A&O Shearman's Latin America banking and finance practice is the product of two strong legacy teams from Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling, following the merger of the two in 2024. The combined firm now has a breadth of senior talent in banking and finance that is unmatched by the rest of the market, and has furthered its reputation in renewable energy, conventional power, infrastructure and mining financings. Moreover, it continues to lead the market in energy transition and renewable energy, and represents an impressive range of commercial lenders and multilateral agencies (MLAs) such as International Finance Corporation and IDB Invest. Denise Grant is co-head of the Latin America group and has an outstanding record in acquisition finance, corporate loans and restructurings across key jurisdictions such as Dominican Republic, Colombia, Mexico, El Salvador, Panama, Chile, Peru and Brazil. Dorina Yessios is US head of the energy, natural resources and infrastructure practice, and has a long track record in Latin America financings, particularly in digital infrastructure, infrastructure and power. Washington DC-based Sami Mir is co-head of the Latin America group and has close connections to influential MLAs, along with export credit agencies (ECAs) and commercial lenders. Todd Koretzky and Alexandra de Padua provide further senior expertise in leveraged finance and syndicated loans, both having a significant focus on Latin America. Dual qualified in New York and Peru, Augusto Ruiloba has advised clients in a series of recent landmark financings, while Robert O’Leary is another key partner. All named figures are based in New York unless stated otherwise.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘A very solid team, with extensive knowledge of transactions in the region and the ability to communicate what's best for the client, even when it's not what the client wants to hear.'
‘Transaction experience, seniority, and knowledge of corporate finance practices.'
‘A&O Shearman is a great firm. Always very coordinated and timely when advising clients, with a deep knowledge of the industry and very tailor-made solutions.’
‘They are very efficient and transparent.’
‘Augusto Ruiloba: great knowledge of the industry, always available and delivers on time. Pedro de Elizalde: knowledgeable and efficient.’
‘Pragmatic with good business sense. Very creative and effective problem solvers.’
Key clients
- BBVA
- The Bank of Nova Scotia
- The Nature Conservancy
- International Finance Corporation
- IDB Invest
- Santander
- BNP Paribas
- Deutsche Bank
- EdgeConneX
Work highlights
Advised four of Chile’s largest electricity generation companies - AES Andes, Colbún, Engie Energía and Generadora Metropolitana - on a novel sale and subsequent securitisation of certain securities (MPC Securities) issued by the Chilean Ministry of Finance, acting on behalf of the Chilean Electricity Tariff Stabilization Fund (FET), and secured by a state guarantee for an amount of approximately $2.4bn.
Advised EdgeConneX on the upsizing and expansion of its data center financing with Natixis (as lender), including the addition of new lender Société Générale, o behalf of its Chilean subsidiaries who own and operate three hyperscale data centers.
Advised The Nature Conservancy on its first-ever land-based Nature Bonds Program effort (its first in the Amazon and the largest-ever for conservation), in support of Ecuador’s Amazon Biocorridor Program. The debt conversion was closed by the Republic of Ecuador (with the support of TNC, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, the Inter-American Development Bank and Bank of America), resulting in the conversion of US$1.53bn of Ecuador’s international bonds and that is expected to result in approximately US$460m to support the Amazon Biocorridor Program over 17 years.
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.
Augusto Ruiloba
Practice head
Manuel Orillac; Denise Grant; Sami Mir