Securities & Exchange Commission chairman Mary Schapiro has tapped Robert Cook, a Washington-based partner at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton, to head the Division of Trading and Markets.
Cook, 44, is an expert on broker-dealer and market regulations and has advised clients on issues such as OTC derivatives transactions, new financial products, and securities trading.
"Investors will greatly benefit from the knowledge, leadership and insight that Robert will bring to the agency," said Schapiro in a statement. "Robert has an incredible grasp of the issues confronting the division and a deep understanding of securities markets.”
The Division of Trading and Markets has about 190 employees, the majority of whom are attorneys. It is charged with regulating the major securities market participants, including broker dealers, credit rating agencies, transfer agencies, and self-regulatory organizations. The current co-acting directors are James Brigagliano and Daniel Gallagher.
Cook could not be reached immediately for comment, but in a statement he said he was “honored” to join the SEC staff and looks forward to working with them to “promote the interests of investors and facilitate fair, orderly and efficient markets.”
A member of Harvard Law School’s class of 1992, Cook joined Cleary upon graduation and made partner in 2001.
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