Foreign banks target Latin America through Miami, Miami Today

Miami Today, August 28, 2008

Fernando Alonso, who has represented Spanish banks in recent acquisitions, comments on the increase of foreign banks that target Miami as a strategic launching point for expanding their reach into Latin America. "Miami continues to be an attractive base for investors who want to base their Latin American transactions from here. They look at Miami as the base for exports from the US as well, " noted Alonso. "Private banking is service-driven and Miami is a place where private banking is conductive to wealthy individuals." Alonso also commented on the firm's client Banco de Sabadell's acquisition of BBVA branch in Miami. Sabadell is Spain's fourth largest bank.

Alonso is a partner in the Miami office of Hunton & Williams LLP and chair of the Latin America practice group. He has practiced in the corporate and securities, banking and international fields for more than 20 years.