From Compliance as an Obligation to a Key Competitive Advantage: Novis Launches Its Regional Compliance Practice

As part of its sixth anniversary, the firm is expanding its capabilities with a team of top-tier specialists led by Miguel Peñailillo López.

Novis Law Firm · July 2026

Novis Estudio Legal is celebrating its sixth anniversary in the way it does best: by growing. As part of its sixth-anniversary celebrations, the firm is announcing the launch of its regional Corporate Compliance practice, which will strengthen its support for companies, institutions, and investors in Central America and Panama.

An environment that changed the rules

In an increasingly demanding and constantly changing regional context, compliance has evolved from a regulatory requirement into a competitive advantage and the most valuable reputational asset of the modern company. Ethical compliance is no longer optional: it is the key to international expansion and the trust of partners, customers, and investors.

Customized Compliance Ecosystems

At Novis, we design compliance ecosystems tailored to the specific circumstances, size, and industry of each organization, in line with international standards (ISO 37001 and 37301 and OECD guidelines). Our practice supports clients in:

• Corporate Integrity Programs and Fraud and Corruption Prevention Programs
• Design and Implementation of Compliance Systems
• 360 Risk Assessment and Management
• Independent Corporate Investigations
• Compliance Officer as a Service

A strong department is built on teamwork

The firm brings together four practice areas united by a shared conviction: to serve clients with diligence, a personal touch, and a deep respect for the rule of law.

Miguel Peñailillo López

More than 30 years at the intersection of law, public policy, and business management. He has advised companies, governments, and international organizations in more than fifteen countries in Latin America. He is an associate consultant to the OECD on integrity frameworks, a contributor to the Spanish Compliance Association (ASCOM) and Transparency International, and a negotiator of international anti-corruption conventions. He is an internationally certified professional (ICCP).

José Marinero Cortés

A founding attorney at Novis and one of the leading voices in regulatory law in El Salvador. He has nearly 25 years of experience advising companies, the public sector, and international organizations. Having received his education in El Salvador, Spain, and the United States, he brings an exceptional command of regulatory frameworks and integrity.

Javier Antonio Sandoval

Corporate advisor on legal, financial, and strategic matters since 2003. Educated in Guatemala and Spain, he is an expert in corporate law, compliance, and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. He has advised financial institutions on corporate governance and the governance structures of family-owned businesses.

Alejandra Alvarado

Specializes in corporate and commercial law and compliance, with experience in dispute resolution, contract negotiation, and regulatory consulting. Has a thorough understanding of the Salvadoran legal framework and transnational structures, with certified training in AML/Compliance and fluency in Spanish and English. More than a decade advising companies and multilateral organizations.

“We’re celebrating our sixth anniversary by continuing to grow. We have expanded our capabilities, but our commitment remains the same as ever: a deep respect for the rule of law, ethics, and quality.”

Does your organization need to improve its compliance?

Let’s discuss how to design a compliance ecosystem tailored to your company. Email us at [contact email].