Brigitte Goulard

Brigitte Goulard brings a rich tapestry of expertise to the financial services landscape, offering clients unparalleled insights into governance strategies and regulatory navigation. As the driving force behind Torys' Consumer Protection and Fintech groups, Brigitte's career spans over three decades, marked by significant roles that include being the Deputy Commissioner of the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada. This role, along with her comprehensive experience in banking, insurance, and financial cooperatives, equips her with a deep understanding of Canada's financial legislative environment, especially in consumer protection.

Her tenure at the FCAC, coupled with her extensive involvement in public policy and association advocacy, has endowed Brigitte with a rare perspective on legislative and regulatory processes. This, alongside her knowledge of government operations and legislative lobbying in Canada, makes her an invaluable asset for clients aiming to stay ahead in a complex regulatory framework.

Brigitte's recognition by Best Lawyers in Canada in 2024 as a leading lawyer in banking and finance law is a testament to her expertise and impact on the industry. She has been instrumental in discussions around the future of payments in Canada, advocating for modernization in Canada’s digital payment systems. Her work addresses crucial aspects of the financial services sector, including open banking and measures to combat predatory lending, reflecting her commitment to consumer protection and financial innovation.

Before her current role, Brigitte's contributions as Deputy Commissioner of the FCAC, overseeing the agency's Supervision and Enforcement division, and her senior roles within Canada's financial services industry, have all contributed to her profound expertise. Moreover, her academic contributions, including teaching financial institutions legislation and securities regulations, underscore her dedication to educating the next generation of legal professionals.

Brigitte's involvement in the OECD/G20 Task Force on Financial Consumer Protection, helping implement the G20 High-Level Principles on Financial Consumer Protection, highlights her influence on the global stage. Her education at the University of Ottawa and subsequent bar admission in Ontario in 1989 have laid the foundation for a distinguished career dedicated to enhancing the financial services industry through legal excellence and consumer advocacy.