María Alejandra is a Partner in the Banking and Finance Department.
It specializes in providing strategic advisory services to clients in the financial sector, including banks, brokerage firms, investment banks, investment advisors, and investment funds.
His practice focuses on capital markets, financial transactions, banking and securities regulation, corporate governance, and compliance.
María Alejandra is recognized for her outstanding performance in representing clients in both public and private placements of securities in Panama and cross-border transactions, working closely with issuers and investment banks. In addition, she stands out for her experience in the creation of investment funds, as well as in sustainable offerings and securitizations.
As an advisor to professional organizations in the securities market industry, she actively collaborates with local banking and securities market regulators in the development of financial regulation.
- Legal counsel to Global Bank Corporation on the issuance of a program of subordinated and perpetual convertible corporate bonds for US$250 million.
- Legal counsel to Global Bank Corporation in the acquisition of Banvivienda.
- Legal advice to Banco Aliado, S.A. on the acquisition of Banco Panamá.
- Legal counsel to IDB Invest as a subscriber in a private placement of bonds totaling US$50 million issued by Banistmo, a local bank, marking the first gender-focused social bond in Latin America. This financing was intended exclusively to expand access to financing for women-led SMEs.
- Legal advice to Global Valores, S.A. on the structuring and registration of its first public investment fund, Fondo Global de Inversiones, S.A., for 100 million shares.
- Legal advice to AV Securities Inc. in the structuring and registration of its first multiple-class umbrella public investment fund, AV Funds Inc., for US$400 million.
- Legal advice to Lifeinvest Asset Management, S.A. on the structuring of the US$18 million umbrella multi-class private investment fund, Avila Recovery Fund.
- Legal counsel to Banesco Panama, S.A. on the issuance of a public revolving perpetual corporate bond program for US$100 million.
- Legal advice to Credicorp Bank, S.A. on the public securitization of its consumer loan portfolio for US$300 million.
- Legal advisor to Retail Centenario, S.A. in the restructuring of its public revolving corporate bond program for US$230 million.
- Legal advisor to Banco Aliado, S.A. in the public offering of preferred shares for US$50 million.
- Legal advisor to Grupo Aliado, S.A. in the public offering of preferred shares for US$75 million.
- Legal advisor to Financiera El Sol, a Panamanian subsidiary of Caribbean Financial Group, on the issuance of a US$50 million public revolving corporate bond program, backed by personal consumer loans, as part of a multinational financing structure for the CFG Group.
Education
- Bachelor of Laws and Political Science, magna cum laude, Universidad Católica Santa María la Antigua, 2005
- Master of Laws in Corporate Law, New York University School of Law, 2007
- Post-Graduate, Volgestein Scholar, Professional Advanced Certificate in Law and Business, New York University Leonard N. Stern School of Business, 2007
- Diploma in Fintech and Cryptoeconomics, Universidad Católica Santa María La Antigua, 2022
Admissions
- Panama, 2005
Acknowledgments
2026
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Latin Lawyer 250 (2026 Edition)
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Distinction: Highly Recommended in the Banking and Finance practice.
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The Legal 500 Latin America (2026 Edition)
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Recognition: Honored as «Next Generation Partner» (Next Generation Partner) in Banking and Finance.
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General Mention: Her clients describe her as a «fantastic lawyer» and «one to watch».
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2025
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Chambers Latin America (2025)
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Ranking: Band 2 in Capital Markets practice.
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Testimonial: “Maria Alejandra Cargiulo answers all our questions quickly and clearly. She is always available to help.”
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LACCA Approved (2025)
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Recognition: Approved in Banking and Finance practice.
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Academic Honors and Other Achievements
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Santa María La Antigua Catholic University (USMA)
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Graduated with High Honors Magna Cum Laude.
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Leonard N. Stern School of Business (New York University)
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Volgestein Intern.
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Professional Associations
- WIP Foundation Panama (Women in the Profession) – Mentoring Committee Member
- Panama Institute of Corporate Governance – Director and Secretary (2019-2020), Director and Vice President (2020-2021).
- Member of the Ethics Committee and Regulatory Committee (2020-2021)
- National Bar Association of Panama
- New York University Alumni Association
Languages
- Spanish and English