General counsel and corporate secretary | Banco Bci
Bruno Gonzales Chirinos
General counsel and corporate secretary | Banco Bci
How has your role as in-house counsel evolved over the past few years, particularly in response to shifting global or regional dynamics?
As Bci Perú’s General Counsel, my job has changed a lot lately. We’re a corporate bank pushing innovative, tech-driven products, and that means navigating a maze of regulations like Basel III, cybersecurity rules, and new investments, risk and derivatives rules. We´ve had to step up, blending sharp risk management with supporting bank´s growth. It’s not just about saying “no” anymore—it’s about finding a “yes” that keeps us compliant and competitive. Our big push into green financing and sustainability has also made legal a key player in shaping a purpose-driven strategy.
Can you describe a time when legal had to balance risk mitigation with enabling business innovation?
Last year, we rolled out “confirming” a tech-based financing product. It was a race to get it to market, but the regulatory and tech hurdles were intense. My team worked hand-in-hand with the product and technology team, using legal-tech tools to speed up compliance checks. We kept risks in check without slowing things down, and we’re seeing that product launch successfully. That was a win that showed legal can fuel innovation, not just guard the gates.
How do you build and maintain strong relationships with key internal stakeholders, especially in high-pressure or fast-moving scenarios?
For us, it’s all about trust and showing up as a teammate. During crunch times, like audits or tight product deadlines, I lean on honest, open chats with everyone, from corporate banking to tech crews. We listen to their goals and offer solutions that make sense for them. Regular catch-ups keep us aligned, and even when things get hectic, we make sure legal team feels like a partner, not a roadblock. That’s built some solid bridges across the bank.
What do you consider the biggest challenge for in-house legal teams today, and how are you addressing it within your own team?
In our segment, the toughest part is keeping up with complex regulations while our business races forward. At Bci Perú, we tackle this by staying curious and tech-savvy. My team’s hooked on tools like Power BI for data analysis and AI apps to make tricky legal concepts clear and visual fast. We’re always learning. I think workshops on cybersecurity or Basel III—so we can spot issues early and keep our bank’s growth on track.
How do you cultivate legal talent internally, and what skills do you see as most essential for the next generation of in-house lawyers?
At Bci we push mentorship and give them room to grow through real-deal projects. The must-have skills? Be tech-savvy, eager to learn, humble enough to admit what you don’t know, and great at digging for answers. Empathy and a business mindset are very important too. Knowledge can be learned, but attitude cannot
We’re shaping lawyers who can handle our fast-moving world with confidence.
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?
Sustainability’s in our DNA at Bci Perú. This year, we’ve built a strong sustainable finance policy and rules to spot and fund green businesses predictably, with clear ways to track impact and keep training our team. As legal, we weave sustainability into contracts, guide green loans deals, and double-check we’re meeting global standards. Working tight with our sustainability crew and our headquarters in Chile, we make sure we’re transparent and accountable, driving trust and real impact.
Gerente legal | Bci Perú
Legal manager | Banco Bci Perú
General counsel | Banco Bci