Firms To Watch: Insurance

Primarily a finance practitioner, Humberto Pérez Rocha, is nevertheless 'an expert in all topics related to insurance legislation and regulation'; his September 2024 arrival puts Chevez Ruiz Zamarripa firmly on the map in the sector.
Following the surprise departure of Humberto Pérez Rocha in September 2024, leadership of the practice at full-service powerhouse Galicia Abogados S.C. has fallen to specialist semi-senior Ricardo Montejano, with oversight by finance partner Rodrigo Rivera; it remains to be seen if the firm will move to further strengthen the practice in the short term.
Mañón Quintana Abogados' up-and-coming insurance and reinsurance offering has a focus on domestic insurance and reinsurance litigation. Experienced litigator Gerardo Quintana Pineda leads the practice, with Darío Jandette Fuentes and January 2023 partner appointment Santiago Nuñez providing additional expertise and bench depth.

Insurance in Mexico

Colin Vega Fletes Abogados

Renowned for its 'experience and marked knowledge in the international insurance and reinsurance markets', insurance law boutique Colin Vega Fletes Abogados is a regular fixture in the most complex insurance cases with Mexican law elements. The firm has close ties with some of the leading international law firms who refer to the practice for issues of Mexican law, while domestically the department is directly instructed by a plethora of multinational insurance and reinsurance companies. In addition to its Mexico City headquarters, the firm also has an office in Madrid, from which it provides advice under Mexican law to Spanish and European entities. A host of experienced, market-reference lawyers make up the team. Francisco Fernández Guerra Fletes is the name to note for insurance or reinsurance issues involving political and legal crises; José Luis Arce Fernández is an expert in corporate and regulatory law and its relevance to insurance sector clients; and José Luis Colin Vega heads the aforementioned Madrid office. Associate Luis Alberto Valle Vidal is a further key contact and especially strong on insurance sector dispute resolution, while matters relating to property, fire, crime and BBB policies are handled adeptly by fellow associate Raquel Adriana Aguirre.

Responsables de la pratique:

Francisco Fernández Guerra Fletes; Jose Luis Colin Vega; Jose Luis Arce Fernández; Raquel Aguirre; Luis Alberto Valle Vidal


Les références

‘It is a multidisciplinary team, with a lot of experience in insurance and reinsurance, which makes them a very complete firm that resolves comprehensively in favor of its clients. In addition, they have the infrastructure to be able to respond quickly.’

‘The knowledge that they have of the reinsurance market and insurance products, especially in property insurance, few lawyers have that knowledge and Francisco Fernández Guerra Fletes has great knowledge of these issues, which gives him allows you to lead an exceptional team and provide great service to your clients.’

‘Experience and marked knowledge in the international insurance and reinsurance markets.’

Principaux clients

Zurich Cia. De Seguros


HDI Global Seguros


Bupa Global


Kot Insurance Company


Mapfre Re


Seguros Inbursa


Grupo Nacional Provincial


Munich Re


Swiss Re


Lloyd’s


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising a transnational energy company on a claim arising out of damages suffered by an offshore pipeline in Mexican waters.
  • Representing insurers and reinsurers in a dispute regarding FOD (foreign object damages) to aircraft engines and additional severe affectations to its fuselage.
  • Acting for a real estate joint venture fund in an arbitration against a Spanish based infrastructure developer regarding contractual breaches and consequent insurance policy claims, relating to a $50m project in Mexico City.

Nader, Hayaux y Goebel, SC

Head of Nader, Hayaux y Goebel, SC's insurance practice, Yves Hayaux-du-Tilly's 'knowledge and analysis is of the highest level' and he is widely recognised as one of the pioneers of specialist advice in this area in Mexico. Primarily located in London, Hayaux-du-Tilly returns to Mexico on a monthly basis and oversees a longstanding practice that operates at the top of the market and which handles both contentious and non-contentious matters. The four largest insurance companies operating in Mexico (AXA, GNP, MetLife and Seguros BBVA) are all regular clients of the practice, seeking counsel from the firm's experienced insurance bench, as well as its finance team with whom the insurance partners collaborate closely. Luciano Pérez ('the best insurance lawyer in the country') is praised for 'his knowledge of regulation' in the insurance space and is well equipped to handle the gamut of non-contentious insurance matters, as well as claims, settlement negotiations, policy analysis and coverage opinions. Enrique Salcedo ('an extraordinary lawyer') is the associate level contact to note, while senior partner Julián Garza lends his expertise on transactional matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Yves Hayaux-du-Tilly


Les références

‘Yves Hayaux knows the market very well, market participants, he has a lot of experience.’

‘In my opinion it is the best firm in Mexico in terms of insurance. The level of specialization of their team is extraordinary and they work so closely with the client that they seem like an extension of the company’s internal legal area.’

‘Luciano Pérez is the best insurance lawyer in the country. His knowledge of regulation, the regulator and his ability to solve complex problems make him a key ally for his clients.’

Principaux clients

BMS Group


Grupo Nacional Provincial


AON Risk Solution


Reinsurance Group of America


The Travelers Companies


BUPA México


Everest Reinsurance Company


Grupo Excel


KOT


Mapfre Mexico


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented the Mexican Mapfre Group in the acquisition of 94.4% of the capital stock of the Mexican Insurance Company Insignia Life.
  • Advised Grupo Excel in securing the regulatory authorisations to incorporate the insurance company in Mexico called Seguros de las Californias.
  • Advised Grupo Bupa on the analysis of different structures related to a joint venture between the client and Grupo BBVA.

Creel, García-Cuéllar, Aiza y Enríquez, S.C.

The specialist insurance practice group at full-service heavyweights Creel, García-Cuéllar, Aiza y Enríquez, S.C. continues to advise on some of the most complex issues in the domestic market, acting for major players in insurance and reinsurance. The team’s workload reflects some of the foremost trends in the market, including preventative matters, innovative schemes for medical attention involving health insurance coverage, and a steadily growing range of corporate reorganisations. A particular niche of late has been the team’s advise to a number of Colombian insurance groups on their entries into the Mexican insurance market. At the helm of the practice, Leonel Pereznieto is one of the go-to names in Mexico, assisting with companies’ local set-up and acquisitions, the design of commercial arrangements and reinsurance structures, and the full range of contentious insurance and reinsurance matters. Counsel María José Pinillos and senior associate Carlo Romero both receive client recognition as ‘experts in insurance matters‘ and constitute the main support to Pereznieto. Pinillos can draw on 15 years’ experience advising insurers, reinsurers and brokers; and Romero has advised multiple insurers and reinsurers on contractual, contentious and corporate issues.

Responsables de la pratique:

Leonel Pereznieto


Les références

‘Extensive knowledge of the insurance sector both at a technical and market level.’

‘Maria José Pinillos and Carlo Romero are both characterized by being experts in insurance matters with a great pleasure in sharing their knowledge and analysis on various insurance topics with the insurance sector. Likewise, they always meet commitment dates, which allows internal issues to be addressed in a timely manner.

‘A very complete team in many subjects. Partners dedicated to their clients.’

Principaux clients

Axa Mexico


MBIA Insurance


Alojica


MBIA Mexico


Great American Insurance Company


El Aguila Compañía de Seguros


Cardif México


Bupa México


Betterfly México


Protección Agropecuaria


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised AXA Seguros on its acquisition of 80% of the capital stock of Seguros Centauro, Salud Especializada.
  • Acted for 17 reinsurers on obtaining the renewal of their registrations with the foreign reinsurers registry, which is kept by the insurance commission.
  • Advising KMS on its compliance with the insurance regulatory requirements for environmental liability insurance.

DAC Beachcroft Mexico

In February 2024 DAC Beachcroft Mexico bolstered its insurance law offering, bringing in three lawyers as it subsumed the Márquez | Castelazo boutique. Elisa Márquez joins the partnership and is a dispute resolution specialist with insurance experience; associate-level hires Beatriz Castelazo de la Fuente and Alberto García Cárdenas also have a litigation focus. They join a department that is led by Miguel Ángel de la Fuente, who has a focus on international matters and specialising in regulatory, corporate, M&A, finance, compliance, coverage analysis, product development and structuring new business in the insurance and reinsurance market. Senior associate David Gonçalves Fernandes is the director of the firm's regional recoveries hub (in Latin America). Fellow senior associates of note are: Alma Daniela Urquiza (litigation), Isabel Alvarado (corporate and claims), and Eduardo Sanchez (corporate and regulatory matters). Former practice co-leader Fabio Corominas left hte firm in August 2023 to new venture law+dgtal.

Responsables de la pratique:

Miguel Ángel de la Fuente Estrada


Les références

‘The office has a high focus on customer service, showing closeness and empathy. Regarding new features introduced, I highlight its constant monitoring of courts, etc. so that they can anticipate any implications or effects on their clients.’

‘The staff seeks contact and closeness with their clients. As for the outstanding personnel, I highlight Miguel de la Fuente, David Gonçalves, Alma Urquiza.’

Principaux clients

Zurich Mexico


AXA Seguros


Munich Re


Lloyd’s Syndicates


Asurion


XL Catlin


Liberty Mutual


Mapfre Global Risks


Tokio Marine/Kiln


Chaucer Syndicates


Global Benefits Group


Tokio Marine Mexico


QBE International Markets


Zurich Ecuador


Howden


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising a European speciality reinsurance group and its insured on a potential claim arising out of potential defective components supplied to a railway system in Monterrey.
  • Assisitng Zurich Mexico with subrogated recovery actions of its overall marine insurance portfolio.
  • Advising a local insurance company on a transfer of its entire insurance portfolio.

Hogan Lovells

A long-standing presence in the sector, Hogan Lovells' Mexico City office fields an insurance practice that has notable expertise in the formation and acquisition of insurance, surety and brokerage companies. Indeed, securing authorisations to acquire and/or form insurance and bonding companies is a particular strength. The team is led by Carlos Ramos Miranda, whose broad practice includes regular assistance to insurance and reinsurance companies and brokers, regulatory issues, transactions and litigation in the sector. Omar Guerrero focuses on the representation of insurance companies in commercial litigation and insolvency proceedings, as does Monterrey-based partner Alejandro García González. Younger partner Luis Ernesto Peón is a further insurance disputes expert of note, while associate Andrea Tinoco supports across corporate and regulatory matters for insurance companies.

Responsables de la pratique:

Carlos Ramos


Les références

‘The Hogan Lovells team, in addition to having extensive knowledge in the insurance sector, has the experience to understand the needs that we face every day. All Hogan Lovells lawyers provide unmatched service, their main strength is anticipation, establishing strategies and resolving conflicts favorable to my client.’

‘The plus that makes Hogan Lovells an outstanding legal firm is the knowledge of the law, the management of the company and always finding the best strategy. Luis Ernesto Peón has the admiration and respect of my company since during the time we have had a company-legal firm relationship he has stood out in service, understanding of our needs, negotiation and conflict resolution, additionally, The consultations we have had with him have been advised in a formidable way.’

Principaux clients

Chubb


Insignia Life


Swiss Re


Liberty Insurance


Lloyds


AmTrust


Partner Re


Axa Seguros


Zurich


Guy Carpenter


Pan-American México, Compañía de Seguros


Starr


Eikos Agente de Segros


Pan-American


Everest


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisting Chubb with securing authorisation from the National Insurance and Bonding Commission (CNSF) to modify its license  in order to include credit insurance in its authorised activities.
  • Acted for more than 35 foreign reinsurance companies on the 2024 extension of their registration of before the General Registry of Foreign Reinsurers maintained by the National Insurance and Bonding Commission.
  • Assisted Insignia Life with the negotiation of the sale of 94% of Proyecto Insignia and its wholly owned subsidiary life insurance company Insignia Life, to Mapfre.

OCAMPO 1890, S. C.

With over 130 years in the Mexican market, OCAMPO 1890, S. C.'s 'very well-organised office' specialises in insurance and reinsurance law. The department covers the full range of contentious and advisory matters in the sector, from corporate and regulatory matters, to litigation, coverage analysis and bonding insurance. A 'very diligent leader', Aldo Ocampo oversees the offering and is particularly focused on contentious matters. Younger partner Abraham Estrada is an insurance and finance sector expert with particular strength in litigation, while Marco Antonio Tapia focuses on analysing complex insurance and reinsurance coverage matters. Leilany Reyes departed the firm in March 2024.

Responsables de la pratique:

Aldo Ocampo


Les références

‘Availability to address issues and responses with quality.’

‘The constant study and preparation in insurance matters allows us to differentiate ourselves from other firms, as well as our commitment to the insurance sector by sharing our knowledge and analysis.’

‘The analysis that is carried out from various angles of the topics to be reviewed and the ability to understand the particularities of the topics. We recommend Abraham Estrada and Aldo Ocampo.’

Principaux clients

Mapfre Mexico


Generali Hong Kong


Berkley International Mexico Seguros


Kot Insurance Company México.


HFW


Seguros Monterrey New York Life


Munich RE


Assa Costa Rica


Essity


Assa El Salvador


HDI Global


SPP Institución de Seguros


AIG Aviation


Genworth


Charles Taylor Consulting


QBE Re


Sideley Austin


Beale & Co


Shperic Assurance


Seguros Sura


Seguros Creciendo Dominican Republic


Pan American Life Insurance


Seguros Banorte


Principaux dossiers


  • Representing Barents Re in liability claims in Mexico.
  • Advised JP Morgan on selling USA insurance to their clients based in Mexico, with business in the USA.
  • Acting for New York Life in a discrimination case in Jalisco.

Bello, Gallardo, Bonequi y García, S.C.

Insurance institutions, brokers, and insurtech companies look to Bello, Gallardo, Bonequi y García, S.C. for guidance through the insurane regulatory landscape in Mexico. Further services in the sector include litigation and the incorporation and authorisation of insurance institutions and brokers. The trio of Javier Pérez Moreno (insurance and reinsurance), Juan Bonequi (litigation) and Miguel Gallardo Guerra (banking, finance, insurance and insurtech), jointly lead the practice group, with Beatriz Reyes the associate to note.

Responsables de la pratique:

Miguel Gallardo Guerra; Juan Bonequi; Javier Pérez Moreno


Les références

‘Their lawyers are specialists in insurance in all its branches and that distinguishes them; it is necessary to have a professional who knows the subject and its practice, which is why they are leaders in this field.’

‘Javier Perez Moreno, excellent attitude, very proactive, good response times and specialised knowledge.’

Principaux clients

Aon


Seguros Sura


Compara en Casa


Uber


AIG


Seguros Banorte


AirBnB


Preminen


Insurex


Cobee


Sostengo


Morgan Stanley New York


Samsung


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising AON on insurance agreements as well as agreements with a broad range of vendors.
  • Assisting Preminen with legal and compliance services on a daily basis.
  • Assisting AIG with several legal cases, including matters of civil liability and punitive damages.

Martínez, Algaba, de Haro y Curiel

The dispute resolution experts at Martínez, Algaba, de Haro y Curiel act for notable names in the insurance sector, with Axa and Metlife being standout repeat clients. Experienced practitioners in contentious matters, Javier Curiel Obscura, Daniel Ortega González and Javier Altamirano Hernández are joint leaders of the department, with Ernesto Palacios Juárez a further partner contact to note, particularly for material, moral, and punitive damages.

Responsables de la pratique:

Javier Curiel Obscura; Daniel Ortega González; Javier Altamirano Hernández


Les références

‘The MAC office has always given us a service with very good results.’

‘The lawyers provide personal and always timely service.

Principaux clients

ING Group


AXA Seguros


MetLife México


New York Life México


HSBC Seguros


Citibanamex Seguros


Ramirez Ornelas Abogados

Ramirez Ornelas Abogados' strong dispute resolution offering has a notable presence in the insurance sector, acting for a range of insurers, reinsurers and claimants. Environmental liabilities and property disputes are among the particular strengths of the team, along with services cover policy assessment, and representation in contract disputes and insurance claims' litigation. Founding partner Gerardo Ramírez heads the practice and is an expert in -and veteran of- commercial litigation in Mexico, as well as having strength in bankruptcy law. Luis Robles is a further experienced name to note, while younger partner Fabricio Escalante is also a key figure for insurance matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Gerardo Ramírez


Principaux clients

Seguros Banorte


Grupo Avalanz


Grupo Fertinal


Vial Assist


Agrogen


Cygnus Ocean Farms


Grupo Nacional Provincial


Zurich Compañia de Seguros


Grupo Mexico


ACS Internacional


ACS Industries


Promotora y Operadora de Infraestructura


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Seguros Banorte in a claim against it for punitive damages.
  • Advised Grupo Fertinal and Minera Rofomex on a $300m case against ING following a hurricane.
  • Assisted Agrogen with a case against Axa Insurance, seeking compensation for substantial damages sustained during a catastrophic flood at its fertilizer manufacturing facility.