José Alberto Sosa-Lloréns is an expert in banking regulations, specializing in international banking, mergers, and securities in Puerto Rico. He's adept in public finance transactions, having worked closely with Puerto Rico's government on legislative matters. One of his notable achievements includes representing the winning bid for the 40-year lease of the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, a key project under the FAA Pilot Program.
Educated at Columbia University School of Law with an LL.M. and a J.D., magna cum laude, from the University of Puerto Rico School of Law, José is a highly qualified advisor. He's licensed in the District of Columbia, New York, and Puerto Rico, and is bilingual in English and Spanish.
Additionally, he's been influential in regulatory matters involving securities, representing clients before renowned institutions such as the FDIC, FINRA, NYSE, and SEC. He's also defended broker-dealers in various legal proceedings.
Milton Méndez, Esq., a graduate of the University of Puerto Rico's School of Law, is a seasoned attorney, notary, and Certified Fraud Examiner. He began his career investigating complex corruption cases and expanded his expertise to fraud within financial institutions and businesses. Known for his profound insights on money laundering, corporate ethics, and fraud, he's lectured internationally, from Puerto Rico to Uruguay.
Méndez has enriched minds as a university professor in forensic accounting and fraud investigation. He's conducted bank compliance due diligence across the Americas, and his courses on money laundering prevention and legal ethics are a cornerstone at the Institute of Practical Education of the Bar Association. Notably, he's trained Puerto Rican prosecutors and judges on money laundering.
His experience includes seven years as Compliance Manager at BNC International Banking and a pivotal role as Global Sanctions Officer at Banco Popular de Puerto Rico. His work with the ACAMS Task Force, creating the Risk Management exam, highlights his industry impact.
Now an independent consultant, he specializes in anti-money laundering, OFAC, and fraud prevention, safeguarding financial integrity across borders.
Patricia M. Hernández, a founding force at AVILA, thrives as the firm's Managing Partner and a key figure in its Banking & Financial Services and Corporate, M&A departments.
Hernández's seasoned career is distinguished by her representation of global banks, financial entities, and lending companies in regulatory, compliance, and transactional spheres. She's a known presence before regulatory giants like the OCC, Federal Reserve, FDIC, and Florida's Financial Regulation Office.
Her expertise is further highlighted in navigating enforcement actions and advising clients on OFAC regulations, especially regarding Venezuela and Cuba. Hernández excels in lending transactions, including asset-backed and trade-finance, and corporate dealings, such as acquisitions and contract preparations. She's also a guiding light for foreign businesses entering the U.S. market.
Her academic prowess includes a BA and a Juris Doctorate, both Cum Laude, from the University of Miami. Active in leadership, she's affiliated with FIBA, SFBI, and the Florida Association of Managing Partners, reflecting her industry commitment. Bilingual, Hernández operates seamlessly across diverse linguistic landscapes.
Rafael Fernández brings an all-round perspective to banking, with 19 years in the industry and a significant 17-year focus on BSA/AML Compliance. His expertise is honed from roles across local and international financial entities, providing him a unique vantage point in overseeing Audits, System Validations, and intricate investigations, among other high-stakes projects.
Notably a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist and Certified Homeland Protection Associate, Rafael's credentials are a testament to his deep commitment to the field. His distinguished participation in the second Drug Enforcement Administration Citizens Academy in Puerto Rico further underscores his dedication to upholding financial security protocols at the highest levels.
In his current role as Compliance Manager at FV Bank International, Rafael is at the forefront of safeguarding financial integrity, tasked with the crucial responsibility of directing the daily operations of the Compliance Department. His extensive experience and certifications align perfectly with his role, where vigilance and a deep understanding of regulatory frameworks are paramount. Rafael’s career reflects not only skillful compliance and risk management but also a steadfast commitment to combating financial crime and maintaining systemic trust within the banking sector.