further equipped to represent lenders and borrowers on finance transactions, where it can team up with dealmakers in its corporate and M&A, and infrastructure units. Key partner Carlos Carvajal anchors the practice and combines experience in financial law, fintech, infrastructure and real estate, among other areas. Intermediate associate Santiago Garzón provides strong support to the finance department and is noted for his focus on matters involving the telecoms, transport, infrastructure and healthcare industries.

According to clients, Muñoz Aya Legal is unique for its ‘ability to combine deep industry expertise with a forward-thinking approach’. As a boutique firm specialising in capital markets and financial law, it is well positioned to advise local and international financial institutions, investment funds, infrastructure providers and fintechs on an array of regulatory and transactional matters. Founding partner Edgar Muñoz maintains a comprehensive banking and finance practice, with strong skill sets in regulation and compliance, lending transactions, securities and structured finance. The practice additionally draws on dual-qualified (Colombia/New York) senior associate Laura Montejo, who supports on corporate and finance transactions, international work, and regulatory compliance. Senior associate Daniel Molano left in April 2024 to become legal director at Homebuilder, while Nicolás Pérez departed five months later.

Muñoz Tamayo & Asociados’s financial regulation practice continues to grow in prominence and it is frequently engaged by a diverse roster of finance entities, insurance companies, and fintechs to assist with company incorporations, compliance issues, and new product matters. The group is also adept at transactions, with a focus on banking M&A, project finance and cross-border work. Department co-head Felipe Trías is noted for his impressive regulatory background, which includes in-house stints at Banco Andino, Fiduandino and Banco de Colombia, among others. Firm founder Diego Muñoz Tamayo co-heads the team and handles regulatory compliance, corporate lending and project finance. At associate level, intermediate Camilo Muñoz Torres and junior Melanie Gómez support on banking and finance work. Senior associate Daniel Cardona-Aranda left in January 2025.

Commended for its ‘extensive technical and legal knowledge’ Ustáriz & Abogados Estudio Jurídico’s banking and finance team is widely admired for its regulatory firepower. In particular, the team leverages experience in advising clients on matters related to banking responsibility, electronic fraud, fintech, and International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) master agreements. Luis Humberto Ustáriz co-heads the department and specialises in advising financial entities and corporations on banking and finance, capital markets and insurance law, with an emphasis on compliance and regulatory issues. Jose Federico Ustáriz co-leads the practice and is noted for regulatory compliance, financial consumer law and capital markets' matters. The group also includes counsels Calixto Anaya, who was formerly a legal manager at Fiduciaria Scotiabank Colpatria; and Mario Fajardo, who contributes significant in-house experience gained during stints at Fiduciaria Popular, Fiducoldex and Fiduciaria La Previsora.

Advocat is commended for being ‘uniquely positioned to navigate the complexities of the fintech industry’. However, the banking and finance team’s recent experience extends beyond fintech to encompass regulatory and transactional matters for both lenders and borrowers, with a focus on the private lending sphere. Nicolás Fernández De Soto oversees the department and contributes niche expertise in representing private lenders, including fintechs. A capable team of associates includes intermediate Javier de la Cruz, who specialises in finance, fintech and securities; and junior Maria Antonia Recio, who demonstrates ‘deep knowledge of financial regulation’.

Durán & Osorio Abogados Asociados’s banking and finance team often acts hand-in-hand with the firm’s signature projects and public law practices to support on the funding of infrastructure and energy projects. A frequent adviser to both borrowers and lenders, the group is particularly recognised for its involvement in large-scale transport and road projects. Álvaro Gasca spearheads the department and possesses a strong record in advising on the financings of rail, road and other public transport projects. Projects and public law veteran Gabriel Taboada is also noted for project finance work, while senior associates Sebastián Duque ('precision, creativity, and a robust understanding of financial law') and Daniela Mejía ('analytical rigour and commercial awareness') both impress.