Crossroads Ahead

Chief Insights

Chief Insights is designed to help C-level executives, board members and other top decision makers drive successful, dynamic companies. In this series, entrepreneurial-minded CPAs, consultants and specialists offer their expertise and stories from the field regarding business best practices and opportunities. Listen and share!


Featured Episode


2 Ways the SECURE Act Will Impact Your Retirement Accounts

Episode #15: 2 Ways the SECURE Act Will Impact Your Retirement Accounts

Hosted by Scott Swain

More than 85 million Americans have IRAs — and the SECURE Act stands to affect all of those plans and more. Scott Swain of Cohen & Company and Leon LaBrecque of Sequoia Financial Group give real-world examples of the impact of the new Required Minimum Distribution age as well as the elimination of the stretch provision, which significantly increases the tax burden on individuals inheriting IRAs. Learn what proactive steps may be necessary to align your retirement goals.

All Episodes

2 Ways the SECURE Act Will Impact Your Retirement Accounts

Episode #15: 2 Ways the SECURE Act Will Impact Your Retirement Accounts

Released January 28, 2020
Hosted by Scott Swain

More than 85 million Americans have IRAs — and the SECURE Act stands to affect all of those plans and more. Scott Swain of Cohen & Company and Leon LaBrecque of Sequoia Financial Group give real-world examples of the impact of the new Required Minimum Distribution age as well as the elimination of the stretch provision, which significantly increases the tax burden on individuals inheriting IRAs. Learn what proactive steps may be necessary to align your retirement goals.

How You Can Minimize Your Tax Burden Before Year-End

Episode #14: How You Can Minimize Your Tax Burden Before Year-End

Released December 11, 2019
Hosted by Phil Baptiste & Scott Swain

Listen to year-end tax planning ideas that businesses and individuals can still take advantage of before December 31, 2019. Tax Partners Phil Baptiste and Scott Swain discuss how tax reform has changed the planning landscape and offer practical tips surrounding items such as entity structure, bonus depreciation, charitable contribution strategies, gifting and more.

SOC Reports: What Are They and Can Your Business Benefit from One?

Episode #13: SOC Reports: What Are They and Can Your Business Benefit from One?

Released October 30, 2019
Hosted by Steve Guarini & Michelle Chopper

Steve Guarini, assurance partner, and Michelle Chopper, a director of audit and advisory, demystify the various types of Service Organizational Control (SOC) reports and the process to obtain one. Additionally, Steve and Michelle offer insights into which types of companies need a SOC report and how it can offer credibility for your organization and help retain and attract customers.

How the AICPA’s Dynamic Audit Solution is Creating the Audit of the Future

Episode #12: How the AICPA’s Dynamic Audit Solution is Creating the Audit of the Future

Released October 08, 2019
Hosted by Jeff Kovacs & Nevin Nussbaum

Responding to a long-awaited call for change to the traditional audit process, the AICPA has created the Dynamic Audit Solution. Audit Partner Nevin Nussbaum and Jeff Kovacs, one of the initial members of the DAS and an audit partner at Cohen & Company, discuss audit quality, new technologies and enhanced insights expected from the audit of the future — and when we can expect to experience it.

Life After Wayfair: Nexus and the New Reality

Episode #11: Life After Wayfair: Nexus and the New Reality

Released August 30, 2019
Hosted by Hannah Prengler & Sara Britt

A lot has changed since the Wayfair sales tax decision was handed down by the Supreme Court in June 2018. Join Hannah Prengler and Sara Britt, leaders in the State and Local Taxation Group, as they discuss everything from sales tax liability and how states are responding to Wayfair a year later, to the impact on financial statements, M&A activities, online marketplaces, and information and reporting requirements.

Current Trends in Investment Industry M&A

Episode #10: Current Trends in Investment Industry M&A

Released July 31, 2019
Hosted by Chris Bellamy & Jim Lisy

The investment industry continues to experience growth and change via significant transaction activity. Chris Bellamy, co-president of Cohen & Company's Investment Industry Services Division, and Jim Lisy, managing director of M&A Advisory, talk M&A trends from this specific industry’s perspective — from what's driving activity to advice for companies considering a transaction.

Can the Precidian ActiveShares ETF Structure Work for You?

Episode #9: Can the Precidian ActiveShares ETF Structure Work for You?

Released June 19, 2019
Hosted by Brett Eichenberger & Jeff Haneline

The SEC’s approval of the Precidian ActiveShares® ETF structure stands to change the landscape for active fund managers who have historically avoided the ETF space. Investment Industry Partners Brett Eichenberger and Jeff Haneline sit down to discuss how this new type of structure works, how it differs from traditional ETFs, and the benefits and shortfalls fund managers should evaluate closely.

What You Need to Know Before, During & After the Sale of Your Private Company

Episode #8: What You Need to Know Before, During & After the Sale of Your Private Company

Released May 23, 2019
Hosted by Randy Myeroff

What does it really take to prepare for and sell your company? From following your financial plan, finding the right buyer and navigating the sale process, to communicating with family and prioritizing what needs to be done when, Randy Myeroff of Cohen & Company and Annie McCauley of Sequoia Financial Group share how entrepreneurs can plan for and execute a successful business exit.

Why You Should Have Your Business Valued — Even When You Don’t Have to

Episode #7: Why You Should Have Your Business Valued — Even When You Don’t Have to

Released April 18, 2019
Hosted by Josh Lefcowitz

Josh Lefcowitz, a partner in the firm’s Business Valuation Group, discusses the benefits of proactively valuing your business. Learn about the compelling information this type of valuation can produce and how it could lead to improved profits, minimized risks and a stronger plan for the future.

Challenges to Consider When Investing in Digital Assets

Episode #6: Challenges to Consider When Investing in Digital Assets

Released March 19, 2019
Hosted by Corey McLaughlin & Will Coleman

Are you investing in digital assets? Corey McLaughlin, co-president of the Investment Industry Services Division, and Will Coleman, director of technology services, walk investors through the key considerations when it comes to the custody of digital assets. In addition, learn about the related accounting and tax concerns associated with this unique type of investing.