Senior Lawyer, Banking
Marc Charbonneau
- QC
Marc Charbonneau has practised banking law for nearly 50 years. He acts for major Canadian financial institutions, credit institutions, listed companies and small businesses, on the financing itself and, when needed, in court.
- Banking law
- Debt recovery
- Bankruptcy
- Litigation
- Secured lending
Why clients choose Marc
Nearly 50 years in banking law
Called to the Quebec Bar in 1976, with a career spent on loans, security and recovery.
Both sides of the loan file
From structuring and documenting credit to litigation, recovery and bankruptcy.
Institutions and entrepreneurs
Clients range from one of Canada’s leading financial institutions to small business owners.
North American and EU frameworks
Familiar with banking regulation in North America and the European Union.
Representative experience
- Acts for major Canadian financial institutions and credit institutions.
- Structured finance, project finance, syndicated lending and cross-border financing.
- Loan structuring and debt restructuring for lenders and borrowers.
- Bank compliance and dealings with regulators.
- Banking litigation, recovery and bankruptcy proceedings.
Practice areas
What types of matters does Marc Charbonneau handle?
Banking, credit and insolvency matters, from the loan file to the courtroom.
Banking litigation
Disputes involving financial institutions, accounts, loans and guarantees.
Credit and secured lending
Loan documentation, hypothecs and other security.
Debt recovery
Recovery strategies, from demand letters to judgment and execution.
Bankruptcy and insolvency
Creditor claims, proposals and bankruptcy proceedings.
Commercial litigation
Broader commercial disputes for lenders and businesses.
Advice to entrepreneurs
Practical advice for small businesses dealing with lenders, guarantees and creditors.
Professional biography
Professional experience
Called to the Quebec Bar in 1976, Marc has spent most of his career in litigation for lenders and borrowers alike, covering banking disputes, credit and security, recovery and bankruptcy.
Working method
Marc is known for listening closely to clients and looking at a matter from several angles before recommending a course of action.
Bar admissions: Barreau du Québec (called 1976)
Experience at a glance
For general information only. The outcome of any matter depends on its facts, and past results do not guarantee future results.
Frequently asked questions
Questions clients ask before a consultation
General information only. The answer for your situation depends on its facts.
What happens to my claim when a debtor goes bankrupt or files a proposal?
Most collection steps are stayed. Unsecured creditors file a proof of claim with the licensed insolvency trustee; secured creditors may still be able to enforce their security, subject to the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act.
Is a personal guarantee enforceable?
Usually, if it was validly given and the claim falls within its terms. Defences can exist, for example on the scope of the guarantee or the creditor’s conduct, so each guarantee should be read carefully.
How long do I have to sue for an unpaid debt in Quebec?
Generally three years from the date the debt became payable. Acknowledgements of debt and partial payments can affect the calculation.
What should I prepare for the first consultation?
A short summary of the matter, the key dates and any documents you already have, such as contracts, correspondence or notices. Confidential documents can follow once our conflict check is complete.
Discuss your banking or recovery matter
Tell us about the loan, the security and the amounts involved. We will reply within one business day.
Book a consultation