BéndiksenLaw authors the compliance chapter of ProColombia’s Legal Guide 2026-2027

Strategic partners of ProColombia’s Legal Guide during the launch in Bogotá

We are pleased to announce a new milestone for our firm: BéndiksenLaw was selected by ProColombia as a strategic partner to author Chapter 3 of the Legal Guide to do Business in Colombia 2026-2027, devoted to compliance and corporate governance. The Guide, soon to be published, is the reference tool through which ProColombia advises foreign investors, multinational corporations and international companies interested in establishing or expanding their operations in Colombia, offering up-to-date, bilingual and clear legal information designed for decision-makers who are not legal experts.

BéndiksenLaw at the launch of ProColombia’s Legal Guide

On Wednesday, July 15, 2026, we had the privilege of taking part in the Guide’s launch event, held at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Bogotá and led by ProColombia’s Legal Affairs Department. Our managing partner, Sebastián Béndiksen, attended on behalf of the firm, joining the other strategic partners and the ProColombia team in a forum dedicated to strengthening the promotion of foreign investment in Colombia.

Launch event of ProColombia’s Legal Guide 2026-2027 at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Bogotá

What does the Compliance and Corporate Governance chapter cover?

The chapter authored by our team addresses the four fronts every organization must have covered in its compliance programs in Colombia:

  • Personal data protection (Habeas Data): the consent regime, the National Database Registry (RNBD), and the requirements for the international transfer and transmission of data — a critical issue for multinationals with servers or cloud services abroad.
  • Anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (SAGRILAFT): obligated entities, the minimum-measures regime, the role of the Compliance Officer, and reporting duties before the Financial Information and Analysis Unit (UIAF).
  • Business ethics and anti-corruption (PTEE): Business Transparency and Ethics Programs, third-party due diligence, conflict-of-interest management, and whistleblower channels.
  • Corporate social responsibility and sustainability: ESG criteria and Collective Benefit and Interest Companies (BIC), together with their tax and public procurement advantages.

We developed the chapter around a principle that guides our daily practice: international regulatory compatibility. Rigorous compliance with Colombian regulation is not an administrative burden, but a preventive shield against legislation with extraterritorial reach —such as the U.S. FCPA or the UK Bribery Act— and a genuine competitive advantage for accessing global markets.

A boutique firm serving foreign investment in Colombia

This engagement reflects the essence of BéndiksenLaw: a boutique, bilingual law firm in Bogotá that for over a decade has guided international clients through their arrival and operation in Colombia, in areas such as corporate law, regulatory compliance, tax law, intellectual property and dispute resolution. Being called upon by ProColombia to translate the regulatory density of corporate compliance into clear, practical language for investors is a recognition of our team’s work and of our commitment to promoting Colombia as an investment destination.

We will announce the official publication of the Legal Guide to do Business in Colombia 2026-2027 in due course. In the meantime, we invite foreign companies interested in establishing themselves in Colombia, or in strengthening their compliance and corporate governance programs, to get in touch with us. At BéndiksenLaw we are ready to be your strategic partner in Colombia.

Frequently asked questions

What is ProColombia’s Legal Guide to do Business in Colombia?

It is a reference publication issued by ProColombia that explains, in clear and bilingual language, the main legal regimes affecting foreign investment and business operations in Colombia. It is addressed to international investors and companies that are not legal experts.

Which chapter did BéndiksenLaw author?

BéndiksenLaw authored Chapter 3, on Compliance and Corporate Governance, covering personal data protection, SAGRILAFT, Business Transparency and Ethics Programs (PTEE), and corporate social responsibility, including BIC companies.

When will the 2026-2027 Guide be published?

The Guide is soon to be published. We will announce its official release on this blog and across our social media channels as soon as it becomes available.

How can BéndiksenLaw help my company with compliance in Colombia?

We advise foreign companies and multinationals on implementing their compliance programs in Colombia: database registration, international data transmission agreements, SAGRILAFT and PTEE implementation, and adoption of BIC status — aligning local obligations with the group’s global policies.

Transparency and Ethics: The New Obligations for Foreign Non-Profit Entities in Colombia.

In an era where transparency and ethics in business take center stage on the global scene, Colombia is not far behind. On October 4, 2023, the Superintendence of Companies issued External Document 100-000004, establishing new obligations for Foreign Non-Profit Entities (ESAL in Spanish) that have permanent businesses in the country.

1. What is SAGRILAFT? The SAGRILAFT, or Self-Control and Comprehensive Risk Management System for Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing, is a set of policies, procedures, tools and actions that seek to identify, measure, control and monitor the risk of the entity being used as a vehicle for money laundering or terrorist financing. This system seeks to strengthen internal controls and establish mechanisms that allow for comprehensive risk management.

2. Transparency and Business Ethics Program (PTEE) The PTEE is a program that aims to promote an organizational culture based on transparency, integrity, and business ethics. This program seeks to ensure that foreign ESALs are governed by clean business practices, reducing the possibility of corrupt acts or acts that compromise the integrity of the entity.

3. Deadline for implementation Foreign ESALs with permanent businesses in Colombia that are already under the supervision of the Superintendence of Companies have a deadline of August 31st, 2024 to implement both SAGRILAFT and PTEE.

Why is it important for ESALs to meet these obligations? These regulations not only seek to protect the Colombian economy and the integrity of the financial system, but also to strengthen the trust and reputation of entities in the market. Proper implementation of these measures can generate added value in terms of trust and reputation.

If you are part of a Foreign Non-Profit Entity and are looking for guidance on how to adapt to these new regulations, do not hesitate to contact BéndiksenLaw. Our dedicated team is ready to advise you every step of the way and ensure that your entity complies with all applicable regulations. Contact us today!