Uría Menéndez is recognised for being ‘capable of proposing actionable solutions to problems of very high technical complexity’ in the financial services sector. The firm serves a diverse client base comprised of major domestic and international banks, brokers, payment institutions, non-regulated lenders, crypto service providers, and non-financial entities. The team focuses on advising clients on the legal frameworks governing investment services, collective investments, asset management, payments, banking, and insurance activities. Recently, the group has been particularly active in assisting MiFID firms with the new prudential regime introduced under IFD and IFR, helping to establish illiquid funds and their management companies, and advising on BaaS (banking as a service) arrangements between regulated entities and distributors. Co-head Isabel Aguilar is ‘very knowledgeable about investment funds and the payment services sector’, while fellow co-leader Carolina Albuerne is noted for her banking regulatory acumen.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The financial services regulation team is capable of proposing actionable solutions to problems of very high technical complexity, having enabled the execution of two cross-border operations in the last year, among others, affecting very different regulations. A highly trusted team that allows the client to challenge preconceived internal ideas and to activate growth and profitability levers with innovative solutions.'
‘Great technical mastery and extensive experience; sensitivity to internal and strategic political issues of the client; great knowledge of the client, their history and previous operations that allow greater speed and quality in responses.'
‘This is my go-to team for any financial services regulatory advice in Spain. All clients we have referred to Uria are very happy with their services. The advice that they provide is quick, pragmatic and highly technical. ’
‘Carolina Albuerne is outstanding - advice is tailor-made and easy to implement, taking into account client constraints. Isabel Aguilar is also very knowledgeable about investment funds and the payment services sector.’
‘A very good team, led by two great partners, with extensive knowledge and experience, attentive, receptive and with contributions of ideas in the sector.’
‘Both Isabel Aguilar and Carolina Albuerne are excellent professionals due to their knowledge, proactivity, follow-up of matters and immediate attention when you contact them.'
Key clients
- Banco Santander
- Banco de Sabadell
- CaixaBank
- Cecabank
- Unicaja Banco
- Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria
- Abanca Corporación Bancaria
- Morgan Stanley
- Santander Consumer Finance
- Altura Markets, S.V.
Work highlights
Advising CaixaBank on broadening the customer portfolios of all its European branches (through the freedom to provide services from each branch) in other European target countries – a key aspect of CaixaBank’s international strategy.
Advising Santander Consumer Finance on expanding the activity of its PayCar platform to intermediating in the sale of vehicles between retailers (c2c) and, in a second phase, to when a third marketplace also participates.
Advising on and analysing the regulatory circumstances of Santander Consumer Finance Inc. (SCF Canada), one of Banco Santander group’s subsidiaries in Canada dedicated to consumer financing, and on the approach to be adopted in the discussions with the Joint Supervisory Team for the creation of a new credit institution in Canada.
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Isabel Aguilar; Carolina Albuerne
Other key lawyers
Maria Vidal-Pardo