Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega
High Net Worth Guide 2023
About
With over 60 years of experience catering to the needs of international high net worth clients from Panama and through a well-established network of affiliated and fully integrated offices worldwide, ARIFA stands as a leading and highly respected name in private client work.
ARIFA offers comprehensive solutions to professional clients, business organizations, high-net-worth individuals, and their families. From standardized products to intricate and sophisticated multi-jurisdictional tailor-made Wealth Planning services, ARIFA is dedicated to fulfilling their diverse needs.
One of ARIFA's notable areas of expertise lies in providing wealth planning services to increasingly mobile multi-jurisdictional wealthy families, particularly in Latin America. This expertise stems from navigating the complex challenges posed by different jurisdictions with varying rules for taxes, succession, compliance, accounting, and ownership.
Family offices have found Panama to be an attractive jurisdiction for setup and operations, and ARIFA has amassed extensive expertise in advising international clients on the legal requirements and establishment of family offices. By incorporating industry best practices into their operations, ARIFA ensures optimal outcomes for their clients.
Given that cross-border families often have assets spread across different jurisdictions, ARIFA's advisors possess the proficiency to assist in coordinating the establishment of tax compliance structures. This enables clients to effectively organize their wealth management needs while benefiting from the appropriate application of rules to avoid double taxation.
ARIFA has also developed substantial expertise in guiding international private clients and financial institutions through the implementation of new standards in terms of transparency and exchange of information. They actively assist clients in complying with regulations such as FATCA, CRS, Economic Substance, and other legislation fostering international cooperation on tax matters.
ARIFA operates through its network of affiliated and fully integrated trust and company agent offices located in Panama, London, Hong Kong, the British Virgin Islands, Uruguay, and Belize. Moreover, their longstanding professional relationships with leading wealth managers, company agents, accountants, and law firms globally enable them to serve clients in over 100 countries.
The ARIFA Group comprises ARIFA Corporate Services, alongside ARIFA – ARIAS, FABREGA & FABREGA, a premier law firm based in Panama, ARIAS, FABREGA & FABREGA TRUST COMPANY BVI LIMITED, a licensed trust company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands and SwissARIFA, a leading provider of trustee services to high-net-worth individuals in Latin America, with offices in Geneva and Panama. By combining resources, expertise, and a commitment to excellence, the ARIFA Group, consisting of more than 150 lawyers, corporate agents, trust officers, and highly trained personnel, delivers high-quality, timely, and cost-efficient solutions to clients, supported by state-of-the-art systems.
ARIFA's team adhere to the highest professional and ethical standards, working closely with clients who share and value these principles. Understanding their clients and their unique requirements is paramount to the work ARIFA undertakes on their behalf. The organization takes great pride in its structure, as well as its unwavering dedication to client service and satisfaction.
Ranked Offices
Provided by Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega
- PanamaPH ARIFA, 9th & 10th Floors, West Boulevard, Santa Marina Business District, PO Box 0816‐01098, Panama, Panama, Panama
- Web: www.arifa.com
- Tel: +507 205 7000
- Fax: +507 205 7001
- View ranked office
Contributions
Latest contributions provided by Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega
Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega rankings
Articles, highlights and press releases
23 items provided by Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega
New digital platform for multinational companies.
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MICI) has announced the launch of a new digital platform aimed at simplifying procedures related to the governmental management of Multinational Company Headquarters (SEM) and Multinational Companies for the Provision of Manufacturing-Related Services (EMMA).
Smart Contracts in Panama: Validity and Legal Issues
Interest in smart contracts has been on the rise globally in recent years and Panama has been no exception.
ARIFA announces the hire of partner Fernando Aued
ARIFA strengthens its litigation and regulatory practice groups with the new hire of partner Fernando Aued, effective August 2023.
PSA Marine Americas' acquisition of a 45% stake in Meyer's Tugs
Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega advised PSA Marine Americas in the succesful acquisition of a 45% stake in Meyer's Tugs from Inversiones Maritimas CPT, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CPT Empresas Maritimas.
ARIFA advises Bladex in its inaugural Panamanian revolving bond program
ARIFA has assisted Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S.A. (BLADEX) in connection with the registration of its inaugural revolving bond program in the Republic of Panamá allowing for the issuance of up to US$300,000,000.00 in bonds in multiple currencies, and various rates.
ARIFA announces the promotion of new partner Javier Yap Endara
Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega is thrilled to announce the promotion of Javier Yap Endara as new partner of the firm
ARIFA has acted as counsel to Mediam Group in the sale of a minority stake to Aleph Group Inc.
ARIFA advised Mediam Group (Google’s official media representative in Central America) in the sale of a minority stake to Aleph Group Inc., a leading global entity of digital advertising in emerging countries.
ARIFA welcomes new international associate
ARIFA is pleased to welcome a new international associate in the areas of banking and finance, mergers and acquisitions, and commercial and civil litigation.
Empresa Panameña de Alimentos, S.A. acquires Gold Mills de Panamá, S.A.
ARIFA acted as lead counsel to it’s long time client Empresa Panameña de Alimentos, S.A., in regards to the indirect acquisition of Gold Mills de Panamá, S.A., a leading wheat and foodstuffs supplier and distributor in Panamá.
Bladex's successful closing of a US$101.5 Million Senior Dual-Tranche Facility to CrediQ
ARIFA has acted as counsel to Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior (Bladex) as the Sole Lead Arranger and Bookrunner, as well as the Administrative Agent on the first international syndicated facility led by Bladex for CrediQ and its subsidiaries in Costa Rica and El Salvador.
Changes to the Law Regulating Horizontal Property in Panama
On February 14, 2022, Law No. 284 of February 14, 2022 came into force, which regulates the horizontal property (condominium) regime and replaces Law No. 31 of June 18, 2010, which previously regulated this matter.
ARIFA has advised Hotel La Compañía in the financing of a one-of-a-kind project.
We are excited to have advised Hotel La Compañía with the financing granted by IDB Invest and BAC International Bank Inc. to finance the development, construction, and operation of this one-of-a-kind project aimed to support the revitalization and economic growth of Panama city’s historic district.
US$1.76 billion EnfraGen’s renewables financing
Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega has represented the Initial Purchasers and the Lenders in EnfraGen’s renewables financing.
A first-of-its-kind transaction to increase housing finance and support women-owned businesses
US$90 million unsecured loan facility to Global Bank aimed at increasing housing finance for women and support women-owned businesses in Panama.
Financing of Line 3 of the Panama Metro, the largest public infrastructure project in Panama
ARIFA advised ECAs and banks in connection with a US$ 2,264,037,941.16 and JP¥ 51,458,523,871.00 receivables purchase facility and related credit facilities agreements for the financing of Line 3 of the Panama Metro System.
Estif Aparicio, new Senior Vice-Chair of the IBA Latin American Regional Forum
Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega is pleased to announce that the International Bar Association (IBA) has appointed Partner Estif Aparicio as 2020-2021 Senior Vice-Chair of the Latin American Regional Forum (LARF).
Claudio De Castro, new member of the Board of the ICC Commission on Arbitration and ADR for Panama
We are pleased to announce that ARIFA partner and co-head of our Litigation and Arbitration team, Claudio De Castro, has been appointed to the 2020-2022 Board of the ICC Commission on Arbitration and ADR for Panama.
The Supreme Court of Panama rules in favor of the Arbitration Principle of Competence-Competence
Competence-Competence is the arbitration principle pursuant to which an arbitral tribunal has the power to rule on its own jurisdiction.
Panama establishes and regulates Teleworking
ARIFA's Labor and Employment lawyers highlight the most important aspects of the recently enacted teleworking law. This bulletin has been reproduced in its original language.
Panama Law on Public-Private Partnerships
Panama’s National Assembly has enacted Law No. 93 of September 19, 2019 on Public Private Partnerships, in an effort to bolster infrastructure investment and job creation as well as address ongoing public infrastructure needs.
ARIFA promotes two new partners
The firm is pleased to announce that it has invited junior partners Claudio De Castro and Pilar Castillo to join partner level.
Country by Country Report – Panama adopts new tax compliance report
In 2016, Panama adopted the implementation of the recommendations made by the G20 countries and the OECD on the application of BEPS and committed to implementing action 13, which addresses the strengthening of the Transfer Pricing Documentation Standards and the Country-by-Country (CbC) report.
Panama and the international standards on transparency and exchange of information
Panama implements legislation in compliance with the principles of transparency and information exchange.
New digital platform for multinational companies.
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MICI) has announced the launch of a new digital platform aimed at simplifying procedures related to the governmental management of Multinational Company Headquarters (SEM) and Multinational Companies for the Provision of Manufacturing-Related Services (EMMA).
Smart Contracts in Panama: Validity and Legal Issues
Interest in smart contracts has been on the rise globally in recent years and Panama has been no exception.
ARIFA announces the hire of partner Fernando Aued
ARIFA strengthens its litigation and regulatory practice groups with the new hire of partner Fernando Aued, effective August 2023.
PSA Marine Americas' acquisition of a 45% stake in Meyer's Tugs
Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega advised PSA Marine Americas in the succesful acquisition of a 45% stake in Meyer's Tugs from Inversiones Maritimas CPT, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CPT Empresas Maritimas.
ARIFA advises Bladex in its inaugural Panamanian revolving bond program
ARIFA has assisted Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S.A. (BLADEX) in connection with the registration of its inaugural revolving bond program in the Republic of Panamá allowing for the issuance of up to US$300,000,000.00 in bonds in multiple currencies, and various rates.
ARIFA announces the promotion of new partner Javier Yap Endara
Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega is thrilled to announce the promotion of Javier Yap Endara as new partner of the firm
ARIFA has acted as counsel to Mediam Group in the sale of a minority stake to Aleph Group Inc.
ARIFA advised Mediam Group (Google’s official media representative in Central America) in the sale of a minority stake to Aleph Group Inc., a leading global entity of digital advertising in emerging countries.
ARIFA welcomes new international associate
ARIFA is pleased to welcome a new international associate in the areas of banking and finance, mergers and acquisitions, and commercial and civil litigation.
Empresa Panameña de Alimentos, S.A. acquires Gold Mills de Panamá, S.A.
ARIFA acted as lead counsel to it’s long time client Empresa Panameña de Alimentos, S.A., in regards to the indirect acquisition of Gold Mills de Panamá, S.A., a leading wheat and foodstuffs supplier and distributor in Panamá.
Bladex's successful closing of a US$101.5 Million Senior Dual-Tranche Facility to CrediQ
ARIFA has acted as counsel to Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior (Bladex) as the Sole Lead Arranger and Bookrunner, as well as the Administrative Agent on the first international syndicated facility led by Bladex for CrediQ and its subsidiaries in Costa Rica and El Salvador.
Changes to the Law Regulating Horizontal Property in Panama
On February 14, 2022, Law No. 284 of February 14, 2022 came into force, which regulates the horizontal property (condominium) regime and replaces Law No. 31 of June 18, 2010, which previously regulated this matter.
ARIFA has advised Hotel La Compañía in the financing of a one-of-a-kind project.
We are excited to have advised Hotel La Compañía with the financing granted by IDB Invest and BAC International Bank Inc. to finance the development, construction, and operation of this one-of-a-kind project aimed to support the revitalization and economic growth of Panama city’s historic district.
US$1.76 billion EnfraGen’s renewables financing
Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega has represented the Initial Purchasers and the Lenders in EnfraGen’s renewables financing.
A first-of-its-kind transaction to increase housing finance and support women-owned businesses
US$90 million unsecured loan facility to Global Bank aimed at increasing housing finance for women and support women-owned businesses in Panama.
Financing of Line 3 of the Panama Metro, the largest public infrastructure project in Panama
ARIFA advised ECAs and banks in connection with a US$ 2,264,037,941.16 and JP¥ 51,458,523,871.00 receivables purchase facility and related credit facilities agreements for the financing of Line 3 of the Panama Metro System.
Estif Aparicio, new Senior Vice-Chair of the IBA Latin American Regional Forum
Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega is pleased to announce that the International Bar Association (IBA) has appointed Partner Estif Aparicio as 2020-2021 Senior Vice-Chair of the Latin American Regional Forum (LARF).
Claudio De Castro, new member of the Board of the ICC Commission on Arbitration and ADR for Panama
We are pleased to announce that ARIFA partner and co-head of our Litigation and Arbitration team, Claudio De Castro, has been appointed to the 2020-2022 Board of the ICC Commission on Arbitration and ADR for Panama.
The Supreme Court of Panama rules in favor of the Arbitration Principle of Competence-Competence
Competence-Competence is the arbitration principle pursuant to which an arbitral tribunal has the power to rule on its own jurisdiction.
Panama establishes and regulates Teleworking
ARIFA's Labor and Employment lawyers highlight the most important aspects of the recently enacted teleworking law. This bulletin has been reproduced in its original language.
Panama Law on Public-Private Partnerships
Panama’s National Assembly has enacted Law No. 93 of September 19, 2019 on Public Private Partnerships, in an effort to bolster infrastructure investment and job creation as well as address ongoing public infrastructure needs.
ARIFA promotes two new partners
The firm is pleased to announce that it has invited junior partners Claudio De Castro and Pilar Castillo to join partner level.
Country by Country Report – Panama adopts new tax compliance report
In 2016, Panama adopted the implementation of the recommendations made by the G20 countries and the OECD on the application of BEPS and committed to implementing action 13, which addresses the strengthening of the Transfer Pricing Documentation Standards and the Country-by-Country (CbC) report.
Panama and the international standards on transparency and exchange of information
Panama implements legislation in compliance with the principles of transparency and information exchange.