Swiss investor counsel for Colombia
Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. is a US law firm founded in 1997 that advises Swiss investors on the US legal dimensions of investing in Colombia. Our US-admitted attorneys, led by Mr. Sris, handle the US-law side of cross-border transactions, while the firm collaborates with Eric Duport Jaramillo, Of Counsel, admitted to practice law in Colombian bar and not admitted in any US state bar; that role is limited to Colombia-law matters in collaboration with the US-admitted attorneys of the firm. Mr. Sris is not admitted to practice Colombia law; Colombia-law matters are handled by the engaged Colombia Of Counsel of the firm. This structure allows Swiss investors to receive coordinated counsel on US regulatory, anti-corruption, and transactional issues without the firm practicing law in a jurisdiction where its attorneys are not admitted. For a consultation, reach Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What US legal issues matter for a Swiss investor in Colombia
Swiss investors entering the Colombian market often encounter US law because the investment may involve US-dollar-denominated financing, US-based counterparties, or US-listed securities. The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) can apply to a Swiss investor if the transaction touches US territory or uses US correspondent banks. US export-control regulations administered by the Bureau of Industry and Security may also govern the transfer of certain technology or goods to Colombia. Additionally, US tax reporting obligations under the Internal Revenue Code can arise when a Swiss investor holds interests in a US-owned Colombian entity or receives US-source income. Our US-admitted attorneys help Swiss investors identify these US-law touchpoints and structure investments to comply with US requirements while respecting Colombian law.
Instead, the focus is on anti-corruption due diligence, export-control classification, and US tax planning. The firm’s US-admitted attorneys work with the investor’s Swiss counsel and with Eric Duport Jaramillo, who provides Colombia-law support, to build a compliance framework that addresses the overlapping legal regimes.
How Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel network handle these matters
Mr. Sris, the firm’s owner and managing attorney, is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He leads the US-law analysis for Swiss investors, drawing on his experience as a former prosecutor and his familiarity with cross-border regulatory enforcement. For the Colombia-law side, the firm engages Eric Duport Jaramillo, Of Counsel, admitted to practice law in Colombian bar and not admitted in any US state bar; that role is limited to Colombia-law matters in collaboration with the US-admitted attorneys of the firm. This division ensures that each jurisdiction’s legal advice is provided by an attorney licensed in that jurisdiction, consistent with US bar rules and Colombian professional standards.
The typical engagement begins with a review of the investor’s proposed structure. The US-admitted attorneys assess FCPA risk, export-control exposure, and US tax implications. Simultaneously, Mr. Duport Jaramillo reviews the Colombia-law aspects—corporate formation, foreign investment registration, and local regulatory approvals. The two sides coordinate through the firm’s secure communication channels, and the investor receives integrated guidance. All US-law advice is rendered by Mr. Sris and the US-admitted attorneys; all Colombia-law advice is rendered by Mr. Duport Jaramillo. The firm does not practice law in Colombia, and Mr. Duport Jaramillo does not practice US law.
About Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel network
Mr. Sris founded Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. in 1997. He is a former prosecutor and is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. His practice includes cross-border regulatory matters, and he has testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova), the bill that became the 2019 revision to Va. Code § 20-107.3(g). Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to international client matters.
For Colombia-related engagements, the firm works with Eric Duport Jaramillo, Of Counsel, admitted to practice law in Colombian bar and not admitted in any US state bar; that role is limited to Colombia-law matters in collaboration with the US-admitted attorneys of the firm. Mr. Duport Jaramillo’s background includes service as a former Minister Counselor at the Embassy of Colombia to the European Union and as Executive President of the Pereira Chamber of Commerce. He is fluent in Spanish, English, and French. The firm’s location in Pereira, Colombia, is available by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What US legal issues should a Swiss investor consider when investing in Colombia?
Swiss investors should evaluate FCPA compliance, US export controls, and US tax obligations. The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act can apply if the transaction uses US dollar clearing or involves a US issuer. Export controls administered by the Bureau of Industry and Security may restrict the transfer of certain technology. US tax reporting may be required if the investor receives US-source income or holds an interest in a US-owned Colombian entity. Our US-admitted attorneys analyze these touchpoints and design a compliance structure that respects both US and Colombian law.
Does the firm handle Colombian law directly?
No. The firm does not practice Colombian law. Colombia-law matters are handled by Eric Duport Jaramillo, Of Counsel, admitted to practice law in Colombian bar and not admitted in any US state bar; that role is limited to Colombia-law matters in collaboration with the US-admitted attorneys of the firm. Mr. Sris and the US-admitted attorneys handle all US-law aspects. This division ensures that each jurisdiction’s legal advice is provided by an attorney licensed in that jurisdiction.
How does the firm coordinate US and Colombian legal advice for a Swiss investor?
The firm coordinates through a dual-counsel model. The US-admitted attorneys, led by Mr. Sris, address US regulatory, anti-corruption, and tax issues. Simultaneously, Eric Duport Jaramillo reviews Colombia-law requirements such as foreign investment registration, corporate formation, and local permits. The two sides share information through secure channels, and the investor receives integrated guidance. All US-law advice is rendered by the US-admitted attorneys; all Colombia-law advice is rendered by Mr. Duport Jaramillo.
What is the FCPA and how does it apply to Swiss investors in Colombia?
The FCPA is a US statute that prohibits bribery of foreign officials and requires accurate books and records for issuers. It can apply to a Swiss investor if the transaction involves a US issuer, US territory, or US correspondent banking. The firm’s US-admitted attorneys help Swiss investors conduct FCPA due diligence on Colombian partners, draft anti-corruption representations, and implement compliance programs.
How can I contact the firm for a consultation on Swiss investment in Colombia?
You can reach Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. Consultations are by appointment only. The firm’s US-admitted attorneys will discuss the US-law aspects of your proposed investment, and if Colombia-law support is needed, the firm will engage Eric Duport Jaramillo, Of Counsel, admitted to practice law in Colombian bar and not admitted in any US state bar; that role is limited to Colombia-law matters in collaboration with the US-admitted attorneys of the firm. All communications are confidential and protected by the attorney-client privilege where applicable.