Based on your experiences in the past year, are there any trends in the legal or business world that you are keeping an eye on that you think other in-house lawyers should be mindful of?

Over the past few years, I have been closely following the rapid evolution of data protection and privacy regulations globally, as well as the emerging efforts to regulate the use of artificial intelligence. Frameworks such as the GDPR in the European Union have set a new standard, influencing legislation and compliance expectations well beyond their original jurisdictions, while AI-related regulation is quickly becoming the next frontier for policymakers.

In Bolivia, the regulatory framework in these areas remains underdeveloped. However, in an increasingly globalised business environment, companies cannot operate in isolation from these trends. Cross-border operations, international clients, and the growing use of digital platforms and AI-driven tools mean that even jurisdictions without comprehensive local regulation may still be indirectly exposed to, or impacted by, more stringent foreign standards.

For in-house lawyers, this creates a particularly interesting challenge: not only managing data responsibly, but also understanding how AI is deployed within the organisation, its risks, ethical implications, and potential regulatory exposure. This requires a forward-looking approach, where legal teams anticipate developments and proactively align internal practices with emerging global standards, rather than waiting for local legislation to catch up.

In my view, these trends go beyond compliance. They are about building trust, strengthening corporate governance, and positioning the legal function as a strategic partner in navigating technological transformation and managing risk in a digital economy.

How does your team contribute to the overall business strategy of the company? Can you share an example of a recent legal-led initiative that had a significant impact?

Our team contributes by embedding legal into business strategy through a proactive, preventive approach. A recent initiative, led by a member of our team, involved reviewing historical import documentation to assess compliance, identify potential exposure to sanctions, and uncover savings opportunities, including exemptions under international frameworks. This not only mitigated risks but also delivered substantial value and strengthened strategic decision-making across the business.