US EditionExclusive: US SEC Taps Gibson Dunn Attorney to Be New Enforcement Director
David Woodcock returns to the agency as enforcement activity falls more than 20%, according to Reuters.
- The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission appointed David Woodcock, a Gibson Dunn partner and former agency official, as enforcement director to lead the 1,000-person division beginning May 4, replacing Margaret Ryan.
- Ryan resigned last month after six months, reportedly clashing with SEC Chairman Paul Atkins over enforcement strategy and investigations touching the president's circle, according to reports.
- Under President Donald Trump, the agency has seen 18% of enforcement staff depart, while the SEC brought more than 20% fewer enforcement actions in fiscal 2025 than in the prior year.
- Woodcock promised to lead the division "with the highest level of professionalism and rigor," while former Fort Worth Regional Office colleague Jessica Magee expects him to be a stabilizing force.
- His appointment follows an overhaul of the enforcement program under Trump, which dismissed high-profile cases against crypto firms Binance and Coinbase while moving away from large corporate cases with steep penalties.
14 Articles
14 Articles
Former ExxonMobil lawyer David Woodcock named SEC’s next enforcement director
The US Securities and Exchange Commission has tapped David Woodcock, a Gibson Dunn lawyer and former agency official, to be its next enforcement director after the regulator's top cop abruptly quit last month.
SEC Taps Woodcock as New Enforcement Director
After the regulator's top cop abruptly quit last month, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has tapped David Woodcock, a Gibson Dunn lawyer and former agency official, to be its next enforcement director.
SEC taps enforcement chief as predecessor's exit raises questions
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission appointed David Woodcock as director of its Division of Enforcement, a move that comes as lawmakers demand clarity on the agency’s crypto-era enforcement priorities and the exit of a high-profile leader. The SEC said Woodcock would assume the role on May 4, with Sam Waldon remaining as acting director until that date. The appointment, disclosed in an SEC notice, places a veteran litigator at the helm o…
US SEC Names New Enforcer as Questions Loom over Agency‘s Direction - Invest In Crypto News
David Woodcock steps into the role as US senators await answers to questions on the agency’s dropping lawsuits against Justin Sun and several crypto companies. The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has appointed David Woodcock as director of its division of enforcement as lawmakers press for answers on his predecessor’s departure. In a Wednesday notice, the SEC said Woodcock would be taking over as the agency’s top enforcer starting o…
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