Energy and natural resources
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
Profile
Work Department
Banking ad Finance, Contracts and Project Development, Energy, ESG & Impact, Infrastructure and Project Finance, Public Law and Telecommunications.
Position
Partner
Career
Maurício represents financial institutions, companies, investment funds, multilateral institutions, and other investors in structured and project financing, infrastructure project development, mergers & acquisitions, financial transactions and regulatory matters and debt restructurings. His ESG & Impact services focus on sustainable finance, energy transition, and governance.
His practice spans industries such as energy, water & sanitation, digital telecom, oil & gas, financial services and infrastructure in general. Recognized as a market leader, he stands out for integrating legal strategy with business vision, delivering innovative, practical, and client-focused solutions. His ability to handle multijurisdictional challenges, combining deep legal expertise with sharp business insights, is frequently praised by clients.
He was an international associate at a major New York law firm from 2000 to 2001.
Languages
English, German and Portuguese.
Memberships
Member of the Banking and Finance Commissions in IBRADEMP
Member of the Capital Markets Committee of the Brazilian Bar Association/Rio de Janeiro Chapter (“OAB/RJ”)
Education
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) – Universidade de São Paulo (USP)
Master of Laws (LL.M.) – University of Tübingen
Global Executive MBA – INSEAD (France/Singapore)
Content supplied by Cescon Barrieu
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 BRB – Banco de Brasília S.A. BNP Paribas Azul Group ING Bank Grupo Localiza S.A. Usina Coruripe Açúcar e Álcool Farfetch
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.