Profile

Tom Buiteweg helps financial institutions, sales finance companies, motor vehicle dealers, and manufacturers navigate the complex landscape of motor vehicle and personal property financing and leasing. As a partner with over 30 years of legal experience, Tom also advises FinTech and other companies on establishing and maintaining electronic financial services programs. His extensive work with the Uniform Law Commission (ULC) and other professional organizations places him at the forefront of emerging legal issues in financial services, including virtual currency regulation, highly automated vehicles, and smart contracts.

Tom works with clients to:

• Develop and maintain motor vehicle and personal property financing and leasing programs that comply with state and federal regulations.
• Structure and implement electronic financial services programs for FinTech companies and financial institutions.
• Address regulatory challenges in rapidly evolving industries, including virtual currency businesses and automated vehicle financing.
• Ensure compliance with consumer financial protection laws related to collections, repossessions, and electronic commerce.
• Provide strategic guidance on Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) compliance and regulatory developments affecting financial services.

Clients rely on Tom's deep industry knowledge and practical approach to solving regulatory challenges. His experience in both private practice and in-house roles, including serving as lead compliance counsel for GMAC Financial Services U.S. consumer auto financing operations and general counsel for GMAC Insurance, provides a well-rounded perspective on compliance, risk management, and operational strategy.

In addition to his legal practice, Tom is actively involved in shaping financial services law and policy. He serves as Chair of the Michigan Commission on Uniform State Laws and as Treasurer and Executive Committee Member of the ULC. His leadership in ULC projects has contributed to significant developments in areas such as automated vehicles, virtual currency regulation, and revisions to the UCC. Tom has also served as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Michigan Law School, where he taught courses on sales and secured financing with a focus on motor vehicle transactions.

A frequent speaker and author, Tom has presented at industry conferences and contributed to legal publications on topics including electronic financial services, UCC developments, vehicle leasing, and regulatory compliance. He is a Fellow of both the American College of Commercial Finance Lawyers and the American College of Consumer Financial Services Lawyers, one of the few attorneys to hold both distinctions.

Tom's leadership in financial services law, combined with his practical, client-focused approach, makes him a trusted advisor in the industry.