top of page
francisco martinerlli signia.png

Francisco Martinelli Patton, TEP, IMCM

Founding Partner, fmp@signialegal.com

Founder of Grupo FM, he is a Panamanian lawyer with more than 30 years of solid experience and a proven track record in investment transactions, mergers and acquisitions, banking and capital markets, project financing, estate planning, public contracting and regulated entities, advising clients from multiple industries in the private sector, banking and financial entities, government offices and multinational corporations, among others.

  • Experience
    Francisco began his career in one of the most renowned law firms, becoming a partner and responsible for international expansion. His legal quality has been recognized by the most prestigious rankings in the legal sector worldwide. He has held important positions in multiple unions and companies with a recognized track record in Panama, key positions for the promotion of Panama abroad, highlighting the Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama (CCIAP), the Business Council of Latin America (CEAL) , the National Council for Foreign Relations (CONALREX) of the Chancellery of the Republic, among others. He was also part of the commission in charge of drafting matters concerning the creation of the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) and has belonged to several boards of directors of local companies such as: Óptima Compañía de Seguros de Panamá, Indesa Holdings, being in both also founding partner, and Banco Ficohsa. In Real Estate matters, he has advised on emblematic transactions in the sector, including the establishment of Sun Casino in Panama, through the purchase of assets in the Trump Tower in Panama and obtaining permits to operate the most modern and largest casino in Panama at the date. He has advised on aspects of Due Diligence for purchases by foreign companies in the Construction, Agribusiness, Food and Beverage, Entertainment and Retail industries. Likewise, he is a shareholder and founder of various service, energy, restoration, real estate, agriculture and various investment companies.
  • Memberships
    He belongs to the International Bar Association (IBA), the Mexico/Panama Chambers of Commerce (member of the Board of Directors 2022-2023); the INCAE National Committee (Panama Chapter); the Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners (STEP); and the United Way, where he is also a founding member, as well as a member of the International Tax Planning Association (ITPA); Investment Migration Council (IMC).
  • Education
    He has a degree in Law and Political Science from the Universidad Santa María la Antigua (USMA) and has a Master's Degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the Central American Institute of Business Administration (INCAE), Costa Rica.
bottom of page