About

‘He is a rare breed – a supremely talented lawyer, without artifice or ego,’ says Debevoise & Plimpton LLP lawyer Satish Kini. Award-winning Bank of Montreal lawyer Andrew Karp ‘has comprehensive knowledge of all things banking’ and is praised for his ‘innovative’ solutions and leadership of a ‘unique’, cross-border team. ‘I like the diversity of matters, intellectual puzzles and mix of policy and the practical that are the hallmarks of the regulatory practice,’ he says. During his time at the bank, Karp has worked to develop the bank regulatory management and response framework. As well as recruiting into the team, he created and co-chairs the bank’s Regulatory Development Committee, which centrally monitors, analyses and reports on regulatory change to increase both efficiency and responsiveness. ‘Andrew’s most significant accomplishment was institutionalizing the regulatory liaison role,’ says one industry source. ‘This role ensures good relationships with BMO’s regulators and consistent processes for examinations and responses’. Karp’s other significant contributions have included designing a bespoke regulatory training program. Law firms have greatly improved the quality of service to clients over recent years, he says, though he feels technology in areas such as billing could be improved.