Brazil

Spanish trade and investments in Brazil have grown significantly, solidifying Spain's position as a major foreign investor in the country. In 2022, Spain ranked fourth among foreign direct investment (FDI) contributors to Brazil, with an FDI stock of approximately US$52.3 billion. Spanish investments in Brazil span multiple sectors, including infrastructure, energy, and financial services, with notable examples such as Banco Santander’s extensive branch network expansion and investments in renewable energy projects like the Marlim Azul gas power plant and the Ribeirão Gonçalves solar energy complex. The close economic ties between Spain and Brazil are also evident in trade relations. Spain has become one of Brazil's most important European trading partners. In 2023, bilateral trade reached US$11.8 billion, with Brazilian exports to Spain concentrated in commodities like crude petroleum, soy, and corn. Spanish imports from Brazil are highly reliant on oil, which accounted for 40.6% of the total imports in 2023, largely due to the increased demand caused by the disruption of Russian oil supplies following the conflict in Ukraine. Other products such as sugar and soy derivatives also saw significant growth during this period. Brazil’s export basket to Spain, while focused on commodities, has shown resilience and potential for diversification. The conclusion of the Mercosur-EU trade agreement could further enhance Brazil's access to the European market, particularly in agriculture, providing opportunities for growth in other sectors. However, challenges remain. Brazil must navigate evolving regulatory frameworks such as the European Union’s new deforestation law (EUDR), which will restrict imports from deforested areas, potentially affecting Brazilian exports of soy, beef, and other agricultural products. In terms of investment projects, Spanish companies have played a pivotal role in Brazil’s energy and infrastructure development. Repsol, a key player in the energy sector, has engaged in multi-billion-dollar investments in Brazil's offshore gas fields, while Neoenergia, another Spanish company, has established itself as a leader in renewable energy. These projects are crucial for Brazil's energy transition and infrastructure expansion, further reinforcing Spain’s role as a strategic investor in Brazil. Beyond traditional industries, the Brazilian government has emphasized its commitment to innovation and regulatory modernization, launching initiatives to foster a more favorable environment for foreign investors. Recent discussions between Brazilian and Spanish officials have highlighted the potential for increased collaboration, particularly in areas like renewable energy, digital transformation, and infrastructure development . As both countries explore these synergies, the framework for Spanish investments in Brazil is set to strengthen further, benefiting from shared interests and strategic partnerships. Fábio Medina Osório, the founding partner of Medina Osório Advogados and former Attorney General of Brazil, is a specialist in regulatory law and corporate compliance. He holds a Ph.D. in administrative law from Complutense University of Madrid and has been actively involved in organizing events alongside key financial institutions and telecom giants to discuss regulatory trends, infrastructure, and risk management strategies for companies looking to execute large-scale infrastructure projects or investments in Brazil. His expertise and leadership are essential for navigating Brazil’s complex regulatory landscape.  

Veirano releases its new Sustainability Report, aligned with GRI standards. See highlights in diversity, environment, governance, and social impact. Veirano Advogados presents the latest edition of its Sustainability Report, reaffirming its commitment to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles and transparency in its institutional practices. Prepared voluntarily and in accordance with Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards, the report provides an overview of the progress made and challenges faced throughout 2023 in the areas of diversity and inclusion, environmental impact, ethical management, innovation, and social responsibility. Veirano is one of the first law firms in Brazil to adopt this international reporting standard, underscoring its role as a driver of change in the legal sector and society. Read the full report and learn more about our initiatives, here.

His arrival supports the firm’s plan to expand its presence in the banking sector. São Paulo, 01st  July 2025 – Madrona Advogados is pleased to announce that attorney José Barreto Netto has joined the firm as a partner. His addition aims to strengthen the firm’s Banking, Finance, and Capital Markets practices. This move aligns with Madrona’s strategic plan to broaden its footprint in the financial and banking sectors, combining the new partner’s technical expertise with his innovative, business-oriented approach. With over 25 years of experience in the legal market, José Barreto Netto has built a distinguished career at firms such as Levy & Salomão Advogados, where he was a partner, and Vaz, Barreto, Shingaki & Oioli Advogados, which he co-founded. He began his career in 1996 as in-house counsel at Banco Bradesco and, more recently, led José Barreto Advogados, a boutique firm specializing in Banking Law, Capital Markets, and Mergers & Acquisitions. He has also worked at Tauá Partners and briefly ventured into entrepreneurship as head of Philos Educação. “As I embark on this new chapter, I see it as an opportunity to work in a dynamic environment known for valuing technical excellence and strategic business thinking—an approach that resonates with my vision of corporate law. I am optimistic about the firm’s growth prospects and our ability to meet our clients’ needs by delivering even more relevant solutions in the challenging and ever-evolving banking sector,” says Barreto. Barreto holds a law degree from the University of São Paulo and an MBA from the University of Southern California, with a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship. He is recognized by publications such as Chambers and Partners and Legal 500 for his bold practice. His experience covers everything from derivatives, foreign exchange, and treasury operations to advising fintechs and payment institutions. Among the highlights of his career are his involvement in structuring Brazil’s first FIDC (Credit Rights Investment Fund) and advising on the creation of Banco Itaú BMG Consignado S.A. He was also responsible for developing the country’s first real estate receivables certificates (CRIs) backed by “built to suit” contracts—a product that significantly influenced the development of Brazil’s real estate securitization market. Madrona Advogados reaffirms its commitment to the Financial and Capital Markets sectors by continuously expanding its specialized team to offer a full range of services to banks, asset managers, broker-dealers, fintechs, payment institutions, and other financial entities, as well as issuers and other market participants. The practice currently includes five partners dedicated to banking, finance, and capital markets: Marcelo Cosac, Leonardo Di Cola, Luís Bellini, André De Vita, and José Barreto Netto. Complementing the team, Ronaldo Gallo, former chief prosecutor for the Superintendence of Private Insurance (Susep), leads the Insurance and Reinsurance practice. About Madrona Advogados Madrona Advogados is a full-service firm structured in business units, combining excellence and agility to deliver precise solutions for complex projects. The firm has 45 partners—many with over 25 years of experience in corporate law—and approximately 300 professionals specializing in administrative and various legal practice areas. Madrona Advogados ranks among the top 10 firms for M&A transactions, according to TTR Brasil’s 2024 annual report, and has been recognized in legal publications and directories such as Chambers Brazil (Elite in M&A), Chambers Global, The Legal 500, LL250, LACCA Approved, Leaders League, IFLR1000, Who’s Who Legal, Análise Advocacia 500, Análise Advocacia, and Mulher in recent years InPress Porter Novelli Alexandre Carvalho +55 11 99329-0909 [email protected]

The initiative positions Veirano Advogados as one of the few law firms in Brazil with a specialized practice in Fashion Law. Veirano Advogados has officially consolidated its Fashion Law practice, offering specialized legal support to the luxury and fashion industries. This new focus practice combines years of experience advising clients in this dynamic sector, which was previously served across various practice areas within the firm. The launching event took place at our São Paulo office and featured Silvia Braz, one of Brazil’s most prominent fashion and lifestyle entrepreneurs and influencers. Veirano’s Fashion Law practice is designed to serve the entire fashion ecosystem from raw material suppliers to manufacturers, retailers, media, and digital platforms supporting clients at every stage of their business development. “Our goal with this practice is to deliver highly specialized, multidisciplinary legal solutions tailored to the unique needs of the fashion and luxury market,” explains Isabel Hering, head of the Fashion Law practice. “We are consolidating the expertise that Veirano has built over the years into a single, dedicated team.” The team includes specialists in intellectual property, corporate law, tax and customs, consumer and conflict resolution, labor, compliance, privacy, and criminal law, among others. To further support multinational clients, Veirano also leverages a network of trusted international partners, ensuring a global perspective and comprehensive legal solutions. With this initiative, Veirano becomes one of the few Brazilian full-service law firms with a practice focused on Fashion Law — offering innovative, strategic, and high-quality legal advice to a sector that is constantly evolving