BRIG, a law firm established in 2015 in Panama, has strategically positioned itself within the country’s evolving legal market by focusing on construction law and cross-border services. The firm originated from a deliberate split intended to better align its long-term vision with operational efficiency, reflecting a broader trend toward specialization in Panama’s increasingly competitive legal sector.
Founding partner Humberto Iglesias explained that the firm sought to differentiate itself by targeting a niche area that is both complex and underserved. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, BRIG has developed a specialized team advising clients on major infrastructure and development projects. The firm emphasizes managing legal issues throughout the construction lifecycle, aiming to resolve disputes early and efficiently to support smooth project execution.
In addition to construction law, BRIG has expanded its offerings to include relocation services, responding to a rising number of international clients attracted by Panama’s stable, dollarized economy. These services encompass real estate transactions, corporate structuring, and residence procedures, providing clients with comprehensive guidance through complex processes. According to Iglesias, clients appreciate having a single team handle these interconnected aspects, streamlining their experience.
BRIG recently extended its presence to Bogotá, Colombia, as part of a measured growth strategy designed to tap regional opportunities while maintaining a focus on delivering high-quality, responsive legal service.
Panama's reputation as a sophisticated financial hub in Latin America underpins the demand for such specialized legal services. The country’s dollarized economy, combined with a highly internationalized banking sector and supportive regulatory environment, has attracted more than 60 domestic and international banks. This infrastructure positions Panama as a preferred destination for cross-border finance, investment, and trade, functioning as a conduit between global capital and the Americas.
As financial services worldwide undergo digital transformation, Panama is also emerging as a center for fintech innovation. Developments in digital payments, financial inclusion, cybersecurity, and open banking foster collaboration between traditional financial institutions and technology companies, maintaining the country’s competitive edge in the regional market.
This financial ecosystem is further strengthened by a range of institutions, from commercial banks to specialized lenders like the Latin American Trade Development Bank (Bladex), which focuses on trade finance and supports Panama’s role in facilitating regional commerce. CEO Jorge Salas of Bladex highlighted the country’s economic stability, noting that successful projects in Panama are not subject to devaluation risk—a key factor in attracting investors seeking long-term certainty.
Beyond finance, Panama's economy is diversified across logistics, maritime services, tourism, construction, and the Panama Canal, contributing to a robust economic foundation that sustains ongoing demand for legal and financial services. This multifaceted environment positions firms like BRIG to meet the complex needs of clients navigating an interconnected and dynamic regional market.