Kristofer Swanson
Counsel retain Kristofer Swanson when matters demand rapid, defensible fact development, credible regulator engagement, insightful independent perspectives, and expert testimony that withstands cross-examination.
Mr. Swanson serves as Executive Director of Hilco’s Global Investigations & Dispute Resolution practice, advising leading law firms, boards, and private equity sponsors on high-stakes investigations, enforcement matters, and complex disputes. He is a Chambers double-ranked forensic and advisory services expert. Lexology Index describes him as “a highly regarded forensic accountant” recognized for his “deliberate command of the facts” and “ability to take complicated subjects and make them approachable,” with one source noting that “he is a true star” in the field. He is a testifying expert with experience in deposition, trial, and arbitration.
He brings more than two decades of experience leading complex investigations and disputes—often in crisis settings—across allegations such as accounting irregularities, healthcare fraud, anti-bribery and corruption (including FCPA), sanctions and export controls, anti-money laundering, antitrust, cyber incidents, trade secret theft, False Claims Act exposure, and workplace misconduct.
Mr. Swanson is frequently retained to lead complex, high-risk investigations involving multiple jurisdictions, sensitive reporting and disclosure obligations, and significant regulatory scrutiny. He regularly leads internal investigations, government-facing engagements, and post-incident remediation efforts, and has served as an independent monitor under settlement agreements and deferred prosecution agreements. He has testified on both economic damages and liability.
Prior to joining Hilco, Mr. Swanson founded and led the global Forensic Services practice at Charles River Associates, growing it to the second largest practice in the firm worldwide. Earlier, Mr. Swanson served as a senior leadership partner and Midwest Market Leader for PwC, leading complex investigations and “shadow” investigation assignments. He also served as the Chief Financial Officer for a futures commission merchant, bringing an operator’s perspective to financial reporting, internal controls, and governance issues central to enforcement and litigation risk.
His experience spans North America, Europe, Asia, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, across industries including financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, technology, and energy.
Mr. Swanson is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS), and Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF). He is a member of the International Association of Independent Corporate Monitors, the National Association of Federal Equity Receivers, and the Private Directors Association.
He holds an MBA (Honors) from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, an MS in Accountancy (Distinction) from DePaul University, and a BA from Lawrence University.
Mr. Swanson serves on the Board of Trustees of the SEC Historical Society, the Civic Leadership Committee of the Better Government Association, and the Boards of the Big Shoulders Fund and the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. He also serves on the Planning Committee and Faculty of the ABA National Institute on White Collar Crime and the Planning Committee for Northwestern University’s Ray Garrett Jr. Corporate and Securities Law Institute. He is a frequent speaker and author on forensic and enforcement-related matters.
