Led by Eduardo Avila de Castro, who has a strong focus on innovative financial products, regulatory matters, and both local and international financial transactions, Machado Meyer Sendacz e Opice Advogados’ banking and finance team primarily acts for a lender-focused client base, including major global institutions and fintech companies. The team combines robust transactional capabilities - covering bilateral and syndicated loans, structured finance, and derivatives - with deep regulatory expertise in banking, payment systems, foreign exchange, and anti-money laundering. It has recently been particularly active assisting fintech clients with Central Bank authorisations, key partnerships, and new product launches. Nei Schilling Zelmanovits, a widely recognised specialist in finance and fintech, regularly advises on domestic and cross-border loans, structured finance, financial regulatory matters, and issues relating to investment funds. Adriano Schnur stands out for his track record in project and structured finance, with a focus on the transport, mining, and logistics sectors. Rafael Carretero advises on derivatives, structured finance, syndicated lending, and new financial products. At the associate level, Pedro Nasi is noted for his expertise in financial transactions and regulatory matters. Former co-head Alessandra Carolina Rossi Martins left the firm in April 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Machado Meyer has a team with a lot of experience in all types of international financing issues. Their service is excellent and very consistent.'
- 'A prestigious firm with extensive experience in complex negotiations involving structured credit transactions.'
- 'High-quality work. Ideal for large projects. Close, high-quality service and always with valuable input.'
- 'We recently had a deal, and the team performed very well. They quickly understood the structure, helped us come up with solutions when challenges arose, and contributed to implementing solutions in a simple manner.'
Key clients
- MercadoLivre Group (Mercado Pago and Mercado Crédito)
- Banco do Brasil
- PayPal
- C6 Bank
- J.P. Morgan
- BTG Pactual
- Goldman Sachs
- Citibank
- Travelex Bank / Confidence (Grupo Travelex)
- Visa
- CEF – Caixa Econômica Federal
- IFC – International Finance Corporation
Work highlights
Assisted MUFG Bank, Ltd., as administrative agent, and other financial institutions in structuring a Senior Revolving Credit Agreement with Vale S.A. for up to $3bn.
Assisted Banco Bradesco, Banco do Brasil, and the Elopar Group with a billion-dollar tender offer to take Cielo S.A. private.
Facilitated the acquisition of Blu Sociedade de Crédito Direto S.A. by SHPP Brasil Participações Ltda. and SHPP Services II Private Limited.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Pedro Nasi
Practice head
Eduardo Castro
Other key lawyers
Nei Schilling Zelmanovits; Adriano Schnur; Renato Maggio; Rafael Carretero; Pedro Nasi; Gabriel Libanori; Ana Carolina Nista