Success in global markets demands more than financial acumen—it requires a vision that balances profit with positive impact. Perla Global Capital Advisors embodies this philosophy by offering clear, strategic solutions that empower businesses to overcome challenges and grow responsibly. With a focus on practical innovation and meaningful outcomes, Perla helps clients build stronger futures while contributing to communities worldwide. Recognized among the ‘Global Best Companies of the Year 2025’, Perla’s commitment to excellence and human-centered progress sets a standard for what leadership can achieve.

As a premier investment banking and restructuring advisory firm, Perla Global Capital Advisors serves clients across the USA, Europe, Asia, Latin America, and Africa. With market presence in key global hubs such as New York, London, and Singapore, Perla provides tailored solutions designed to navigate complex financial landscapes. Its team, composed of seasoned executives, financial specialists, and legal advisors, brings deep expertise to industries including healthcare, technology, energy, and consumer goods.

Perla excels in areas such as mergers and acquisitions, innovative financing, and unlocking value from assets like real estate and intellectual property. The firm often takes on roles such as board members or lead strategists, ensuring hands-on support throughout the process. Grounded in rigorous research and backed by a global network of trusted law firms, Perla upholds the highest standards of due diligence and business practices, proving that smart business can uplift lives and communities worldwide.

We at CIO Bulletin had the distinct honor of interviewing Fernando Serrano, Founder, Managing Principal, and Director of Perla Global Capital Advisors. He shared invaluable insights into how he and his company, with an unwavering commitment to the highest standards of due diligence and business policy practices, continue to lead the way in delivering results that not only achieve financial success but also drive lasting, positive change in the global economy.

Interview Highlights

Perla Global Capital Advisors operates in a highly specialized financial space. What inspired the founding of the firm, and what gap in the market were you aiming to fill?

Perla Global Capital Advisors was inspired by the roots of my own upbringing. I was born in Guadalajara, Mexico, and I know that Mexico is a challenging country in which to improve the quality of life. Industries and companies do not necessarily have access to the capital markets, liquidity, or, in some cases, the ability to attract foreign investment. Our mission is to bridge emerging markets, providing them with global access to capital and growth through joint ventures, restructuring, and mergers and acquisitions.

Perla Global Capital Advisors offers a wide range of financial services. Can you give us an overview of your core offerings and areas of expertise?

Our Corporate Finance & Restructuring Advisory Group brings product expertise and innovation to clients in a variety of industries with a global reach. Our services include corporate finance, restructurings, mergers & acquisitions, and strategic planning.

Your firm has expertise across 20+ key industries. How do you tailor your advisory services to meet the unique demands of each sector?

To help organizations restructure their finances and establish a business strategy, Perla Global Capital Advisors emerges as a reliable partner by leveraging its expertise in Special Situations Investment Banking & Restructuring Advisory Services, with capital structures ranging from $25 million to $500 million in debt/equity requirements. The firm conducts “real-time” research, tracks daily market data, and formalizes strategic objectives for each sector.

The firm offers a "Buy Side" national and international added value business relationship approach. How does this strategy give Perla Global a competitive edge in M&A advisory?

Our competitive edge lies in a proven track record and a global brand. We are recognized in the marketplace as a leading International Special Situations Investment Banking & Advisory Services Firm. We conduct research, analytics, and strategic planning efficiently to address our clients' needs.

Perla Global has built an extensive international footprint. How did you navigate the challenges of expanding into diverse financial markets across North America, Europe, Asia, Latin America, and Africa?

Perla Global Capital Advisors began by entering Mexico, which subsequently provided the roadmap for transactional work in Latin America. Interested private equity groups from Europe, Asia, and Africa showed interest in entering these markets. Through the creation of business development origination groups and localized research, we were able to build a portfolio in all these markets.

Your team works closely with law firms, research advisors, and global capital sources. How important is interdisciplinary collaboration in executing high-stakes deals?

Perla Global Capital Advisors is committed to the diverse professionals we collaborate with, including prestigious international and national law firms, consulting groups, research advisors, and global capital advisors. We have strong working relationships and a proven history of deal-making that reduces the learning curve and enables us to expedite the transaction process.

With major economies experiencing shifts—such as deglobalization, inflation concerns, and geopolitical instability—how does Perla Global Capital Advisors mitigate risks for clients?

Perla Global Capital Advisors mitigates risks related to deal structures within the identified parameters of risk factors. We also require active participation as a voting Board Member to provide strategic planning that addresses these risk factors. In some cases, we also add Political and Financial Risk Insurance policies.

What legacy is Perla Global Capital Advisors aiming to build in the financial world, and how do you see your firm evolving in the next decade?

Perla Global Capital Advisors’ legacy is “Creating Value One Company at a Time.” Perla Global Capital is poised to continue its growth and expand into new markets as globalization continues.

The Visionary Leader behind Perla Global Capital Advisors’ Unwavering Success

Mr. Fernando Serrano is the Founder, Managing Principal, and Director of Perla Global Capital Advisors. A native of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, Mr. Serrano is an accomplished business leader with an extensive background in finance and investment banking. He holds a B.S. in Business Economics from the prestigious USC Marshall School of Business and earned his MBA business education at the Pepperdine Graziadio School of Business.

Mr. Serrano is also an alumnus of The London School of Economics, UK, and LawSikho Corporate Litigation in India. He began his career at Sanwa Bank California as an Intermediate Financial Analyst, where he completed the Executive Training Program for Commercial Lending and worked on special projects for the Office of the President.

A graduate of the Investment Banking Institute, Mr. Serrano later served as Managing Director for First Federal Bank and then as Vice President for American Commercial Capital, a firm founded by executives from Goldman Sachs and Credit Suisse First Boston. His experience and strategic vision continue to drive the success and growth of Perla Global Capital Advisors. Mr. Serrano has served as Board Member and Advisor to several companies worldwide.

“Our mission is to bridge emerging markets, providing them with global access to capital and growth through joint ventures, restructuring, and mergers and acquisitions.”