María José Pinillos

María José Pinillos focuses her practice on insurance and reinsurance law, advising insurers, reinsurers, insurance intermediaries and other participants in the Mexican insurance market on regulatory, corporate and transactional matters.

Her practice combines in-depth knowledge of the Mexican insurance regulatory framework with extensive experience advising on the day-to-day legal and strategic issues faced by regulated entities. She regularly advises on matters involving the Insurance and Surety Institutions Law (LISF), the Circular Única de Seguros y Fianzas (CUSF) and related regulation issued by the Mexican insurance regulator.

Her experience includes advising on the incorporation, authorization and operation of insurance-related entities and intermediaries, as well as on regulatory filings, corporate governance, compliance requirements and interactions with Mexican regulatory authorities.

María José also advises insurance companies on the development and implementation of insurance conditions, distribution arrangements and regulatory requirements applicable to the commercialization of insurance products in Mexico.

Her experience also extends to reinsurance, including the regulatory framework applicable to cross-border reinsurance transactions, registration requirements for foreign reinsurers and the operation of Mexico’s General Registry of Foreign Reinsurers (RGRE).

In addition, she advises on corporate governance and regulatory matters specific to insurance companies, including board and committee structures, directors’ responsibilities, internal policies and the implementation of governance requirements applicable to regulated entities.

Her practice is distinguished by a sector-focused approach: rather than addressing insurance regulation in isolation, she advises clients on the interaction between regulatory requirements, corporate structures, commercial objectives and the practical operation of an insurance business.

María José has devoted a substantial part of her career to the insurance and reinsurance sector in Mexico.

Before establishing her independent practice, she spent approximately eight years at Creel, García-Cuéllar, Aiza y Enríquez, where her work focused on insurance and reinsurance matters and she advised domestic and international clients on regulatory, corporate and transactional issues affecting their operations in Mexico.

Her experience includes working with insurance companies, reinsurers, intermediaries and other market participants on both ongoing regulatory matters and strategic projects, providing her with a detailed understanding of the Mexican insurance industry and its regulatory environment.

Since 2024, María José has developed her practice independently, providing specialized advice to clients operating or seeking to operate in the Mexican market.

Her work combines technical regulatory knowledge with a practical understanding of the insurance business, allowing her to advise clients not only on compliance with Mexican regulation but also on how regulatory requirements affect the structuring and implementation of their business objectives.

Co-chair of AMEDESEF (Asociación Mexicana de Derecho de Seguros y Fianzas), Mexican Chapter of AIDA -International Insurance Law Association).

Seguros Generales Everest, Axa Mexico, El Aguila (GAIC), Sura, Seguros Azteca, Zurich Santander, TFS (Toyota), KIIMS, Actinver, Murguía, Atlántigo.

She started an informal community of insurance lawyers, creating a space to exchange ideas, share opportunities and stay connected across the industry. A natural connector, she particularly enjoys bringing people together and helping colleagues find professional opportunities.

Outside work, she practices yoga & meditation and values time with her daughters and close friends. She is also the proud owner of a dachshund.

Universidad Anáhuac México Norte

Law Degree, with Honors

2000 - 2005

Escuela Libre de Dercho

Diploma in Insurance and Surety Law

2015 - 2015