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María Paula Ramírez

Corporate Paralegal

María Paula Ramírez
Languages: English, Spanish
(305) 735-6565
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(305) 735-6565

Maria Paula Ramírez is an experienced Colombian attorney with over 12 years of experience in financial law, securities markets, corporate affairs and regulatory compliance in entities such as the stock exchange, broker dealers, institutional investors and a specialized law firm.

She has experience in general counsel duties, contract negotiation, shareholders/members disputes, license and franchise agreements and regulatory compliance for financial industry organizations such as broker-dealers and investment advisers, both U.S. and Latam based.

Before joining SLG, she had the opportunity to participate directly in the development of important M&A transactions in the financial industry such as the acquisition of ING Administradora de Fondos de Pensiones y Cesantias by Grupo Suramericana in 2011 and the subsequent merger with the Pension Fund Proteccion, the acquisition of Alianza Valores Comisionista de Bolsa by Advent International in 2014 and the merger of the Colombian Stock Exchange (Bolsa de Valores de Colombia-BVC) and the centralized securities depository-DECEVAL in 2016.

She is eligible Authorized House Counsel in Florida (Rules Regulating The Florida Bar, Chapter 17).

Education and Bar Admission(s)

  • Florida International Bankers Association (FIBA)
    • Anti-Money Laundering Certified Associate (AMLCA), 2021
  • Florida International University – FIU College of Law, Miami Florida
    • Master of Laws (LL.M), 2020
  • Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Colombia
    • Major – Financial Law and Stock Exchange Markets, 2008
  • Universidad de los Andes, Colombia
    • Bachelor of Laws (LL.B), (Lawyer), 2007

Professional Experience

  • Successfully guided Latin American clients through the process of establishing a legal presence in the United States. Assisted in the formation of corporate structures, ensuring compliance with US laws and regulations while optimizing their business operations.
  • Successfully assisted clients establishing franchise operations within the United States. Assisted in the development of legal structures, including entity selection (e.g., LLC, corporation), franchise agreements, and compliance with federal and state franchise laws.
  • Regulatory compliance assistance for clients such as broker-dealers and investment advisers (FINRA Rules, Investment Advisers Act 1940 and Securities Exchange Act Rules 17a-3 and 17a-4), legal research, transactions, contracts and Florida businesses requirements.
  • Direct participation and advice in the development of important M&A transactions in Colombia related to financial industry such as the acquisition of ING Administradora de Fondos de Pensiones y Cesantias by Grupo Suramericana in 2011 and the subsequent merger with the Pension Fund Proteccion, the acquisition of Alianza Valores Comisionista de Bolsa by Advent International in 2014 and the merger of the Colombian Stock Exchange (Bolsa de Valores de Colombia-BVC) and the centralized securities depository-DECEVAL in 2016.