Frequently at the forefront of high-profile, innovative, and cross-border financing deals, the ‘very focused and experienced’ team at Cescon Barrieu advises international and domestic hedge funds, banks, and corporations on structured and syndicated loans, acquisition and trade finance, corporate lending, and distressed debt. Its regulatory expertise is equally notable, with financial institutions, payment providers, and fintech companies turning to the team for guidance on banking regulations, Central Bank authorisations, and strategic partnerships. Founding partner Maurício Teixeira dos Santos, a recognised authority in project and structured finance, securitisations, debt restructurings, and regulatory banking issues, leads the practice. Following the departure of co-head Daniel Laudisio in April 2025, former managing partner Joaquim Oliveira rejoined as head of the finance group in July 2025. Amanda Arêas left the firm in July 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Technical knowledge in capital markets. Agility and organisation.'
- 'Their team is very focused and experienced in financial matters.'
Key clients
- Banco Santander (Brasil) S.A.
- Ant Group / Alibaba Group
- Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce - CIBC
- Lumina Capital Management
- Banco Bradesco S.A.
- Atento Brasil S.A. / Atento Luxco
- Federação Brasileira de Bancos – FEBRABAN
- Natura & Co Pay
- Companhia de Saneamento Básico do Estado de São Paulo S.A. – SABESP
- Bank of America
- Goldman Sachs
- Centrais Elétricas Brasileiras S.A. - ELETROBRAS
Work highlights
Advised Azul Secured FinanceLLP, Azul S.A., Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras S.A. and other entities of Azul Group, on its $2.4bn debt restructuring.
Advised Nordic Trustee AS. as bond trustee and security agent. on the issuance of senior secured bonds due 2029 in an aggregate principal amount of $500m by Paratus Energy Services Ltd. (formerly known as Seadrill New Finance Ltd.), for of refinancing notes issued by the company due 2026.
Advised Companhia de Saneamento Básico do Estado de São Paulo – SABESP (“Sabesp”) on the structured financing in the amount of R$1.06bn, offered by International Finance Corporation - IFC, a member of the World Bank Group (“IFC Loan”), characterised as a Sustainability-Linked Loan.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Maurício Teixeira dos Santos
Other key lawyers
Alexandre Barreto; Joaquim Oliveira