How to Launch a Token

Mark DiMichael, Partner | Citrin Cooperman Advisors LLC

Mark is the founder and leader of the firm’s Digital Assets practice, focusing on addressing the unique needs of Citrin Cooperman clients in the digital asset space. Mark DiMichael is a partner in the Valuation and Forensic Services group as well.

Mark’s deep understanding of the digital asset industry allows him to assist clients such as mining companies, investors, investment funds, ICO/IEO token issuers, NFT marketplaces / promoters / artists, and financial services companies with a wide range of accounting, tax, and advisory issues.

Mark’s areas of expertise include divorce litigation, economic damages analysis, fraud investigation, white collar criminal defense, and business appraisals. Mark has prepared and rebutted expert reports, and has experience working with companies in a wide range of industries. He has also provided deposition and expert testimony numerous times in federal court, state court, and arbitrations.

• Education

Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Gabelli School of Business at Fordham University

• Licenses

• Certified Public Accountant in the State of New York
• Certified Cryptocurrency Forensic Investigator
• Certified in Financial Forensics
• Accredited in Business Valuation
• Certified Fraud Examiner
• Honors & Awards

• 2020 AICPA Forensic and Valuation Services (FVS) Standing Ovation Recognition
• 2020 NYSSCPA Forty Under Forty Award
• Presentations & Publications

Mark has been featured in or quoted in media including the New York Times, CNBC, Forbes, Bloomberg Tax, Accounting Today, Bankrate.com, Hidden Forces Podcast, and more. Mark regularly teaches CPE/CLE classes on digital assets and cryptocurrency, covering topics such as fraud, tax, accounting, investigation, and industry developments. He has also taught CPE/CLE classes on topics such as forensic accounting, divorce, and economic damages.

• Affiliations

• Member, New York State Society of CPAs (NYSSCPA)
• Former Chairperson for the Digital Asset, Litigation Services, and Consulting Oversight committees
• Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
• Member, Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE)

Jane Khodarkovsky, Partner | ARKTOUROS PLLC

Jane Khodarkovsky was General Counsel and Head of Risk & Compliance at Celo Foundation, which was founded to support the growth and development of the decentralized, open-source, mobile-first Celo platform to help build a regenerative financial system. Jane oversaw all aspects of legal, regulatory and compliance, focusing on decentralized finance (DeFi), decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs), anti-money laundering, sanctions, securities, and corporate law in the digital technology space in the United States and abroad.

Additionally, Jane advises private companies and projects focused on regenerative finance, sustainability, machine learning, digital identity and on-chain AML and sanctions compliance. She also serves as an expert witness in civil cases at the intersection of money laundering, financial crimes, corruption and human trafficking, and she is frequently invited to speak and train private and public sector actors on these issues.

• Education & Credentials

• Juris Doctor, University of Michigan Law School
• Bachelor of Arts, Barnard College, summa cum laude
• Former Trial Attorney, U.S. Department of Justice, Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS)
• Former General Counsel and Head of Risk & Compliance, Celo Foundation
• Recognition & Leadership

• Served as General Counsel and Head of Risk & Compliance for an internationally recognized blockchain and decentralized finance (DeFi) organization
• Recognized subject matter expert in financial crimes, anti-money laundering (AML), sanctions compliance, and digital assets
• Frequently invited speaker and trainer for public and private sector audiences on financial crimes, DeFi, virtual currencies, and compliance
• Expert witness in civil litigation involving money laundering, corruption, human trafficking, and financial crimes
• Professional Involvement
• Advises private companies, foundations, and technology projects focused on:
  • Decentralized finance (DeFi) and DAOs
  • Regenerative finance and sustainability
  • Machine learning and digital identity
  • On-chain AML and sanctions compliance
• Provides training and guidance to:
  • Federal, state, and local law enforcement
  • International regulators and investigative bodies
  • Corporate compliance and legal teams
• Experience
• Celo Foundation
  • Oversaw all legal, regulatory, and compliance matters for a decentralized, open-source blockchain platform
  • Led compliance strategy across securities, corporate governance, AML, sanctions, and DAO structures in U.S. and international contexts
• U.S. Department of Justice – MLARS
  • Investigated and prosecuted complex, multi-jurisdictional and international money laundering and financial crime cases
  • Specialized in cases involving virtual currency, cryptocurrency exchanges, BSA violations, human trafficking, and child exploitation
  • Provided DOJ-wide and interagency training and subject matter expertise on financial crimes, forfeiture, and restitution
  • Co-author of a DOJ-published article on cryptocurrency and sex trafficking prosecutions
• New York County District Attorney’s Office & New Jersey Attorney General’s Office
  • Prosecuted enterprise corruption, public corruption, and financial crimes
  • Handled complex investigations involving money laundering and organized criminal activity

I. Token Launch Landscape | 2:00pm – 2:10pm

II. Legal Foundations for Token Issuance | 2:10pm – 2:40pm

III. Accounting & Financial Reporting for Token Activities | 2:40pm – 3:00pm

Break | 3:00pm – 3:10pm

IV. Tax Structuring & Compliance | 3:10pm – 3:35pm

V. Tokenomics, Governance & Operational Controls | 3:35pm – 4:05pm

VI. Closing Considerations & Key Takeaways | 4:05pm – 4:10pm