Cohen & Co Deepens Fund Assurance Bench with Veteran Partner Hire

CLEVELAND, OH – May 05, 2026 – Cohen & Co, a prominent national accounting and advisory firm, has announced a significant addition to its leadership team, welcoming Andrew Palko as an assurance partner in its Chicago office. The move is set to bolster the firm's highly-ranked Asset Management Group, which specializes in serving the complex needs of the investment industry.

Palko, a seasoned professional with nearly 25 years of experience, will focus on private and registered fund assurance services. His appointment comes at a critical time for the asset management sector, which is navigating a landscape of increased regulatory scrutiny, technological disruption, and the rapid emergence of new asset classes like digital currencies.

A Strategic Move to Bolster Market Leadership

The addition of Palko is a clear signal of Cohen & Co's intent to solidify and expand its dominant position in the asset management audit space. The firm is already a powerhouse, recognized by industry data sources like Audit Analytics as the third-largest auditor of registered funds in the United States. It also holds the rank of fifth-largest auditor of public and private fund assets on a global scale.

"We are very excited to add Andrew to our firm," said Brett Eichenberger, Market Leader for Asset Management at Cohen & Co, in a statement. "His expansive fund audit background, client service focus and technical expertise add considerable depth and capacity to our existing industry-leading team."

This strategic hire is not an isolated event but rather the latest step in a deliberate, multi-year growth plan. This strategy was significantly accelerated in late 2024 with a strategic growth investment from Lovell Minnick Partners (LMP), a private equity firm specializing in financial services. The influx of capital was earmarked for investments in technology, process improvements, and, crucially, the acquisition of top-tier talent through both lateral hires and potential firm acquisitions.

This approach has already yielded significant results. In early 2023, Cohen & Co's acquisition of BBD's Investment Management Group dramatically increased its roster of SEC audit clients, further cementing its market standing. Palko's arrival continues this pattern of strengthening core service areas by onboarding proven industry leaders.

Navigating a Complex and Evolving Landscape

Palko's specific expertise appears tailor-made for the challenges currently facing fund managers and their auditors. His background spans financial accounting, audits, internal controls, and risk management for a wide array of entities, including U.S. SEC registrants and private enterprises. This dual expertise is invaluable in an environment where the lines between public and private markets are increasingly blurred.

Furthermore, his experience advising C-suite executives on emerging risks—including cyber threats, regulatory shifts, and industry trends—is particularly relevant. The asset management industry is currently grappling with a wave of new regulations. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), for example, has recently adopted stringent new rules for private fund advisors, mandating annual audits and more detailed quarterly reporting on performance and fees. Navigating these requirements demands a high level of specialized knowledge.

Simultaneously, the rise of the digital asset ecosystem presents both immense opportunity and significant auditing complexity. Verifying ownership of cryptographic assets, establishing fair valuation for volatile currencies, and ensuring robust cybersecurity for blockchain-based funds require a new set of skills and audit methodologies. By bringing in a partner with a focus on emerging risks, Cohen & Co is better positioning itself and its clients to operate confidently in this new frontier.

The War for Talent and Firm Growth

In the highly competitive professional services industry, attracting and retaining top-tier talent is a key differentiator. The hiring of Andrew Palko, a professional with credentials from Indiana University and the Harvard Leadership Program, underscores Cohen & Co's success in this "war for talent." Such hires not only enhance a firm's technical capabilities but also signal its strength, culture, and growth trajectory to the broader market.

The firm's ability to attract seasoned partners like Palko is a direct result of its strategic investments and established reputation. With more than 800 professionals across 15 U.S. offices and a presence in the Cayman Islands, the firm offers a substantial platform for ambitious professionals. Its consistent recognition as a top firm by publications like USA TODAY and INSIDE Public Accounting further enhances its appeal as an employer of choice.

The firm's Asset Management Group, in particular, represents a significant growth engine. It provides a comprehensive suite of audit, tax, and advisory services to a diverse clientele that includes registered funds, private funds, and players in the digital asset space. This broad scope allows professionals to work across various fund structures and asset strategies, from traditional equity and debt to complex derivatives and digital tokens.

Palko's role will leverage his extensive background working with asset management firms, banking institutions, and private equity. His nearly quarter-century of experience provides the deep institutional knowledge needed to guide clients through complex financial reporting matters and audits, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to providing high-value, expert-led service in one of its most critical practice areas.