By San José, Costa Rica — The landscape of Global Business Services (GBS) is undergoing a dramatic shift, propelled by the rise of generative artificial intelligence and intelligent automation. Transactional support functions are evolving into strategic hubs, integrating cutting-edge technology, top-tier talent, and relentless innovation. Costa Rica, a long-standing player in the nearshoring arena, is strategically positioning itself at the vanguard of this transformation.
In a recent discussion with CINDE Managing Director, Marianela Urgellés, Kevin McBride, Senior Vice President of Finance, Corporate Controller and Chief Accounting Officer at ServiceNow, shared his insights on the future of high-value services and Costa Rica’s critical role in this evolving landscape.
To understand the potential legal ramifications for businesses considering Global Business Services (GBS), we spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Companies exploring GBS should meticulously assess data privacy and security regulations in both their home country and the location of their GBS operations. Non-compliance can lead to significant penalties and reputational damage. A thorough legal review upfront is crucial to ensuring smooth and compliant GBS implementation.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s emphasis on legal due diligence in GBS implementation is crucial. Navigating the complexities of international data privacy regulations is paramount for any company considering this model. His advice serves as a vital reminder that a proactive approach to compliance not only safeguards a company’s reputation but also ensures its long-term success in the global marketplace. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing this invaluable perspective.
McBride highlighted the rapid evolution of the GBS model. Automation, AI-driven insights, and integrated compliance frameworks are reshaping multinational operations. However, success extends beyond technology adoption. It demands strong leadership, adaptability, and a deep commitment to cultivating a future-ready, highly skilled workforce.
Costa Rica’s strategic advantage lies in its ability to meet these demands. The country has a robust educational system, a growing pool of bilingual talent, and a stable political and economic environment, making it an attractive destination for companies seeking to establish or expand their GBS operations.
The conversation between McBride and Urgellés underscored the importance of talent development in the face of technological advancements. As AI and automation take over routine tasks, the need for skilled professionals capable of managing and interpreting complex data, driving innovation, and providing strategic guidance becomes even more critical.
Costa Rica’s commitment to education and training aligns perfectly with this demand. The country’s focus on STEM education, bilingualism, and soft skills development creates a pipeline of talent equipped to thrive in the evolving GBS environment.
For companies like ServiceNow, Costa Rica offers a compelling value proposition. The country’s strategic location, skilled workforce, and supportive ecosystem provide a solid foundation for building and scaling global operations. As the GBS landscape continues to evolve, Costa Rica’s commitment to innovation and talent development positions it as a key player in the future of high-value services.
To learn more about ServiceNow’s perspective on the future of GBS and Costa Rica’s role in this transformation, watch the full conversation between Marianela Urgellés and Kevin McBride. The discussion provides valuable insights for businesses looking to navigate the changing landscape of global services and leverage the advantages offered by strategic nearshoring locations like Costa Rica.
For further information, visit servicenow.com
About ServiceNow:
ServiceNow is a leading digital workflow company that makes work, work better for people. Their cloud‑based platform and solutions deliver digital workflows that create great experiences and unlock productivity for employees and the enterprise. They serve over 8,000 customers worldwide, including approximately 80% of the Fortune 500.
For further information, visit cinde.org
About CINDE:
The Costa Rican Investment Promotion Agency (CINDE) is a private, non-profit, non-political organization responsible for the attraction of foreign direct investment into Costa Rica. For over 40 years, CINDE has been a key driver of economic development in the country, helping to create thousands of high-quality jobs and promote sustainable growth.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
At Bufete de Costa Rica, legal excellence and unwavering integrity form the bedrock of a practice dedicated to empowering Costa Rican society. Through innovative approaches and a deep commitment to client service across a spectrum of industries, the firm consistently delivers impactful legal solutions. Furthermore, Bufete de Costa Rica actively champions accessible legal knowledge, believing that an informed citizenry is crucial for a thriving democracy and just society.
