TOP 100 MAGAZINE

Ryan Cimo​

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In a world where innovation often outpaces regulation, Ryan Cimo is the guide who helps businesses steer clear of compliance pitfalls and capitalize on opportunities. As the founder and CEO of Fraxtional, a top-rated global fractional compliance firm based in Buffalo, New York, Ryan brings over 25 years of executive experience in the banking and financial services industry, with a resume that boasts leadership roles at both Fortune 500 companies and high-growth FinTech startups. His strategic prowess and deep expertise across sales, operations, and compliance set him apart as a unique leader with a holistic perspective that few others possess.

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Ryan’s professional journey reads like a playbook for tackling complex regulatory landscapes. He has served as chief compliance officer and BSA (Bank Secrecy Act) officer for several burgeoning FinTech firms, driving compliance strategies that empowered these companies to thrive. At M&T Bank, he was instrumental in leading the organization through a major regulatory issue in 2014, showcasing his ability to stabilize and strengthen institutions through times of adversity. Ryan’s multifaceted experience—coupled with designations as a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist, Certified Bitcoin Professional, and Certified Ethereum Professional—equips him with a rare blend of knowledge to support both traditional financial institutions and cutting-edge crypto startups.

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Ryan’s drive to launch Fraxtional in 2023 was sparked by a realization: the financial landscape was rapidly evolving, and FinTech founders and sponsor banks needed more than just advice—they needed a strategic partner who understood both their compliance needs and their business goals. “You skate to where the puck is going,” Ryan reflects, channeling the wisdom of hockey legend Wayne Gretzky. “I saw where the industry was headed and wanted to create a firm that could fill the gap between innovation and regulation, especially for early-stage companies that don’t have the resources for full-time compliance officers.”

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Fraxtional, now a top 10 fractional compliance firm in the U.S., is redefining how compliance is delivered to FinTech, Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) banks, crypto companies, and private equity firms. The company offers both advisory and embedded compliance leadership, providing clients with seasoned CCOs, BSA officers, chief risk officers, CAMLO’s in Canada, and MLRO’s in the UK and EU who can step into their organizations and deliver expert guidance—without the long-term cost of a full-time executive. The firm also supports hedge funds and Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) as they navigate new regulatory requirements, making Fraxtional a trusted ally across the financial spectrum.

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What truly sets Fraxtional apart is its willingness to work with early-stage and pre-seed startups, many of which struggle to secure compliance partners due to their high risk and limited budgets. Ryan and his team offer flexible pricing models and engagement terms, ensuring that these young companies get the support they need to grow—because, as Ryan puts it, “We succeed when they succeed.”

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Ryan’s passion for compliance goes beyond the technicalities; it’s about empowering entrepreneurs to bring their groundbreaking solutions to life. “Meeting founders, seeing their ingenuity—it’s what gets me up in the morning,” he shares. “We’re not just helping them check regulatory boxes. We’re helping them build something great.”

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Ryan Cimo
Founder and CEO
Fraxtional

Website: https://fraxtional.co
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryancimo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leopardspotspodcast/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGacN0h3zN4JDlA2bDJ0Nug