How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises, and how does your legal strategy align with the broader business strategy to ensure the organisation’s resilience?

Our legal strategy at IDB Invest is designed to be proactive, collaborative, and adaptable. By aligning our legal approach with the broader business strategy, we ensure that the organisation remains resilient and well-positioned to navigate periods of instability. We prioritise the following key measures:

Anticipating risks to develop mitigation strategies:
We conduct thorough risk assessments to identify legal challenges that may arise. This includes support from external counsel and close monitoring of regulatory changes and market conditions.

Effective communication:
We ensure our team is actively engaged with key stakeholders across the institution, so that legal considerations are fully integrated into decision-making processes.

Adaptability:
Our strategy is designed to be flexible, recognising that our legal team must be ready to respond to changing circumstances or adopt new approaches as required.

What are the major cases or transactions you have been involved in recently?

As a Senior Transactional Counsel at IDB Invest, I have led the legal team on several high-impact transactions that reflect my commitment to advancing sustainable development in Latin America and the Caribbean:

The first biodiversity bond in Latin America, issued by BBVA Colombia and subscribed by IDB Invest and IFC.

A social bond issued by leading Mexican homebuilder Vinte, subscribed by IDB Invest and other investors. This transaction was recognised as Social Infrastructure Financing of the Year by LatinFinance magazine.

A sustainable bond issued by Banco Finandina in Colombia.

A partial credit guarantee granted by IDB Invest to support BancoSol’s bond issuance in Bolivia.

A blue bond issued by Banco Nacional de Costa Rica and subscribed by IDB Invest and other investors.

The first social bond in Peru, issued by BBVA Perú.

What measures has your company taken to embed sustainability practices into its core business operations, and how does the role of the general counsel contribute to driving and ensuring sustainable practices within the company?

At IDB Invest, we support operations that sustain our clients’ economic, social, and environmental performance over time—for the benefit of the company, its investors, and the communities where they operate.

Our Environmental and Social Sustainability Policy, effective from 15 December 2020, was developed through an inclusive and constructive dialogue with a wide range of stakeholders, via a comprehensive public consultation. Its purpose is to enhance the sustainability of IDB Invest’s financed projects through the application of robust environmental and social risk management standards. This policy underpins our institutional commitment to sustainable development and is a core element of our risk management approach.

Through our legal documentation, we ensure that all transactions comply with our sustainability policy and ESG criteria. This involves rigorous due diligence, risk assessment, and legal structuring to embed sustainability into every stage of our operations.

The legal department plays a pivotal role in developing and implementing policies that promote sustainability. This includes drafting and reviewing internal guidelines, contracts, and agreements that reflect our firm commitment to responsible and sustainable business practices.