Michael Byrne

Michael Byrne has a strong background in legal counsel and leadership roles in the banking and financial industry. Michael is currently the General Counsel at Benteler Trading International AG since April 2021. Prior to that, they worked at HSBC, where they served as Senior Legal Counsel from March 2017 to March 2021 and again from March 2016 to March 2017. Michael also held the position of Director/Legal at DEPFA BANK plc, Dublin from April 2007 to May 2015, where they advised on various legal matters related to loans, guarantees, security, capital markets, and securitizations. Michael also worked directly with public sector and infrastructure finance origination teams. Earlier in their career, Michael served as English Law Counsel at Raiffeisen Bank International AG, where they provided legal sign-off on English law transactions and documentation, focusing on CEE, CIS, South Eastern Europe, and supporting the group's branch network in Asia and the US. Michael started their career as a Banking Solicitor at A&L Goodbody, Dublin, specializing in regulatory and compliance issues, as well as asset financing. Overall, Michael Byrne brings extensive legal expertise and experience in the banking and financial sector to their current role as General Counsel.

Michael Byrne completed their education at several institutions. From 1986 to 1990, they attended Trinity College Dublin and obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Geography. In 1992, they enrolled at the Institute of Taxation in Ireland, earning the designation of AITI Chartered Tax Adviser in 1996, specializing in taxation. During the same period from 1992 to 1995, they also studied at the Law Society of Ireland and gained a Professional Qualification. In 2014, Michael pursued further education at the Law Society of Ireland, completing a Diploma in Finance in 2015. Finally, in 2015-2016, they studied at the Law Society of England and Wales to complete a Professional Qualification Module.