Brazil stands at the centre of a new wave of deal-making. Political shifts, macroeconomic volatility, and changing investor priorities are reshaping the landscape for mergers and acquisitions. This panel will examine how deal-making strategies are adapting to Brazil’s unique realities, ranging from regulatory hurdles and governance standards to opportunities in distressed assets and sectoral consolidation.

Expect discussion on:

• Regional M&A trends: key sectors driving activity and implications for domestic and foreign investors 
• How ESG, governance and capital allocation strategies are influencing deal flow
• Special situations: insolvency, litigation restructuring in Brazil’s legal and corporate environment
• Geopolitical and policy dynamics: the impact of fiscal reforms, interest rate movements and political developments on investment strategies

As Brazil gears up for its most ambitious tax and regulatory changes in years, companies must adapt fast. These reforms, spanning a new VAT architecture and dividend taxation, are reshaping compliance, investment strategies and structuring decisions. Deep dive into precise tax reform measures and their business consequences. 

Expect discussion on:

• Tax reform highlights: dual VAT, phased rollout and selective federal tax
• Dividend tax and implications for profit distribution
• Compliance strategies: managing transition and minimising tax leakage
• Technology for compliance: ERP updates, e-invoicing and real-time tax tools

AI is no longer just a buzzword, it’s transforming legal operations globally, and Brazil is no exception. With the country’s draft AI law signed by the Senate in late 2024 and awaiting lower house review and presidential approval, legal teams face uncertainty around future compliance requirements. This session moves beyond theory to explore practical realities, risks, and opportunities in Brazil’s evolving AI landscape.

Expect discussion on:

• Brazil’s AI bill: what’s in the draft, what could change, and what legal teams should prepare for
• Real-world use cases: successes and failures in applying AI to legal workflows
• Risk and governance: cybersecurity, bias, and accountability challenges
• Skills for the future: how lawyers can adapt to AI-driven processes

Recent scandals, like the Banco Master case, have underscored the importance of strong governance structures in safeguarding companies and stakeholders. This fireside chat will explore governance as a strategic tool for transparency and long-term sustainability and explore how companies can strengthen frameworks to prevent and protect in volatile markets. 

Expect discussion on:

• Governance failures and prevention – lessons from Banco Master
• Structuring governance for family-owned and large corporations
• Investor confidence and market access
• Inside a digital-first environment: crisis prevention and cyber threats

As the role of in-house counsel evolves, success depends on two critical factors: strong relationships with law firms and effective talent management. This session will explore how legal leaders in Brazil can secure top talent, foster collaboration with external counsel, and create agile teams ready for tomorrow’s challenges.

Expect discussion on:

• Law firm partnerships: moving beyond transactional work to strategic collaboration
• Talent acquisition and retention: competing for top legal professionals in Brazil’s market
• Upskilling and career development: preparing teams for tech-driven legal work
• Diversity and leadership: building inclusive teams and supporting female leadership