
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.
align.com
colefrieman.com
dhclegal.com
skadden.com
Wyckoff, New Jersey, United States
Partner
Cole-Frieman & Mallon LLP
• www.linkedin.com/company/cole-frieman-&-mallon-llp
• Full-time
Jan 2016 - Present
New York, New York, United States
Partner
Cole-Frieman & Mallon LLP
• www.linkedin.com/company/cole-frieman-&-mallon-llp
Sep 2016 - Jan 2018
New York City
Managing Director & General Counsel, Align Cybersecurity
Align
• www.linkedin.com/company/align
Feb 2017 - Dec 2022
New York, NY
Counsel
Sadis & Goldberg LLP
• www.linkedin.com/company/sadis-&-goldberg-llp
Sep 2014 - Sep 2016
Managing Attorney
John T. Araneo, Attorney at Law PLLC
Jan 2009 - Sep 2014
New York City, Garden City
Attorney
Davidoff Hutcher & Citron LLP
• www.linkedin.com/company/davidoff-hutcher-&-citron-llp
Nov 2007 - Nov 2008
Garden City, NY
Attorney
Tashlik, Kreutzer, Goldwyn & Crandell PC
Oct 2005 - Nov 2007