
February 2025 – GAO on Crypto in 401(k)s: Risks and Oversight Challenges
GAO on Crypto in 401(k)s: Risks and Oversight Challenges Recent findings from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) highlight critical considerations
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GAO on Crypto in 401(k)s: Risks and Oversight Challenges Recent findings from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) highlight critical considerations

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To find out more, reach out to us for a complementary feasibility study on your business. 303•442•3670 / BRYAN.SULLIVAN@EPIQWEST.COM
Chief Investment Strategist
Pascal serves as the Chief Investment Officer at Cohesion Wealth Management, bringing a level of investment understanding and sophistication to our clients, which few other firms can provide. He is an expert in investment portfolio construction, investment risk management and macro-economic research.
Pascal works with SMArtX Advisory Solutions and previously was a Senior Financial Analyst at Mercer Park LP, Director of Risk Management at Cedar Ridge Partners and Chief Risk Officer and the Director of Quantitative Research for the Rock Maple Funds. His experience also includes working at JP Morgan Securities, Deutsche Bank and Lloyds Bank.
Pascal is a frequent speaker at hedge fund conferences, seminars, and round table events, both domestic and abroad. Pascal received a BA and an MBA in Finance from The American University, Washington, DC.
MANAGING PARTNER
Eric started his financial services career in 2006, where he worked successfully with high-net-worth individuals in the life insurance industry. Over the years, he has gained experience in estate and income tax mitigation, investment management, and business planning, which he uses often with clients to find unique solutions to their financial goals and objectives.
In addition to his role at Cohesion Wealth Management (formerly Epiqwest), Eric serves as a board member for Forward Steps, a Colorado-based charitable organization. Forward Steps focuses solely on foster youth by providing them with the financial and emotional tools to complete their college and or secondary education.
Eric attended college at Metropolitan State University of Denver while proudly serving in the US Army National Guard. He holds his AAMS® (Accredited Asset Manager Specialist), BPC® (Bucket Plan Certified), and AIF® (Accredited Investment Fiduciary) designations.
Eric is currently taking clients with investable assets over $1 million.
Eric was born and raised in Boulder, CO, and now lives in Erie, CO. He married his high school sweetheart in 1999, and they have three beautiful children, Madyson, Mariah, and Mason. When away from the office, Eric enjoys travel, exercise, and most of all, spending time with his family and friends.
MANAGING PARTNER
In 2005, Bryan received a BA from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Before starting his financial advising career, he spent one year living in Madrid, Spain, working with a Christian student organization. In 2012, Bryan furthered his education by completing the Certified Financial Planner designation (CFP®).
Bryan grew up in the Pittsburgh area and is an avid Steelers fan. After moving to Colorado Springs in his high school years, he decided to stay in Colorado for college and ended up meeting his wife, Stephanie, at the University of Colorado. Bryan lives in Broomfield, CO with his wife and his three daughters and dog (also female). Bryan and his wife love to travel and have been able to visit amazing places such as Europe, Russia, China, and Bali. In his free time, you will likely find Bryan spending time with his family, on his mountain bike in the summer, or on skis in the winter.
Client Services Associate & Tax Coordinator
Liz joined Cohesion Wealth Management in 2024 as a Client Relationship Representative, bringing her expertise to client support and contributing to the firm’s newly formed tax division.
A graduate of Metropolitan State University of Denver, Liz earned her bachelor’s degree in computer information systems. Before transitioning to wealth management, she enjoyed a successful career in the culinary arts, where she combined creativity and precision to deliver exceptional dining experiences. Liz’s diverse background blends analytical skills, problem-solving, and a strong commitment to hospitality, making her a valuable asset to the CWM team.
Originally from Northern Colorado, Liz now resides in the Longmont area. In her free time, she enjoys exploring the mountains, reading, cooking, traveling, and spending quality time with her family. Liz is eager to continue learning and growing alongside the CWM team.
Senior Director of Advanced Planning at CBS Brokerage
Jack F. Elder, J.D., LL.M. (Taxation) is the Senior Director of Advanced Planning for CBS Brokerage. He has nearly 20 years of experience advising high-net-worth and privately held business clients. Jack is a frequent presenter to attorneys, CPAs, trust advisors, and insurance professionals.
Jack utilizes his legal expertise and deep industry experience to assist CBS’s top producers and accounts with wealth transfer planning, business succession, executive compensation, and charitable giving. He excels at breaking down complex advanced planning strategies into easily understandable, practical, actionable components.
Before joining CBS, Jack thrived in a variety of advanced planning roles in the life insurance industry. Prior to his career in life insurance, he was an estate planning attorney in suburban Maryland. Jack graduated from George Mason University School of Law in Virginia, and he earned his Master of Laws in Taxation from Georgetown University Law Center in the District of Columbia.
In his free time, you can find Jack playing with his two daughters, Maggie and Dottie, and spending time with his wife, Jenny, in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Chief Investment Strategist
Pascal serves as the Chief Investment Officer at Cohesion Wealth Management, bringing a level of investment understanding and sophistication to our clients, which few other firms can provide. He is an expert in investment portfolio construction, investment risk management and macro-economic research.
Pascal works with SMArtX Advisory Solutions and previously was a Senior Financial Analyst at Mercer Park LP, Director of Risk Management at Cedar Ridge Partners and Chief Risk Officer and the Director of Quantitative Research for the Rock Maple Funds. His experience also includes working at JP Morgan Securities, Deutsche Bank and Lloyds Bank.
Pascal is a frequent speaker at hedge fund conferences, seminars, and round table events, both domestic and abroad. Pascal received a BA and an MBA in Finance from The American University, Washington, DC.
Client Services Associate & Marketing Specialist
Sarah brings over 20 years of dynamic administrative experience, marked by a proven ability to develop and implement impactful organizational systems. Her career has taken her across a variety of industries, including tax advisory, business management, legal services, and healthcare. In each of these roles, she has consistently delivered results through innovation, adaptability, and a forward-thinking mindset.
She is known for thriving in uncertain or evolving situations and is at her best when solving complex challenges or working on unique, non-traditional projects. Sarah naturally looks for opportunities to improve systems, support team growth, and create meaningful progress, always bringing a creative approach to her work.
A proud native of the North Denver Metro area, Sarah still calls it home and lives there with her husband and children. Outside of work, she enjoys expressing her creativity through art, design, music, and travel. She also loves taking on home improvement projects. Sarah shares good humor and a big smile with everyone she meets.
Sarah is deeply committed to giving back to her community. She has a strong passion for helping others and finds fulfillment in using her talents to make a difference. One of the most meaningful roles she has taken on is serving as a court-appointed advocate for abused and neglected children, a calling that reflects her deep compassion and dedication to service.
Operations Manager
Niki earned her Bachelor of Science as well as her Master’s in Accounting. She has worked in the financial services industry since early 2010 and is well-versed in the pressures and rewards of our clients’ financial journeys.
Niki is delighted to manage all aspects of the client relationship and prides herself on efficient communication, attention to details, and delivering results. While striving to exceed expectations in service and client care, she continually prioritizes clients’ needs with professionalism and compassion.
Niki is extremely passionate about her family; she enjoys sharing beautiful and invigorating experiences with her husband and their two charismatic children, Maci and Jet. In her free time, Niki enjoys kickboxing, exercising, traveling, camping, and spending quality time with her family and friends.
Portfolio Manager
Ivan worked as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Denver, where he taught a graduate level course, Ethics in Finance. As the Advocacy Chair for CFA Society Colorado (CFACO), Ivan engaged U.S. Congressman Ed Perlmutter to be the first speaker in the District Dialog series and introduced Governor Hickenlooper to Investors First Month of May.
Ivan is the past president of CFACO, the largest financial society in Colorado with over 1,400 members, where he arranged the annual forecast dinner with 400 industry professionals. Also, he organized the CFA Institute Research Challenge for Colorado and Wyoming universities for four years. He has partnered with top executives to engage them as the subject companies of the research challenge: Ball Corp, Molson Coors, Charles Schwab, DaVita, and Arrow Electronics.
In recognition for his contribution to enhancing the standing of the CFACO and raising the stature of the CFA Charter, Ivan was awarded the annual Jonathan Holtzinger Award of Excellence by CFACO.
Ivan is the past Director of Global Association of Risk Professionals in Denver. Ivan organized chapter meetings, including lectures at the Fed.
Ivan earned M.A. in Economics degree from University of Denver, B.A. in Economics from Idaho State University, and B.S. in International Economics and Business from Kiev National Economics University in Ukraine. He holds three professional designations: Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA), Financial Risk Manager® (FRM), and Certified Financial Planner (CFP).
Ivan loves exploring the world and has visited 25 countries, and his favorite vacation was his honeymoon trip to Hawaii. He married the love of his life, Tanya, and has a son, Dennis. In his spare time, Ivan writes about economics, finance, risk management, behavioral finance, and retirement. This research is published on his personal website: ecnfin.com.
Lead Advisor
Ron has been a financial advisor and investment analyst since 1998 and has been with Cohesion Wealth Management (formerly Epiqwest) since 2007. His unique skill set for analyzing prospective investments draws from his decades of experience as an investment advisor, his work with operating companies, and guidance from his personal advisory board.
Before joining Cohesion Wealth Management, Ron served as CFO of an environmental construction company that experienced an average of 300% annual revenue growth during his tenure. He also held roles supporting executives at several non-profits and worked at FedEx Corporation, where he contributed in the areas of strategy, forecasting, marketing, and product management.
Ron holds a BS with a double major in Economics and Finance from St. Cloud State University (summa cum laude), and an MBA in Finance from Vanderbilt University.
A native of rural Minnesota, Ron spent years living across the U.S. before returning to his home state. He now lives in Minneapolis with his wife, Laurie, and their son, John. Together, Ron and Laurie have traveled extensively, visiting dozens of countries around the world. One of his most impactful experiences was traveling throughout China while adopting his Chinese son. During that journey, he connected deeply with the people, culture, and history of the country—an experience that left a lasting impression.
CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT, PARTNER
Mark Steichen is a seasoned Certified Public Accountant based in Colorado, with over two decades of experience in tax, finance, and accounting. Mark holds an MBA from the University of Iowa and a Bachelor of Arts in Finance from Loras College. He earned his Colorado CPA license in 1996.
Throughout his career, Mark has provided expert tax preparation and consulting services for individuals, businesses, and corporations. He specializes in federal, state, and local income tax returns, R&D tax credit studies, risk assessments, and compliance activities. Mark has managed complex tax resolution cases and led research and development tax credit projects, demonstrating a keen ability to navigate intricate financial regulations.
Mark’s professional journey includes roles as an adjunct professor at Front Range Community College, where he taught undergraduate accounting courses, and as a tax accountant for organizations such as Global Water Technologies and Novartis. He has directed finance departments for non-profit and technology organizations, overseeing budgeting, financial reporting, and audit activities.
Earlier in his career, Mark served as a Revenue Agent for the Internal Revenue Service, auditing personal and corporate tax returns and ensuring compliance with federal tax law.
Mark is committed to delivering accurate, insightful financial guidance and is recognized for his integrity, attention to detail, and dedication to client success.
Associate Advisor
Gabriel joined the Epiqwest Culver Wealth Advisor’s team in April 2022. He received his bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Central Florida School of Business in 2018. Gabriel began his career in financial services in June 2018 at Charles Schwab, where he worked as a Relationship Specialist. During his tenure at Charles Schwab, Gabriel obtained various industry licenses, including the Series 7, 9/10, 63, 66, and his Certified Financial Planners designation. He served as an Operations Specialist for a Schwab Branch in Plantation, Florida, and interacted with clients daily in a support-role, continuing to learn and absorb knowledge through shadowing and partnering with the Financial Consultants he worked with.
Gabriel was promoted to the role of Associate Financial Consultant after obtaining his CFP® designation in March 2021. In this role, he partnered with clients to help them achieve their desired goals and objectives while operating in their best interest. Currently, Gabriel works directly with Managing Partner Trent Culver in a mentor-mentee type role, where he is continuing to learn, grow, develop, and implement his craft. Gabriel is passionate about providing exceptional service and is dedicated to helping his clients achieve their financial goals. Gabriel grew up in South Florida and currently lives in Broomfield with his fiancée, Tara, and two dogs, Bronco and Cali. He is a life-long fan of the Denver Broncos and Nuggets, enjoys playing basketball, spending time with his family, reading, and music. He and his fiancée are currently saving for their first home and hope to be married by the end of 2024.
INVESTMENT ADVISOR
Josh was born and raised in Colorado Springs, graduating from St. Mary’s High School in 1997. From there, collegiate baseball led his journey to Kansas and Missouri, where he graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Park University (Kansas City, MO) and was an Academic All-American. With a two-year stop in Orem, UT, where he coached high school baseball, Josh returned to Colorado in 2004 to begin his career in financial services; he has been serving clients’ financial interests since 2005.
He and his wife, Katie, also a Colorado native, now live in Westminster with their two sons and young daughter. When not helping his clients reach their financial milestones, Josh enjoys coaching his boys’ athletic teams, strength training, and closely following the Colorado Rockies.
Client Services Associate
Noah graduated from Colorado State University in May 2023, holding a dual
bachelor’s degree in Economics and Finance. After completing his studies, he
joined the Epiqwest Culver team as a Client Relationship Representative, the
first step towards becoming an Advisor for the firm. Over the next few years
Noah is looking forward to starting the Paraplanning role, where he aims to
gain practical experience in financial planning and successfully pass the
necessary licensing exams, with the long-term goal of progressing to the
position of licensed advisor at Epiqwest Culver. He feels grateful for the
opportunity and is thankful to learn by working side by side with the team of knowledgeable
and experienced advisors at Epiqwest Culver.
Originally from California, Noah spent some of his early years in Santa Cruz
before moving to Durango, Colorado, in 2007, where he resided until he started
college in Fort Collins. Currently settled in Boulder, Colorado, he enjoys the
wide range of hobbies the Front Range offers. During the winter, Noah can often
be found skiing the different mountains nearby, while in the summer, he enjoys
getting on the river and fly fishing. Additionally, he likes traveling to
explore new destinations and experience his favorite pastimes across the
country.