South America: Strategy

La preautomatización de contratos es la fase preparatoria esencial que estructura el conocimiento jurídico antes de implementar tecnología de automatización, transformando documentos dispersos en activos institucionales organizados y reutilizables.

Professional services firms are integrating AI into client work through drafts, reviews, and internal processes, but the technology's invisible presence raises critical questions about transparency and trust. When should clients be informed that AI assisted their matter, and how can firms classify AI use to protect both efficiency and confidence? A framework emerges that categorizes AI applications into four distinct zones: invisible internal uses, disclosed assistance, approved deployments, and strictly of

Cross-selling remains a persistent challenge in professional services firms despite being a top growth priority. This analysis examines three critical barriers that prevent firms from converting client trust into expanded engagements: the expertise gap that makes partners hesitant to risk their reputation, compensation structures that fail to reward referrals, and inconsistent client experiences across practice areas.

Brazil's Provisional Presidential Decree No. 1,394 has imposed an immediate ban on fixed-odds betting operations, including sports betting and online gaming, affecting both domestic and foreign operators serving Brazilian customers. The measure establishes strict deadlines for platform shutdowns, bettor refunds, and the termination of existing authorizations, while imposing new obligations on financial institutions, technology companies, and advertising participants.

Recent rulings from Brazil's Federal Court of Accounts reinforce substance over form in public procurement under Law 14.133/2021, while the government advances new strategies for port terminal auctions and railway reactivation through permanent offering mechanisms.

El Plan de Desarrollo del Sector Hidrocarburos (PLADESHi) establece metas nacionales de producción de hidrocarburos hasta 2039, contemplando proyectos de exploración, extracción y modernización de infraestructura energética. El documento detalla estrategias de aprovechamiento de gas natural, reducción de emisiones, desarrollo de infraestructura de refinación y petroquímica, así como la expansión del SISTRANGAS y la participación de operadores privados e

A holding company incorporated in Panama that never had an office or employees, and that only receives dividends from a subsidiary in another country, is exactly one of the types of structures targeted by Law 526, which amends the Central American country’s Fiscal Code. That model, used for years in hundreds of wealth and corporate structures registered in Panama, will no longer be sufficient on its own starting in fiscal year 2027, when the new economic substance regime takes effect.

Un holding constituido en Panamá que nunca tuvo oficina ni empleados, y que solo recibe dividendos de una filial en otro país, es precisamente uno de los tipos de estructuras alcanzados por la Ley 526, que modifica el Código Fiscal del país centroamericano. Ese modelo, utilizado durante años en cientos de estructuras patrimoniales y corporativas registradas en Panamá, deja de ser suficiente por sí solo a partir del periodo fiscal 2027, cuando entra en vigor el nuevo régimen de sustancia económica.

Brazil's new Statute #15,496/2026 establishes PROFERT, a comprehensive program designed to boost domestic fertilizer production and reduce the country's external dependence on agricultural inputs. The legislation introduces mandatory blending requirements for domestically produced fertilizers starting July 2027 and creates financing mechanisms through BNDES to support qualified producers of fertilizers, bioinputs, and biofertilizers.

Mexico's environmental authority has mandated the use of a digital platform for submitting environmental impact assessments and related permits. Companies in sectors like automotive, mining, energy, and infrastructure must now navigate new electronic filing requirements that could affect project timelines and regulatory compliance strategies.

A leading telecommunications expert and DSL pioneer will visit Brazil to discuss intelligent networks for 6G and beyond, bringing together researchers, engineers, and specialists to examine technological advances in mobile networks and their impact on innovation and technological development in the world's fifth-largest telecommunications market.

Mexico's Social Security Institute (IMSS) is transitioning to a fully digital Employer Identification Card system, eliminating physical cards in favor of electronic verification through the IMSS Mailbox. Companies must ensure their digital infrastructure and authorized personnel information are current to maintain compliance with the new requirements taking effect in September 2026.