Grant Thornton bolsters its Asset Management practice with new Philadelphia principal

PHILADELPHIA — Grant Thornton LLP, one of America’s largest providers of audit and assurance, tax and advisory services, has welcomed Chris Scarpa to the firm’s Asset Management industry practice in Philadelphia. Scarpa joins Grant Thornton as a Tax principal, and he will use his nearly 30 years of experience to further strengthen the firm’s service offerings within the asset management sector. 

“Chris provides a powerful combination of in-depth industry knowledge and a knack for fostering genuine relationships,” said Dave Maturo, the firm’s market managing principal in Philadelphia. “As both our Philadelphia office and our Asset Management team continue to grow, Chris will help deliver the personalized service clients need in today’s challenging business environment.”

Scarpa’s distinctive background will also be a boon to clients: He is both a tax professional and an attorney, and for more than 26 years, he practiced law as a partner for the firm Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP.

During that time, he largely focused on the taxation of pooled investment vehicles, including mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and real estate mortgage investment conduits (REMICs). He also frequently advised investment companies on compliance requirements associated with the Internal Revenue Code.

“From shifting interest rates and new regulations to cybersecurity threats and technology integration, asset management leaders have a host of areas to concentrate on in the current landscape,” said Michael Patanella, partner and national Asset Management leader at Grant Thornton. “Chris’ wealth of experience and track record of success tackling some of the most complex and nuanced topics in our industry make him a valuable addition to our Asset Management team.”

Scarpa is deeply knowledgeable on a wide variety of intricate tax matters, including the taxation of financial products, as well as investment-related international tax issues such as the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act and the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act.

He looks forward to using his experience to help asset management firms attain their growth goals in an intensely competitive industry.  

“Dave is leading an incredible team in Philadelphia, and this is a special opportunity to work with some of the most talented audit and assurance, tax and advisory professionals serving the asset management industry,” Scarpa said. “Grant Thornton has a truly impressive reach and a wide selection of service offerings, but everything we do is personalized to our clients. That’s exactly the level of service funds and companies need right now.”

Like Maturo, Scarpa has deep roots in the Philadelphia community: He has lived in the area for more than 30 years, and he earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from La Salle University. Scarpa also earned a doctor of law and a master’s of law in taxation from Temple University.