Team size: 17

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 my role as Deputy General Counsel and Head of CIB Banking Legal for Mexico and Latin America, managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises is a critical responsibility. With over 17 years of experience in the financial industry and leading a team of 17 skilled lawyers, my approach is both strategic and collaborative.

During times of instability, I prioritise proactive risk assessment. This involves closely monitoring regulatory changes, geopolitical developments, and market fluctuations that could impact our operations. By staying ahead of potential legal challenges, we can mitigate risks before they escalate.

Our legal strategy is intricately aligned with the broader business strategy to ensure organisational resilience. We work closely with business leaders to understand their objectives and tailor our legal advice to support these goals. This alignment ensures that legal considerations are integrated into decision-making processes, fostering a holistic approach to crisis management.

Collaboration is key during crises. I encourage cross-functional teamwork, leveraging the diverse expertise within our legal team and across other departments. This collaborative approach enables us to address complex issues from multiple angles, ensuring comprehensive solutions that support the organisation’s resilience.

In periods of instability, agility is paramount. Our legal team is trained to adapt quickly to changing circumstances, providing timely and effective legal guidance. This flexibility allows us to respond swiftly to emerging challenges, minimising disruptions to business operations.

Clear communication is essential during crises. I ensure that our legal team maintains open lines of communication with stakeholders, providing transparent updates and guidance. This builds trust and confidence, reinforcing our commitment to supporting the organisation through challenging times.

By integrating these strategies, our legal approach not only manages risks effectively but also strengthens the organisation’s ability to navigate instability with resilience and confidence.

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

This year, my focus has been on navigating the complexities surrounding the FinCEN orders to three Financial Institutions in Mexico and overseeing significant debt restructuring transactions in the market.

The FinCEN orders presented a unique set of challenges, requiring a deep understanding of regulatory compliance and international financial laws. My approach involved assembling a dedicated team to conduct thorough legal analyses and develop compliance strategies that align with both local and international regulations. By fostering close collaboration with regulatory bodies and internal stakeholders, we ensured that our responses were both timely and effective, minimising potential disruptions to our operations.

In the realm of debt restructuring, my team and I have been instrumental in guiding major transactions that are pivotal to the financial stability of our clients. These transactions require meticulous planning and negotiation, balancing the interests of multiple parties while adhering to legal and financial frameworks. Our strategy involves leveraging our extensive experience in complex financial transactions to craft innovative solutions that support our clients’ long-term objectives and enhance their resilience in volatile markets.

Our legal strategy is seamlessly integrated with the broader business strategy, ensuring that our legal interventions support the organisation’s resilience and growth. By aligning our legal efforts with business goals, we provide strategic insights that inform decision-making processes, enabling the organisation to navigate crises with agility and confidence.

The dynamic nature of the financial industry necessitates continuous learning and adaptation. My team is committed to staying abreast of emerging trends and regulatory developments, ensuring that our legal strategies remain relevant and effective in an ever-evolving landscape.

Through these efforts, we have successfully managed legal aspects during periods of instability, reinforcing the organisation’s resilience and positioning it for sustained success in the face of future challenges.

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 HSBC, embedding sustainability practices into our core business operations is a strategic priority that aligns with our commitment to creating long-term value for our stakeholders and the communities we serve. As Deputy General Counsel and Head of CIB Banking Legal for Mexico and Latin America, I play a pivotal role in driving and ensuring these sustainable practices within the company.

HSBC has taken significant measures to integrate sustainability into our business strategy. This includes setting ambitious targets for reducing our carbon footprint, investing in sustainable finance, and supporting clients in their transition to a low-carbon economy. Our commitment is reflected in our policies, products, and services, which are designed to promote environmental and social responsibility.

My responsibilities include ensuring that our legal frameworks and compliance strategies support our sustainability goals. This involves advising on regulatory developments related to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria and ensuring that our operations adhere to these standards.

One of the key areas where we contribute to sustainability is through sustainable finance. By structuring and facilitating green bonds and other sustainable financial products, we help channel capital towards projects that have a positive environmental and social impact. My team provides the legal expertise necessary to navigate the complexities of these transactions, ensuring they meet both regulatory requirements and our sustainability objectives.

Through these measures, HSBC is not only embedding sustainability into its core operations but also positioning itself as a leader in sustainable finance. As General Counsel, I am proud to contribute to these efforts, ensuring that our legal strategies support and drive our sustainability commitments.