Adnan Islam
Adnan Islam, Esq., CPA, is a partner with Friedman LLP, co-chair of the International Tax Services group, and a leader of its Blockchain/Digital Asset Transactions group. He has nearly 17 years of public accounting experience as a licensed tax attorney and CPA. Adnan has served an array of industries and clients ranging from startups to publicly traded companies including Avon, MeadWestVaco, Honeywell, Verizon, Agilent, SunGard, Booz Allen, IDT, SunGard, AMEX, OUAI, IBISWorld, Conair, Grayscale, DCG, and various blockchain and crypto (digital asset) companies, exchanges, and private equity and hedge funds. Adnan specializes in cross-border strategies, comprehensive inbound tax services, global information reporting, and structuring for crypto funds, companies, and exchanges.
As an industry thought leader, Adnan has lectured on international tax at TEI events, AICPA seminars and served as an adjunct professor for Golden Gate University Master’s in Tax curriculum. Adnan’s expertise includes advising clients at all stages of business and restructuring, with respect to FDII, GILTI, 245A DRD, subpart F, PFICs, and other issues. Additionally, Adnan empowers his clients’ decision-making and improves their supply chain and operational efficiency, including the use of holding companies, treaty country networks, and affirmative tax planning through comparative rate modeling.
Adnan is a licensed attorney admitted to practice law in New Jersey, DC, and California and a Certified Public Accountant (NY & CA). He holds a Juris Doctor (J.D.) and an M.B.A. from Rutgers University; an LL.M. in Taxation from the New York University School of Law; a blockchain business certificate from MIT; and is currently enrolled in Georgetown Law's Tax LL.M. (International Tax Certificate) program. Adnan has been admitted as a Certified Legal Specialist in Tax Law by the State Bar of California. He also is an (inactive) enrolled agent (through IRS exam).