Vicepresident legal and corporate secretary | Scotiabank Perú
Francisco Rivadeneira Gastañeta
Vicepresident legal and corporate secretary | Scotiabank Perú
Team size: 65 (Includes Legal, Corporate Secretary’s Department, Corporate Security and Corporate Affairs)
How has your role as in-house counsel evolved over the past few years, particularly in response to shifting global or regional dynamics?
There has been significant progress: processes have changed – with greater integration and standardisation – new KPIs have been established, there has been a constant pursuit of efficiencies, and the use of new tools such as AI.
Can you describe a time when legal had to balance risk mitigation with enabling business innovation?
Constantly, and even more so now, the General Counsel often assumes the role of Compliance Officer, having to provide legal certainty without hindering the progress of business areas. This leads to legal opinions being well-balanced, focusing not only on what cannot be done, but also on enabling solutions.
How do you build and maintain strong relationships with key internal stakeholders, especially in high-pressure or fast-moving scenarios?
It is essential to be part of the first line of management in order to remain working within it as a single, unified team.
What do you consider the biggest challenge for in-house legal teams today, and how are you addressing it within your own team?
Legal certainty vs. agility and efficiency.
How do you cultivate legal talent internally, and what skills do you see as most essential for the next generation of in-house lawyers?
We have a series of programs aimed at motivating and nurturing internal talent, such as training plans and recognition programs. We also promote team rotation to help lawyers broaden their knowledge and stay closer to their internal clients. Essential skills include a strong service orientation, a desire to learn both legally and technologically, commitment, and teamwork.
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?
We are strongly committed to developing best practices in corporate governance and to promoting more open and transparent communication with all of the organisation’s stakeholders.
General counsel | Scotiabank Peru
Canadian bank Scotiabank offers a range of services in Peru, including retail banking services including savings accounts, debit cards and loans as well as business banking products such as purchase...