11 November 2009 News

 

Appointments: Robert Cook named director of SEC Division of Trading and Markets

Robert Cook has been named director of the Securities and Exchange Commission's Division of Trading and Markets.

Cook comes to the SEC from the law firm of Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton, where he has been a partner in the firm's Washington DC office since 2001. At Cleary Gottlieb, which he joined in 1992, Cook has established himself as a major practitioner on broker-dealer and market regulation.

"Investors will benefit greatly from the knowledge, leadership and insight that Robert will bring to the agency," said Chairman Mary Schapiro. "Robert has an incredible grasp of the issues confronting the Division and a deep understanding of securities markets."

The SEC's Division of Trading and Markets establishes and maintains standards for fair, orderly, and efficient markets. The Division regulates the major securities market participants, including broker-dealers, credit rating agencies, transfer agents, and self-regulatory organisations such as stock exchanges, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority and clearing agencies.