SPECIALIZATION
Banking & Finance
CONTACT
Languages: English and Spanish
Assistant: Alicia Gayubas
gayubas@araozyrueda.com
Education
- University of Navarra (Business Development Programme, IESE) (2006)
- Instituto de Empresa (Diploma Business Studies) (1995)
- Universidad Complutense de Madrid (Law Degree) (1993)
Rafael Bazán, partner of the Banking & Finance department of Araoz & Rueda since 2017, joined our firm after four years as a partner in the Banking & Finance department of Baker McKenzie Madrid (2013-2017).
Before joining Baker McKenzie, he worked twelve years in the Banking & Finance departments of Alonso Ureba, Bauzá y Asociados and Ramón y Cajal Abogados (the last nine years as a partner). Prior to this, he spent six years working as legal counsel at HSBC Bank plc. (Spain) and Citibank, and was non-director vice-secretary for Iberpay (Sociedad Española de Sistemas de Pago, SA), the managing entity for the National Electronic Clearing System.
Rafael has extensive experience in all kinds of national and cross-border transactions involving corporate finance, acquisition finance, asset finance and restructuring of companies in crisis, advising both banks and affected companies in all sectors, with a special focus on the real estate, financial and industrial sectors. In the last five years he has advised both selling banks and investors in transactions involving the acquisition of many of the most significant non-performing loan and asset portfolios in the market. He also has extensive experience in regulatory issues involving supervisory authorities.
“Recommended Individual” in Banking & Finance in legal directories such as Chambers & Partners, Legal 500, IFLR 1000 and Best Lawyers. Ranked in Tier 2 as a recommended expert in the last editions of Chambers Europe (2018 and 2019).
Teaching experience
Lecturer in banking and finance law at different institutions and universities, such as the University of Alcalá de Henares, Instituto de Empresa, Escuela de Finanzas Aplicadas and Universidad Rey Juan Carlos.
Araoz & Rueda offers the 'direct engagement of senior lawyers', with Rafael Bazán the name to note for banking and finance. Notable instructions include advising renewable energy companies Alten and Grupo Ortiz on the refinancing of two photovoltaic projects, and assisting Norwegian debt management company Axactor with the acquisition of two NPL portfolios from Bankinter.
The EMEA Legal 500 2019
Rafael Bazán (Tier 2) of Araoz & Rueda draws praise for his "very business-oriented" approach in mandates which include debt refinancing operations, NPL deals and acquisition finance. He is adept at advising both borrowing and lending parties. Clients report: "He goes right to the bottom of the matter, he's always available and ready to help: it's a pleasure to work with him."
Chambers Europe Guide 2019
"Focused on closing deals while ensuring customer's interest as much as possible." "Araoz & Rueda provides high-quality service and delivers on time." "Rafael Bazán and Ainhoa Veiga are great professionals on whom you can trust without any doubt".
IFLR 1000 2019
Included in the list of "Best Lawyers in Spain" in Banking/Finance.
Best Lawyers 2019
Included in the list of "Best Lawyers in Spain" in Banking/Finance.
Best Lawyers 2018
Araoz & Rueda’s team was strengthened by the arrival of Rafael Bazán from Baker McKenzie. Highlights included assisting Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank with the Spanish aspects of Sidorme Hotels’ senior facility agreement in the sum of € 504m.
The EMEA Legal 500 2018
Clients highlight Rafael Bazán (Tier 2) for his "negotiation skills and excellent knowledge of Spanish regulations." Interviewees further note that in complex situations “he knows how to manage everyone's interests." A recent addition to the team at Araoz & Rueda, he has standout experience on the sell side of distressed loan portfolio transactions. He also assists with corporate finance, acquisition finance and asset finance transactions.
Chambers Europe Guide 2018
Rafael Bazán of Araoz & Rueda has experience of high-profile loan portfolio transactions for key Spanish banking entities including the FROB, Catalunya Banc and Bankia. He also has broader expertise in refinancing, acquisition and asset finance. Clients say: "He is clearly business-oriented and client-focused," adding: "He is very precise and can advise on a wide scope of financial matters.
Chambers Europe Guide 2017
Araoz & Rueda is recommended in Banking & Finance. The firm advised a borrower in connection with a €200 million loan facility granted to a photo voltaic energy production plant to allow it to undergo refinancing procedures. The team also acted for wine producers in the financing of a new premises.
IFLR 1000 2017
Araoz & Rueda acts for a variety of corporate and financial clients, including BNP Paribas and LM Group.
The EMEA Legal 500 2017
Included in the list of "Best Lawyers in Spain" in Banking/Finance.
Best Lawyers 2017Iberian Lawyer Magazine, April 2018 (Rafael Bazán)
Download PDFExpansión, January 2018
Download PDFEl Derecho.com, May 2017
Download PDFCinco Días (newspaper), May 2017
Download PDFLegal Today, May 2017
Download PDFExpansión, May 2017
Download PDFEl Jurista, May 2017
Download PDFConfilegal, May 2017
Download PDFEl Economista.com, May 2017
Download PDFLatin Counsel, May 2017
Download PDFCinco Días (newspaper), May 2017
Download PDFEl País (newspaper), May 2017
Download PDF“Q&A: providing an overview to lending and secured finance laws and regulations in Spain”
Publication: Country Comparative Guide 2019 - The Legal 500
Authors: Rafael Bazán
Date: May 2019
Rafael
Bazán
Bazán
Partner
Jesús
Conde
Conde
Partner
Israel de Diego
Partner
Alejandro Fdez. de Araoz
Partner
Eduardo
de Leon
de Leon
Partner
Javier
Prieto
Prieto
Partner
Pedro A.
Rueda
Rueda
Partner
Francisco
Solchaga
Solchaga
Partner
Alfonso
Suárez
Suárez
Partner
Ainhoa
Veiga
Veiga
Partner