Career Biography

Juan Da Silva Bernal is a dual-degree legal and business professional currently serving as Head of Legal & Compliance at Itaú Asset Management and Itaú Invest Casa de Bolsa in Paraguay. With a robust academic and professional background, Juan brings a multidisciplinary perspective to the financial sector, combining legal precision with strategic business insight.

He holds a Licentiate in Business Administration (2015) and a Law degree (2016), underscoring his dual commitment to operational understanding and legal rigor. His academic credentials are further enriched by international specializations, including an Executive LL.M. from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law in partnership with IE Law School, where he focused on international business law and core business management principles. These qualifications have enabled him to advise on complex local and cross-border transactions and navigate regulatory frameworks with clarity and depth.

Juan began his career at Ferrere Abogados, one of the region’s leading firms, where he worked as an associate in the Banking & Finance practice. During this time, he advised local and international financial institutions on regulatory compliance, stand-alone and syndicated lending, local guarantee structures, and the local capital markets framework—building a strong foundation in financial regulation and transactional structuring.

He later joined Banco Itaú Paraguay, where he played a key role in advising on institutional governance, regulatory matters, mergers & acquisitions, and structured finance. His contributions supported several strategic initiatives, including cross-border acquisitions, corporate reorganizations, and the implementation of best practices in compliance and internal controls. These roles provided him with a comprehensive view of financial institutions, enabling him to integrate legal, operational, and reputational considerations into high-impact decision-making.

In his current position at Itaú Asset Management, Juan leads the legal and compliance strategy for the asset management business. He has been instrumental in the legal structuring of the IAM Plus Real Estate Fund, ensuring its alignment with national and international standards in governance, investor protection, and transparency. His approach prioritizes strict compliance with securities regulations and adherence to ethical best practices, positioning the fund as a benchmark for regulatory integrity in the Paraguayan market.

Juan is recognized for his strategic thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and unwavering commitment to integrity. He actively fosters a compliance-driven culture within the organization, bridging legal mandates with business objectives. His ability to anticipate regulatory developments and align corporate behavior accordingly has been key to strengthening Itaú’s institutional standing.

In parallel, Juan remains engaged with the legal and regulatory community, participating in industry forums and contributing to discussions on investment management law, particularly in areas of fund governance, risk oversight, and responsible financial practices.

Juan Da Silva Bernal is a forward-thinking legal leader whose experience spans private practice, banking, and asset management. His multidisciplinary expertise, international training, and strong ethical foundation make him a trusted advisor in the financial legal sector in Paraguay and beyond.