Prof. Francesco Del Bene is a name well known in the world of finance, law, and international strategy. With decades of experience and a strong presence in both legal practice and academia, he has become a key figure in helping businesses navigate complex financial systems and regulatory frameworks. His career has been marked by innovation, insight, and a deep commitment to excellence.
A Lifelong Passion for Law and Finance
Francesco Del Bene’s journey into banking and finance law began early. During his university years, he recognized how this field sits at the intersection of economics, global finance, and legal rules. For him, law was never just theory—it was a practical and strategic tool that plays a vital role in shaping high-stakes decisions.
After earning his Law degree from La Sapienza University in Rome and completing a Master’s in Banking and Financial Law, he committed himself to this dynamic area. What drew him in was its cross-disciplinary nature, where lawyers don’t just interpret laws but actively contribute to building complex financial deals, restructuring businesses, and developing advanced market instruments.
His academic involvement also began early, later leading to teaching positions at institutions such as the University of Cassino, University of Insubria, and Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna in Pisa. He currently serves as Lead Faculty Full Professor at Blackwell Global University in Florida. Francesco has published extensively on banking and corporate law and is the director of the “Legal Studies Series” by Key Editore, reflecting his passion for research and legal thought leadership.
Pivotal Moments that Shaped a Legal Mindset
One turning point in his career was his time as Executive Director at IntesaBCI, leading the Merchant Banking Division. There, he realized that in finance, even the smallest detail carries weight—and the cost of error is high. This experience sharpened his approach: meticulous, strategic, and results-oriented.
Another defining moment was the founding of Avocom Law Firm. Francesco wanted to build something different—not just a personal brand but a robust, international structure founded on method, specialization, and compliance. This vision shaped his legal philosophy and the culture of his firm.
He also worked with top-tier law firms early in his career, further strengthening his technical and strategic capabilities. These diverse experiences across the public and private sectors enabled him to develop a holistic view of finance law and regulation.
Avocom Law Firm: Built on Vision, Grown Through Consistency
Francesco founded Avocom with a clear goal: to create a law firm that could work globally with the same depth and precision as top international firms, while staying rooted in Italian business traditions. Over the years, Avocom has grown through strategic partnerships, international expansions, and a steadfast commitment to high standards.
Avocom now operates across four continents, supporting multinational corporations, investment funds, public bodies, and industrial groups. Its key areas of practice include banking law, project finance, energy, real estate, and corporate governance.
The firm received the ‘Law Firm of the Year 2024’ award from Ranking Professions and Corriere della Sera, achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification, and earned an ‘A’ rating from ICRA in 2023—testaments to its excellence and reliability.
Staying Ahead in a Fast-Moving World
With legal landscapes shifting rapidly, especially in areas like tech, data, and finance, staying current is essential. Francesco combines academic research with practical experience to stay ahead of trends. As a university professor and scientific director, he’s immersed in new laws, interpretations, and technologies.
Avocom has embraced digital tools such as AI-based document management, legal tech platforms, and automated compliance systems. But for Francesco, innovation isn’t just about tools—it’s about anticipating what clients will need tomorrow.
Avocom is a pioneer in Web3 and metaverse-related legal consultancy. It was one of the first firms to introduce blockchain, bitcoin-based payments for collaborators, and legal advisory services for digital assets and property rights. This shows a strong alignment between Francesco’s visionary mindset and real-world implementation.
Navigating Cross-Border Legal Challenges
Working across borders brings not only legal challenges but also cultural ones. Francesco has always emphasized the importance of building bridges between legal systems and decision-making processes.
He leads cross-border deals through carefully curated local partnerships and diverse internal teams. To support this, Avocom established a scientific-technical committee to assist in handling high-complexity international cases. As Francesco puts it, “In global contexts, nothing can be left to chance.”
His operational model is based on multidisciplinary teams and risk-mitigation frameworks, ensuring that every international engagement is both precise and efficient.
Wearing Many Hats: CEO, Legal Strategist, Academic
Balancing roles as CEO, legal expert, and academic isn’t easy—but Francesco manages it with discipline and clarity. While he delegates extensively, he remains closely involved in all critical decisions.
His academic work requires theoretical precision, legal practice calls for operational rigor, and the CEO role demands vision and leadership. It’s a dynamic balancing act that’s made possible by a strong organization and top-tier collaborators.
His scholarly contributions also extend to shaping regulatory and policy debates in finance law, ensuring his work has both depth and societal impact.
Mentorship: Shaping the Next Generation
Francesco takes mentorship seriously. He believes it’s about responsibility, not hierarchy. At Avocom, young lawyers don’t spend years waiting on the sidelines—they’re encouraged to step up, learn, and take responsibility early.
He offers not just training, but opportunities. Structured development paths, real-world challenges, and constant feedback are part of the culture. “The goal is not to shape them for the firm—it’s to prepare them for the world,” he says.
In 2024, he launched the Antonio del Bene Award in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice and the Bar Association of Lecce. This prestigious recognition is awarded to young lawyers who show excellence in forensic ethics—a cause close to his heart.
A Unique Client Approach: Tailored, Transparent, Trusted
For Francesco and his team, legal service isn’t about billable hours—it’s about delivering real solutions. Every client is unique, and so are their challenges. That’s why Avocom customizes every engagement with care.
They focus on building long-term relationships based on trust, transparency, and responsiveness. Teams are formed based on expertise, communication is constant, and quality is non-negotiable. Clients know they’re in capable hands.
Francesco’s approach merges measurable results with ethical integrity, ensuring that business success and legal compliance go hand in hand.
The Future of Legal Services in Banking & Finance
Looking ahead, Francesco sees banking and finance law evolving into an even more hybrid field. Legal experts will need to understand governance, technology, sustainability, and global compliance.
Lawyers must learn to manage complexity, embrace technology, and anticipate changes in regulation. “There will be no room for outdated models,” he says. The future lawyer will be both a strategist and a change leader.
For him, the next generation of legal professionals must be fluent in digital systems, sustainability principles, and fast-evolving regulatory environments. “The lawyer of the future will be a manager of complexity,” he emphasizes.
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Legal Minds
To young lawyers interested in finance law, Francesco’s advice is clear: Study hard—and study broadly. Law alone isn’t enough; you need to understand economics, risk, taxation, and business.
Seek out environments where real work happens, not just flashy presentations. Find mentors who challenge you and protect your integrity at every step. “A lawyer’s value is built quietly—through every word, every action, and every choice under pressure.”
Above all, Francesco champions integrity, consistency, and an unshakable focus on results. Through his journey, he exemplifies what it means to lead with both intellect and purpose in a complex, changing world.
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