Singled out for its strong capabilities in banking regulatory matters, Demarest Advogados' banking and finance practice also advises borrowers - primarily from the agribusiness, aviation, automotive, and pharmaceutical sectors - and lenders on a wide range of finance transactions, including domestic and cross-border loans, acquisition finance, project finance, and debt restructuring. Practice head Fabio de Almeida Braga is a highly regarded banking regulatory specialist who also focuses on digital platforms and initiatives in fintech and open finance. Fausto Teixeira regularly advises local and international financial institutions, fintechs, crypto companies, payment institutions, financial market infrastructure entities, and other regulated entities on the Brazilian banking regulatory framework. Marcus Fonseca, noted for his expertise in fintech, payment systems, and financial market infrastructure, joined from TozziniFreire in March 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Demarest delivers quality service based on its expertise in various areas. Its deliveries are punctual and its partners and lawyers are always available to respond in the required time.'
'Demarest team is very flexible and patient in billing and engagement matters. The team is fully available for a project despite the time difference.'
'Fabio Braga and Fausto Teixeira provide high-level opinions and documents. They have a full understanding of the sector and also use a cross-practice perspective.'
'Demarest Advogados offers excellent service, providing in-depth analysis of the issues at hand and promoting legal certainty in its case analysis. In addition, the firm has expertise in several areas and is a full-service firm with renowned professionals in the sector.'
- 'Fabio Braga and Fausto Teixeira are standouts and handle extremely complex matters with excellence and professionalism. These professionals gave me confidence and provided clear explanations when handling cases.'
Key clients
- SAAM Towage Brasil S.A.
- FCA FIAT CHRYSLER AUTOMÓVEIS DO BRASIL
- 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
- Syngenta Proteção de Cultivos
- Ford Motor Company Brasil
Work highlights
Advised Citibank, Santander, J.P. Morgan, Deutsche Bank, and other creditors, under Brazilian law, in the context of Latam's notes offering worth $1.4bn, with a remuneration of 7.875% and maturing in 2030.
Aadvised LATAM Airlines Group S.A. (LATAM) and its Brazilian subsidiaries, concerning Brazilian law matters, on the extension of a $250m additional credit facility under its First Amendment to the Revolving Credit Facility, dated as of October 12, 2022.
Advised AFYA Participações S.A. as borrower, on a R$500m loan transaction with the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
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 de Almeida Braga
Other key lawyers
Fausto Teixeira; Marcus Fonseca