Derek G Cohen

Professional Profile

Derek Cohen serves in dual roles at Bank of America.  He is a Senior Vice President and Private Client Advisor for Bank of America Private Bank in Wilmington, North Carolina, as well as President for the Coastal North Carolina market.  As an advisor drawing on over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, Derek offers deep insight in the many diverse markets of North Carolina. Derek works with high-net-worth individuals, families, corporate executives and private business owners. 

An experienced leader with Bank of America, Derek leads a team dedicated to providing an optimal client experience, often navigating the intersection of multiple disciplines:   investment management, trust and estate planning, family office services, banking and philanthropy.  Prior to his current role, Derek spent 17 years managing commercial banking relationships for the firm and is adept in providing customized lending and financing for a vast range of needs.

Derek recognizes that significant wealth can be accompanied by significant complexity. A keen listener, he analyzes both sides of a client’s balance sheet to identify possible efficiencies, mindful of each client’s unique objectives. Derek is resolute in pursuing a client’s best interests, channeling resources and capabilities enterprise wide.

As President of the Coastal North Carolina market for Bank of America,  he functions as a local enterprise leader who connects each of the bank’s eight lines of business to deliver a consolidated approach to helping local businesses, families and individuals improve their financial lives. This work also includes managing our local environmental, social and governance approach, which involves forming strong partnerships with non-profit and advocacy groups to help address a wide range of community issues.

Derek has been with Bank of America for 27 years.  He is a graduate of the State University of New York at Fredonia, where he received a degree in Business Administration, concentrating in Finance.

Derek dedicates several hours a month to volunteering. He is a past board member of Habitat for Humanity, Topsail Youth Lacrosse Association, and the North Carolina Bankers Association. Derek Co-Chaired the Food Bank of CENC Capital Campaign in Wilmington, with the project being complete in 2023. Addressing food insecurity has long since been a passion for Derek and he regularly commits his time to supporting local causes that address this most basic human need.  Currently Derek serves on the advisory board for the UNCW Swain Center and is is a long standing and active member of Rotary international.