News
Firm founder Richard Kohn is honored as an “Icon” in the ABF Journal’s inaugural “Legends & Leaders” issue. It defines “Icons” as those who have shaped the very foundation of specialty finance through decades of leadership and influence – years of hard decisions, quiet mentorship and showing up when it mattered most.
The issue honors professionals across six categories, including the Icons, who “define excellence, resilience and innovation in specialty finance. These professionals aren’t just keeping pace with a fast-changing industry — they’re setting the tone for its future.”
In his profile, the ABF Journal notes that Richard was a pioneer in cross-border lending who recognized early the need for U.S. lenders to expand internationally. “In the 1980s, when lending to foreign companies was seen as a major challenge, Kohn advocated for the importance of cross-border lending to enable lenders to meet their borrowers’ increasing international financing needs. His efforts helped shift the industry’s thinking, making cross-border finance a more standard and efficient part of the commercial lending landscape. He has also contributed significantly to the commercial finance industry, serving for two decades as Co-General Counsel of the Secured Finance Network.
“His influence is also felt globally through his work in international law reform. Kohn’s contributions to the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) and
the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (UNIDROIT) have helped shape legal frameworks that support modern cross-border finance for small and medium-sides businesses, increasing commerce within countries and promoting cooperation and trust across national and cultural boundaries.”
CLICK HERE to read Richard’s profile in the “Legends & Leaders” issue.
CLICK HERE to view the full Spring 2025 edition of the ABF Journal.
