DAC Beachcroft Argentina upended the insurance law hierarchy in the summer of 2023 as UK-based parent DAC Beachcroft LLP recruited Allende & Brea’s market-leading insurance team to launch in Argentina. With offices in the UK, Europe, Latin America and Asia, the firm is known for the strength of its global insurance and reinsurance platform, with its investment in Argentina further deepening its international reach. The practice services international insurers, reinsurers, reinsurance brokers and law firms and is known for its work in regulatory compliance, corporate issues and contractual matters, including those relating to insurance coverage, including property and casualty, technical insurance, financial lines, directors and officers liability and cyber insurance. The firm is particularly well-known for its track record in insurance-related litigation and arbitration, with transactional work also covered. Other busy areas include advising on aviation and maritime law, product liability, civil liability and institutional relations, as well as independent audits to assess the compliance of legal entities with civil and commercial regulations. The team is co-led by the exceptional Martín Argañaraz, a vastly experienced insurance and reinsurance specialist, and independent insurance expert María José Sánchez who joined the founding team as a partner and advises insurance and reinsurance companies, brokers and other clients on regulatory matters. A strong roster of associate talent, including María Agustina Diaz (corporate, regulatory, insurance and reinsurance claims); Florencia Lucia Marino (civil liability, damages law, insurance and reinsurance); Fernando Mondelli (civil liability, damages law, insurance and reinsurance) and Oliver Peebles (regulatory and corporate matters) provides additional support.
Insurance in Argentina
DAC Beachcroft Argentina
Praxisleiter:
Martín Argañaraz Luque; María José Sánchez
Referenzen
‘They are specialists in insurance, with great experience and knowledge of the Argentine market. They are proactive, and give quick and accurate responses.’
‘They are a great team and provide personalised attention, quick responses and great knowledge of the market.’
‘They are always willing to resolve any issues, no matter how small they may be. They have an excellent network, including a good working relationship with the local regulator.’
Kernmandanten
Lloyd’s of London
Lockton
Fairfax
La Meridional
Deustche Rückversicherung
Allianz
Swiss Re
Echo Re
John Hancock Life Insurance Company
Scor
Aon
Highlight-Mandate
- Assisting German insurer and reinsurer Deutsche Rückversicherung Aktiengesellschaft with an expansion into the Latin American market and obtaining registrations in countries across the region.
- Advising Lockton Group on an expansion to the Argentine market and assisting with day-to-day operational matters, including corporate, regulatory, tax and labour work.
- Assisting French reinsurer CCR with an expansion into the Latin American market and advising on registrations and licensing to conduct reinsurance business.
Marval O’Farrell Mairal
Marval O’Farrell Mairal‘s dedicated insurance and reinsurance practice provides local and international clients with comprehensive advice covering regulation, reinsurance claims, transactional work, insurance product distribution, marine and aviation insurance, cyber insurance and product liability. The team is particularly sought out to assist on contentious matters and has an exceptional track record when it comes to handling administrative claims and court proceedings, class actions and mass litigation in the insurance sector. The 'exceptional' Pablo Cereijido leads the team and has more than two decades of industry experience. He is supported by the highly rated Elias Bestani, who has a strong maritime and aviation law practice and also covers high-profile insurance and reinsurance matters. Former practice head and of counsel Alberto Cappagli remains available to the team when required, bringing four decades of experience to the table. At the associate level, maritime and aviation specialist María Victoria Rodríguez Mamberti, Matias Acrogliano, who covers claims and regulatory work, and Andrea Zaniratto, who handles claims and class actions, are the key names.
Praxisleiter:
Pablo Cereijido
Referenzen
‘Marval O’Farrell Mairal excels in the service provided to clients. They offer sound legal advice and understand the commercial aspects of the business.’
‘Elias Bestani and María Victoria Rodríguez Mamberti work very closely with their clients, share information openly and exchange views on a permanent basis. They are prepared to listen – an invaluable asset. ’
‘A solid and excellent team that understands and knows the market.’
Kernmandanten
XL Catlin
The Zurich Group
MAPFRE
Assurant Argentina Compañía de Seguros
Andina ART
Sancor Seguros
San Cristobal Seguros
Generali
Hanseatica
Group Stellantis
Renault
La Meridional Compañía de Seguros
Marsh – Guy Carpenter
A J Gallagher
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised an insurance broker on court proceedings brought by a leading energy company based in Argentina.
- Advised XL Catlin on a high-profile reinsurance claim involving the collision of two helicopters causing the death of all onboard passengers.
- Advised an important logistics company on matters involving judicial proceedings brought by customers alleging damages resulting from incorrect cross-labelling.
Beccar Varela
Beccar Varela advises insurers, reinsurers and brokers on corporate issues, litigation, class actions, product launches and distribution. The practice is particularly strong in transactional matters and is frequently sought out to advise on the formation, acquisition and divestment of insurance companies and the transfer and sale of customer portfolios. Regulatory matters and premium collection agreements are other areas of expertise, with the firm also recognised for its advice to online marketplaces expanding into the insurance industry. The practice is led by the highly rated Daniel Seoane, an insurance specialist who has experience working in-house with global insurers. Senior associates Agustín Duarte (transactional work and class actions) and Daiana Mari (regulatory issues and claims reports) complete the roster.
Praxisleiter:
Daniel Seoane
Referenzen
‘Daniel Seoane is excellent. His previous experience working in-house as the general counsel of an important insurer means he knows what clients want and provides excellent service.’
‘The team is really solid as a whole and always available to the client to quickly resolve queries.’
‘Warm, personal service and creativity to overcome obstacles and comply with the law but also make business happen.’
Kernmandanten
Grupo Sura
Volkswagen
Mercado Libre
Supervielle
International Credit Insurance Broker
San Cristóbal/ Iúnigo
Cardif Seguros
Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance
Allianz Argentina Compañía de Seguros
Galicia Seguros
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Seguros Sura in the sale of its insurance company to private bank Grupo Galicia.
- Advised Volkswagen on the implementation of a post-sale guarantee program through an insurance company specialising in vehicle repair.
- Advised Mercado Libre on obtaining authorisation to operate as a representative of insurers and sell insurance products on its platform.
Lopez Saavedra & Villarroel
Lopez Saavedra & Villarroel is known for the strength of its contentious practice, advising domestic and international insurers and reinsurers in mediations, disputes, and arbitration proceedings, as well as on out-of-court third-party claims. Malpractice and product liability are other areas of expertise. Non-contentious matters are also covered, with the firm well-versed in claims management, regulatory work and representing clients before national agencies. A team of experienced insurance and reinsurance practitioners includes practice head Diego López Saavedra (maritime and aviation law, contractual and extra-contractual disputes), reinsurance specialist Mariano López Saavedra and maritime and aeronautical law expert Ignacio Villarroel.
Praxisleiter:
Diego López Saavedra
Highlight-Mandate
- Represented an insurer in a high-stakes dispute with related to the timing of an insurance policy renewal.
Nicholson y Cano Abogados
Nicholson y Cano Abogados provides insurers and reinsurers with a full-service offering that covers corporate and regulatory issues, product approvals, reinsurance agreements, contracts with brokers and other distributors, claims management, pre-litigation advice, mediation and litigation. Transactional matters, including M&A and portfolio transfers, are also handled. The practice is co-led by María Fraguas, who leads on all regulatory, corporate and contractual matters; Juan Carlos Etchebehere, who handles the practice’s large claims management work; and Marcela Botta, an expert in life, health and worker compensation insurance. Partner Paola Pizzini focuses on automobile, property and medical insurance, with Ezequiel Matías Marcos (motor and property insurance), Carlos Gorostiaga (annuity products litigation) and Maria Florencia Korol (life insurance litigation) providing associate-level support.
Praxisleiter:
María Fraguas; Juan Carlos Etchebehere; Marcela Botta
Kernmandanten
Zurich
Chubb
Allianz
Prudential
HSBC Seguros
SMG
Experta
Cardif Seguros
BBVA Aeguros
CNP Assurances
Avira
Galicia Seguros
Highlight-Mandate
- Represented the Argentine Banking Association (ABA) and the business chamber ADEBA in challenging a regulatory resolution imposing restrictions and conditions on insurance contracts for loans secured by vehicle pledges.
- Advise HSBC Seguros with the review of a new set of reinsurance contracts with reinsurer Swiss Re.
- Manage a diverse array of civil liability cases stemming from automobile insurance policies for Allianz and Zurich.
Bomchil
Bomchil works with insurers, reinsurers, underwriters, brokers and insured parties, advising on litigation and unfair competition matters, as well as regulatory, commercial and general corporate issues. Corporate and M&A partner Maximo Bomchil leads the team, with the firm’s former banking and capital markets head Néstor Belgrano, who now serves as of counsel, also available to share his more than three decades of experience handling product structuring, joint ventures, litigation and regulatory work.
Praxisleiter:
Máximo Bomchil
Referenzen
‘A professional firm that understands the commercial drivers of its clients.’
‘The team provides quality advice and works out to outline alternative solutions.’
Kernmandanten
Caixa Seguros (Brazil)
CNP Assurances Group
Coremont
Latinbroker International
Buenos Aires Arena
Directv Argentina
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised CNP Argentina on regulatory matters and its relation with its minority shareholders.
- Advised Directv Argentina on regulatory matters associated with its products.
- Advised Buenos Aires Arena on regulatory matters associated with its products.
Bulló Abogados
Bulló Abogados has a strong focus on the insurance and reinsurance sector and is best known for its work on contentious matters, including class actions, arbitration and high volume claims management. Partners Javier Augusto Santiere and Daniel Bautista Guffanti are the main points of contact. Former practice head Carlos Estebenet has departed and now works as a sole practitioner.
Praxisleiter:
Javier Augusto Santiere; Daniel Bautista Guffanti
Pérez Alati, Grondona, Benites & Arntsen
Pérez Alati, Grondona, Benites & Arntsen is best known for supporting insurance clients in transactional matters, handling M&A work as well as due diligence reviews analysing insurance coverage and active claims brought against insurers. Contentious matters are also covered, with the team representing clients facing class actions led by consumer protection associations. The team also supports insured parties making claims against insurers, from initial stages through to judicial claims. The practice is co-led by formidable transactional and litigation partner Mariano Grondona and the well-reviewed Lucila Guerrero, who was raised to the partnership at the start of 2024 and covers insurance as well as commercial and aviation matters.
Praxisleiter:
Mariano Grondona; Lucila Guerrero
Referenzen
‘An engaging, proactive team that resolves queries in a timely manner.’
‘Lucila Guerrero is an excellent professional who is always willing to resolve issues quickly and efficiently.’
Kernmandanten
Life Seguros
Travelers
Zapiola Guerrico & Asociados
Insurers call on Zapiola Guerrico & Asociados for expert advice in negotiations and litigation at all levels, including before the National Supreme Court. The team is also known for managing large claims portfolios, as well as its insurtech expertise, where it handles personal data, algorithm bias, discrimination and civil liability issues. Well-known litigator Martin Zapiola Guerrico is the practice head, with litigation-focused associates Gonzalo Giussani and Julieta Donozo rounding out the core team.
Praxisleiter:
Martín Zapiola Guerrico
Referenzen
‘Estudio Zapiola can be relied on to manage large portfolios of claims, mediations, trials and litigation processes, and has expertise in both commercial and personal insurance. Strong negotiators and good at developing litigation strategies.’
‘The firm has extensive experience in the insurance market and a very professional commercial approach. Good communicators who understand the client’s business and provide tailored advice.’
‘The firm has a team of lawyers who have been working in the insurance industry for many years. The nurture trust and continuity.’
Kernmandanten
La Meridional
Zurich Argentina
Zurich International Life
Asociart ART
Nación Seguros
Colón Cía
Experta ART
Highlight-Mandate
- Represented insurance company La Meridional in an extraordinary appeal to the National Supreme Court, against a final ruling from the the Appeals Court in Civil Matters that declared that a policy limit is null and void and therefore cannot be used to oppose claimants in a civil liability claim (against an educational institution).
- Represent insurance company La Meridional in an extraordinary appeal to the National Supreme Court, against a final ruling from the the Appeals Court in Civil Matters that rejected the application of the proportionality principle in the calculation of amounts owed to the insured.
Allende & Brea
Allende & Brea is led by Santiago Sturla, who covers insurance and reinsurance as part of a wider corporate and company law practice. Litigation and arbitration partner David Gurfinkel is another key name. 2023 saw former practice head Martín Argañaraz, key associate María Agustina Diaz and Florencia Marino departing the team for DAC Beachcroft Argentina with Sebastian Bonina and Laura Santanatoglia leaving to take up in-house positions.
Praxisleiter:
Santiago Sturla
Kernmandanten
Assicurazioni Generali
Caja de Seguros
MetLife
Korean Re
Zurich
QBE
Instituto de Resseguros do Brasil
Starr Indemnity & Liability
Chubb
Allianz
Galicia Seguros
Boston Seguros
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising MetLife in a strategic partnership with Klimber, an insurtech company implementing AI for the digital commercialization of insurance products.
- Advising IRB in the reorganisation of its business in Argentina.
- Assists Zurich Argentina and Starr Argentina in the underwriting of policies that comprise insured assets of high economic value and must be reviewed by an independent attorney, in line with local regulations.
Estudio Bunge
Estudio Bunge‘s insurance practice supports clients in operational and regulatory matters, including the sale, incorporation and acquisition of local insurers. The firm handles work related to underwriting, the handling of losses, recoveries, reinsurance, the development and customisation of policies and the registration of reinsurers and agents of foreign reinsurance companies. The firm has been particularly active in contentious matters, advising insurers on various lawsuits and alternative dispute resolution processes. The practice is co-led by Donaldo Smith Sanchez, who advises insurers in litigation, judicial disputes and arbitrations, disputes and surety insurance expert Nicolás Repila and Juan Cornejo, who handles underwriting, claims and judicial disputes and arbitration work.
Praxisleiter:
Donald Smith Sanchez; Nicolas Repila; Juan Cornejo
Kernmandanten
Finanzas Y Credito de Segurtos
Aseguradora De Creditos Y Garantias
Evolucion Seguros
SMG Compañía Argentina de Seguros
Seguros Sura
Afanzadora Latinoamericana de Seguros
San Cristobal Sociedad Mutual de Seguros
TPC Compañía de Seguros
Compañia Aseguradora Del Sur
Creditos y Caución Compañia De Seguros
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised SMG after it issued an insurance bond in favour of CAMMESA to cover the contractual obligations of an Argentine renewable energy developer.
- Aseguradora de Créditos y Garantías (ACG) issued an insurance bond to cover the contractual obligations of the Argentine post office services provider Correo Argentino to the federal government. The government terminated the contract and brought a claim against ACG, who simultaneously sought and obtained a guarantee payment from Correo Argentino’s parent company as guarantor of Correo Argentino.
- Advising Fianzas y Crédito Insurance Company as a creditor in various restructuring and bankruptcy proceedings.