Profile

With over 30 years of legal experience, Michael Benoit helps financial services providers confidently navigate the intricate world of consumer financial services law. As a partner in our Washington, DC office, Michael concentrates on advising banks, sales finance companies, auto dealers, leasing companies, and technology providers on regulatory compliance, federal legislative developments, and consumer credit practices. His collaborative approach and creative problem-solving make him a trusted advisor to clients facing today's complex legal and regulatory challenges.

Michael works with clients to:

• Develop and maintain compliance programs that align with federal and state consumer financial services regulations.
• Prepare for CFPB supervisory examinations and respond to investigations or enforcement actions by federal agencies, including the FTC and CFPB.
• Navigate regulatory challenges involving consumer credit, privacy, telemarketing, and personal property financing and leasing.
• Adapt to legislative and regulatory developments with actionable strategies that protect operations and support growth.
• Engage effectively with trade associations to address industry-wide regulatory issues and advocate for sound financial services policies.

Clients trust Michael for his ability to simplify complex legal issues and provide clear, actionable solutions. By working with Michael, financial services providers can mitigate compliance risks, address regulatory challenges confidently, and focus on achieving their business goals.

Michael's deep industry knowledge is reflected in his active involvement with leading trade associations, including the American Financial Services Association and the Consumer Credit Industry Association. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Consumer Financial Services Lawyers, recognized for his significant contributions to the field.

A frequent speaker and author, Michael shares his insights at industry conferences such as the Auto Finance Summit, CBA Live!, and the AFSA Vehicle Finance Conference. His articles have been featured in respected publications, including the ABA Business Law Journal and Mortgage Banker Magazine.

Outside of his law practice, Michael enjoys traveling, cooking, meditation, and hiking, and is an avid tennis fan. He has visited 37 countries on six continents, enjoyed cooking classes all over the world, met the Dalai Lama, and hiked a variety of places, including the Pyrenees, the Swiss Alps, Sicily, New Zealand and Croatia. He looks forward to doing more!