John Araneo is a partner at Cole-Frieman & Mallon LLP, where he combines deep experience in investment management law with a sophisticated understanding of technology to advise fund managers across both traditional and digital asset classes. For more than two decades, John has counseled fund managers on formation, seeding, capital raising, regulatory compliance, employment, operations, IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and succession planning. His practice integrates legal strategy with practical business and technological insight, enabling clients to navigate an evolving regulatory environment and adopt emerging innovations with confidence.
During his tenure at Cole-Frieman & Mallon, John took a professional sabbatical to co-found Align Managed Services, where he and his co-founder developed the first cybersecurity-compliant, fully managed IT infrastructure solution designed specifically for investment managers — setting a new industry standard for managed service providers in the asset management sector. After successfully growing and exiting Align, John returned to the firm to continue advising fund managers, applying his dual expertise to guide clients through the complex intersection of regulation, operations, and technology.
John is a published author and frequent speaker on topics including digital assets, crypto compliance, and cybersecurity. Earlier in his career, he served as general counsel to one of the first direct-access electronic trading firms, which was later acquired by E*TRADE. His clients range from startup and emerging managers to established funds and family offices, all of whom value his practical, business-oriented approach to legal advice.
Outside of his practice, John enjoys spending time with his family, cooking, fishing, and playing golf.
