At Demarest Advogados, the banking and finance practice is singled out for its expertise in regulatory matters related to the Central Bank and the CVM, and increasingly, for its growing presence in the fintech space. The firm is particularly well positioned to advise companies on the structuring of their businesses for the provision of digital financial services, including electronic payments and online banking. On the transactional front, the group acts for both borrowers and lenders in an array of deals, covering syndicated facilities, debtor-in-possession (DIP) financings, project finance and debt restructuring, among other areas. In addition to corporate finance, practice head Fabio de Almeida Braga also focuses on banking regulations, fintech and open banking issues. Key support is offered by Fausto Teixeira, a contact for domestic and international financial institutions, fintechs, crypto companies and payment services players. Since publication, the practice has been strengthened by the arrival of fintech and payment services specialist Marcus Fonseca, who joined from TozziniFreire Advogados in March 2025.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘This team goes the extra mile to provide timely and high quality service. As the client in a large and complicated cross-border financing transaction, we were able to rely on Demarest to be proactive advisers and execute with a high degree of professionalism.’
‘Fausto Teixeira was proactive, professional and pleasant to work with.’
Key clients
- SAAM Towage Brasil S.A.
- FCA FIAT CHRYSLER AUTOMÓVEIS DOBRASIL
- Honda do Brasil Automóveis Ltda.
- Banco Honda S.A.
- Yamaha Motor do Brasil Ltda.
- Banco Yamaha Motor do Brasil S.A.
- Tecumseh do Brasil Ltda.
- Latam Airlines Group
- Smart RJ
- Sky Serviços de Banda Larga
Work highlights
- Supported Tools for Humanity Corp. in the development of on-ground studies and regulatory analysis regarding the creation of a web3-based technology to be used for the launch of a new crypto asset worldwide.
- Advising StartMeUp on the project for the creation, within the CVM regulatory sandbox environment, of an over-the-counter market aimed at the trading of tokenised equity-related securities issued by start-ups, nurturing the evolvement of a secondary crowdfunding market.
- Advising the New Development Bank (NDB), a multilateral financial institution established by the BRICS countries, on a $200m loan granted to Banco do Brasil’s London branch.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Fabio Braga
Other key lawyers
Fausto Teixeira; Marcus Fonseca