Global Mexico Capital Markets

Leading figure Carlos Aiza is held in high esteem by market onlookers, with one valuing that "he is an absolute market leader, has outstanding expertise in the capital markets area and has vast experience." One client explains that "Carlos Aiza has significant knowledge of capital markets in Mexico and a lot of experience in the structuring and placement of CKDs and CERPIs." Aiza leads the department and is active on both debt and equity transactions.

Top-tier practitioner Guillermo Pérez Santiago co-heads the capital markets practice in Mexico, drawing strong praise for his securities knowledge. One client says: "Guillermo Pérez Santiago is excellent in capital markets matters." A peer adds: "He is a market-leading lawyer as he is skilled and has a longstanding presence in this area. I have a good impression of him."

Leading light José Raz Guzmán is highly regarded by a client for being "very knowledgeable and creative, which allows him to explain a transaction and communicate his ideas with examples." He boasts solid expertise assisting clients with private and public offerings of investment vehicles including FIBRAs and CKDs. "José Raz Guzmán's expertise is a great advantage," attests a client, whilst another respondent says: "He and his team are probably some of the best lawyers in capital markets and corporate finance in Mexico."

Leading figure Juan Antonio Martín boasts strong activity in the capital markets arena in Mexico, ranging from debt issuances and equity offerings to securitisation mandates. Praising his expertise, clients highlight: "Juan Antonio Martín is a lawyer with whom we are very comfortable working. He has a solid understanding of our matters and a clear idea of market dynamics and the economic and financial drivers behind products. That gives us peace of mind."

Seasoned capital markets department head Michell Nader Schekaiban is based in Mexico City and boasts vast experience in assisting clients with public and private offerings including securitisation programmes and equity deals. One market onlooker describes him as "one of the most well-rounded lawyers I know. There is not a single problem I have had that he has not been able to resolve. I do not know what I would do without him; he is truly committed to the growth of his clients' businesses." Another commentator adds: "He does extraordinary work in the capital markets space."

Key partner Daniel Kuri Breña draws praise from a client, who says: "He is very knowledgeable and immerses himself in transactions when necessary." He boasts extensive experience in assisting clients with securitisation programmes and bond issuances in Mexico. He is held in high esteem by observers for his approach, as a client reports: "Daniel Kuri Breña and his team have extensive knowledge, are efficient and provide timely solutions."

Capital markets partner Julian Garza Castañeda enjoys notable experience in securities matters, maintaining solid activity assisting clients with the issuance of debt and equity instruments such as CERPIs. A client reports: "Julian Garza Castañeda and his team do exceptional work and they have profound knowledge of the transactional market in Mexico; their expertise is evident in the deliverables."

Highly regarded practitioner Rodrigo Castelazo continues to be recognised by market commentators as a leading capital markets specialist. Praising his practice, clients state: "He has achieved a high level of expertise and experience, both of which contribute a lot to matters." Interviewees further enthuse: "Rodrigo Castelazo shows understanding and clarity when tackling our matters, plus he is very efficient." He is active in transactional and regulatory securities mandates.

Mexico City-based partner Carlos Zamarrón is "a very good lawyer who is always on top of things. Our matters are carried out successfully with him and he provides us with comprehensive advice regarding the regulatory authorities," according to clients. With experience assisting both issuers and underwriters, Carlos Zamarrón advises on securities-related operations and broader investments with a strong capital markets component.

Gunter Schwandt draws praise from a client, who describes him as "a lawyer with extraordinary business acumen and a business-enabler mentality. He proactively looks for solutions when his clients face legal obstacles." The same client continues: "Gunter Schwandt knows the capital markets jargon and you can tell this is his area of expertise." He remains involved in securitisation and CKDs in Mexico.

Mexico City-based practitioner Hans Goebel Caviedes advises domestic and foreign clients on capital markets transactions, including the issuance of notes and securitisation matters. Commending his service, one client declares: "I feel very comfortable with him and his firm."

Mexico City-based partner Maurice Berkman enjoys experience assisting with debt and equity transactions. He is singled out for praise by clients, with one respondent stating: "Maurice Berkman has profound knowledge of capital markets." Commenting on his performance in securities transactions, a client says: "I have a very favourable opinion of him."

Head of department Alberto Saavedra is based in Mexico City and is well versed in the capital markets area, assisting with the structuring of debt programmes. One peer describes him as "very experienced," while another respondent says he has "a longstanding career and is a recognised figure."

Mexico City-based practitioner Alfonso Castro continues to draw praise from sources for his activity in the capital markets area. One client declares: "Alfonso Castro and his team are available and give reasoned analyses of scenarios. They are good at identifying the root of business problems and at offering legal solutions to tackle them."

Mexico City-based Eduardo Flores enters the rankings this year after eliciting praise from market commentators for his expertise in capital markets operations such as IPOs and the issuance of insurance-linked securities. A client reports: "He is a true professional who is great to deal with and highly knowledgeable about capital markets matters."

Héctor Arangua Lecea can claim notable experience in advising on capital markets matters in Mexico, encompassing CKD transactions, securitisation matters and notes issuances. A respondent underlines: "Héctor Arangua Lecea solves issues before they escalate. He is disruptive, creative and innovative. No matter the time or day, if you need him, he is there for you."

Mexico City-based partner Manuel Groenewold has extensive knowledge of a wide range of capital markets matters, including green bond issuances and securitisation. One market source emphasises: "Manuel Groenewold and his team are very good lawyers and are available for their clients," going on to describe him as "experienced and commercially aware."

Mercedes Haddad garners endorsement from peers, who hail her as a key capital markets practitioner in Mexico. One peer states: "She is a great person to work with as a counterpart." Mercedes Haddad has experience in assisting clients with sophisticated products such as shelf registration programmes, FIBRA Es and CERPIs, as well as CKDs.

Mexico City-based capital markets expert Silvia Malagón renders advice on fund formation and regulatory securities matters. A peer endorses her presence in the market, reporting: "Silvia Malagón is active in investment funds matters, including mutual funds."

Associate-to-watch José Alejandro Casas is known for his work on both equity and debt securities issuances. A client appreciates his expertise, noting: "José Alejandro Casas is an excellent professional and is committed to his clients. He is able to convey his extensive knowledge of the applicable regulations in a way that is accessible for both issuers and underwriters."