Leading Associates

Banking and finance in Uruguay

Ferrere

Ferrere‘s position at the forefront of the banking and finance sector is reflected by its stellar roster of national and international clients, which includes banks, financial institutions and government entities. The team is also involved in the drafting of regulation in the sector. Its one-stop-shop service encompasses structured finance and loan transactions, as well as regulatory advice and M&A within the banking space. The practice is active in the capital markets field and is regularly called upon by clients to advise on securitisations and bond issuances; practice head Diego Rodríguez specialises in securitisations and has a successful track record in handling significant securitisations in Uruguay. Focusing on banking regulations, Geraldine Ifrán plays a key role in M&A of banking and insurance entities. Gonzalo Secco advises a diverse range of clients and has particular expertise in project finance, as does Sebastián Ramos, who advises foreign lenders on the financing and refinancing of infrastructure and energy projects. Promoted to partner in January 2024, Federico Lemos leads the firm’s dedicated fintech practice and plays a key role in capital markets transactions. At the senior associate level, Cecilia Trujillo participates in both national and international commercial transactions, and Lucía Rosso is also an active member of the team.

Responsables de la pratique:

Diego Rodríguez


Les références

‘Large, multidisciplinary team always available.’

‘The Ferrere teams create good synergy, which is transmitted to the client and has a positive impact on the comprehensive service they provide us.’

‘Federico Lemos is the lawyer who attends to and channels our issues. I highlight him for his great fluency in the various topics and the execution of his answers.’

Principaux clients

CAF-AM


Aberdeen Fund Managers Limited


Bestinver


IDB Invest


UBS


JPMorgan


Credit Suisse


CAF


The Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank)


UTE


Joyson Safety Systems


UNIDO (United National Industrial Development Organization)


Itaú Uruguay


BBVA Uruguay


Patria Investments


Inviu (Banco Galicia Argentina)


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Centerbridge Partners and other financial institutions on the granting of a $700m credit facility to Sabre.
  • Advising the municipality of Montevideo on the structuring of a bond issuance, which will be done through a financial trust, to finance all of Montevideo’s public transport companies to replace the bus fleet with electric vehicles.
  • Advised Itaú on the acquisition of a 40% stake in Handy.

Guyer & Regules

Guyer & Regules remains a go-to choice for both local and international banks, acting as regular counsel to a significant number of private banks. The team’s expert advice covers credit and trade facilities, convertible loans, financial trusts, hybrid financings, derivatives and debt notes. It stands out for having a strong regulatory practice, supporting regulated institutions in M&A and advising investment funds on registration. The group’s leading position in the market sees it excel in innovative transactions, including fintech matters and project and sustainability sovereign bonds. Capital markets is another focus area, and the practice plays a key role in sovereign debt issuances. Álvaro Tarabal leads the team, alongside Nicolás Herrera and financial regulatory expert Nicolás Piaggio, who is experienced in financing and sovereign debt transactions and debt restructurings. Head of the fintech practice Florencia Castagnola has a wealth of experience in banking and finance regulations. Federico Piano plays a lead role in advice to key clients, such as BBVA and HSBC. With an impressive clientele of lenders, multilaterals and local financial institutions, Juan Manuel Mercant is experienced in project finance structures. Marcos Payssé leads capital markets transactions, while Guzmán Rodríguez is noted for his role in derivatives matters and cross-border financing.

Responsables de la pratique:

Nicolás Piaggio; Nicolás Herrera; Álvaro Tarabal


Les références

‘Guyer has a reputation for being the best law firm in the country and when you work with them you understand why. The level of professionalism and solidity of its lawyers sets a standard of excellence in the country.’

‘I would like to highlight Guzmán Rodríguez Carrau. Not only is his technical and professional capacity exceptional, but also his human warmth and personal dedication make him face any difficult situation with the certainty of being in the best hands.’

‘It is a very homogeneous team and they have a very strong culture that permeates all areas of practice. Outstanding partners and associates: Florencia Castagnola, Nicolas Piaggio, Federico Piano, Juan Manuel Mercant, Marcos Paysse.’

Principaux clients

Citibank


HSBC


Banco Itaú


JP Morgan


Bank of America


BBVA


IDD


CAF


Credit Agricole


UBS


Julius Baer


Met Life


Scotiabank


Goldman Sachs


Pimco


BNP Paribas


American Express


Binance


Mercado Pago


Banco Provincia


Santander Spain


Deutsche Bank


Nomura


Societe Generale


Sumitomo


Natixis


Macquaire


TMF


dLocal


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised the underwriters (BofA Securities, Citigroup Global Markets and Itau BBA USA Securities) on a debt issuance of the Republic of Uruguay of $1.2bn to make a concurrent tender offer.
  • Advised Sabre on a private financing led by Centerbridge and other investors of a credit facility of $700m to Sabre Financial Borrower, supported by Sabre Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries.
  • Advised HSBC Bank (Uruguay) on a successful issuance of mortgage credit notes, which was indexed to the inflation rate and amounted to $15m.

Dentons Jiménez de Aréchaga

Dentons Jiménez de Aréchaga ‘stands out’ for its expertise in the fintech sector, and the banking and finance team advises numerous clients in the payment systems and open banking space. Noting a recent increase in infrastructure projects, the team has also been advising on a growing number of project finance transactions; renewable energy and PPP financings are particularly active areas for the group. The practice has also strengthened its capabilities in the consumer finance space, adding a number of financial entities to its clientele. Three partners jointly lead the team: Nicolás Herrera Alonso focuses on banking and capital markets matters, advising key clients such as JP Morgan; Mariela Ruanova has an established reputation in the technology sector and counts payment solution providers among her diverse roster of clients; and Fernando Jiménez de Aréchaga Jr spearheads the team’s project financing matters. Senior associates Mariana Lartigau, Alfredo Arocena, Maite Gaynicotche and Alejandra Martínez are also key members of the team.

Responsables de la pratique:

Nicolás Herrera Alonso; Mariela Ruanova; Fernando Jiménez de Aréchaga


Les références

‘The expertise in the regulatory framework and the payment methods industry stands out, which is very specific.’

‘Professionalism, human quality and responsibility.’

Principaux clients

Delivery Hero


JP Morgan


CIEMSA


CargoLine (Copetrol Group)


Grupo Vía Central


Investment Corporation of Dubai


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted the Investment Corporation of Dubai in the refinancing of a credit owed by Optimum Group, a real estate developer.
  • Advised on equity financing granted by Santander Spain to a group of six investment funds managed by Patria, for the purpose of funding their equity commitments into a toll road project in Colombia.
  • Advised Prometeo on the negotiation of a master agreement with Citibanamex to regulate the terms and conditions of the open banking services that Prometeo will offer to Citibanamex’s clients.

Hughes & Hughes

Distinguished by its focus on project finance, the banking and finance team at Hughes & Hughes advises borrowers on the financing and refinancing of energy projects. Thanks to its experience in complex financing transactions, the team advises on credit facilities and revolving and convertible bridge loans. It acts for an impressive clientele of banks, international brokers and financial advisors, and is regularly sought after by multilateral credit organisations. Active in the Uruguayan securities market, the practice specialises in the brokerage of derivatives and the online trading of securities. It also has a successful track record in the refinancing of debt, in both judicial and out-of-court reorganisation proceedings. Practice head Héctor Ferreira is experienced in the representation of companies in negotiations with multilateral credit organisations, investment banks and financial entities. He leads the team alongside Haroldo Espalter, experienced in international project financing, and Juan Carlos Oreggia Carrau, who focuses his practice on investment in the forestry and energy sectors. Mariana Estradé spearheads the team’s project finance work, handling the financing and refinancing of wind farm, PPP and renewables projects. Florencia Beyhaut is another name to note.

Responsables de la pratique:

Haroldo Espalter; Hector Ferreira; Juan C. Oreggia Carrau


Les références

‘The Hughes & Hughes team is strong and operates as a true team for the benefit of its client.’

‘Agile response, follow-up, understanding and passion for what they do differentiates them from other firms.’

‘Team that takes advantage of the synergies of each member to be able to enhance itself and cover all the needs of its clients. All required topics are covered.’

Principaux clients

BBVA


Banco Galicia


Rabobank


American Express


Bank of New York


Duetsche Bank


Bank Of America – Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith


Société Génerale


TKE Bank of Tokyo – Mitsubishi


Fitch Ratings


Inviu Agente De Valores


Emprendimientos De Valor


Pay Retailers


Consorcio del Uruguay


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented Rabobank, which granted a loan through a facility agreement to Malteria Oriental, on a negotiated solution to allow the repayment of the loans.
  • Advised San Miguel Group and Rabobank through a Chinese Wall, accepted by both parties, on an agreement whereby Rabobank would lend up to $27m in the terms and conditions of a medium-term finance facility agreement.
  • Assisted Nicefield in the negotiation of local formalities and steps for the amendment of the original financing in order to replace the benchmark rate.

Posadas

Acting for a clientele of multinational lenders, Posadas regularly advises on project finance, particularly in the energy and infrastructure sectors. The team has a proven track record in corporate, acquisition and asset finance deals, on both the lender and borrower side, as well as in structured finance and syndicated, cross-border credit facilities. Its regulatory expertise sees the team sought out by development banks, payment services companies, fintechs, crypto platforms, brokers and investment advisers for assistance in obtaining operating licenses. The firm is a key player in the Uruguayan capital markets space, handling securities placements and public bond offerings. Practice head Tomas Gurméndez bolsters the team’s cross-border capabilities and is regularly engaged by multinational investment banks and multilaterals, particularly for advice on collateral structures. As head of the banking regulatory department, Andrés Aznárez has ‘unmatched experience’ and advises an impressive list of regulated financial entities, from banks and investment firms to brokers and fintechs. Victoria Garabato plays a key role in the team’s project finance practice, particularly in the renewables and infrastructure sectors. Martina Reyes is a name to note at the senior associate level.

Responsables de la pratique:

Tomas Gurmendez; Andres Aznarez


Les références

‘The Posadas firm has a top-line team in banking and financing law, including fintech issues. They have a young and fresh look, attached to regulation but always creative and willing to find flexible solutions to client needs.’

‘In particular, Andrés Aznares and Martina Reyes are the reference people in the area, they work very well in tandem, complementing their different skills. They are two very warm and attentive people, taking care not only of the technical issues involved but also very concerned about good personal treatment and closeness. They are two people who generate a lot of confidence to work with.’

‘The Posadas team is comprised of some of the most knowledgeable and skilled attorneys in the field. The expertise was evident in every interaction we had. The thoroughness with which they carried out their work must be highlighted, as well as their strategic thinking when approaching the object of analysis. Even in a competitive environment, the firm’s excellent results distinguish it from its counterparts.’

Principaux clients

Aligned Data Centers


Societé Générale


Global Infrastructure Partners


BTG Pactual


MSU Energy


Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)


Inter-American Investment Corporation (IIC)


Banco Santander


Banco BBVA


Banco República Oriental del Uruguay


Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp


BNP Paribas


Ripio


Mastercard


Compass Group


Lombard Odier Uruguay


Truist Bank


Patria Investments


Conaprole


Prestámos en la Mano


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Aligned Data Centers on a syndicated credit agreement of $1.22bn with a consortium of international banks for the acquisition of ODATA.
  • Assisted senior lenders, Banco Santander and Banco de la República Oriental del Uruguay, with the financing of a prison PPP project worth $85m.
  • Advised MSU on the granting of certain guarantees by its Uruguayan subsidiary, Safenyl, for the financing of the construction of the Las Lomas photovoltaic solar farm.

Bragard Abogados

Specialising in the banking, finance and capital markets fields, Bragard Abogados advises an impressive clientele that includes brokers, stock exchanges, funds and trusts, and fintech companies. The team also has experience representing clients in arbitration related to banking law matters. Jean Jacques Bragard leads the team and is adept at designing financing and asset management structures and advising on public securities offerings. Agustina Bomio focuses her practice on the capital markets and fintech areas. The group also fields a strong team of senior associates: Daniela Stryk advises a diverse roster of clients, including intermediaries, investment advisors, portfolio managers and investment fund administrators; Alfredo Frigerio takes a lead role on some of the team’s key matters; and Valentina Olazábal is an active member of the group. Juan Andrés Urgoiti joined the team in November 2023, following Guillermo Lorbeer‘s departure in May.

Responsables de la pratique:

Jean Jacques Bragard


Les références

‘An attentive and decisive team.’

‘Kind, innovative and willing to be collaborative.’

‘Very good knowledge of financial issues, guarantees, etc.’

Principaux clients

Grupo Sura


UNOPS


Zorzal Inversiones Tecnológicas


Atlantis


Isusa


República AFAP


Fideicomiso financiero Fondo de Tierras Uruguay


International Finance Corporation (IFC)


International Bar Association (IBA)


Sun Partners


Balanz


Gletir


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising UNOPS on the preparation of legal documents for the call for expressions of interest for the submission of proposals for debt fund management in Honduras.
  • Advised Grupo SURA on central banking matters, contract and commercial law and tax issues.
  • Carried out a simplified securities issuance application process on behalf of Zorzal Inversiones Tecnológicas before the Central Bank of Uruguay.

Brum Costa Abogados

Financial regulation makes up the core of Brum Costa Abogados‘ banking and finance practice. The team regularly advises on new regulations and compliance and excels in obtaining licences before the Central Bank of Uruguay. Anti-money laundering and terrorist financing are other specialist areas of expertise; it advises banks, stockbrokers and investment advisors on internal AML and CFT (combating the financing of terrorism) policies and procedures. Practice head Leonardo Costa has specialised expertise in AML regulations. He is regularly involved in the drafting of regulations and counts public entities among his clients. Sofia Milsev brings extensive regulatory experience to the team and is active in proceedings before the Central Bank of Uruguay. At the associate level, Juan Cabrera is praised by clients, alongside Juan Diana, who also specialises in AML and CFT matters, as well as advising on the securities market, payment systems and virtual assets.

Responsables de la pratique:

Leonardo Costa


Les références

‘The firm’s banking and financial practice is led by Leonardo Costa, a prominent lawyer in tax and legal matters, who is a reference and is constantly consulted by companies, the government and the press. The Brum Costa firm, hand in hand with its success, has had constant growth. Despite this, the partner remains involved in the issues and remains in close contact with clients, which is notable and a great added value. Despite their growth, they have not lost their agility and speed of response.’

‘Accurate and precise advice, agility in response and closeness to people. Having Leonardo and his team as advisors is a support, not only for the quality of their advice, but for their professionalism and prestige and their people skills.’

‘Solid and agile advice on the matter.’

Principaux clients

HSBC Bank


Mercado Libre


Nobilis


Red Pagos


MiDinero


More Money Transfers


Bamboo Payments


Banco Santander


Bolsa De Valores De Montevideo


Puente Corredor De Bolsa


MV Advisors


Regum Capital


Prometeo Open Banking


Infinia


Gletir


Bind


Cambio Misiones


Cambio Vexel


Giros More


Cambio Varlix


Maiorano


Renmax


Altercambio


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised BIND and carried out the execution of activities to obtain a securities agent license before the Central Bank of Uruguay.
  • Advised More Money Transfers on the opening of new lines of business with local counterparties.
  • Advising MV Advisors on the process of obtaining authorisation from the Central Bank of Uruguay to change its license to portfolio manager.

Deloitte S.C.

Drawing on the firm’s global network, Deloitte S.C. advises on local and international banking and finance matters, including regulations, the securities market and the structuring of public and private offerings. The team advises a diverse roster of financial clients, including banks, insurance companies, brokers, asset managers, funds and trusts. Juan Bonet leads the team, specialising in financial law and tax matters. Practice co-head Javier Domínguez brings extensive in-house experience in the finance sector to the team, as well as expertise in securities law. Guillermo Lorbeer joined the team at the senior associate level in May 2023, bolstering the team’s project finance offering.

Responsables de la pratique:

Juan Bonet; Javier Domínguez


Principaux clients

Corredor de Bolsa


AFAP


AFISA


SURA Asset Management (Holding)


Nobilis Corredor de Bolsa


Iberpapel


Inswitch


República Negocios Fiduciarios


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised SURA Asset Management on day-to-day legal matters.