Linklaters’ capital markets team is known for its strength in handling high-stakes transactions, overseeing both local and international placements of debt and equity. The team is strategically positioned to assist clients on derivatives and structured finance mandates, as well as public takeovers, private and public offers of securities, and regulatory filings. António Soares and Vera Ferreira de Lima jointly steer the practice. A litany of major corporations and national and foreign investors turn to Soares for his expertise on the full scope of capital markets transactions. Meanwhile, Lima, who oversees the firm’s financial regulation group, is recognised for her expertise on securities law, with extensive experience in structuring both public and private securities offerings. Rodrigo Moreira is frequently involved in high-profile equity and debt capital markets deals.

Highlighted as ‘simply the best in the market’, Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados is well versed in the full gamut of complex and innovative capital market transactions, with a proven track record in debt, hybrid instruments, and various securities. Esteemed as trusted advisers to Portuguese listed companies, investment banks and issuers, the team also excels in cross-border transactions. The practice is jointly steered by Tomás Vaz Pinto and Eduardo Paulino: Pinto stands out for his expertise in privatisation cases, while Paulino’s practice covers transactional, regulatory and compliance advice in capital markets, company and M&A law. Elsewhere in the team, Ricardo Andrade Amaro is regularly involved in large M&A matters, as well as in matters related to securities and energy law, and Maria Soares Do Lago specialises in corporate financing, project finance, debt and hybrid issuances, securitisations and derivatives.

Praised for its ‘immense expertise’ and ‘responsiveness’, the capital markets team at PLMJ is adept across a wide array of transactional and corporate governance matters. With a distinguished client base that includes Portuguese banks, global financial institutions, and publicly listed companies, the practice is highly regarded in the market for its work on IPOs, rights offerings, takeovers, debt issuances, and securitisations. Standing out for his ‘availability and technical competence’, André Figueiredo  focuses on complex equity and debt capital market transactions on the primary and secondary markets. Bruno Ferreira excels in handling complex transactions both within Portugal and on an international scale, while Gonçalo dos Reis Martins provides end-to-end advice on all aspects of capital markets transactions, earning particular recognition for his expertise in securitisation. Key contact Raquel Azevedo  maintains a busy practice, assisting clients on the full spectrum of capital markets transactions.

The ‘very experienced, available and proactive team’ at VdA is highly regarded for its role in significant capital market transactions, spanning both domestic and international placements of debt and equity. The team offers a holistic approach to capital markets matters, leveraging the firm’s banking and finance capabilities to deliver tailored solutions to a wide-ranging client base that includes including leading financial institutions and corporations from a range of industries. Practice head Pedro Cassiano Santos  is regularly involved in transactions across debt, equity, and hybrid instruments. Elsewhere in the team, Hugo Moredo Santos  is noted for his involvement in national and international markets transactions, including public offerings and private placements of equity, while José Pedro Fazenda Martins  is recommended for his expertise in regulatory matters. Orlando Vogler Guiné is a key port of call for players in the debt/structured debt and securitisation market, specialising in derivatives and securities issues.

Well regarded for its ‘detailed knowledge’, the capital markets team at Cuatrecasas stands out for its ability to guide clients through a broad spectrum of matters, from debt and equity deals to derivatives, structured finance, and securitisations, working with issuers, banks, and funds. The team is jointly led by Manuel Requicha Ferreira and Paulo Costa Martins. Ferreira, who also plays a key role in the Securities Code reform, focuses on takeovers and IPOs, while a litany of banks and investment firms turn to Martins for his experience in public offers and private placements. Margarida Leal de Oliveira specialises in financing transactions, with a particular focus on the roads, hospitality, and energy sectors.

Counting listed companies, financial institutions, and international investors among its clients, Uría Menéndez’s capital markets team is recognised for handling complex transactional matters in the Ibero-American market, with notable expertise in regulatory affairs and strong ties to key authorities like the Portuguese Securities Markets Commission (CMVM). Co-head Carlos Costa Andrade assists clients with takeovers, IPOs, structured bonds and other complex securities. Fellow co-head Miguel Stokes specialises in share and asset deals, privatisations, structured financing, and capital markets transactions, including public takeovers, equity and debt offerings, and market abuse.

Praised for its ‘deep market knowledge’, the ‘very experienced and efficient team’ at Abreu Advogados is well versed in a range of capital markets matters, including securitisation transactions, debt issuances, fund-related matters, OTC derivatives and regulatory issues. The practice is chaired by a trio of experts: Diogo Pereira Duarte , who primarily works on fintech and investment banking law; Rodrigo Formigal, an authority on debt restructuring, distressed assets, and high-yield bonds; and José Maria Corrêa De Sampaio, who regularly leads intricate transactions and financing operations across Portugal, Angola, and Mozambique.

Highlighted for its ‘technical knowledge, track record and impressive experience’, the team at Garrigues Portugal is frequently engaged by clients across the telecom, postal services, media, and technology sectors on significant transactions and regulatory issues. The practice is jointly steered by Marta Graça Rodrigues, a fintech specialist, and Mário Lino Dias, who brings extensive experience across all transaction types and stages of the investment cycle, assisting both European and international investment houses.

Lauded for its ‘solid knowledge’, the ‘very competent’ team at Sérvulo & Associados is ought out by a diverse roster of clients, who turn to the firm for its strong regulatory foundation and its growing involvement in high-stakes transactional work. Paulo Câmara, described as a ‘name of excellence in the sector’, stands out for his extensive experience in regulatory matters. Câmara leads the team alongside Manuel Magalhães , who maintains a busy practice, assisting clients in Portugal, Angola and Mozambique.

SRS Legal’s capital markets team stands out for its ability to guide international banks, financial institutions, and issuers through a wide range of transactions. Specialising in securitisations, bond issuances, and fund-related matters, the team also excels in cross-border matters. Spearheading the team is Alexandra Valente, who frequently advises Portuguese and international financial institutions and private equity funds on a range of transactions, including distressed debt, distressed equity and financial restructurings.

Praised for its ‘great availability, ability to adapt to the client and very solid knowledge’, the team at CMS is particularly strong in debt capital markets, with a standout focus on sustainable bond issuances. The team is jointly led by João Caldeira  and Francisco Xavier de Almeida . Caldeira is lauded for his ‘solid knowledge and ability to adapt to needs’, while Almeida has extensive experience in special situations, restructuring, and transactions involving distressed assets and non-performing loans.

Ferreira Pinto Cardigos Advogados‘ capital markets team offers expertise in derivatives, securities transactions, and regulatory issues. The practice is led by Maria Almeida Fernandes, who is described by one client as ‘one of the most brilliant lawyers.’ Fernandes has recently been involved in several transactions, mainly focused on the issue and placement of debt and equity instruments. Pedro Cardigos is singled out for his expert knowledge of derivatives.

Gómez-Acebo & Pombo is frequently sought out by issuers and banks on a range of capital markets transactions, including advising on debt and equity issuances and managing filings with the CMVM. Practice head Mafalda Barreto stands out for her expertise in the M&A and finance arenas, assisting clients across regulated areas such as infrastructure, energy and telecommunications. Former co-head Miguel Castro Pereira  has left the firm.