With extensive experience across high-value financing transactions - from trade finance to debt restructuring - paired with strong capabilities in banking regulatory matters, Pinheiro Neto Advogados’ team is a go-to adviser for Brazilian and international financial conglomerates, new market entrants, technology providers, and investors. The practice is led by Leonardo Baptista Rodrigues Cruz, who advises financial institutions, payment service providers, fintech companies, asset managers, and development banks on project finance, structured finance, and financial regulatory issues. José Luiz Homem de Mello, whose work is considered 'a benchmark in the Brazilian legal market', has a strong track record in landmark financing transactions. Bruno Balduccini combines expertise in traditional banking and finance with deep knowledge of emerging areas such as payments, crypto assets, blockchain, and fintech, and is particularly noted for his experience in major M&A deals involving the banking sector. Raphael Palmieri Salomão is another key contact, especially for fintech clients, who often advises on Central Bank licensing processes and regulatory matters relating to foreign exchange.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Pinheiro Neto Advogados stands out unequivocally for its consistent technical excellence, which permeates all areas of the firm's practice. What makes Pinheiro Neto unique is the depth of its legal knowledge combined with an extremely professional, organised, and reliable approach. The team demonstrates absolute mastery of the most complex matters, especially in regulatory, banking, corporate, and tax issues—areas that are critical to the financial sector. Clear communication, accurate risk analysis, and the ability to anticipate legal scenarios are differentiators that add real value to strategic decision-making.'
- 'In our institutional relationship with Pinheiro Neto Advogados, one name that stands out in a truly unique way is that of partner José Luiz Homem de Mello. His work is a benchmark in the Brazilian legal market, especially in the areas of banking and corporate law, with a level of technical sophistication and strategic vision that sets him apart from his peers.'
- 'Immediate contact with the area manager; high level of knowledge of the subject matter and its application in complex situations involving the client's field of activity, favouring decision-making aligned with our interests and assessing the risks involved.'
- 'Partner Leonardo Cruz is always very available and attentive to the smallest details.'
Key clients
- John Deere Financial
- Banco ABC Brasil
- GMAC YesGenial
- Bank of China (BOC)
- Citibank
- Morgan Stanley
- BBVA
- Societe Generale
- Itaú
- Caixa Economica Federal
- Banco de Brasília (BRB)
- Banco Votorantim
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.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Leonardo Baptista Rodrigues Cruz
Other key lawyers
Bruno Balduccini; José Luiz Homem de Mello; Tiago Themudo Lessa; Fernando Mirandez Del Nero Gomes; Tatiana Guazzelli; Raphael Palmieri Salomão