Michael A. Smith

Michael Smith is an international corporate and finance partner whose practice spans North America, the United Kingdom, and key global markets. He counsels boards and senior management of financial institutions, public companies, investment banks, private equity firms, sovereign funds, and pension plans on strategy, risk, and execution. His work focuses on cross-border mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, complex debt instruments, infrastructure projects, and governance matters for growth companies and private capital sponsors.

Michael brings deep experience in U.S. securities law for foreign issuers, structured and project finance, green and sustainability-linked debt, and Islamic finance. He advises fintech, biotech, and technology companies on fundraising and access to U.S. and global markets, and he guides issuers and underwriters through listing, disclosure, and liability management. He also develops practical legal operating models for clients, including fractional general counsel solutions for middle market businesses and private capital platforms.

Michael lectures at law schools and industry forums on cross-border finance and advises regulatory bodies on U.S. securities laws, including the Ontario Securities Commission. He has served on several non-profit boards and provides pro bono counsel to The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in the United States. Earlier in his career, he served as a Warfare Officer in the Royal Canadian Navy.