Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra

The Board of Trustees of the Global AI Council – Philippines convened during the Manila Tech Summit at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay City. The event brought together some of the nation’s leading technology, business, and government leaders, united in their mission to promote artificial intelligence (AI) education and innovation in the country. The Global AI Council – Philippines is composed of esteemed professionals, including Atty. Mark Gorriceta, Managing Partner at Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra; tech investor Brian Poe Llamanzares; Donald Lim, President of DITO CME Holdings; Undersecretary Anton Mauricio, General Manager of the National Development Company (NDC); Vanessa Tanco-Reyes, President & CEO of iAcademy; and Catz Jalandoni, an international events producer and consultant. Together, this group is spearheading the Philippine chapter of the Global AI Council, a US-based initiative dedicated to advancing “AI for Good” around the world. As part of the summit, the Council discussed strategic initiatives aimed at making the Philippines a leader in AI development and responsible innovation. The Global AI Council – Philippines seeks to foster collaboration between the private sector, academic institutions, and government agencies to accelerate AI adoption in key industries, create new job opportunities, and ensure the country stays at the forefront of AI-driven technological advancements. Atty. Mark Gorriceta emphasized the importance of using AI to address local and global challenges. The Council also highlighted its role in promoting AI education across various sectors, with plans to launch training programs, workshops, and public awareness campaigns to better equip the workforce with AI-related skills. These efforts align with the Council’s broader mission to contribute to the global "AI for Good" movement, which aims to use artificial intelligence to solve pressing global issues, from climate change to healthcare innovation. The Manila Tech Summit provided a platform for collaboration, networking, and showcasing the latest in AI technology, further supporting the Council's goal of promoting a culture of innovation and progress. The Global AI Council – Philippines remains steadfast in its vision of transforming the nation’s technological landscape and ensuring that AI contributes to positive societal impact. Link: https://www.facebook.com/gorricetalaw1/posts/pfbid0TZCf9bTsbxkzaXXzLHzn3UmhMNwmhSZxeVbcQUho6J4FeBnLGmKXaM22y3GhcTFrl

The Annual Asia FinTech Awards 2024, held at Andaz by Hyatt in Singapore, brought together the brightest minds in the fintech and financial services industries to celebrate the region’s most innovative advancements.Among the esteemed panel of judges was Atty. Mark S. Gorriceta, Managing Partner of Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra, who had the honor of serving as a distinguished judge at the prestigious event. The Asia FinTech Awards, a highlight of the fintech calendar, recognizes and celebrates the trailblazers, disruptive technologies, and forward-thinking companies shaping the future of financial technology across Asia. Atty. Gorriceta, a well-respected expert in fintech law, joined top leaders from across the fintech ecosystem to evaluate nominees across a wide range of categories, assessing groundbreaking achievements and innovations. The event celebrated not only technological innovation but also leadership, sustainability, and excellence in fintech. The awards serve as a platform to spotlight the companies and individuals driving the future of finance in Asia. For Atty. Gorriceta, participation in the Annual Asia FinTech Awards was an opportunity to stay at the forefront of fintech innovation and further strengthen his firm's position as a leader in fintech law and advisory services. Link: https://www.facebook.com/gorricetalaw1/posts/pfbid02acJTfZoTr1gWw2sfJ4EYUb5VqUykBMQZVafWLwZ5tVn5aJZFRRJbYZRVuHfQjHu9l https://www.facebook.com/gorricetalaw1/posts/pfbid02acJTfZoTr1gWw2sfJ4EYUb5VqUykBMQZVafWLwZ5tVn5aJZFRRJbYZRVuHfQjHu9l  

Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra is proud to announce a strategic partnership with BIHASA, a highly regarded consulting firm specializing in Environmental, Social,and Governance (ESG) frameworks and sustainability solutions. This collaboration enhances the firm’s ability to provide clients with innovative guidance on sustainable business practices and corporate responsibility. Led by Managing Partner Atty. Mark S. Gorriceta and Partner Atty. Kristine T. Torres, who heads the firm’s ESG and Project Finance practice groups, this partnership exemplifies Gorriceta’s ongoing commitment to empowering clients in achieving their sustainability objectives. They are joined in this initiative by Partner Atty. Micaela Kristina Galvez and Junior Partner Atty. Edrian M. Apaya. On the BIHASA side, the partnership will be spearheaded by COO Leah Caringal and Sustainability Manager Maria Zunally Rapada. Through this alliance, the firm aims to deliver a comprehensive suite of services designed to help companies assess their readiness for ESG integration and propel their sustainability initiatives. This strategic partnership not only bolsters the firm’s ESG capabilities but also equips clients to confidently navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of sustainable business practices. The collaborative team will work closely with BIHASA to offer tailored solutions that prioritize long-term resilience, regulatory compliance, and leadership in sustainability. By embedding ESG principles into their operations, clients can ensure they remain ahead of regulatory demands while promoting responsible corporate behavior. This initiative underscores Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra’s proactive approach to addressing emerging trends in corporate governance and sustainability. Link: https://web.facebook.com/gorricetalaw1/posts/pfbid027kXaUEyyuDXNXu7giUczpPx9F1zKktPMf9FAbjeZqutC49oR6VBTTa787eoWKu4Nl?rdid=DLo5u8qmSnWH1n2h      

In a heartwarming demonstration of community commitment, Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra and the Gorriceta Law Foundation, in collaboration with Teach for the Philippines, delightedly announce the successful donation and installation of a brand-new playground at the Quezon City Government Day Care and Livelihood Center. The event was graced by Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, highlighting the collective effort to enhance local resources and provide a brighter future for children in the community. This playground installation is part of Gorriceta’s “Road to 10” initiative, which leads up to the firm's 10th anniversary in 2025. The “Road to 10” reflects Gorriceta’s ongoing commitment to educational and charitable initiatives aimed at empowering children through innovative and sustainable efforts. As a firm deeply committed in promoting child welfare and education, Gorriceta continues to channel its resources and expertise toward community-building efforts that foster growth, creativity, and learning. The newly installed playground offers a safe, stimulating, and fun environment where children can explore, play, and socialize. Designed with the aim of promoting physical activity, creativity, and social interaction, this new space aligns with Gorriceta’s advocacy to drive change through education and community development. Dubbed as the "Gift of Play," the playground will serve as a cornerstone of joy and growth for the children at the day care center, fostering both mental and physical well-being. Mayor Joy Belmonte expressed her gratitude during the event, acknowledging the importance of creating such safe spaces for the city’s children. As Gorriceta approaches its milestone 10th anniversary in 2025, the firm remains steadfast in its dedication to supporting the education and development of future generations. Through its charitable initiatives, such as the "Gift of Play," Gorriceta aims to bring countless moments of happiness to children and create long-lasting, positive change in the communities it serves. Link: https://www.facebook.com/gorricetalaw1/posts/pfbid02DKno1NdyiYiNNLtHteGpZr79QNQxwXak6pewhQhAF9mjtwPbwWhixpXT8sWjfuNSl        

Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra, in collaboration with The Legal 500, proudly hosted the GC Corporate Governance and Compliance Forum: Philippines 2024 on September 24, 2024,at the prestigious Manila House Private Members Club in Bonifacio Global City (BGC). This significant event gathered leading legal professionals and industry experts to engage in critical discussions surrounding corporate governance challenges faced by organizations in the Philippines today. The forum featured three insightful panels: PANEL 1: Strengthening Governance Foundations - Corporate Governance Compliance, ESG Standards, and M&A Best Practices Atty. Kristine T. Torres, Partner at Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra Atty. Amabelle Asuncion, Chief Legal Officer and Chief Compliance Officer at Manila Water Company Inc Atty. Maria Corazon Alvarez – Adriano, Chief Legal Officer at GCash Mr. Roderick Danao, Chairman and Senior Partner at PwC Philippines Ms. Cheryl Tay, Market Intelligence Sustainability Solutions Sales Specialist at S&P Global PANEL 2: Optimizing Governance Foundations - Navigating Anti-Money Laundering, Taxation, and Financial Consumer Protection Best Compliance Practices Atty. Daniel Luis P. Macalino, Officer-in-Charge of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Anti-Money Laundering Division Atty. Vincent Paul L. Saavedra, Senior Partner and Head of the Tax Group at Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra Atty. Micaela V. Galvez, Partner and Head of the Intellectual Property Group at Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra Atty. Roberto L. Figueroa, Senior Vice President & General Counsel at HSBC Atty. Edrian M. Apaya, Junior Partner at Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra PANEL 3: Ensuring Data Privacy Leadership in a Data-Driven Economy - Frameworks and Strategies in Data Governance Atty. Anthony Edsel Conrad Tupaz, Senior Partner at Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra Deputy Commissioner Leandro Angelo Aguirre, National Privacy Commission Mr. Gordon Wade, Lead Regulatory Privacy Counsel for Middle East and North Africa, Asia-Pacific, and South East Asia at TikTok Mr. John Christopher Retardo, Head of the Data Privacy Office at PayMaya Philippines, Inc. Atty. Liane Stella Candelario, Senior Associate at Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra Each panel featured distinguished experts who provided valuable insights into these pressing issues, equipping attendees with practical strategies to navigate the complexities of governance in their respective fields. Moreso, attendees had the unique opportunity to network with top legal minds, share experiences, and discuss innovative solutions to current governance challenges. The forum served as a platform for collaboration among legal professionals, business leaders, and policymakers committed to advancing governance practices in the Philippines. “In this era of rapid change and uncertainty, Philippine businesses are confronted with a multitude of risks that challenge their operations and decision-making processes. The fast pace of technological developments, growing call for ESG compliance, and the dynamic regulatory environment are issues that businesses must continually address. As we gather here today, it’s essential to recognize that running a successful business now requires a proactive approach to anticipating risks and establishing robust compliance frameworks,” said Atty. Mark Gorriceta. Link: https://web.facebook.com/gorricetalaw1/posts/pfbid0qKLpnbJ8w3EkQ6G1VyGQxcVzHkLj7c49n3gLZ1hHxn5aL4h9h57LuY7FJHMEBUjYl?rdid=reTbyfLKrd05zlYD  

Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra proudly announced the opening of its new wing, aptly named "The Summit," as part of its Road to 10 celebration, marking a decade of excellence in 2025. The new wing represents the firm’s significant growth and its continued commitment to innovation, collaboration, and legal excellence. The inauguration event, held on October 10, 2024, was marked by a ceremonial ribbon cutting, followed by a keynote address from the Managing Partner, Mark S. Gorriceta. He reflected on the firm's journey, from its humble beginnings in a 40-square-meter office with just five lawyers in 2015, to its current 1,000-square-meter workspace spread across three floors, accommodating 50 legal professionals and a total of 100 staff members.  "As we open the doors to this remarkable space, we are also opening the doors to new opportunities, partnerships, and triumphs. We are excited about what the future holds and are grateful to have all of you with us in this journey," said Gorriceta during his speech. The event was graced by notable guests of honor, including Senator Pia Cayetano, Makati Mayor Abby Binay, National Privacy Commission Deputy Privacy Commissioner Leandro Angelo Aguirre, and Tourism Promotions Board COO Marga M. Nograles. Other esteemed attendees included DM Wenceslao Group CEO Delfin Angelo Wenceslao, Creador Managing Director Omar Mahmoud, Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation CEO Christopher Lizo, and prominent actor Mr. Dingdong Dantes. Senior officials from the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Information and Communications Technology, Department of Education, and the Securities and Exchange Commission were also present, reflecting the firm's wide network of public and private sector partners. As the firm approaches its 10th anniversary in 2025, this expansion underscores its continued leadership in key areas such as technology, data privacy, cybersecurity, fintech, and corporate law. "The Summit" is a testament to Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra's long-standing values of collaboration, excellence, and innovation, which will drive its future success. Link: https://web.facebook.com/gorricetalaw1/posts/pfbid09anoQfErdx5G3SwZW4aYapGEnuXUTAauoAvZ4VmKoiH5uNKTcj8dxVvcHD32h7rSl?rdid=zJxHEw4eFdB37KHN  

Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra, in partnership with leading Philippine tech organizations, successfully hosted PH Tech Connect, a networking event designed to foster connections and collaboration among Filipino tech founders, innovators, and enthusiasts based in Singapore. Managing Partner Mark S. Gorriceta and Senior Partner Edsel Tupaz, alongside Partners Kristine Torres and Mica Galvez, represented the firm at this gathering of industry leaders and forward-thinking professionals. Held at Alegria in Singapore, the event attracted a distinguished group of supporters, including the Fintech Philippines Association, Fintech Alliance PH, Blockchain Council of the Philippines, Go Digital Philippines, Global AI Council Philippines, Manila Angel Investors Network (MAIN), and the Data Center Association of the Philippines. These key organizations played an instrumental role in fostering connections within the tech community, providing valuable insights into the region’s evolving trends in fintech, blockchain, investments, and artificial intelligence. The evening featured engaging discussions, valuable networking opportunities, and a shared vision for advancing the Philippines' role in the global tech landscape. Attendees explored key topics driving innovation in today’s tech ecosystem, ranging from startup growth and investment to the integration of cutting-edge technologies in finance and digital infrastructure. PH Tech Connect highlighted Gorriceta’s commitment in supporting the growth of Filipino tech entrepreneurs and innovators on the global stage. By uniting top talent and key industry leaders, Gorriceta continues to drive collaboration and advancement for Filipino technology and innovation. Source: https://www.facebook.com/mainph/photos/just-8-days-to-go-until-ph-tech-connect-join-us-on-november-6-2024-at-6-pm-in-si/1022206253251536/?_rdr https://www.linkedin.com/posts/gorricetalaw_ph-tech-connect-1-of-2-gorriceta-activity-7260814461093990400-URR-/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_android

Singapore EXPO — At the 9th annual Singapore FinTech Festival (SFF2024), Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra reinforced its standing as a forward-thinking leader in the FinTech industry.Managing Partner Mark S. Gorriceta and Senior Partner Edsel Tupaz, along with Partners Kristine Torres and Mica Galvez, represented the firm at this global event, where industry leaders, policymakers, and tech pioneers gathered to explore transformative developments in finance. The festival, organized by the Monetary Authority of Singapore in collaboration with Elevandi Constellar, and the Association of Banks in Singapore, attracted over 66,000 participants from 150 countries. This year’s sessions focused on the future of finance, exploring key themes such as AI, quantum computing, and digital assets, while emphasizing the need for secure and efficient frameworks to manage data processing in the financial sector. Green finance and ESG principles took center stage, highlighting FinTech's role in sustainable economic development. Leaders emphasized the importance of aligning FinTech innovations with global sustainability goals, particularly in the realms of tokenization and digital assets. Gorriceta’s active participation reaffirmed its dedication to guiding clients through the evolving regulatory and technological landscape, aiming to foster safe and responsible innovation in FinTech, data, and other leading technology initiatives.   Sources: https://www.facebook.com/gorricetalaw1/ https://www.linkedin.com/posts/gorricetalaw_sff2024-activity-7260940712290983937-6Nh5/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_android  

Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra is proud to announce its recent recognition by Legal Media 360 for exceptional performance across several key practice areas, including Capital Markets, Banking & Finance,Corporate M&A, Dispute Resolution, Intellectual Property, Labour & Employment, Energy & Infrastructure, and Tax. This acknowledgment underscores the firm’s dedication to excellence and its significant contributions to the legal landscape in the Philippines. This accolade is a testament to the relentless efforts and expertise of the firm’s partners and legal professionals, who have consistently delivered outstanding service to clients. With a reputation for a strategic approach and a commitment to personalized client service, Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra has established itself as a trusted partner for businesses navigating complex legal challenges. Whether handling high-profile mergers, intricate disputes, or regulatory compliance, the firm’s adeptness and adaptability ensure top-tier outcomes for its diverse clientele. As the firm continues to expand its footprint in the legal industry, it remains committed to providing high-quality legal services while fostering strong, long-term relationships with clients. With an unwavering focus on achieving the best possible results, Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra is poised for continued success in the evolving legal landscape. Link: https://web.facebook.com/gorricetalaw1/posts/pfbid029hfpVSXbXvecwk7XL2z5nYSoNHNnUfkCG7k7wHMtxwvaGUXF9dDKLupYP5Z4DsB7l?rdid=Umyi0txxQxMEaV8Q      

Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra (Gorriceta) is proud to announce that six of its esteemed partners have been named among the Top 100 Lawyers in the Philippines, as part of the prestigious Asia Business Law Journal’s A-List for 2024. This recognition highlights the firm’s continued excellence in the legal profession and its significant contributions to the industry. The A-List honorees from Gorriceta are as follows: Mark S. Gorriceta, Managing Partner | Corporate Group - Head | TMT Group - Head Lucas Niccolo M. Cauton III, Senior Partner Vincent Paul L. Saavedra, Senior Partner | Tax Group - Head Edsel F. Tupaz, Senior Partner | Data Privacy, Cybersecurity and AI - Head Ramon Andre F. Cedro, Senior Partner | Labor Group - Head Kristine T. Torres, Partner | ESG and Project Finance Group - Head These distinguished lawyers have been recognized for their outstanding legal expertise, professionalism, and commitment to delivering top-tier legal services across various industries. Their inclusion in the A-List reflects not only their individual accomplishments but also Gorriceta's reputation as a leading law firm in the Philippines and across Asia. The Asia Business Law Journal’s A-List is one of the most highly regarded legal accolades in the region, celebrating lawyers who have made significant impacts in their fields and upheld the highest standards of legal practice. The A-List is compiled through nominations and feedback from clients, in-house counsels, and peers in the legal community, making this recognition particularly meaningful for its emphasis on trust and respect within the industry. Gorriceta is a top-tier distinguished legal powerhouse that is internationally ranked and recognized for its expertise in Corporate and Commercial Law, Mergers & Acquisitions, Technology Media & Telecommunications, Banking and Finance, Taxation and Data Privacy. As a full service law firm, Gorriceta earned international recognition in various practice areas. It is renowned for delivering industry-leading, business oriented, and innovative legal solutions tailored to the needs of its clients, which sets it apart in the legal industry. Considered as the fastest growing law firm in the Philippines, Gorriceta has nearly 50 professionals and a total complement of 100, and continues to expand its legal foot print. Through its partner firm, Yusarn Audrey, Gorriceta has presence in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.   Link: https://web.facebook.com/gorricetalaw1/posts/pfbid0Y4KeZhkof676K49RRVdruJvS3YWAaeuNoy7Zb1Az6rrP2fjkVNzGx8ALWYdAkinGl?rdid=XXgiAHqlYA2YeeDR