Quoted, International Banking: Spanish investment refocused on Miami, Miami Daily Business Review

"International Banking: Spanish investment refocused on Miami ," Miami Daily Business Review, July 10, 2008.

While many South Florida banks closed down or moved their global banking operations in the wake of the attacks, the Spaniards are spearheading a resurgence of international banking in Miami, after several years of contraction following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and the toughening of anti-money laundering regulations to fight terrorism.

Speaking about the fact that the Spaniards are leading a resurgence of international banking in South Florida to Miami Daily Business Review, Fernando Alonso, who helped put together several deals for the Spanish banks, was quoted saying: "It’s a healthy environment when you see transactions like these taking place and I’m finding it encouraging that Florida is being used as a point of entry." "Their presence is really an all-around benefit, " he said.

He added that: "They’re bringing a stronger capital base; they’re not just going to come and stay put in terms of just keeping their initial investment. They’re here to continue an expansionist policy.”

Alonso is a partner in the Miami office of Hunton & Williams LLP and chair of the Latin America practice group. He has practiced in the corporate and securities, banking and international fields for more than 20 years.