Robert A Cohen

Ranked in 2 Practice Areas

Band 2

Securities: Regulation: Enforcement

USA - Nationwide

6 Years Ranked

Band 6

Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations

District of Columbia

1 Years Ranked

Ranked in Guides

FinTech 2026

About

Provided by Robert A Cohen

USA

Practice Areas

Rob is a member of Davis Polk’s White Collar Defense & Investigations practice. He brings 15 years of senior-level experience in the SEC’s Division of Enforcement to his work representing companies, boards and individuals in government investigations, as well as conducting internal investigations.

He represents public companies in SEC investigations concerning disclosures, accounting and internal controls. He is an authority on cybersecurity and cryptocurrency enforcement, having served as the first-ever Chief of the SEC’s Cyber Unit. He also supervised trading-related investigations as Co-Chief of the SEC’s Market Abuse Unit, and currently advises investment advisers and broker-dealers on SEC regulatory requirements and in enforcement investigations.

Rob is a member of the SEC Historical Society’s Board of Advisors.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Guide to the USA

Securities: Regulation: Enforcement - USA - Nationwide

Band 2

Individual Editorial

Robert Cohen is noted for his representation of major public companies and financial institutions on reporting and accounting issues, financial fraud and other regulatory actions.

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Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations - District of Columbia

Band 6

Individual Editorial

Robert Cohen wins praise for his expertise advising clients on SEC and DOJ matters, with a particular ability to advise on crypto related issues.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Rob is thoughtful, careful and trusted. He is a really strong lawyer who has a very nice manner with the SEC and with clients.

Securities: Regulation: Enforcement respondent
Chambers Guide to the USA

Rob is an SEC expert. He has a credible and thoughtful demeanor when engaging with staff. He is highly attuned to clients' business appetite and translates risks well. He is strong on the most sophisticated issues and grasps complex business products and strategies quickly.

Securities: Regulation: Enforcement respondent
Chambers Guide to the USA

Rob has great instincts when dealing with government attorneys. I believe he is so effective because he is trusted by adversaries.

Securities: Regulation: Enforcement respondent
Chambers Guide to the USA

Rob is a terrific regulatory enforcement lawyer who has great judgment and provides insightful advice.

Securities: Regulation: Enforcement respondent
Chambers Guide to the USA

Robert distills complex matters into accessible themes the regulators can understand, he excels at navigating sensitive issues. His approach reliably reduces regulatory concern through candid discussion and effective advocacy.

Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations respondent
Chambers Guide to the USA

Rob is super grounded, smart and practical. Anytime I want to figure out what to do to find a practical solution as it relates to the SEC, Rob is the person I talk to.

Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations respondent
Chambers Guide to the USA

Rob he is very experienced DC lawyer well respected measured and thoughtful, unafraid to advocate for his clients and to speak with regulators in a transparent, candid and convincing manner.