SEC Appoints Woodcock as Enforcement Director

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission announced the appointment of David Woodcock as director of its Division of Enforcement, effective May 4, 2025. Woodcock, a partner at the law firm Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, will lead the agency's more than 1,000-person team responsible for investigating and prosecuting securities violations. His selection follows the resignation of Margaret Ryan, who stepped down in March 2025 after serving just six months in the role.

Ryan's departure came amid reported disagreements with agency leadership over the direction of enforcement efforts, particularly regarding investigations into cryptocurrency activities. Acting Director Sam Waldon has overseen the division during the transition period. SEC Chairman Paul Atkins praised the appointment in a statement, saying, "I am incredibly pleased to have David rejoin the SEC at this critical time, as we continue to focus on the types of misconduct that inflict the greatest harm to investors." Atkins highlighted Woodcock's prior experience at the agency, including his tenure leading the Fort Worth regional office from 2011 to 2015, where he established a task force targeting accounting and financial...