In corporate banking and trade finance, embracing collaboration drives innovation and leverages diverse expertise, resulting in stronger financial solutions. Developing tailored solutions for each client’s specific needs deepens relationships, enhances satisfaction, and builds lasting trust. In a competitive landscape, personalized strategies differentiate firms and enable sustainable growth by addressing unique client challenges and opportunities. Lilian Laxer, Partner at BY Capital, exemplifies this approach, standing out for her innovative solutions in niche financial markets.

With a strong background in banking and finance, Lilian has developed creative strategies that meet the specific needs of her clients. Her deep understanding of sectors such as agribusiness, and her ability to navigate the entire value chain from producers to traders, sets her apart. By identifying opportunities overlooked by traditional financial institutions, Lilian enables BY Capital to offer bespoke strategic financial solutions that create significant value for its clients. Exclusive Insights with Lilian Laxer for The Global Women Leader Magazine

Tell us about the formative years that shaped your career.

Growing up in São Paulo, both my academic and personal experiences had a profound influence on me. Studying chemistry at the University of São Paulo was crucial, as it taught me a systematic and rational approach to problem-solving. However, dealing with severe allergies during this time pushed me toward a different path: banking. I began as a trainee at Lloyds Bank, where I absorbed every aspect of the industry, from credit to treasury. My analytical mindset, developed during my academic years, proved invaluable in navigating the complexities of banking, ultimately leading me to specialize in trade finance and corporate banking.

Can you introduce us to BY Capital & its key areas of expertise?

BY Capital is an advisory and consulting firm that specializes in corporate finance and strategic solutions. We assist companies during periods of growth or crisis, working closely with shareholders and investors to support decision-making and the implementation of approved strategies.

Our expertise lies in understanding the unique dynamics of various sectors, from industries and logistics to agribusiness. We create value across the supply chain, from producers and suppliers to traders and end clients. What sets us apart is our close collaboration with shareholders and C-level executives, enabling us to think strategically within a competitive landscape often dominated by larger consulting firms and banks. Our clients are predominantly Brazilian companies and rural producers, and our approach emphasizes understanding their specific challenges and designing tailored short, medium, and long-term strategies. This philosophy drives BY Capital’s mission to redefine financial services for underserved markets.

What are your key responsibilities as a Partner at BY Capital?

As a Partner at BY Capital, my primary role is to originate transactions, especially in areas such as restructuring, fundraising, turnaround management, M&A, litigation finance, and non-performing loan sales. I focus on identifying and executing strategic opportunities that benefit our clients. Additionally, I provide advisory services to clients in financial distress, including potential Chapter 11 situations, working closely with them to restore financial health. I also collaborate with financial partners to help their clients navigate complex challenges. My other focus areas include driving growth through innovative deal-making and fostering strong, mutually beneficial relationships in the financial market.

"Lilian Laxer Is A Visionary In Finance, Pioneering Creative Solutions & Driving Growth Through Strategic Collaboration & Innovation"

Before joining BY Capital, I participated in the implementation of Commerzbank in Brazil. I served as Senior Banker and as Head of Sales for Trade Finance & Cash Management. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, I successfully motivated the team to achieve significant business growth. Under my leadership, revenues tripled, and the penetration of TF&CM products doubled. Commerzbank was recognized as a Tier 1 bank in Trade Finance during this period, marking a significant achievement for the institution.

What major challenges do you face in your role, & how do you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges we face at BY Capital is intense competition, particularly in the Brazilian market, where we compete against major players. Differentiating ourselves by identifying our "sweet spots" is essential. Pricing can also be a challenge, especially with clients in financial distress who may struggle to afford certain services. To overcome this, we often adopt a success-based remuneration model, ensuring that we are compensated once the client realizes tangible benefits. Collaboration is key to overcoming these obstacles. By partnering with law firms, investment funds, and banks, we enhance our ability to originate transactions and strategically align with the right clients and partners.

What have been your biggest professional achievements so far?

After 30 years in the financial industry, it's hard to pinpoint specific milestones, but a few stand out. During my 16 years at Rabobank, I introduced scalable, innovative transactions. One example is the barter system, where inputs like seeds, chemicals, and fertilizers were exchanged for outputs such as grains, coffee, soy, and cotton. This model significantly increased clients’ financial flexibility. Our Barter Program was elected by a client as the best project (among 137 others) and in Rabobank as the best credit structure worldwide.

Another achievement was pioneering receivables funds, which brought efficient, low-cost international funding to Brazil, enabling long-term financing. Additionally, structuring portfolio finance for importers was crucial when international funding options were limited.

At BY Capital, I originated a notable litigation finance deal. In this transaction, a partner fund covered the litigation costs, significantly improving the chances of an international fertilizer trader recovering overdue credits that had been in dispute for over seven years. None of this would have been possible without a competent and motivated team, whose dedication brought everything together to make it happen.

Lilian Laxer, Partner, By Capital

Lilian Laxer, Partner at BY Capital, is a finance leader known for her innovative strategies in niche markets. With expertise in banking, agribusiness, and tailored financial solutions, she excels in identifying unique opportunities, fostering client relationships, and driving growth through customized, value-added financial products, services and strategic collaborations.