Cuatrecasas draws considerable praise from clients, who turn to the team for its ability to provide ‘tactical and actionable’ advice. Covering the full spectrum of banking and finance matters, the team assists a diverse roster of clients, including banks, sponsors, borrowers, hedge funds, and securitisation vehicles. Known for handling large, intricate transactions, the practice is particularly active across the energy, real estate, fintech, and retail sectors. Co-head Manuel Requicha Ferreira specialises in corporate finance and real estate finance transactions, focusing specifically on international hotel financing. Fellow co-head Paulo Costa Martins is lauded for his ‘in-depth knowledge in the area of ​​venture capital funds.’ Elsewhere in the team, the ‘hardworking’ Francisco Soares Machado is a key port of call for financial institutions seeking advice on transactional and regulatory matters.

Linklaters is renowned for its broad expertise in banking and finance, serving some of the world’s leading financial institutions. The practice has built a solid reputation as a trusted adviser to international banks, alternative asset managers, distressed debt traders, and hedge funds, demonstrating particular proficiency in non-performing loan (NPL) transactions, acquisition financing, project finance, and refinancing. Leveraging the capabilities of its dedicated ESG team, it provides clients with thorough insights on sustainability and ethical practices across various industries. Practice head Francisco Ferraz De Carvalho covers project finance and project development, focusing specifically on the infrastructure sector. Gonçalo Veiga De Macedo is noted for his experience in structuring and restructuring work, while Teresa Novo Faria frequently represents sponsors, lenders and corporate borrowers, both in Portugal and in cross-border mandates.

Fielding a ‘highly skilled and professional team’, the banking and finance practice at Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados handles the full gamut of matters, including high-value structured lending, securitisations, project finance, and fintech-related issues. The team’s expertise is evident in its impressive client roster, featuring both renowned Portuguese banks and prominent international financial institutions. Key contact Luís Branco is distinguished by his vast experience, while Filipe Lowndes Marques  regularly advises clients on major financing deals of the market and on complex regulatory challenges. Elsewhere in the team, Claudia Santos Cruz  is well versed in the full scope of banking transactions, focusing on the cross-border aspects of investments in Portugal and Lusophone Africa, and Elmano Sousa Costa is praised as a ‘great professional.’ Cláudia Castanheira Dos Santos is noted for her expertise in real estate financing.

Fielding a team of ‘highly specialised lawyers, with in-depth knowledge of the national market‘, PLMJ draws considerable praise from clients for its ‘technical excellence’ and ‘unwavering commitment.’ In addition to advising clients on the full gamut of banking and finance matters, the team is renowned for its ability to handle complex cross-border transactions, catering to international and domestic banks, financial institutions, and asset managers. Steering the practice is André Figueiredo , who focuses on complex bank resolution matters, distressed asset deconsolidation transactions, and NPL disposals. Bruno Ferreira  is recommended for his specialisation in financial issues, while Gonçalo dos Reis Martins  stands out for his expertise in asset finance, syndicated loans, investments, and regulatory mandates.

Lauded for going ‘above and beyond’ and providing ‘clear guidance’, the team at VdA covers the full spectrum of banking and finance matters. Regularly involved in high-level lending deals and complex regulatory challenges, the team stands out for its expertise in assisting banks with NPL transactions and deleveraging strategies. At the helm sits Pedro Cassiano Santos , who specialises in all manner of debt and regulatory issues. Hugo Moredo Santos‘s practice covers the issuance of securities and structured finance products, including securitisation and covered bonds, while Benedita Aires is a key port of call for a range of Portuguese banks seeking guidance on their restructuring processes. A litany of national and international financial players turn to Tiago Correia Moreira for his expertise in all matters related with NPL transactions.

Praised for its ‘cutting edge legal knowledge combined with a commercial approach’, the team at Abreu Advogados operates across a myriad of sectors and industries, including real estate, energy, aviation, infrastructure and insurance, covering a wide range of regulatory and transactional work. The team is well-versed in NPL restructuring and disposals, and structured lending, as well as real estate and acquisition finance. The practice is guided by a talented trio: José Maria Corrêa De Sampaio, who has a proven track record leading complex transactions and financing operations across Portugal, Angola, and Mozambique; Rodrigo Formigal, who is praised as an ‘excellent negotiator with in depth legal knowledge’; and Diogo Pereira Duarte, who stands out for his expertise in fintech and investment banking law. Focusing on the legal aspects related to retail and investment banking activity, Pedro Ferreira Malaquias is recommended for his focus on both banking and insurance law. The 'extremely responsive' André Modesto Pinheiro is a key figure in the team, assisting on a host of transactions.

Well-regarded for its ‘exceptional knowledge and dedication’, the team at Sérvulo & Associados is often sought after by a diverse range of credit and financial institutions for comprehensive banking and finance advice, with a strong focus on regulatory issues. The team is jointly led by Manuel Magalhães and Paulo Câmara. Magalhães, who is lauded for his ‘practical’ approach, continues to lead on high-profile banking and finance matters, while Câmara stands out for his work on regulatory issues. A mix of credit institutions and financial companies turn to Verónica Fernández for her expertise on lending deals and regulatory matters.

SRS Legal is home to a team renowned for its ‘proactive and dynamic approach’, noted for its expertise in a wide range of banking and finance matters, including bank lending, debt restructuring, NPL deals, securitisations, and fund offerings. The firm is a trusted adviser to leading financial players across sectors such as energy, healthcare, hospitality, TMT, insurance, and real estate, particularly for complex domestic and international financing transactions. Alexandra Valente, praised as ‘very dedicated, professional, and always available,’ leads the practice and is highly recommended for her expertise in distressed debt, distressed equity, and financial restructurings. She is supported by João Santos Carvalho, who remains active on domestic and cross-border matters.

Well-regarded for its ‘full-service’ offering, the banking and finance team at Uría Menéndez is frequently engaged by credit institutions, financial companies, investment firms, and insurance undertakings on the full gamut of matters. Steering the practice is Antonio Villacampa , who continues to lead on multi-jurisdictional transactions. Hélder Frias, stands out for his exceptional ability to ‘coordinate his team as if it were an orchestra…ensuring that the final results are consistently excellent.’ Miguel Rodrigues Leal is recommended for his ability to negotiate complex commercial contracts and assist on regulatory matters.

‘Responsive, thorough and efficient’, the banking and finance team at DLA Piper ABBC is renowned for its expertise in complex banking issues and financing transactions, advising major banks, financial services companies, and institutions. The firm boasts strong capabilities in acquisition and corporate finance, while its proficiency in real estate and project finance means that it is frequently involved in large-scale project refinancing. Practice head Nuno Azevedo Neves  is a key port of call for national and international banks, financial institutions, PE houses and corporates seeking assistance on complex finance matters. João Bento is particularly noted for his experience concerning NPL transactions. Gonçalo Castro Ribeiro rejoined the firm in October 2024 from BROSETA Abogados.

Ferreira Pinto Cardigos Advogados advises global banks, investment funds, and corporations on complex transactions, including leveraged and structured finance. With a strong cross-border focus, the ‘highly responsive’ group works seamlessly with international law firms through the SCG Legal Network to provide a comprehensive service to clients. Steering the practice is Maria Almeida Fernandes, who specialises in the full spectrum of banking and finance transactions, with a focus on the fintech sector. Pedro Cardigos is noted for his expertise in derivatives.

Garrigues Portugal is a key choice for clients across various industries thanks to its wide-ranging expertise in banking and finance. Recently, the team has expanded its work in regulatory and fintech sectors, advising major players in payment systems, crypto, and credit intermediation services. The practice is jointly steered by Mário Lino Dias, who stands out for his extensive experience in all stages of the investment cycle, and Vasco Rodrigues, who remains active in the distressed debt space. Ricardo Lira assists clients on various types of banking and finance transactions.

Gómez-Acebo & Pombo has built a solid reputation for representing domestic and international credit institutions, insurers, and borrowers, demonstrating proficiency across a range of financing transactions and regulatory work. Mafalda Barreto is noted for her focus on cross-border transactions, assisting clients across the infrastructure, energy and telecoms sectors. She leads the team alongside Filipe Santos Barata, who stands out for his specialism in insurance matters.

The banking and finance team at MACEDO VITORINO is jointly led by founding partner António de Macedo Vitorino, known for his expertise in corporate finance, and André Vasques Dias, who frequently advises international banks and corporations on financing transactions. Serving both domestic and global clients, the team operates across a wide range of sectors, including financial services, real estate, TMT, energy, and infrastructure. The practice handles a range of transactional work, from acquisition finance to structured deals and project finance, consistently delivering top-tier support across industries.

Fielding a team of ‘extremely high-quality lawyers’, Pérez-Llorca counts large banks, financial services companies, and institutions among its key roster of clients, all seeking expertise in complex banking matters and financing transactions. The practice is jointly helmed by Carlos Vaz De Almeida, who is noted for his ‘great technical competence, the ability to create empathy with clients’; Manuel Cordeiro Ferreira, who focuses on public and private M&A, corporate governance, corporate finance, and capital markets transactions; and Inês Palma Ramalho, who has extensive experience in corporate compliance matters.

Praised for its ‘very pragmatic and results-oriented vision’, the banking and finance team at Deloitte Legal manages numerous cross-border financing transactions, particularly in Lusophone African countries, leveraging the global reach of the Big Four. Practice head Miguel Cordeiro is noted for his work in insurance, funds, pension funds, asset management and banking and finance matters.

Standing out for its ‘enormous quality and very personalised attention to the client’, J+Legal‘s banking and finance team is frequently engaged by clients across the energy, finance, telecoms, transport and insurance sectors. The practice is jointly steered by Diogo Leónidas Rocha, who has considerable experience in financing arrangements, bond issues, NPL portfolios and distressed debt transactions, and Jorge Brito Pereira, who is praised for his ‘enormous legal knowledge.’

With extensive experience in credit restructuring transactions, pbbr - Sociedade de Advogados RL works with a diverse roster of clients, including financial institutions and corporations. The team is jointly led by Alexandre Jardim, who is noted for his broad banking and finance practice, and Sofia de Sales Sousinha, who specialises in real estate matters and litigation. Marco Pereira Cardoso advises lenders, borrowers and guarantors on financing arrangements.

Housing an ‘absolutely exceptional’ banking and finance practice, Raposo Bernardo is well positioned to cater to both international and Portuguese financial services players. The team is adept at managing a wide array of banking and finance matters, encompassing asset finance, corporate finance, investment banking, trade finance, and NPLs. Spearheading the team is Nelson Raposo Bernardo, who is lauded for his ‘total commitment and dedication to clients.’

Counting local and cross-border corporates, financial institutions, and investment funds among its key client roster, TELLES‘ banking and finance practice excels in M&A, financial instruments, project finance, and regulatory compliance. The ‘dynamic’ and ‘proactive’ Márcio Carreira Nobre, who steers the practice, is noted for his extensive experience advising on finance and M&A transactions.