Trusted Legal Advisor to Investment Managers on Digital Assets, Legal Compliance, Cybersecurity, Technology, TradFi and Business Lifecycle Strategies.

John Araneo is a partner at Cole-Frieman & Mallon LLP, renowned for his ability to bridge legal strategy and technological innovation in the investment management industry. He specializes in advising both digital asset and traditional (“tradfi”) fund managers on fund formation, IT infrastructure, seeding, capital raising, employment, regulatory compliance, and cybersecurity, with a particular focus on the unique challenges facing cryptocurrency and digital asset managers. After nearly two decades in private practice, John left the firm for several years to co-found Align Managed Services, where he and his co-founder pioneered the first cybersecurity-compliant, fully managed IT infrastructure solution designed specifically for fund managers. This venture established a new benchmark for managed service providers in the asset management space. John later returned to Cole-Frieman & Mallon LLP to continue his work with investment managers, applying his combined legal and technological expertise to help his clients navigate the increasingly complex regulatory landscape and assist them in embracing technological and operational innovations. John is a published author and sought-after speaker on a range of investment management topics, including crypto compliance, digital assets, cybersecurity, and operational resilience. His earlier experience includes serving as general counsel to one of the first direct-access electronic trading firms, which was acquired by E*Trade in 2003. He advises a diverse clientele, from startups and emerging managers to established funds and family offices, providing practical, business-focused guidance across both digital and tradfi asset classes. Outside of his professional life, John enjoys spending time with his family, cooking, fishing, and playing golf.