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?

In times of crisis —whether due to regulatory shifts, market instability, or geopolitical risk—, I prioritise strategic planning, close monitoring of regulatory guidance, and clear escalation frameworks, to ensure business success, continuity and risk management while maintaining trust with regulators, clients, and shareholders.

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

One of the most complex transactions in Mexico’s financial sector in recent years, was the separation of Citi from Banamex, and the conformation of the new Citi Mexico Financial Group and its subsidiaries. This transaction involved extensive coordination across areas, businesses, and regulators, with sustained support for the new operations, and the Corporate Governance set-up for the new entities.

 Which law firms are you regularly instructing?

We work with leading global and Mexican firms, based on expertise, efficiency, and alignment with our values—including diversity and ESG commitments.

Which legal tech organizations or products are helping you in your role?

We are integrating some solutions into our legal operations, which are already helping us be more efficient. These tools reduce manual, repetitive work and free the legal team to focus on high-value strategic advisory. By embracing AI, we are positioning the legal function as a top-tier, forward-looking partner to the business—driving innovation while maintaining rigorous risk and compliance standards.

Career Biography

Roberto is a highly accomplished legal executive with over two decades of extensive experience in the banking and financial services sector. He specializes in banking, financing, corporate governance, mergers & acquisitions, capital and debt markets, and regulatory compliance.

Currently serving as General Counsel for Citi México’s Broker-Dealer and Private Bank, and simultaneously as Director for Corporate Governance of Citi México, Roberto played a pivotal role in spearheading Citi’s corporate separation in Mexico. He is recognized as a trusted advisor to C-level executives and business leaders, adept at navigating complex regulatory landscapes and fostering strong relationships with regulatory bodies.

His career includes providing cross-border legal counsel at Jones Day in New York, where he advised on sophisticated financings and M&A transactions across the U.S., Europe, Latin America, and Asia. At Citibanamex, he held senior leadership positions. Roberto began his career supporting strategic transactions for financial institutions and real estate funds and developers at Notary Public No. 33 in Mexico City.

Roberto leverages deep expertise in corporate law to drive strategic initiatives, mitigate risk, and ensure robust legal frameworks within dynamic financial environments.

Roberto holds an LL.M. from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, a Bachelor’s degree in Law from Universidad Iberoamericana with a specialization in Banking Law, and completed a management program at IPADE Business School. Bilingual in Spanish and English, he is widely regarded for his ability to navigate complex legal challenges, lead diverse teams, and optimise processes through innovation and LegalTech.