Document:

Exhibit 10.1

 

NOTE PURCHASE AGREEMENT

 

This NOTE PURCHASE AGREEMENT
(this “Agreement”), is entered into as of January 31, 2022, by and between Cohen & Company, LLC, a Delaware
limited liability company (the “Company”), and JKD Capital Partners I LTD, a New York corporation (“JKD”).
Each of the Company and JKD may be referred to herein, individually, as a “Party,” and, together, as the “Parties.”

 

RECITALS:

 

WHEREAS,
on January 31, 2020, the Parties entered into that certain Note Purchase Agreement, by and among the Parties and RN Capital
Solutions LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“RNCS”), pursuant to which, among other things, the Company issued
and sold to (i) JKD a Senior Promissory Note in the principal amount of $2,250,000 (the “JKD Note”); and (ii) RNCS
a Senior Promissory Note in the principal amount of $2,250,000 (the “RNCS Note”); and

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms
and conditions of this Agreement, at the Closing (as defined below): (i) JKD desires to pay to the Company an aggregate of $2,250,000
for the purpose of repaying in full the RNCS Note; and (ii) in connection with the Company’s receipt of such funds from JKD,
the Company desires to issue and sell to JKD an Amended and Restated Senior Promissory Note in the principal amount of $4,500,000, in
the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Amended and Restated JKD Note”), which Amended and Restated
JKD Note shall amend and restate the JKD Note in its entirety.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration
of the mutual covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency
of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

 

1.             Definitions.
The following terms have the meanings specified or referred to in this Section 1:

 

(a)            “Affiliate”
of a Person means any other Person that directly or indirectly, through one (1) or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by,
or is under common control with, such Person. The term “control” (including the terms “controlled by” and “under
common control with”) means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management
and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

 

(b)            “Business
Day” means a day other than a Saturday, Sunday, or other day on which commercial banks in the State of New York are authorized
or required by Law to close.

 

(c)            “Encumbrance”
means any lien, pledge, mortgage, deed of trust, security interest, charge, claim, easement, encroachment, restriction or other similar
encumbrance.

 

(d)            “Governmental
Authority” means any federal, state, local or foreign government or political subdivision thereof, or any agency or instrumentality
of such government or political subdivision, or any self-regulated organization or other non-governmental regulatory authority or quasi-governmental
authority (to the extent that the rules, regulations or orders of such organization or authority have the force of law), or any arbitrator,
court or tribunal of competent jurisdiction.

 

    

     

    

 

(e)            “Law”
means any statute, law, ordinance, regulation, rule, code, order, constitution, treaty, common law, judgment, decree, other requirement
or rule of law of any Governmental Authority.

 

(f)            “Person”
means an individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, Governmental Authority, unincorporated organization,
trust, association or other entity.

 

(g)            “Securities
Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

2.             Purchase
and Sale.

 

(a)            Issuance
of the Amended and Restated JKD Note. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, at the Closing, the Company shall issue,
sell and deliver the Amended and Restated JKD Note to JKD, duly executed by the Company, and JKD shall purchase and accept the Amended
and Restated JKD Note from the Company for the consideration set forth in Section 2(b); and

 

(b)            Consideration
for the Amended and Restated Note. At the Closing, in consideration of the Amended and Restated JKD Note, (i) JKD shall pay to
the Company $2,250,000 via wire of immediately available funds to such account the Company shall specify to JKD in writing; and (ii) JKD
shall deliver to the Company the original JKD Note for cancellation.

 

3.            Use
of Proceeds. The Company shall use the proceeds received from the issuance of the Amended and Restated JKD Note to repay in full
all amounts outstanding under the RNCS Note

 

(a)            Closing. 
The closing of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the “Closing”) shall take place simultaneously with
the execution hereof on the date of this Agreement (the “Closing Date”) at the offices of Duane Morris LLP, located
at 30 South 17th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103, or at such other time, date, place or means (including electronically
via email, facsimile transfer or other similar means of communication) as the Parties may mutually agree upon in writing. The consummation
of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be deemed to occur at 12:01 a.m. on the Closing Date.

 

4.             Representations
and Warranties of the Company. The Company hereby represents and warrants to JKD as follows:

 

(a)            Organization
and Authority; Enforceability. The Company is a limited liability company duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under
the Laws of the State of Delaware. The Company has full limited liability company power and authority to enter into this Agreement and
the documents to be delivered hereunder (including the Amended and Restated JKD Note), to carry out its obligations hereunder and thereunder
and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. The execution, delivery, and performance by the Company of this Agreement
and the documents to be delivered hereunder (including the Amended and Restated JKD Note) and the consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereby and thereby have been duly authorized by all requisite limited liability company action on the part of the Company. This Agreement
and the documents to be delivered hereunder (including the Amended and Restated JKD Note) have been duly executed and delivered by the
Company, and (assuming due authorization, execution, and delivery by JKD) this Agreement and the documents to be delivered hereunder (including
the Amended and Restated JKD Note) constitute legal, valid, and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in
accordance with their respective terms, except as may be limited by any bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent
conveyance, or other similar Laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally or by general principles of equity.

 

    2

     

    

 

(b)            Noncontravention.
The execution, delivery and performance by the Company of the this Agreement and the Amended and Restated JKD Note and the consummation
of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby do not and will not, except as could not reasonably be expected to have a material
adverse effect on the Company, (i) violate any provision of the Company’s Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement,
dated December 16, 2009, as amended, (ii) violate any material order, writ, injunction, judgment or decree of any Governmental
Authority applicable to the Company or any material mortgage, indenture, agreement, instrument or contract to which the Company is a party
or by which it is bound, or (iii) result in the creation or imposition of any Encumbrance (other than arising under this Agreement
and the Amended and Restated JKD Note) upon any assets of the Company. The execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement and
the Amended and Restated JKD Note and the performance by the Company of the transactions contemplated hereunder and thereunder do not
conflict with, violate or result in the breach of any agreement, instrument, order, judgment, decree, Law or governmental regulation to
which the Company is a party or is bound or require the consent, notice or other action by any other Person.

 

(c)            Litigation.
There are no actions, suits, claims, investigations or other legal proceedings pending or by or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened
against, the Company that challenge or seek to prevent, enjoin or otherwise delay the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

(d)            Brokers.
No broker, finder or investment banker is entitled to any brokerage, finder’s or other fee or commission in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of the Company.

 

5.            Representations
and Warranties of JKD. JKD hereby represents and warrants to the Company as follows:

 

(a)            Organization
and Authority; Enforceability. JKD is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the State
of New York. JKD has full corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement and the documents to be delivered hereunder (including
the Amended and Restated JKD Note), to carry out JKD’s obligations hereunder and thereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated
hereby and thereby. This Agreement and the documents to be delivered hereunder (including the Amended and Restated JKD Note) have been
duly executed and delivered by JKD, and (assuming due authorization, execution, and delivery by the Company) this Agreement and the documents
to be delivered hereunder constitute legal, valid, and binding obligations of JKD, enforceable against JKD in accordance with their respective
terms, except as may be limited by any bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance, or other similar laws
affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally or by general principles of equity.

 

    3

     

    

 

(c)            Nonontravention.
The execution, delivery and performance by JKD of the this Agreement and the Amended and Restated JKD Note and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby and thereby do not and will not, except as could not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse
effect on JKD, (i) violate any provision of JKD’s certificate of incorporation, bylaws or other organizational documents, (ii) violate any
material order, writ, injunction, judgment or decree of any Governmental Authority applicable to JKD or any material mortgage, indenture,
agreement, instrument or contract to which JKD is a party or by which it is bound, or (iii) result in the creation or imposition
of any Encumbrance upon any assets of JKD. The execution and delivery by JKD of this Agreement and the Amended and Restated JKD Note \and
the performance by JKD of the transactions contemplated hereunder and thereunder do not conflict with, violate or result in the breach
of any agreement, instrument, order, judgment, decree, Law or governmental regulation to which JKD is a party or is bound or require the
consent, notice or other action by any other Person.

 

(d)            Evaluation
of and Ability to Bear Risks; Independent Analysis; Related Matters.

 

(i)             JKD
is aware of the Company’s business affairs and financial condition and has acquired sufficient information about the Company and
its subsidiaries to reach an informed and knowledgeable decision to acquire the Amended and Restated JKD Note . JKD has such knowledge
and experience in financial affairs to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of purchasing the Amended and Restated JKD Note and
of making an informed investment decision with respect thereto, and JKD has not relied in connection with this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby upon any oral or written representations, warranties or agreements made by the Company, any Affiliate thereof or any
officer, employee, agent or representative of any of the foregoing, other than those representations, warranties or agreements made by
the Company in this Agreement. JKD’s financial situation is such that JKD can afford to bear the economic risk of buying the Amended
and Restated JKD Note, JKD understands that the purchase of the Amended and Restated JKD Note involves certain significant risks, and
JKD can afford to suffer the complete loss of its investment concerning the purchase of the Amended and Restated JKD Note. JKD has the
capacity to protect its own interests in connection with the purchase of the Amended and Restated JKD Note.

 

(ii)            JKD
has consulted with its own professional legal, tax and other advisors, to the extent deemed appropriate by JKD, as to the financial, tax,
legal and other matters concerning the transactions contemplated hereby and, on that basis, JKD believes that purchasing the Amended and
Restated JKD Note for the consideration set forth in Section 2(b) is suitable and appropriate.

 

(iii)           JKD
acknowledges that it is relying solely upon the advice of its own professional legal, tax and other advisors with respect to any and all
aspects of the purchase of the Amended and Restated JKD Note and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, and neither the Company
nor any of its Affiliates, representatives or agents has made any representation or warranty regarding the appropriateness of JKD’s
purchase of the Amended and Restated JKD Note as an investment or any other consequences of purchasing the Amended and Restated JKD Note.

 

    4

     

    

 

(iv)           JKD
acknowledges it has obtained all information JKD requires regarding the Amended and Restated JKD Note. JKD acknowledges it has had an
opportunity to ask questions and receive answers from the Company’s representatives regarding the terms and conditions of the Amended
and Restated JKD Note and the business, management, properties and financial condition of the Company.

 

(v)            JKD
is acquiring the Amended and Restated JKD Note for its own account and not with a view to, or intention of, distribution thereof in violation
of the Securities Act, or any applicable state securities Laws, and the Amended and Restated JKD Note will not be disposed of in contravention
of the Securities Act or any applicable state securities Laws. JKD does not presently have any contract, undertaking, agreement or arrangement
with any Person to transfer the Amended and Restated JKD Note or any interest therein to such Person or to any third Person.

 

(vi)           JKD
acknowledges that the Amended and Restated JKD Note has not been registered under the Securities Act or under any state securities Laws,
and agrees that JKD will not sell or otherwise transfer the Amended and Restated JKD Note or any interest therein unless such sale or
transfer is made pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act and any applicable state securities Laws or
is exempt from the registration requirements under the Securities Act and such state securities Laws and also such sale or transfer is
made in compliance with the terms and conditions of the Amended and Restated JKD Note, including the transfer restrictions set forth therein.

 

(vii)          JKD
understands that the Amended and Restated JKD Note will be a “restricted security” as that term is defined in Rule 144
under the Securities Act, and that the Amended and Restated JKD Note must be held indefinitely unless (i) it is subsequently registered
pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act and any applicable securities Laws, or (ii) exemptions from
the registration requirements under the Securities Act and such state securities Laws are available, in each case, subject to the transfer
restrictions set forth in the Amended and Restated JKD Note. JKD understands that the Company is not under any obligation to register
the Amended and Restated JKD Note under the Securities Act.

 

(e)            Accredited
Investor. JKD is an “accredited investor” as such term is defined in Rule 501 of Regulation D promulgated under the
Securities Act. To the extent that any look-through rules apply to JKD under the Securities Act, any Person who holds an equity interest
in JKD is, and any Person who at any time in the future holds an equity interest in JKD will be, an “accredited investor.”
In addition, JKD meets any additional or different suitability standards imposed by the securities and similar Laws of the state or other
jurisdiction of its principal place of business or domicile in connection with the purchase by JKD of the Amended and Restated JKD Note.

 

(f)            Litigation.
There are no actions, suits, claims, investigations or other legal proceedings pending or by or, to JKD’s knowledge, threatened
against, JKD that challenge or seek to prevent, enjoin or otherwise delay the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

    5

     

    

 

(g)            Brokers.
No broker, finder or investment banker is entitled to any brokerage, finder’s or other fee or commission in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of JKD.

 

6.            Miscellaneous.

 

(a)            Notices.
All notices of request, demand and other communications hereunder shall be addressed to the parties as follows:

 

	 	If to the Company:	 	
    Cohen & Company, LLC

    Cira Centre

    2929 Arch Street, Suite 1703

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104

    Attn: Joseph W. Pooler, Jr.

    Facsimile: (215) 701-8279

    E-mail: jpooler@cohenandcompany.com

     

    and to:

	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	
    Cohen & Company Inc.

    3 Columbus Circle, 24th Floor,

    New York, New York 10019

    Attn: Dennis Crilly

    Facsimile: (866) 543-2907

    E-mail: dcrilly@ cohenandcompany.com

	 	 	 	 
	 	With a copy to:	 	
    Duane Morris LLP

    30 South 17th Street

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103

    Attn: Darrick M. Mix

    Facsimile: (215) 405-2906

    Email: dmix@duanemorris.com

	 	 	 	 
	 	If to JKD:	 	At the applicable address set forth on the books and records of the Company.

 

unless the address is changed by the Party by
like notice given to the other Parties. Notice shall be in writing and shall be deemed delivered: (i) if mailed by certified mail,
return receipt requested, postage prepaid and properly addressed to the address above, then three (3) Business Days after deposit
of same in a regularly maintained U.S. Mail receptacle; or (ii) if mailed by Federal Express (FedEx), the United Parcel Service (UPS),
or another nationally recognized overnight courier service, next business morning delivery, then one (1) Business Day after deposit
of same in a regularly maintained receptacle of such overnight courier; or (iii) if hand delivered, then upon hand delivery thereof
to the address indicated on or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on a business day. Any notice hand delivered after 5:00 p.m. New
York City time, shall be deemed delivered on the following business day. Notwithstanding the foregoing, notices, consents, waivers or
other communications referred to in this Agreement may be sent by facsimile, e-mail, or other method of delivery, but shall be deemed
to have been delivered only when the sending Party has confirmed (by reply e-mail or some other form of written confirmation from the
receiving Party) that the notice has been received by the other Party.

 

    6

     

    

 

(b)            Expenses.
Each Party shall pay all of such Party’s own costs and expenses (including attorney’s fees and disbursements) that such Party
incurs with respect to the negotiation, execution and delivery of this Agreement.

 

(c)            Governing
Law; Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial.

 

(i)            This
Agreement and all acts and transactions pursuant hereto and the rights and obligations of the parties hereto shall be governed, construed
and interpreted in accordance with the Laws of the State of New York without regard to its conflicts of law principles or the conflicts
of law principles of any other state in either case that would result in the application of the Laws of any other state.

 

(ii)            ANY
LEGAL SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR BASED UPON THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY MAY BE INSTITUTED
IN THE FEDERAL COURTS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA OR THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK IN EACH CASE LOCATED IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK,
AND EACH PARTY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS IN ANY SUCH SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING. SERVICE OF PROCESS,
SUMMONS, NOTICE OR OTHER DOCUMENT BY MAIL TO SUCH PARTY’S ADDRESS SET FORTH HEREIN SHALL BE EFFECTIVE SERVICE OF PROCESS FOR ANY
SUIT, ACTION OR OTHER PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN ANY SUCH COURT. THE PARTIES IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVE ANY OBJECTION TO THE LAYING
OF VENUE OF ANY SUIT, ACTION OR ANY PROCEEDING IN SUCH COURTS AND IRREVOCABLY WAIVE AND AGREE NOT TO PLEAD OR CLAIM IN ANY SUCH COURT
THAT ANY SUCH SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN ANY SUCH COURT HAS BEEN BROUGHT IN AN INCONVENIENT FORUM.

 

(iii)            EACH
PARTY ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY CONTROVERSY WHICH MAY ARISE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT
ISSUES AND, THEREFORE, EACH SUCH PARTY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT
OF ANY LEGAL ACTION ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY. EACH PARTY CERTIFIES AND ACKNOWLEDGES
THAT (A) NO REPRESENTATIVE OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT SEEK TO ENFORCE
THE FOREGOING WAIVER IN THE EVENT OF A LEGAL ACTION, (B) SUCH PARTY HAS CONSIDERED THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS WAIVER, (C) SUCH
PARTY MAKES THIS WAIVER VOLUNTARILY, AND (D) SUCH PARTY HAS BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE
MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 6(c).

 

    7

     

    

 

(d)            Entire
Agreement. This Agreement and the Amended and Restated JKD Note constitute the sole and entire agreement of the Parties with respect
to the subject matter contained herein and therein, and supersede all prior and contemporaneous understandings and agreements, both written
and oral, with respect to such subject matter.

 

(e)            Successors
and Assigns. Neither Party may assign, by operation of law or otherwise, in whole or in part, any of its rights, interests or obligations
hereunder without the prior written consent of the other Party. Subject to the restrictions on transfer described herein, the provisions
hereof shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, the respective successors, permitted assigns, heirs, executors, administrators
and transferees of the Parties. Nothing herein, express or implied, is intended to confer upon any Party other than the Parties or their
respective successors, permitted assigns, heirs, executors and administrators any rights, duties or obligations under or by reason of
this Agreement, except as expressly provided herein.

 

(f)            Interpretation.
Capitalized terms shall have the meanings as defined herein, and the meaning of defined terms shall be equally applicable to both the
singular and plural forms of the terms defined. For purposes of this Agreement, (x) words “include,” “includes”
and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation,” (y) the word “or”
is not exclusive, and (z) the words “herein,” “hereof,” “hereby,” “hereto,” “hereunder”
and words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole. Unless the context otherwise requires, references herein: (i) to
a Section or an Exhibit mean a Section or an Exhibit of, or attached to, this Agreement; (ii) to agreements,
instruments and other documents shall be deemed to include all subsequent amendments, supplements and other modifications thereto; (iii) to
statutes or regulations are to be construed as including all statutory and regulatory provisions consolidating, amending or replacing
the statute or regulation referred to; (iv) to any Person includes such Person’s successors and assigns, but, if applicable,
only if such successors and assigns are not prohibited by this Agreement; and (v) to any gender includes each other gender. The Exhibits
attached hereto shall be construed with, and as an integral part of, this Agreement to the same extent as if they were set forth verbatim
herein. This Agreement shall be construed without regard to any presumption or rule requiring construction or interpretation against
the Party drafting an instrument or causing any instrument to be drafted.

 

(g)            Headings.
The headings in this Agreement are for reference only and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement.

 

(h)            No
Waiver; Cumulative Remedies. No failure to exercise and no delay in exercising, on the part of either Party, of any right, remedy,
power, or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power,
or privilege hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, remedy, power, or privilege.
The rights, remedies, powers, and privileges herein provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights, remedies, powers, and privileges
provided by Law.

 

(i)            Amendments
and Waivers. Any provision of the this Agreement may be amended or waived upon the written consent of the Parties. No waivers of,
or exceptions to, any term, condition or provision hereof, in any one or more instances, shall be deemed to be, or construed as, a further
or continuing waiver of, or exception to, any such term, condition or provision.

 

    8

     

    

 

(j)            Severability.
If any term or provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability
shall not affect any other term or provision of this Agreement or invalidate or render unenforceable such term or provision in any other
jurisdiction. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the Parties shall negotiate
in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the Parties as closely as possible in a mutually acceptable
manner in order that the transactions contemplated hereby be consummated as originally contemplated to the greatest extent possible.

 

(k)            Further
Assurances. Each Party shall cooperate fully with the other Party hereto and to execute and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered,
such further agreements, instruments and documents and to give such further written assurance and take such further acts as may be reasonably
requested by any other Party to evidence and reflect the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and to carry into effect the intents
and purposes hereof.

 

(l)            Survival.
The representations, warranties, covenants and agreements made herein shall survive the execution and delivery hereof and the Closing.

 

(m)          Counterparts.
This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall be deemed to
be one and the same agreement. The exchange of copies hereof, including signature pages hereto, by facsimile, e-mail or other means
of electronic transmission shall constitute effective execution and delivery hereof as to the Parties and may be used in lieu of the original
Agreement for all purposes. Signatures transmitted by facsimile, e-mail or other means of electronic transmission shall be deemed to be
original signatures for all purposes.

 

[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

    9

     

    

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned
have executed this Note Purchase Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

 

	 	COMPANY:
	 	 
	 	Cohen & Company, LLC
	 	 
	 	 
	 	By:	/s/ Joseph W. Pooler, Jr.
	 	Name:	Joseph W. Pooler, Jr.
	 	Title:	Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
	 	 
	 	JKD:
	 	 
	 	JKD Capital Partners I LTD
	 	 
	 	 
	 	By:	/s/ Jack J. DiMaio, Jr.
	 	Name:	Jack J. DiMaio, Jr.
	 	Title:	Authorized Person

 

[Signature Page to
Note Purchase Agreement]

 

     

     

    

 

Exhibit A

 

Form of
Amended and Restated JKD Note

 

See Exhibit 10.2Exhibit 10.2

 

THIS NOTE HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED
WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY JURISDICTION.
THIS NOTE MAY NOT BE SOLD, TRANSFERRED, ASSIGNED OR HYPOTHECATED IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR AN EXEMPTION THEREFROM. BY
ACQUIRING THIS NOTE, THE HOLDER REPRESENTS THAT THE HOLDER WILL NOT SELL OR OTHERWISE DISPOSE OF THIS NOTE WITHOUT REGISTRATION OR EXEMPTION
THEREFROM.

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED

SENIOR PROMISSORY NOTE

 

	$4,500,000	 	     January 31, 2022

 

For value received Cohen & Company, LLC, a Delaware limited
liability company (together with its successors and assigns, the “Company”), promises to pay to JKD Capital Partners I LTD,
a New York corporation (the “Holder”), the principal amount of $4,500,000, together with all accrued and unpaid interest
thereon. This Amended and Restated Senior Promissory Note (this “Note”) is subject to the following terms and conditions:

 

1.             Defined
Terms. The following terms used in this Note shall have the following meanings:

 

(a)            “Affiliate”
means, with respect to a Person, any other Person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with, such
Person at any time during the period for which the determination of affiliation is being made.  For purposes of this definition,
the terms “control,” “controlling,” “controlled” and words of similar import, when used in this context,
mean, with respect to any Person, the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct, or cause the direction of, management
policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

 

(b)            “Assets”
means all of the properties and assets of the Company or of any subsidiary of the Company, whether real, personal or mixed, tangible
or intangible, wherever located, whether now owned or hereafter acquired.

 

(c)            “Change
in Control” shall mean any one of the following events: (i) any Person or group (other than the Holder, Daniel G. Cohen,
any member of Daniel G. Cohen’s immediate family, the DGC Family Fintech
Trust, Cohen Bros. Financial, LLC and any controlled Affiliates of the foregoing) is or becomes a beneficial owner, directly or
indirectly, of more than 50% of the aggregate voting power represented by all issued and outstanding units of membership interests of
the Company or the outstanding capital stock Parent, or (ii) the members of the Company approve a plan of liquidation or dissolution
of the Company or Parent or a sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s or Parent’s assets.

 

(d)            “Encumbrance”
means any lien, security interest, pledge, mortgage, easement, leasehold, assessment, tax, covenant, reservation, conditional sale, prior
assignment, or any other encumbrance, claim, burden or charge of any nature whatsoever.

 

     

     

    

 

(e)            “Governmental
Authority” means any foreign, federal, state or local government, or any political subdivision thereof, or any court, agency
or other body, organization, group, stock market or exchange exercising any executive, legislative, judicial, quasi-judicial, regulatory
or administrative function of government.

 

(f)            “Indebtedness”
means, with respect to a specified Person: (a) all indebtedness of such Person for borrowed money; (b) all obligations of such
Person for the deferred purchase price of property or services (other than current accounts payable and accrued expenses incurred in
the ordinary course of business irrespective of when paid); (c) all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes,
loan agreements, credit agreements or other similar instruments; (d) all obligations and liabilities of such Person created or arising
under any conditional sales or other title retention agreements with respect to property used and/or acquired by such Person; (e) all
capitalized lease obligations of such Person; (f) all aggregate mark-to-market exposure of such Person under hedging agreements;
(g) all obligations in respect of letters of credit (whether drawn or supporting obligations that constitute Indebtedness) and bankers’
acceptances; (h) all obligations referred to in clauses (a) through (g) of this definition of another Person guaranteed
by the specified Person or secured by (or for which the holder of such Indebtedness has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to
be secured by) an Encumbrance upon property owned by the specified Person, whether or not the specified Person has assumed or become
liable for the payment of such Indebtedness; provided, however, that any amounts loaned under the JVB Loan Facility shall not be considered
Indebtedness of the Company for purposes hereof.

 

(g)            “Judgment”
means any order, ruling, writ, injunction, fine, citation, award, decree, or any other judgment of any nature whatsoever of any Governmental
Authority.

 

(h)            “JVB
Loan Facility” means the Amended and Restated Note Revolving Note and Cash Subordination Agreement, dated December 21,
2021, by and between Byline Bank, as lender, and J.V.B. Financial Group, LLC, as borrower, as the same may be amended and/or restated
from time to time, and any successor agreement(s) thereto.

 

(i)             “Parent”
means Cohen & Company Inc., a Maryland corporation.

 

(j)             “Person”
means any individual, sole proprietorship, joint venture, partnership, company, corporation, association, cooperation, trust, estate,
Governmental Authority, or any other entity of any nature whatsoever.

 

(k)            “Proceeding”
means any demand, claim, suit, action, litigation, investigation, audit, study, arbitration, administrative hearing, or any other proceeding
of any nature whatsoever.

 

(l)             “Senior”
means that, in the event of any default in the payment of the obligations represented by this Note or of any liquidation, insolvency,
bankruptcy, reorganization or similar proceedings relating to the Company, all amounts payable under this Note shall first be paid in
full before any payment is made upon any other Indebtedness incurred following January 31, 2020 (including any Indebtedness guaranteed
by the Company) or any subordinated or junior subordinated Indebtedness of the Company outstanding as of January 31, 2020, and,
in any such event, any payment or distribution of any character which shall be made in respect of any other Indebtedness of the Company
shall be paid to the Holder for application to the payment hereof, unless and until the obligations under this Note shall have been paid
and satisfied in full.

 

    2

     

    

 

2.            Note.

 

(a)            Maturity.
The unpaid principal amount and all accrued but unpaid interest hereunder shall be due and payable in full on January 31, 2024;
provided, however, that, at any time after January 31, 2023 and prior to January 31, 2024, the Holder may, with at least thirty-one
(31) days’ prior written notice from the Holder to the Company, declare
the entire unpaid principal amount outstanding and all interest accrued and unpaid on the Note to be immediately due and payable
(the earlier of January 31, 2024 and the date the Holder declares the entire
unpaid principal amount outstanding and all interest accrued and unpaid on the Note to be immediately due and payable in accordance with
this Section 2(a) shall be referred to herein as the “Maturity Date”).

 

(b)            Interest.
Interest shall accrue from the date of this Note on the unpaid principal amount at a rate equal to ten percent (10%) per annum, computed
on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed and a year of 365 days from the date of this Note until the principal amount and all
interest accrued but unpaid thereon are paid. Interest shall be payable in cash quarterly on each January 1, April 1, July 1,
and October 1 (each, an “Interest Payment Date”) until the Maturity Date, commencing on April 1, 2022. Upon
the occurrence of any Event of Default and after any applicable cure period as described in Section 6 and for so long as such Event
of Default continues, all principal, interest and other amounts payable under this Note shall bear interest at a rate equal to eleven
percent (11%) per annum (the “Default Rate”).

 

(c)            Prepayment
Without Consent. This Note may not be prepaid in whole or in part at any time or from time to time prior to January 31, 2023.
This Note may, with at least thirty-one (31) days’ prior written notice from the Company to the Holder, be prepaid in whole or
in part at any time or from time to time following January 31, 2023 and prior to the Maturity Date without the prior written consent
of the Holder and without penalty or premium by paying the principal amount to be prepaid together with accrued interest thereon to the
date of prepayment.

 

3.             Covenants
of the Company. The Company covenants to the Holder that, from the date hereof until all
principal, interest and other amounts payable under this Note have been paid in full, the Company shall, except as otherwise agreed in
writing by the Holder:

 

(a)            punctually
pay the principal and interest payable on this Note, and any other amount due and payable under this Note in the manner specified in
this Note;

 

(b)            give
written notice promptly to the Holder of any condition or event that constitutes, or is reasonably expected to constitute, an Event of
Default;

 

    3

     

    

 

(c)            not
avoid or seek to avoid the observance or performance of any of the terms of this Note through any reorganization, recapitalization, transfer
of assets or other voluntary action; and

 

(d)            not
create or incur any Encumbrance in or on its property or Assets, whether now owned or hereinafter acquired, or upon any income or revenues
or rights therefrom, except:

 

(i)             Encumbrances
existing on the date hereof and previously disclosed to the Holder;

 

(ii)            Encumbrances
for property taxes and assessments or other governmental charges or levies and liens that are not overdue for more than ninety (90) days;
or

 

(iii)            Encumbrances
of or resulting from any Judgment, the time for appeal or petition for rehearing of which shall not have expired or in respect of which
the Company shall in good faith be prosecuting an appeal or other Proceeding for a review and in respect of which a stay of execution
pending such appeal or Proceeding shall have been secured.

 

4.             Form of
Payment. Except as otherwise set forth herein, all payments due hereunder shall be made
in lawful money of the United States of America to such account or accounts as may be designated in writing by the Holder from time to
time. Payment shall be credited first to the accrued interest then due and payable and the remainder applied to principal.

 

5.             Priorities.
The indebtedness evidenced by this Note and the payment of all principal, interest
and any other amounts payable hereunder is a senior obligation of the Company and shall be Senior to any Indebtedness of the Company
outstanding as of and incurred following January 31, 2020 other than the Convertible Senior Secured Promissory Note, dated March 10,
2017, issued by the Company to the DGC Family Fintech Trust in the aggregate principal amount of $15,000,000, to which this Note shall
rank pari passu.

 

6.             Events
of Default. An “Event of Default” shall be deemed to have occurred if:

 

(a)            subject
to the accrual of interest as provided in Section 1(b) hereof, the Company shall fail to pay as and when due any principal
or interest hereunder and such nonpayment shall continue uncured for a period of five (5) business days;

 

(b)            except
for an event described in Section 6(a), the Company fails to perform any covenant or agreement hereunder, and such failure continues
or is not cured within five (5) business days after written notice by the Holder to the Company;

 

(c)            the
Company or any significant subsidiary (as such term is defined in Rule 1-02(w) of Regulation S-X) of the Company (each, a “Significant
Subsidiary”) applies for or consents to the appointment of a receiver, trustee, liquidator or custodian of itself or of all
or a substantial part of its property, (ii) makes a general assignment for the benefit of itself or any of its creditors, or (iii) commences
a voluntary case or other proceeding seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief with respect to itself or its debts under any
bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect;

 

    4

     

    

 

(d)            proceedings
for the appointment of a receiver, trustee, liquidator or custodian of the Company or any Significant Subsidiary, or of all or a substantial
part of the property thereof, or an involuntary case or other proceedings seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief with respect
to the Company or any Significant Subsidiary, or the debts thereof under any bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter
in effect are commenced and an order for relief entered or such proceeding is not dismissed or discharged within ninety (90) days of
commencement;

 

(e)            there
is entered against the Company or any subsidiary of the Company a final Judgment for the payment of money in an aggregate amount exceeding
$300,000 and such Judgment shall remain unsatisfied or without a stay in respect thereof for a period of thirty (30) days;

 

(f)             the
Company or any subsidiary of the Company shall fail to pay when due any obligation, whether direct or contingent, for Indebtedness exceeding
$300,000, or shall breach or default with respect to any term of any loan agreement, mortgage, indenture or other agreement pursuant
to which such obligation for Indebtedness was created or securing such obligation if the effect of such breach or default is to cause,
or to permit the holder or holders of that Indebtedness (or a trustee on behalf of such holder or holders), to cause that Indebtedness
to become or be declared due and payable (or redeemable) prior to its stated maturity or the stated maturity of any underlying obligation,
as the case may be; or

 

(g)            a
Change in Control shall have occurred.

 

Upon the occurrence or existence of any Event of Default described
in Section 6(a), Section 6(b), Section 6(e), Section 6(f) or Section 6(g) and at any time thereafter
during the continuance of such Event of Default, the Holder may, by written notice to the Company, declare the entire unpaid principal
amount outstanding and all interest accrued and unpaid on the Note to be immediately due and payable without presentment, demand, protest
or any other notice or demand of any kind. Upon the occurrence or existence of any Event of Default described in Section 6(c) or
Section 6(d), immediately and without notice, the entire unpaid principal amount outstanding and all interest accrued and unpaid
on the Note shall automatically become immediately due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or any other notice or demand
of any kind. Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default and after any applicable cure period as described herein and for so long as
such Event of Default continues, all principal, interest and other amounts payable under this Note shall bear interest at the Default
Rate. In addition to the foregoing remedies, upon the occurrence or existence of any Event of Default, the Holder may exercise any other
right power or remedy granted to it by this Note or otherwise permitted to it by law, either by suit in equity or by action at law, or
both.

 

7.             Covenants.

 

(a)            No
Senior Indebtedness. Following the date hereof, the Company shall not incur any Indebtedness that is a Senior obligation to this
Note.

 

    5

     

    

 

(a)            Notice
of Indebtedness Under JVB Loan Facility. In the event that any amounts of Indebtedness are incurred by J.V.B. Financial Group, LLC
under the JVB Loan Facility, the Company shall provide Holder with prompt written notice thereof.

 

8.             Miscellaneous.

 

(a)            This
Note amends and restates in its entirety that certain Senior Promissory Note, dated January 31, 2020, issued by the Company to the
Holder in the original principal amount of $2,250,000.

 

(b)            This
Note and all acts and transactions pursuant hereto and the rights and obligations of the parties hereto shall be governed, construed
and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without regard to its conflicts of law principles or the conflicts
of law principles of any other state in either case that would result in the application of the laws of any other state.

 

(c)            All
notices of request, demand and other communications hereunder shall be addressed to the parties as follows:

 

	If to
    the Company:	 	Cohen & Company, LLC

    Cira Centre

    2929 Arch Street, Suite 1703

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104

    Attn: Joseph W. Pooler, Jr.

    Facsimile: (215) 701-8279

    E-mail: jpooler@cohenandcompany.com

     

    and to:

     

	 	 	Cohen & Company Inc.

    3 Columbus Circle, 24th Floor,

    New York, New York 10019

    Attn: Dennis Crilly

    E-mail: dcrilly@cohenandcompany.com

     

	With a
    copy to:	 	Duane Morris LLP

    30 South 17th Street

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103

    Attn: Darrick M. Mix

    Facsimile: (215) 405-2906

    Email: dmix@duanemorris.com

     

	If to
    Holder:	 	At the
    address set forth on the books and records of the Company.

 

    6

     

    

 

unless the address is changed by the party by like notice given to
the other parties. Notice shall be in writing and shall be deemed delivered: (i) if mailed by certified mail, return receipt requested,
postage prepaid and properly addressed to the address above, then three (3) business days after deposit of same in a regularly maintained
U.S. Mail receptacle; or (ii) if mailed by Federal Express (FedEx), the United Parcel Service (UPS), or another nationally recognized
overnight courier service, next business morning delivery, then one (1) business day after deposit of same in a regularly maintained
receptacle of such overnight courier; or (iii) if hand delivered, then upon hand delivery thereof to the address indicated on or
prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on a business day. Any notice hand delivered after 5:00 p.m. New York City time, shall be
deemed delivered on the following business day. Notwithstanding the foregoing, notices, consents, waivers or other communications referred
to in this Note may be sent by facsimile, e-mail, or other method of delivery, but shall be deemed to have been delivered only when the
sending party has confirmed (by reply e-mail or some other form of written confirmation from the receiving party) that the notice has
been received by the other party.

 

(d)            In
the event any interest is paid on this Note which is deemed to be in excess of the then legal maximum rate, then that portion of the
interest payment representing an amount in excess of the then legal maximum rate shall be deemed a payment of principal and applied against
the principal of this Note.

 

(e)            Amendments
to any provision of this Note may be made or compliance with any term, covenant, agreement, condition or provision set forth in this
Note may be waived (either generally or in a particular instance and either retroactively or prospectively) only upon written consent
of the Company and the Holder. Any amendment or waiver effected in accordance herewith shall apply to and be binding upon the Holder,
upon each future holder of this Note and upon the Company, whether or not this Note shall have been marked to indicate such amendment
or waiver. No such amendment or waiver shall extend to or affect any obligation not expressly amended or waived or impair any right consequent
thereon.

 

(f)            This
Note may not be assigned by any holder (except that the Holder shall be permitted to assign this Note to Holder’s controlled Affiliates)
without the prior written approval of the Company.

 

(g)            The
Company hereby waives diligence, presentment, protest and demand, notice of protest, notice of dishonor, notice of nonpayment and any
and all other notices and demands in connection with the delivery, acceptance, performance, default or enforcement of this Note. The
Company further waives, to the full extent permitted by law, the right to plead any and all statutes of limitations as a defense to any
demand on this Note.

 

(h)            The
Company agrees to pay all reasonable costs and expenses actually incurred by the Holder in connection with an Event of Default, including
without limitation the fees and disbursements of counsel, advisors, consultants, examiners and appraisers for the Holder, in connection
with (i) any enforcement (whether through negotiations, legal process or otherwise) of this Note in connection with such Event of
Default, (ii) any workout or restructuring of this Note during the pendency of such Event of Default and (iii) any bankruptcy
case or proceeding of the Company or any appeal thereof.

 

    7

     

    

 

(i)            The
section and other headings contained in this Note are for reference purposes only and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation
of this Note.

 

(j)            This
Note may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall be deemed to be one
and the same instrument.

 

Signature pages follow

 

    8

     

    

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this
Note to be duly executed and delivered by its authorized officer, as of the date first above written.

 

	 	COHEN & COMPANY, LLC
	 	 	 
	 	By:	           /s/ Joseph W. Pooler
	 	Name:       Joseph W. Pooler, Jr.
	 	Title:         Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Senior
Promissory Note]

 

    

     

    

 

AGREED AND ACKNOWLEDGED:

 

JKD CAPITAL PARTNERS I LTD

 

	By:	        /s/ Jack J. DiMaio, Jr.	 
	Name:     Jack J. DiMaio, Jr.	 
	Title:       Authorized Person	 

 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Senior
Promissory Note]

Source: [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00339-of-00352.parquet"}, [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00339-of-00352.parquet"}]]