The capital markets team at Garrigues impresses with its ‘high technical level, strategic focus and ability to adapt to the needs of each transaction’. Combining robust skill sets in both regulatory and transactional work, the team is particularly sought after for cross-border offerings, where it can draw on lawyers from across its international platform. A former Chief Financial Superintendent of Colombia, Roberto Borrás spearheads both the capital markets and the banking & finance groups, and is particularly recognised for his strong regulatory credentials. Borrás recently advised BBVA Colombia on regulatory and transactional issues related to its €220m common share issuance. Principal associate Lissa Parra Alarcón is distinguished by her marked focus on capital markets law, where she brings experience in debt and equity issuances, tender offers, and securities registrations, among other matters. Clients additionally single out intermediate associate Ricardo Schembri, who provides broad-ranging support to the capital markets and banking practices.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘A thorough understanding of capital market regulation and the players involved is essential. Garrigues has people with extensive experience in the field. Its regional presence is invaluable.’

  • ‘We value the team's constant willingness to take on new challenges, its constant pursuit of excellent value for money, and its expertise in the topics, particularly Lissa Parra Alarcón and Roberto Borrás.’

  • ‘Garrigues has provided us with excellent support in matters related to the structuring of a securitisation, demonstrating deep technical knowledge and a remarkable ability to address the specificities of this type of transaction in the local market.’

  • ‘The practice is distinguished by its analytical capacity, practical approach, and willingness to thoroughly discuss the strategic and structural aspects of the transaction, which has been essential in building trust and facilitating informed decision-making.’

  • ‘Among the aspects we value most is the team's approachability and availability to discuss complex issues—conversations we have held directly with them—where they have demonstrated not only legal knowledge but also a comprehensive understanding of the financial and business dynamics.’

  • ‘Comparatively, the Garrigues team stands out from other firms for its responsiveness, technical quality, and sound judgment, especially in sophisticated transactions where structuring is key. Furthermore, we see an effort to stay up-to-date on market trends and regulation.’

Key clients

  • Grupo Cibest
  • ATP
  • Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria Colombia
  • Electrificadora de Santander
  • Banco Coomeva
  • Grupo Cirsa
  • Titularice
  • World Bank
  • nuam
  • Fiduciaria Coomeva
  • Titularizadora Colombiana
  • Credicorp Capital Colombia

Work highlights

Advised Bancolombia on the capital markets aspects of its corporate reorganisation and the establishment of its new holding company, Grupo Cibest.
Advised BBVA Colombia on regulatory, capital markets, and corporate matters related to its €220m common share issuance.
Advised Electrificadora de Santander (ESSA) on its first domestic public bond issuance for up to $72.5m, including advising on structuring and regulatory approvals.

Lawyers

Leading partners

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Roberto Borrás

Leading associates

Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.

Lissa Parra Alarcón

Practice head

Roberto Borrás