Banking and finance in Uruguay

Ferrere

Ferrere‘s dedicated banking and finance department is an undisputed leader in banking and finance law in Uruguay, and plays a key role in many of the market’s most complex transactions. Additionally, its dominance in capital markets is evident through its extensive experience in securitisations and bond issuances. Leading the team, Diego Rodríguez is a highly respected expert specialising in banking and finance, including securities issuances, trusts, syndicated loans, regulatory matters, bank M&As and complex securitisations. Sebastián Ramos, an authority in project finance, corporate finance and banking regulation, has overseen the financing of multiple major infrastructure projects. Geraldine Ifrán focuses on banking transactions, Central Bank regulation and insurance, playing a crucial role in major M&A deals and regulatory negotiations.

Praxisleiter:

Diego Rodríguez


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Sebastián Ramos; Geraldine Ifrán; Cecilia Trujillo


Referenzen

‘It’s a close-knit team with excellent disposition and proven expertise.‘

Kernmandanten

International Finance Corporation


CAF-AM


Aberdeen Fund Managers Limited


Bestinver


IDB Invest


UBS


JPMorgan


Credit Suisse


CAF


The Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank)


UTE


Joyson Safety Systems


UNIDO (United National Industrial Development Organization)


Blackrock


Itaú


Insigneo


EXIM Bank United States


BBVA Uruguay


Patria Investments


Inviu (Banco Galicia Argentina)


Scanntech


DnB Bank


SMBC


Intesa SanPaolo


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advising Corporación Andina de Fomento and CAF-AM Asset Management on the financing of the Arazati Project.
  • Advises Camino a las Sierras on structuring of trust to finance works on Route 9.
  • Advised DNB Bank ASA, New York Branch and other lenders, on the financing provided to Cooke Uruguay S.A. and Cooke Aquaculture Inc., through the fourth amendment to third amended and restated credit agreement.

Guyer & Regules

Industry experts widely acknowledge Guyer & Regules as a powerhouse in Uruguay’s banking and finance sector. With a team led by Nicolás Piaggio, the practice has a broad client portfolio, which includes private banks, broker-dealers and pension funds, such as Citibank, HSBC, and Banco Itaú. Piaggio is a leading authority in banking and corporate law, widely recognised as a go-to expert in financial regulation. Nicolás Herrera is sought after for his expertise in high-stakes legal matters. Juan Manuel specialises in banking, project finance and energy, advising lenders, multilaterals and HSBC. Álvaro Tarabal is a recognised expert in banking and finance, with deep market knowledge and experience in novel transactions. Florencia Castagnola is a top banking lawyer and fintech expert, highly experienced in regulatory affairs and a key advisor to Citibank.

Praxisleiter:

Nicolás Piaggio


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Nicolas Herrera; Juan Manuel; Alvaro Tarabal; Florencia Castagnola; Federico Piano; Marcos Payssé


Kernmandanten

Citibank


HSBC


Banco Itaú


Morgan Stanley


JP Morgan


Bank of America


BBVA


IDD


CAF


Credit Agricole


UBS


Julius Baer


Met Life Inc


Scotiabank


Goldman Sachs


Pimco


BNP Paribas


American Express


Binance


Mercado Pago


Banco Provincia


Santander Spain


Deutsche Bank


Nomura


Societe Generale


Sumitomo


Natixis


Macquaire


TMF (Fiduciary Services)


Dlocal


Ebanx


BNP Paribas Asset Manager


Stifel Investment Banking


DDR Capital Partners


Becon Investment Management Corp


Clayton Investment Holdings Limited


Prex


ISDA


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised HSBC, Santander and Itau, which were joint underwriters and dealer managers of the deal, which closed on September 10, 2024.
  • Assisted the Republic of Uruguay in its first issuance of Social Impact Bonds (SIB), raising funds to improve education infrastructure in the country.

Dentons Jiménez de Aréchaga

Dentons Jiménez de Aréchaga is a powerhouse in Uruguay’s banking and finance sector, regularly advising leading global financial institutions. With deep expertise in traditional banking, the firm has a strong track record advising on infrastructure and project finance transactions, including Uruguay’s largest PPP railway project. Its expertise extends to consumer finance, fintech and insurance, reinforced by the addition of Federico Lemos, strengthening its capital markets practice. Co-leader Nicolás Herrera Alonso has led financing for Uruguay’s first green hydrogen project, the region’s first hydrogen-powered truck initiative and blue loans, while also advising on major financial transactions. Co-leader Fernando Jiménez de Aréchaga excels in project finance, M&A and energy matters, with a distinguished track record in renewable energy and PPP financings. Fellow co-leader Mariela Runanova leads counsel for payments sector companies, advising on regulatory negotiations and financial innovation initiatives.

Praxisleiter:

Nicolás Herrera Alonso; Mariela Ruanova; Fernando Jiménez de Aréchaga


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Fredrico Lemos


Kernmandanten

Delivery Hero


JP Morgan


CIEMSA


CargoLine (Copetrol Group)


Grupo Vía Central


Investment Corporation of Dubai


Infraestructura Arazatí


Saleno


Allianz


CAF


Highlight-Mandate


  • Led the negotiations of the concession agreement with the public utility (SOE) until reaching an agreement, a very lengthy and challenging project given the lack of project finance experience of the counterparty.
  • Advised JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. New York Branch in connection with the financing granted to SURA Asset Management S.A. (a Colombian company), secured by guarantees granted by different affiliates (including its Uruguayan affiliate).
  • Acted as lenders’ counsel in the financing of Buquebus S.A. (Uruguay) for the construction of a large electric ferry  that will connect Buenos Aires (Argentina) with Colonia (Uruguay).

Hughes & Hughes

The banking and finance team at Hughes & Hughes is recognised for its deep industry expertise and strong track record advising multilateral credit organisations, investment banks and financial institutions on complex transactions in Uruguay and internationally. The practice plays a key role in structured financing, including credit facilities, convertible bridge loans and securities brokerage, as well as major deals like BBVA’s acquisition of Credit Uruguay Banco. Co-leader Horaldo Espalter has vast experience in financing projects across the energy, forestry, ports, airports and maritime sectors, representing both companies and multilateral organisations in Uruguay and abroad. Also co-leading, Héctor Ferreira is a leading expert in financial negotiations and complex financing structures, advising multilateral credit organisations, investment banks, and financial entities. Co-leader Juan Carlos Oreggia Carrau specialises in commercial and financial transactions, with a focus on FDI structuring, joint ventures, acquisitions and investments in industries like forestry and energy. The team is further supported by Mariana Estradé, Florencia Beyhaut and associates Clara Villaamil and Santiago Camacho.

Praxisleiter:

Haroldo Espalter; Hector Ferreira; Juan C. Oreggia Carrau


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Mariana Estradé; Florencia Beyhaut; Clara Villaamil; Santiago Camacho


Kernmandanten

BBVA


Banco Galicia


Rabobank


American Express


Bank of New York


Deutche Bank


Bank of America – Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc.


Société Génerale


Tke Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi


Fitch Ratings


Inviu Agente de Valores


Emprendimientos de Valor


Pay Retailers


Créditos Directos-Tarjeta D


Consorcio del Uruguay


Codere Group (Carrasco Nobile S.A. / HRU S.A.)


Libertex Group


Highlight-Mandate


Posadas

Posadas is an established player in Uruguay’s banking and finance sector, particularly renowned for its expertise in project finance for energy and infrastructure. The practice advises multinational lenders, investment banks and development banks on corporate, acquisition and asset finance, as well as structured finance and cross-border syndicated credit facilities. It plays a key role in Uruguayan capital markets, advising on IPOs, bond issuances, and regulatory matters. Its strong regulatory expertise makes it a trusted adviser for corporate banks, fintechs, brokers, and payment service providers seeking licences from the Central Bank of Uruguay. Practice head Tomas Gurméndez is a leading expert in corporate and project finance, specialising in cross-border transactions. Fellow practice head Andrés Aznárez advises regulated financial entities and handles high-value corporate financings. Victoria Garabato focuses on renewable energy and infrastructure finance, while senior associate Martina Reyes plays a key role in transactional and regulatory banking matters.

Praxisleiter:

Tomas Gurméndez; Andrés Aznárez


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Victoria Garabato; Martina Reyes


Kernmandanten

Essential Energy


Banco Santander


Banco República Oriental del Uruguay


BNP Paribas


CAF-AM Uruguay


Inter-American Development Bank


Inter-American Investment Corporation


Banco BBVA


BTG Pactual


Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp


Hyundai Fidocar


HSI Investimentos


Compass Group


Codere Uruguay


Prestámos en la Mano


Mastercard


Pedidos Ya


Ripio


Aligned Data Centers


Societe Generale


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advising Essential Energy on the financing of a greenfield integrated biorefinery plant for the production of renewable diesel and sustainable jet fuel.
  • Assisted Aligned Data Centers with the upsizing of an existing credit facility by USD 600 million to USD 2.25 billion. The proceeds will be used to fund the acquisition of Latin America-focused counterpart ODATA.
  • Advised Hyundai Fidocar in its role as sponsor on a financing of the Kahirós Project, which involves the production of green hydrogen for trucks used in the forestry industry’s transportation services.

Bragard Abogados

Bragard Abogados is a full-service law firm, specialising in banking, finance, and capital markets. The department also covers compliance, restructuring, tax and intellectual property matters. With a prestigious clientele, including UNOPS, AFD Paraguay and Zorzal Inversiones Tecnológicas SA, the team remains prominent in Uruguay’s legal and financial landscape. Under Jean Jacques Bragard ’s leadership, the team regularly represents major financial institutions and multilateral organisations. Agustina Bomio focuses on capital markets and fintech, offering strategic regulatory advice. Juan Bonet advises on financing transactions, M&A and public and private issuances.

Praxisleiter:

Jean Jacques Bragard


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Augustina Bomio; Juan Bonet


Kernmandanten

UNOPS


Institutos Previsionales


AFD Paraguay


Zorzal Inversiones Tecnológicas


Zorzal-Spotter


Group SURA


Fideicomiso Fondo de tierras


MVOT


Latin Oil


Republica AFAP


IFC


GLT Funding


DV Trusted (Da Vinci)


Sun Partners Group


Gletir


Balanz


INVIU


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advising AFD Paraguay on a comprehensive assessment of the market and regulatory framework for the establishment of a structured infrastructure financing unit in Paraguay.
  • Advised Zorzal Inversiones Tecnologicas SA on a simplified securities issuance application process in Uruguay

Deloitte (Uruguay)

Acting for key regulated entities, including banks, insurance companies and asset managers, the banking and finance practice at Deloitte (Uruguay) is involved in structuring public and private offerings, financial trusts, syndicated loans and project finance deals. Led by Javier Domínguez, the practice excels in navigating regulatory challenges and advising on M&A, capital markets and compliance for clients such as Mapfre, SURA Asset Management and República AFISA.

Praxisleiter:

Javier Domínguez


Kernmandanten

Corredor de Bolsa


SURA


AFAP SURA


AFISA SURA


SURA Asset Management (Holding)


República AFISA


Mapfre


Highlight-Mandate


Brum Costa Abogados

Brum Costa Abogados’s banking and finance team is recognised for its expertise in anti-money laundering (AML) work, offering strategic compliance guidance, policy development and training. The practice also advises on corporate governance, investments and stock market regulations, working with major financial institutions. Additionally, it plays a key role in project finance, supporting companies in complex financial structurings. Practice head Leonardo Costa has extensive experience in tax, banking and AML compliance, advising governments and international organisations. Associate Sofia Milsev advises on financial regulation, AML/CFT and data protection, bringing expertise in contract management, regulatory negotiations and compliance policies. Associate Juan Diana, a financial regulation and AML/CFT expert, assists financial and non-financial entities in governance, fintech, and virtual assets matters.

Praxisleiter:

Leonardo Costa


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Sofía Milsev; Juan Diana


Referenzen

‘A very professional team with an immediate response rate. Our experience is that they bring in the most senior members of the team.‘

‘Professionals… they generate trust.‘

Kernmandanten

Bolsa de Valores de Montevideo


HSBC Bank


Nobilis Corredor de Bolsa


Renmax Corredor de Bolsa


Mi Dinero


Redpagos


BBVA


More Money Transfers


Gletir Corredor de Bolsa


Puente Corredor de Bolsa


Bamboo Payment


Bind Agente de Valores


Victor Paullier y Cia Corredores de Bolsa


Cambio Vexel


Gales Servicios Financieros


Kevlar Advisors Uruguay


Kevlar Advisors


Rukipay


Prometeo


Infinia


Avanza Investments


CPMZF


CPM Advisors


Latin Securities S.A. Agente de Valores


Latin Securities S.A. Corredor de Bolsa


Maiorano & Cia. Sociedad de Bolsa


Monex Empresa de Servicios Financieros


Varlix Empresa de Servicios Financieros


Altercambio


Cambio Misiones


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Nobilis Corredor de Bolsa on the analysis of a financial operation through which it was intended to enter the total amount of one hundred million dollars to the Uruguayan financial system.
  • Advised the Bolsa de Valores de Montevideo, the main stock exchange in Uruguay, on the structuring of an operation in which a broker located in a free trade zone had foreign clients who wanted to access Uruguayan financial product, making it necessary to open an investment account in a local broker.
  • Advised RUKIPAY, a technology company that provides services in the national and international payment chain, in the structuring of its payment gateway business, ensuring full compliance with the regulations set forth by the Central Bank of Uruguay.

Olivera Abogados

The banking and finance department at Olivera Abogados leads complex financial transactions, advising major clients like BEVSA and handling a high volume of securities transactions. Its work spans multiple jurisdictions and includes a $50M deal for a multinational investment banking and financial services group. The team excels in advising on innovative financing, infrastructure projects and regulatory negotiations. Practice head Ricardo Olivera García is a leading commercial law expert with extensive cross-border transactional experience. Fellow practice head Juan Mailhos Gallo is involved in major transactions, recognised for his contributions to innovative financial projects, and his ability to anticipate regulatory and market challenges.

Praxisleiter:

Ricardo Olivera García; Juan Mailhos Gallo


Kernmandanten

BEVSA (Electronic Stock Exchange of Uruguay)


URUTEC (the sole clearing house operating in Uruguay)


Highlight-Mandate


  • Adviced permanently on Bolsa Electrónica de Valores del Uruguay S.A. In the last 12 months the more significants transactions are the following:|(i) Corporate bonds issued by Conaprole for a total amount up to USD 15 millions;|(ii) Fourth Series of the Mortgage Credit Notes issued by HSBC up to a total amount of USD 35 millions; |(iii) Corporate bonds issued by UTE for a total amount up to USD 375 millions;|(iv) Third Series of the Corporated bonds issued by Hipica Rioplatense Uruguay by USD 10 millions;|(v) Participation Certificates issued by the trust “Fideicomiso Financiero Fondo de Deuda para infraestructura en Uruguay V CAF-AM”, for a total approx. amount of up to USD 295 millions.
  • Adviced Urutec in the process of design, implementation and start-up of a new payment system (called PCT payment by transfer). This process implied, beyond the technical-operational issues, the obtaining of permits and authorizations to move forward with this financial activity, including the authorization of the payment system regulator, the Central Bank of Uruguay.