Tony Fernández Arias

Tony Fernández Arias has extensive experience in the legal field, particularly in the areas of finance, regulatory compliance, and project management. Tony began their career as an Intern at the Government of Principado de Asturias, where they provided legal advice on European Law and State aid. Tony then worked as an Associate at Cuatrecasas, Gonçalves Pereira, advising financial institutions on prudential regulations and tax implications. Later, at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP, Tony represented clients from various sectors before antitrust and regulatory authorities. Tony joined the Council of Europe Development Bank in 2009, initially as a Senior Legal Counsel and currently serves as the Chief Counsel and Head of Operations. In this role, Tony leads a team of legal counsels, providing advice on lending operations, environmental/social safeguards, procurement, and compliance policies. Tony also represents the bank in project committees.

Tony Fernández Arias completed a LL.M. degree in International Law at Columbia Law School in 2006. Prior to that, they earned a Master's degree in European Law from the College of Europe in 2003. Their undergraduate studies were at Universidad de Oviedo, where they obtained a Bachelor's degree in Law in 2002. Tony also received a certification from the "Becarios Fundación ‘la Caixa’" program, provided by Fundación ‘la Caixa’, in 2004.