The banking and finance team at regional firm Arias continues to be a leader in the Salvadoran marketplace, leveraging deep bench strength to advise major domestic and multinational banks and financial institutions (including Scotiabank, IDB Invest and Bank of America) involved in high-value, cross-border transactions. Displaying expertise in sectors ranging from food, banking, and oil and gas to logistics, cryptocurrency and energy, the practice’s comprehensive service covers asset securitisations, debt restructurings, loan agreements and project finance. The sizeable leadership group is made up of banking and finance authority Armando Arias; Lilian Arias, who draws on over 25 years of experience advising multinationals and financial institutions on the structuring of loans and guarantees; Roberta Gallardo, who brings extensive expertise to advising on credit and financing deals; Ana Mercedes López, a specialist in major project financings in sectors such as energy and aviation; Mario Lozano, a specialist in the fintech and cryptocurrency fields; Luisa Rivas, who handles the financing of major infrastructure projects and transactions in regulated industries; and free trade zone regime expert Carolina Lazo. Other key figures include senior counsels Ernesto Sánchez, who assists clients with credit agreements and stock and asset purchase agreements, and Adán Araujo, whose practice covers syndicated loans, securities and venture capital agreements, and senior associates Rafael Burgos, whose clients include major restaurant chains, and Julissa Castro, who displays strength in multi-jurisdictional financing operations.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The firm has a very deep knowledge of the banking industry and a very collaborative approach with clients.'
‘We had the chance to work with Mario Lozano, Ana Mercedes López and Julissa Castro. They've all shown an exceptional collaborative spirit that helped us move forward on our project.’
‘They really help the day-to-day of the business with solutions that fit the market.’
‘Julissa Castro is very responsive and attentive to detail.'
'As a client, we feel comfortable with their advice since they are very attentive to the risks that can be generated by any decision in the negotiation of a transaction. They have extensive knowledge of local regulatory issues such as tax as well as those specific to the energy industry.'
'Lilian Arias' experience in handling large transactions allows her to have a broad view of the risks and opportunities that may arise. Her internal leadership is of the utmost importance for organising and planning expeditious closing processes. This, in addition to her extensive knowledge in legal matters, as well as her practicality in searching for solutions, allows the client to feel safe in the steps they are taking, in search of a viable solution for all the parties.'
'Luisa Rivas is a professional with extensive knowledge in transactions related to syndicated loans. She is very detail-oriented and dedicated to the client. Her level of thoroughness allows clients to feel confident in taking on new challenges.'
Key clients
- Procaps
- Del Sur
- Citibank
- La Hipotecaria Scotiabank
- IFC
- IDB Invest
- Proparco
- Bank of America
- CMI
Work highlights
- Advised the Inter-American Investment Corporation (IDB Invest) on a $250m loan secured for food industry company Corporación Multi-Inversiones (CMI) to boost its operational capacity, working capital and environmental footprint.
- Acted as local counsel for GLAS Trust Corporation in a deal for $140m which facilitates the restoration of a restructured debt by B2B business Atento El Salvador.
- Represented Banco Santander in a transaction involving a loan for up to over $54m for H.I.G. Capital's acquisition of regional logistics businesses.
Lawyers
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Julissa Castro
Practice head
Roberta Gallardo; Ana Mercedes López; Mario Lozano; Luisa Rivas; Lilian Arias; Armando Arias; Carolina Lazo