Demarest Advogados’ capital markets practice, led by Thiago Giantomassi – a key contact for investment banks, private equity firms, listed and closely held companies, controlling shareholders, brokers, and investors – stands out for its expertise in complex structured finance and securitisation deals. The team also possesses extensive experience in debt capital markets transactions, such as project finance-related fundraisings, investment funds, public M&A, and regulatory matters concerning listed companies. Notable practitioners include Letícia Wanderley, who advises on structured debt and multi-collateral financings, and Luiz Felipe Eustaquio, who handles ECM and DCM work. The team has recently expanded with several notable hires. Cristina Tomiyama joined from Pinheiro Guimarães in December 2024, bringing extensive ECM experience, particularly in IPOs and follow-ons. In January 2025, Julia Lobo Dutra arrived from Cescon Barrieu, strengthening the practice with her focus on advising companies and underwriters on public share offerings. Most recently, in March 2025, Marcus Fonseca joined from TozziniFreire, bringing broad expertise in securities offerings, fund formation, and regulatory matters, while Carlos Henrique de Araújo, the former head of legal at Vectis, arrived in October 2025. Mariana Kondo, a former investment fund and asset management partner at Mattos Filho, joined in March 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Demarest, especially in its capital markets area, stands out for its excellence and in-depth approach to issues related to securitisation. The partners are highly qualified, with extensive experience and are always present in the discussions of the deal.'
‘Interdisciplinary capacity and experienced partners with broad technical and business knowledge capable of solving complex problems.'
‘Luiz Felipe Eustaquio is a very experienced partner (despite his young age), present at all meetings and extremely technical. He presents innovative solutions and seeks to simplify complex operations. He is a very distinguished professional who always makes us hire the firm.'
‘Demarest is recognised for its team’s strong technical expertise, offering intelligent and practical legal solutions to its clients. What sets the firm apart is its ability to work on complex legal issues with a hands-on approach, with the active participation of partners and senior lawyers in all stages of the work, which ensures high-quality and accurate deliveries. This direct involvement also allows for quick responses and personalised solutions for each case, which stands out in relation to other firms that delegate most of the work to junior lawyers.'
‘Cristina Tomiyama is one of the greatest references in the capital markets, with extensive experience in highly relevant and complex transactions both in Brazil and involving cross-border transactions, from the perspective of Brazilian legislation. Her strategic approach, combined with in-depth regulatory knowledge, makes her a key player in complex transactions. She is recognised for her technical depth, proactive stance and ability to deliver assertive solutions within the challenging deadlines that her segment demands.'
‘One of the firm's qualities that I would like to highlight is the effective involvement of the partners throughout the entire project. This allows us to receive precise, qualified, constructive work in a timely and assertive manner.'
Key clients
- MRS Logistica S.A.
- Oaktree Capital Management
- Jive Investments Consultoria
- Mav Capital
- BEM Distribuidora de Títulos e Valores Mobiliários (Bradesco’s asset management company)
- XP Investimentos Corretora de Câmbio, Títulos e Valores Mobiliários S.A. and Banco XP S.A.
- Banco Itaú BBA S.A.
- Banco BTG Pactual S.A.
- Banco Bradesco BBI S.A.
- Zamp
- Patria Investimentos
- JF Citrus Agropecuária
Work highlights
Advised Banco Fator S.A., Oriz Assessoria Financeira Ltda. and Guide Investimentos S.A. Corretora de Valores on a follow-on offering involving Fator Verità Multiestratégia Fundo de Investimento Imobiliário (VRTM), and a complex business combination of funds managed by Fator and/or its affiliates, aiming to consolidate in VRTM several real estate assets held by other funds: Fundo de Investimento Imobiliário - Ourinvest Fundo de Fundos (OUFF), Fundo de Investimento Imobiliário Ourinvest Renda Estruturada (OURE), and Fundo de Investimento Imobiliário - Fator Renda Estruturada (FAOE).
Advised Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, Barclays Capital Inc. and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC as underwriters on the legal structuring and preparation of the legal documents related to the public offering and sale of American Depositary Shares (ADS), amounting to $456m.
Demarest’s partners Leticia Wanderley and, prior to joining Demarest, Cristina Tomiyama advised Suzano on local and cross-border debt transactions amounting to R$5.9bn in debentures and RMB 1.2 billion yuan (approximately USD 165 million) in “Panda Bonds” (renminbi-denominated debt sold in China onshore market by a foreign issuer).
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.
Practice head
Thiago Giantomassi
Other key lawyers
Paula Magalhães; Cristina Tomiyama; Letícia Wanderley; Luiz Felipe Estaquio; Julia Lobo Dutra; Lucas Schiavon; Marcus Fonseca; Carlos Henrique de Araújo; Mariana Kondo