MetLife has signed well-connected Democratic firm Elmendorf Ryan for Washington representation on consumer protection and financial reform issues.

Steve Elmendorf served a dozen years as senior advisor to former Democratic leader Dick Gephardt. He was chief of staff for Gephardt’s presidential bid and a deputy campaign manager for John Kerry’s White House run.

Rob Cogorno, another Gephardt alum and ex-floor director for House minority whip Steny Hoyer, joins Elmendorf on the Metlife business.

The New York-based insurer wrapped up the sale of its $6.4B MetLife Bank unit to General Electric last month.

That deal completes MetLife’s exit from the retail banking sector, allowing it to focus on global insurance and employee benefits.

MetLife has filed paperwork with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency to deregister as a bank holding company.