Natalia
Zequeira
Natalia I. Zequeira Díaz was appointed as the Commissioner of Financial Institutions of Puerto Rico in January 2021, after working for several years in the banking industry where she was able to gain extensive knowledge in corporate and regulatory compliance matters that are increasingly important as a post-pandemic economy surges forward.
As the new Commissioner, Zequeira has the momentous responsibility of overseeing the public policy of Puerto Rico’s financial system through the design and implementation of modern and flexible regulatory and supervisory practices that enables economic development and promotes a culture of compliance within the financial industry.
Zequeira, who obtained a Master of Laws in Banking, Corporate and Financial Laws from Fordham University, is an experienced legal counsel with extensive knowledge in banking regulations, corporate governance, consumer protection, and compliance management systems. Her professional trajectory led her to work as Legal Counsel and Corporate Compliance Officer at Banco Santander Puerto Rico, and as a Senior Associate at Pirillo Law LLC before being appointed Commissioner by Governor Pedro Pierluisi.
Her experience and knowledge as a lawyer has been front and center in her work in the banking industry.
As a legal counsel and compliance officer, she has advised financial institutions in a great variety of legal issues, always providing special attention to regulatory and compliance obligations of the financial institution based on the products and services offered, operational requirements, consumer protection laws, and securities laws. During different stages of her career, she has been able to provide specialized insights in regulatory compliance matters relating to banking products and services.
Zequeira, who prided herself in getting to know her clients and helping them succeed within the legal and regulatory framework of their business, always strives to provide additional value by ensuring the implementation of business plans in compliance with applicable law.
Zequeira acknowledges with high sense of humility and honor the great privilege to serve as the new Commissioner of Financial Institutions during these trying times, and she is committed to the financial prosperity of Puerto Rico within a regulatory framework that enable all businesses, big and small, to strive.