May 20, 2024

Phillips Lytle Expands Regulatory Expertise With Hiring of Vlad Kapustin

Vlad Kapustin photo with Phillips Lytle mark in background
team-member
Featuring: Vlad Kapustin

Strategic move comes amid growing demand for legal counsel that proactively managers risk and navigates regulatory landscape to advance business goals

BUFFALO, N.Y. Phillips Lytle LLP announced the addition of Vlad Kapustin as Special Counsel, who brings over 20 years of legal and regulatory experience specializing in governance, compliance, and risk management. With Mr. Kapustin’s appointment, Phillips Lytle continues the expansion of its regulatory management services as demand grows for attorneys who serve as strategic advisors and contribute to business objectives.

As Special Counsel for Phillips Lytle, Mr. Kapustin will spearhead the firm’s efforts to broaden its regulatory proficiency, particularly in response to the evolving responsibilities of in-house general counsel nationwide who are now often measured by broader companywide growth and operational metrics. He will work closely with a multidisciplinary team of attorneys to identify emerging regulatory challenges, seize opportunities, and guide clients through intricate legal, compliance, and ethical landscapes.

“I am honored to join Phillips Lytle during this transformative period in corporate legal affairs. With the ongoing shift in general counsel being relied upon for strategic guidance to protect and grow businesses, there is an ever-expanding need for external legal advisors who can anticipate and navigate the complexities of today’s regulatory environment,” Mr. Kapustin said. “I’m excited to put my experience to work for Phillips Lytle because the firm understands the critical importance of legal counsel doing more than just helping clients overcome legal challenges, but rather serving as a partner that supports their operational and financial goals.”

A highly skilled regulatory expert, Mr. Kapustin previously served as Corporate Vice President – Senior Compliance Officer at New York Life Investments Group where he provided unique perspectives on how to best achieve corporate business goals. During his tenure with New York Life, he also served as MLRO (Money Laundering Reporting Officer) and ABAC (Anti-Bribery Anti-Corruption) Officer. Additionally, Mr. Kapustin brings comprehensive expertise across several sectors, including FinTech, InsurTech, and RegTech, and he has represented board and C-level executives on the implementation of global risk management best practices. Among his wide-ranging experiences within the financial services sector, he has demonstrated proficiency in navigating complex domestic and international transactions and mergers and acquisitions, showcasing his adeptness in risk-based negotiation and execution.

As a Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional in the U.S. and internationally (CCEP® and CCEP-I®), Mr. Kapustin will provide clients with foundational and sustainable frameworks that assist them in creating and adopting effective compliance and ethics programs.

Mr. Kapustin’s addition will bolster Phillips Lytle’s regulatory practice and enhance its capacity to offer comprehensive governance models, spearhead compliance initiatives, and deliver tailored risk management solutions that advance business initiatives, such as protecting reputation, managing change, and improving organizational performance.

“We are thrilled to welcome Vlad Kapustin to Phillips Lytle. His extensive regulatory expertise and strategic insights will be instrumental in propelling our firm’s growth,” said Managing Partner Douglas W. Dimitroff. “Innovation and talent attraction are key goals within our strategic growth plans, and adding Vlad is a milestone for both. He will help us expand and refine the solutions and services we deliver to our clients, as we build out our team of attorneys with the necessary experience to serve as regulatory advisors.”

Mr. Kapustin earned his law degree from University of Akron School of Law and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree, cum laude, from Walsh University.

Phillips Lytle LLP is a preeminent law firm that is recognized nationally for its legal excellence. With offices across New York State and in Chicago, IL; Washington, D.C.; and Canada, our attorneys serve a multinational client base, including Fortune 1000 companies, global and regional financial institutions, not-for-profit organizations, middle-market companies, startups, entrepreneurs and individuals on important matters affecting their businesses and personal wealth. For more information, visit phillipslytle.com.

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Media Contact

Tracey L. Mancini