Margaret Ryan has stepped down as Director of the SEC’s Division of Enforcement, with Principal Deputy Director Sam Waldon taking over in an acting capacity.
SEC Chairman Paul S. Atkins praised Ryan for her service, saying she helped refocus the division on enforcing securities laws that protect investors, particularly against fraud and market manipulation. “Under her leadership, the division prioritized cases that target the most harmful misconduct and hold individuals accountable,” Atkins said.
Ryan, who did not originally seek the role, said she is grateful for the opportunity and confident the division’s renewed focus will continue to serve investors and markets. During her tenure, she shifted enforcement away from technical rule violations toward cases with meaningful impact, strengthening both deterrence and market integrity.
The SEC plans to name a permanent successor in the coming weeks.
