Banking and finance in Philippines

Angara Abello Concepcion Regala & Cruz Law Offices (ACCRALaw)

The team at Angara Abello Concepcion Regala & Cruz Law Offices (ACCRALaw) is equipped to handle a range of banking and finance matters, including high-value cross-jurisdictional mandates for banks, manufacturers and leading financial institutions. The practice is led by Judy Hao who specialises in banking advisory services and M&A issues, while Andre B. Navato, Jr. has recently advised on high-value transactional matters involving cross-border elements. Other key practitioners include Shiree Amor P. Roma, who frequently assists on M&A and facility agreement issues for prominent banking clients.

Praxisleiter:

Judy Hao


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Andre B. Navato; Shiree Amor P. Roma


Referenzen

‘ACCRA assists at every step of the way, from structuring to implementation and execution.‘

‚They make you feel like they are part of the internal team and are highly invested in making the deal happen. They also have good relations with the regulators and can bridge clarifications and review in a timely manner.’

‘Everlene Lee and Patrick Alojado are very hands-on. They are very accommodating. They level with their clients, follow up and follow through on deals and issues.’

Kernmandanten

Bank of the Philippine Islands


Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited


Merrill Lynch


Citigroup Global Markets Limited


Citigroup Centre


First Metro Investment Corporation


The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited


ING Bank


J.P. Morgan Securities PLC


MUFG Securities Asia Limited


SMBC Nikko Securities


Standard Chartered Bank


UBS AG Hong Kong Branch


Philippine National Bank


Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing


Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Bank of the Philippine Islands in its merger with Robinsons Bank Corporation.
  • Advised First Metro Investment Corporation and the other dealers in connection with the update of the USD 2 Billion Medium Term Note Programme of Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company and drawdown.
  • Advised Philippine National Bank in connection with its USD 2 Billion Medium Term Note Programme.

Martinez Vergara & Gonzalez Sociedad

Primarily engaged in project finance, due diligence reviews, and loan agreement issues, Martinez Vergara & Gonzalez Sociedad's broad client base comprises investment platforms, banks, power plants and real estate companies. Project finance specialist Mark Vergara co-leads the team, offering expertise in multijurisdictional matters concerning loan, financing and security issues. Practice co-head Rosalia S. Bartolome-Alejo is skilled at handling real estate projects, advising on financing and security agreements, as well as loan documentation. Other key practitioners include Erika Paulino, who brings expertise in transactional issues relating to corporate and project finance.

Praxisleiter:

Mark O. Vergara; Rosalia Bartolome-Alejo


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Erika Paulino


Referenzen

‚The firm has a firm grasp of banking laws and financial markets. They have always given us their undivided attention notwithstanding their work load.‘ 

‘Manuel Gonzalez is one of the more knowledgeable lawyers I know. Cool and calm and always creative in his thought process.‘ 

‚Gwyneth Ong has deep knowledge of corporate and banking laws and is always available.‘

Kernmandanten

Sta. Lucia Land Inc.


Aboitiz Renewables Inc.


Aboitiz Power Corporation


Emerging Power, Inc.


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SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan

Primarily engaged in complex and high-value banking and finance transactions, the team at SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan regularly acts for banks and financial institutions, as well as both borrowers and issuers. Practice head Philbert E. Varona specialises in mergers and acquisitions, finance and securities matters. With a focus on corporate and tax issues, Benedicto Panigbatan remains engaged across a number of development projects, often advising on loan agreement matters. Jan Celine Abaño-Ranada is skilled at handling project financing, privatisation, energy and infrastructure mandates, while Bhong Paulo Macasaet leads on high-profile deals and security agreements for financial institutions. Julia Patricia C. Herrera-Lim frequently assists acquisition and project financings across the transport and renewable energy sectors.

Praxisleiter:

Philbert E. Varona


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Benedicto Panigbatan; Jan Celine C. Abaño-Ranada; Bhong Paulo Macasaet; Julia Patricia C. Herrera-Lim


Referenzen

‚The firm has been consistently one of the top law firms in the country, and it is not a surprise.‘

‚Benedicto Panigbatan is consistently reliable.‘

Kernmandanten

Asian Development Bank


Bank of the Philippine Islands


BDO-Unibank


China Bank Capital Corporation


OceanaGold


PNB Capital Investment Corporation


Jin Chan Invest Pte Ltd


Lazada E-Services Philippines, Inc.


SM Investments Corporation


Asia United Bank and Bank of Commerce


Norton Rose Fulbright LLP


Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc.


Clifford Chance Pte Ltd


Arthaland Corporation


UBS AG


Aboitiz Power Corporation


Hong Kong & Shanghai Banking Corporation


Standard Chartered Bank


SFA Semicon Philippines Corporation


Linklaters LLP


MUFG Securities Asia Limited


Meralco PowerGen Corporation


SB Capital Investment Corporation


Australian and New Zealand Banking Group Limited


Highlight-Mandate


  • Acted on the project financing for the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Public-Private Partnership Project.
  • Advised The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited on the acquisition financing transaction of Evans Bidco Pty Limited and Global Loan Agency Services Australia Nominees Pty Limited.

Serrano Law

Serrano Law handles a broad range of banking, finance, and capital markets matters, including debt capital markets, M&A, regulatory compliance, and private equity investments. Led by Elmer B. Serrano, the team includes Phil Ivan Chan and Tephanie Gandia, who frequently co-lead on high-profile transactions and specialise in corporate law, documentation, and due diligence. Perpetua Calliope Ngo is also a key member, regularly supporting capital markets and due diligence work.

Praxisleiter:

Elmer B. Serrano


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Phil Ivan Chan; Tephanie Gandia; Perpetua Calliope Ngo


Kernmandanten

BDO Unibank, Inc.


BDO Capital & Investment Corporation


Philippine Veterans Bank


Armstrong Capital Holdings Corp.


Gratia Capital


RYM Business Management Corporation


Chelsea Logistics and Infrastructure Holdings Corp.


RePay Digital Banking Solutions, Inc.


Ferronoux Holdings, Inc.


Unistar Credit and Finance Corporation


Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law)

Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law) caters to a broad list of clients from the energy, technology, and financial services sectors. Heading up the team, Jaime Renato B. Gatmaytan is frequently engaged in renewable energy project finance matters. Andrea E. Katipunan-Leido is a skilled drafter of loan and security documents, also bringing strong regulatory, tax and financing expertise.

Praxisleiter:

Jaime Renato B. Gatmaytan


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Andrea E. Katipunan-Leido


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Geronimo Law

Geronimo Law advises international development finance institutions on PPP contracts, regulatory compliance, and taxation matters. The practice is led by Russell Stanley Q. Geronimo, who brings deep expertise in cross-border financial transactions and regularly acts on high-value deals for banks, fintech companies, and other financial institutions.

Praxisleiter:

Russell Stanley Q. Geronimo


Referenzen

‚Geronimo Law’s practice stands out for its ability to bridge technical financial expertise with real development needs. Our consultancy engagement with them was about blue financing for fishermen, and the team not only assessed the financial market but also offered clear, actionable, context-sensitive recommendations.‘

‚Clients would appreciate their strengths in providing actionable insights and offering solutions that are both inclusive and practical.‘

‚Russell Stanley Geronimo stands out for his deep technical expertise, responsiveness, and generosity in sharing his knowledge.‘

Kernmandanten

World Bank


The Asia Foundation


U.S. International Development Finance Corporation


Deel


Rippling


GHL Systems Berhad


Dostavista


hSenidBiz


Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority


Tala


Manila Water Company


PayChoice


Ascent Solutions


FMC Research


MFX Solutions


Pulse63


Institute of Mergers & Acquisitions Alliance


Anytime Fitness


Carmudi


Borzo


Touchcast


Edge Maritime Inc.


Marron Shipping Co.


Investment Impact Exchange


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised the World Bank on multiple high-level development finance projects, including the legal structuring and implementation of the National Innovation Fund under the Innovation Act.
  • Acted as legal counsel for multiple national-level unsolicited PPPs involving digital infrastructure systems.
  • Advised MFX Solutions and the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) as foreign counterparties, and First Circle as the Philippine counterparty, on the documentation, regulatory compliance, and taxation of ISDA-based FX non-deliverable forward derivatives.

Quisumbing Torres

The team at Quisumbing Torres frequently acts for multinational, high-profile clients across the financial, banking and professional services. Practice co-head Alain Charles Veloso advises on regulatory, compliance, joint venture investment issues, and term loan agreements. Co-head Maria Christina Macasaet-Acaban is skilled at handling cross-border joint venture issues, with a focus on financial services clients in Japan and the Philippines. Dennis Quintero is well-equipped to advise on regulatory and compliance matters, while Kristina Navarro assists on cross-border financing transactions and joint ventures.

Praxisleiter:

Alain Charles Veloso; Maria Christina Macasaet-Acaban


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Dennis Quintero; Kristina Navarro


Referenzen

‘They are very responsive, easy to talk with and highly knowledgeable’

‘Very practical approach.‘ 

‚They were able to effectively lay down the regulatory and socio-economic justifications to support our regulatory reform proposals.‘

Kernmandanten

Allianz


Universal Entertainment Corporation


Prudential Corporation Asia (Prudential Asia)


Manulife Philippines


Highlight-Mandate


  • Assisted a global asset management firm with the divestment of its debt and equity instruments in joint venture/project companies in the Philippines.
  • Assisted a leading financial services group in Asia with the extension of USD 50,000,000 revolving credit facility in favor of a leading telecommunications company based in the Philippines.
  • Assisted one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organisations and various lenders in connection with a cross-border financing in favour of a multinational financing company.

Villaraza & Angangco (V&A Law)

Villaraza & Angangco (V&A Law) has a broad banking and finance offering, with clients spanning the telecommunications, fintech, energy and cybersecurity sectors. The group is jointly led by Sylvette Y. Tankiang, Juanito L. Sañosa, Jr., Ma. Carla P. Mapalo. Tankiang, and Richard Henrick I. Beltran. Sañosa brings expertise in corporate governance and regulatory issues, while Mapalo leads complex transactions for fintech clients. Ira Mari Sembrano frequently assists on cross-border transactions, advising on the tax, governance and security agreement issues, while Maria Francesca Vergara assists on project financing agreements.

Praxisleiter:

Sylvette Y. Tankiang; Juanito L. Sañosa, Jr.; Ma. Carla P. Mapalo; Richard Henrick I. Beltran


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Ira Mari Sembrano; Maria Francesca Vergara


Referenzen

‘Competent and responsive B&F team that deals with matters practically.‘ 

‘Partners and associates from the B&F team are responsive and get straight to the point with definitive and practical advice.‘ 

Kernmandanten

China Telecommunications Corporation


DITO Telecommunity Corporation


TSYS


Highlight-Mandate


  • Assisting DITO Telecommunity Corporation with post-closing obligations following the success of its USD 3.8 billion project financing.
  • Acting as Local Counsel for a US-based financial technology company introducing cloud-based technology services specifically designed for credit card-issuing and acquiring banks.

Gulapa & Lim (Gulapa Law)

The team at Gulapa & Lim (Gulapa Law) is equipped to handle debt financing, debt restructuring and loan agreement issues, operating across the finance, energy and TMT sectors. Practice co-head Aris Gulapa is highly experienced in drafting syndicated loan agreements, regulatory issues and security agreement negotiations. Focusing on banking and finance transactions, Jose Maria Angel P. Machuca co-leads the team, bringing considerable expertise in debt restructuring matters. Other notable practitioners include Sandra Jane Dionaldo, who provides assistance on energy and TMT projects.

Praxisleiter:

Aris L. Gulapa; Jose Maria Angel P. Machuca


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Sandra Jane Dionaldo


Referenzen

‘The team is very responsive, and caters to the clients‘ needs accordingly. They provide customised opinion for the clients‘ needs with a strong jurisprudence foundation.‘ 

‘Aris remains to be the standard in excellent client service, with his extreme responsiveness and efficient results delivery. ’

Kernmandanten

Altus Group of Companies


Vigan Banco Rural Incorporada


Aboitiz Renewables Inc


Aboitiz Solar Power, Inc.


ACEN Corporation


Asian Development Bank


GIGA Ace 6, Inc.


International Finance Corporation


Department of Transportation


Philippine National Railways


Highlight-Mandate


  • Assisted VBRI in its BSP application for grant of authority to offer advance Electronic Payment and Financial Services.
  • Assisting the client in negotiating the Omnibus Loan and Security Agreement with the syndicate of lenders (BPI, BDO, and RCBC).
  • Advising the Department of Transportation on the potential overseas development assistance loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

Subido Pagente Certeza Mendoza & Binay (SPCMB Law Offices)

Subido Pagente Certeza Mendoza & Binay (SPCMB Law Offices) advises a range of banks and financial institutions, offering expertise in both transactional and regulatory matters. The practice is bolstered by the leadership of Ma. Joycelyn L. Guirnalda, Maria Patricia L. Alvarez, and Mary Christine Charisse G. Catre, all of whom are experienced litigators with a strong focus on dispute resolution.

Praxisleiter:

Ma. Joycelyn L. Guirnalda; Maria Patricia L. Alvarez; Mary Christine Charisse G. Catre


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